DDA Meeting 12/2/2021

Detailed briefing

DDA Meeting — December 2, 2021 ATTENDEES: Kathy Breitner, Matt Bughera, Tim Knapp, Josh Baker, Nikki Law, Dana Mulder, Amy Giller and Ella Ruddy were recorded present; Jodi Eubank and Brian Badini were recorded absent. • The board approved corrected minutes from its prior meeting. It also approved a 3% salary increase for the DDA director and approved the 2022 DDA budget. Budget discussion identified projected 2022 TIF revenue of $43,000 and downtown assessments of $46,000. The budget includes $10,000 for Ice Fest expenses and $25,000 for downtown projects. Members said the DDA has about $100,000 in fund balance that could be used for the merchant walkway. • For the downtown globe-lighting project, the board chose 3,000 Kelvin lighting while keeping current wattage. A contractor must first receive and verify a sample globe before ordering the remaining equipment. Installation is not expected to begin before the new year and will be rolled out over time, with completion anticipated by the new season. City staff said they would continue checking whether clean-energy rebates might be available. • Merchant Walkway repairs remain in development. The DDA is awaiting updated bids for walkway and wall repairs, while an existing quote covers fountain removal. The city attorney advised that the city has rights to address the fountain and maintain walkway areas under easement. Board members described the damaged brick area as both an eyesore and a possible safety issue and said it would be good to complete work by summer. • Ice Fest planning is underway. The promotions committee revised its sponsorship packet, including four sponsorship levels and a $425 starting price for a pre-carved sculpture; the price increased because the supplier raised wholesale costs. Plans include seeking sponsors, inviting residents to participate, adding interactive ice activities, and not holding the chili cook-off this year. A community newspaper ad and Chamber newsletter notice were proposed to recruit participants. • A separate, donor-funded Winterfest is planned at Kiwanis Park on January 15 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with sledding, s’mores, children’s crafts and snow activities. Members discussed whether the similar event names could confuse the public, but no change was decided. • The DDA needs to renew its TIF plan by September 2022 and will form a committee to work on it. Kathy Breitner’s departure creates a board vacancy, and officer elections are scheduled for January. Worth watching: • Verification and ordering of the replacement lighting globes, plus any available energy rebates. • Updated merchant walkway and wall repair bids, scope, and timing. • Formation of the TIF-renewal committee and follow-through before the September 2022 deadline. Upcoming: The DDA update was scheduled for City Council on December 6; Winterfest is January 15; DDA officer elections are planned for the January meeting. Why it matters: The DDA’s approved budget and project decisions direct near-term spending on downtown infrastructure, events and long-range financing authority.

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