DDA Meeting 5.6.2021

Detailed briefing

DDA Meeting — May 6, 2021 • Tree-base planting was moved to Sunday, May 23, from 9-11 a.m. National Honor Society students are expected to help plant the 35 tree bases. The DDA plans to donate $2,000 to the group: $1,000 at the start of the season and $1,000 after planting is completed. A weekly student sweeping and weeding schedule is being developed. The status of sprinkler activation was not confirmed. • The Downtown Enhancement Committee will begin planning improvements to the merchants walkway and fountain area from Spring Street toward the fountain and between Cottage Company and the Karen Ross building. Members described the space as public but not clearly marked. The committee will seek repair quotes for damaged brick, develop sketches, and price possible benches, landscaping, and signage. No final design or spending decision was made. • Summer promotions are moving ahead around existing events rather than new summer activities. Street Music, Music in the Park, and movies at Zorn Park were discussed. Night of the Arts is planned for Tuesday, June 29, with an expanded concept that includes different forms of art, participating businesses, artists, music, and poetry. • The board supported further research into a possible fall festival, based on a prior beer, wine, cider, and food event. Organizers will pull prior budgets and discuss supply options before the June meeting. Discussion identified estimated upfront costs from the prior event of about $7,000-$9,000 and noted that alcohol-event rules limit sponsorship options. City Council approval would be needed before an event proceeds. • TIF reporting for 2019 and 2020 is overdue after an audit delay. Staff said they will proceed with submitting the reports. The June DDA meeting will open with a required TIF reporting/information session for the public and funding partners. • Marina Park’s detailed landscape plan was expected to go out for bid that week. A contractor selection was hoped for at the May 17 City Council meeting. The Harbor Eats location was revised to the lawn area; two restaurants had indicated interest, while several others reported staffing constraints. Worth watching: • Whether walkway pricing, repair estimates, sketches, and a phased plan return to the board. • Whether the fall-festival budget and regulatory review support a formal proposal to City Council. • Whether the Marina Park landscaping contract is selected at the May 17 City Council meeting. Upcoming: Tree-base planting is May 23; Night of the Arts is June 29; the June DDA meeting begins with TIF reporting information. Why it matters: The DDA is advancing public-space upgrades, seasonal events, and required financial reporting while testing whether larger fall programming is feasible.

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