City of Harbor Springs DDA Meeting 10/7/2021

Detailed briefing

City of Harbor Springs DDA Meeting — October 7, 2021 ATTENDEES: Matt Bagheera, Tim Knapp, Josh Baker, Jody Eubank, Nikki Law, Dan LaMolder, Ryan Badini, Amy Gillard and new student representative Ella Ruddy. • The DDA approved its September meeting minutes. Ella Ruddy was welcomed as the new student representative for the school year. • During the required public information session, the DDA reported $77,337 in 2021 revenue received to date, $40,014.25 in expenditures and a fund balance of $114,110.26. Revenue sources discussed included a $45,900 annual special assessment, projected 2021 TIF capture of $43,703.55 and $8,500 in event income. • The authority reviewed its 2018-2022 project plan. Wayfinding was completed in 2019 and downtown directory kiosks were updated in summer 2021. Waterfront support, Merchants Walkway work, downtown lighting, administrative services, business promotion and grant exploration remain ongoing. The parking study is on hold, and the DDA is not currently taking on additional downtown snow removal. • Members debated the condition and future of Merchants Walkway. The board did not select a construction approach or authorize spending. The next step is to obtain repair estimates, clarify possible city involvement and return to the issue in November. Members also said any investment should include ongoing maintenance and participation by affected property owners. • The Attorney General’s office declined to issue a formal opinion on the dispute over Emmet County’s TIF contribution. The city attorney advised against filing a lawsuit at this point because of cost and relationship concerns. His recommendation was to renew the TIF with the county included and reconsider options if the county does not provide capture under the renewed plan. The director and Nick will work on the renewal in 2022. • A vehicle struck a Third Street tree, requiring removal of lights at a reported cost of $1,000. The director is working with Chief Knight, the insurance process, city staff and the tree board to determine reimbursement and whether the tree can be replaced given nearby utilities. • Promotions work is restarting. An Ice Fest committee meeting, a merchants meetup and a downtown enhancement discussion are to be scheduled soon. The DDA is planning another Ice Fest for 2022, while indoor activities remain dependent on COVID conditions. Worth watching: 1. Whether Merchants Walkway estimates lead to a city-funded or DDA-funded repair and maintenance plan. 2. Whether Emmet County participates after the TIF is renewed. 3. How the next budget addresses tree grates, lighting, compensation and unfinished five-year-plan projects. Upcoming: Committee meetings are expected in the next few weeks; the next DDA meeting was announced for November 4. Why it matters: The DDA must finish existing commitments and resolve funding questions before renewing its downtown development plan.

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