DDA Meeting 9/2/2021

Detailed briefing

DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MEETING — Sept. 2, 2021 • Members said the final year of the current TIF plan is next year and stressed using the renewal process to address lessons from downtown tree, sidewalk, irrigation and bike-rack problems. Participants described crowded sidewalks, recurring damage around trees, and maintenance costs. A possible future plan with fewer trees and alternate funding was discussed, but no formal action was recorded. • Merchants Walkway was debated at length. Staff is still waiting for contractor quotes on the broken brick walkway and alternatives such as stamped concrete. The city owns the fountain and portions of the walkway, while much of the surrounding area belongs to property owners subject to easements. Several members questioned further DDA investment because of maintenance, use and safety concerns; others said estimates for fountain removal and paving could help City Council decide what to do. • The group discussed taking Merchants Walkway to City Council as a city-maintenance and safety issue, potentially recommending that the city remove the fountain and brickwork or otherwise make the area safe. This was discussion rather than a recorded final decision. Council could also ask the DDA to proceed with paving. • Promotions planning is restarting around Ice Fest 2022. The promotions committee is expected to develop sponsorship materials, consider expansion, and discuss whether to bring back a chili cook-off. Members supported continuing Ice Fest, saying it was well received, brought people downtown and generated revenue. Concerns about the chili event included health/safety oversight for amateur entrants and clearer advertising that it is a tasting event, not a full lunch. • Staff announced Brewfest 2021 is canceled. The insurance rider and Taylor rental were refunded, and staff planned to check whether other deposits remained. A Marina Park fall festival was planned for Saturday, Oct. 2, with an Oct. 9 rain date; proposed activities included caramel-apple dipping, a children’s donut-eating contest, games, a food vendor and scarecrow photo opportunities. • Members also raised reminders for businesses about trash disposal, sidewalk snow removal and cleaning in front of storefronts. They asked about curb and parking-space repainting, requested a finance update in October, and noted that Ferry Street lights may need replacement after about five years at an estimated $20,000. Worth watching: • Whether City Council accepts responsibility for Merchants Walkway safety and maintenance, and whether quotes are received to inform that discussion. • Follow-up on the Attorney General/TIF matter, which a participant said they would check. • Finance committee review of available funds and the potential Ferry Street lighting expense. Upcoming: The next DDA meeting is Oct. 7; a second public meeting is planned in October. Why it matters: The board is weighing where limited TIF and downtown funds can most effectively support safe infrastructure, business conditions and visitor activity.

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