Harbor Springs DDA March 9, 2022

Detailed briefing

Harbor Springs DDA — March 9, 2022 ATTENDEES: Roll call recorded Matt McGarra, Jody Eubank, Nikki Law, Cora Smith, Rocky Begum, Ella Ruddy and Amy Gillard/Giller as present; the transcript is unclear on the spelling of Amy’s surname. • The DDA approved the prior meeting minutes after a correction to duplicated text in the public-comment section. The board also heard that downtown cameras have helped investigate retail thefts; one business reportedly received a $100 check after police traced a suspected shoplifting incident. • Ice Fest closed with reported income of $25,450, expenses of $18,968 and a net of $6,482. Eight sponsor invoices were still unpaid, with another invoice round planned this month. Members said sponsorship, advertising and turnout were strong, while future improvements should include better directional signage, more activities and a simpler scavenger-hunt process. • A dragon ice sculpture at a church site drew an objection from the church and was removed the next day. If that location is used again, the church wants advance approval of the sculpture. No decision was recorded on whether the DDA will use the site in the future. • The DDA will keep pursuing Main Street tree-bed improvements for this summer. Staff is awaiting an irrigation quote and consulting the Harbor Springs Garden Club on more durable flowers. Members want to coordinate with the city and Tree Board on problematic trees, possible replacements and use of trees required to be replanted elsewhere. Volunteers and possible student help were discussed for planting and maintenance. • The downtown lighting conversion was underway, with a stated DDA cost estimate of $20,328. For Merchant’s Walkway, work remains dependent on snow melt, utility locating, site assessment, demolition/safety planning and quotes for concrete installation. Members favored obtaining prices for both stamped and standard concrete. • Members discussed a potential downtown garden-sculpture display using metal animal frames. Some frames may be donated, but the board stressed that placement, safety, maintenance, sponsorship and watering responsibilities need a clear plan before any rollout. Worth watching: • Whether irrigation, planting and tree-replacement plans are finalized in time for summer tree beds. • Collection of the eight outstanding Ice Fest sponsor invoices. • Concrete pricing and the schedule for Merchant’s Walkway demolition and reconstruction. Upcoming: A DDA representative was sought for the Redevelopment Ready meeting at 10 a.m. Friday, March 11; the TIF renewal committee will begin work toward a fall rewrite. Why it matters: The DDA is moving from event review into visible downtown maintenance and capital projects while trying to keep spending, city coordination and business communication transparent.

No open public follow-ups are linked to this meeting yet.