June 2, 2021 DDA Meeting

Detailed briefing

Harbor Springs Downtown Development Authority — June 2, 2021 ATTENDEES: Kathy Brayman, Joe Ewing, Nikki Law, Anna Mulder, Brian Levine, and Amy Keller were recorded as present. • The DDA approved the May 6 meeting minutes. No public comments were received. • In its required semiannual TIF public information meeting, the DDA reviewed its 2021 revenue picture: $45,900 from its special assessment, an expected $41,700 in TIF capture, and $8,500 in event income. A $200,200 general-fund budget line tied to the Main Street project is expected to be amended to zero. • The board reviewed work under its 2018-2022 plan. Wayfinding directories and kiosks were updated; the DDA has assisted Marina Park work; downtown holiday lighting was completed on Third Street in 2018; and the 2021 Ice Fest was held with more than 40 ice sculptures, according to the presentation. Parking-policy study work remains on hold, while business recruitment and retention efforts remain in development. • Members said the present TIF plan ends in 2022 and discussed starting a replacement plan in fall or early winter. The discussion favored considering a longer planning horizon, potentially 10 to 15 years, rather than another five-year plan. No plan length was adopted. • Board members discussed improving public understanding of DDA work and spending. Ideas included an emailed summary or brochure for downtown businesses, an informational booth at future events, a possible community gathering, and outreach through local newspapers. No specific outreach format was adopted. • The board discussed reviving a fall festival on the second weekend in October. Members said existing 2018 event materials could be revised, but city-property-use requirements and possible City Council questions still need to be addressed. No formal vote was recorded. • For Merchants Walkway, the DDA is waiting for repair quotes. Members discussed whether damaged brick could be replaced with concrete and brick edging, and whether the fountain should be removed, reduced, or retained. The Downtown Enhancement Committee will take the matter forward. Worth watching: • Follow-up on whether a fall festival can proceed after city review and required event applications. • Contractor quotes and a final scope for Merchants Walkway repairs, including the fountain and paving approach. • Recovery of any wayfinding-sign punch-list records and action on unrepaired sign bases. Upcoming: No July meeting; the next DDA meeting is scheduled for August 5 at 7:30. Why it matters: The DDA is preparing for a new post-2022 funding plan while weighing near-term downtown improvements, events, and communication with assessed businesses.

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