Harbor Springs DDA Meeting 3.4.2021

Detailed briefing

Harbor Springs DDA Meeting — March 4, 2021 ATTENDEES: Kathy Breitner, Matt Bughera, Tim Knapp, Josh Baker, Jodi Eubank, Nikki Law, Anna Mulder, Brian Badini (from Mount Dora, Florida), Amy Gillard and Healy Knapp were present according to roll call. • The DDA approved the February 4 meeting minutes. It also heard that the City Council had reinstated the temporary ordinance allowing to-go alcohol in parks and related provisions through November 1. Restaurant indoor dining was reported open at 50% capacity under revised state orders. • Members supported moving quickly on options for expanded outdoor dining. Main Street parking spaces cannot be used because of MDOT restrictions, but dedicated spaces may be possible elsewhere, including near Willow, Bar Harbor and other non-Main Street locations. The DDA will identify restaurant interest, clarify Planning Commission and Council procedures, and seek information from Petoskey’s program. • Ice Fest was reported as a success despite limited programming and cold weather. Revenue was reported at $17,550, with an estimated surplus close to $6,500 after expenses. Members discussed earlier planning for 2022, more interactive ice displays, and possible fire pits and activities if conditions allow. • The DDA discussed employee permit parking in the city-owned Third/Spring Street lot. A survey indicated demand beyond the approximately 17 available spaces. Estimated installation cost for a controlled gate, concrete pad and electric service was $13,500. The proposal will be prepared for City Council, but legal questions remain about DDA revenue from a general-fund city property. • The tree-grate project is shelved after a rebid produced one proposal and costs remained high. City Council instead capped 2021 tree-pit enhancement at $5,000. The DDA will ask the Garden Club about participating and otherwise seek landscaping bids. • A newly formed Marina Park Committee is beginning work. Its immediate focus is what can be done in 2021 for outdoor dining, shade and related amenities, alongside a longer-term master plan. Members stressed placemaking and a four-season park. Worth watching: • Whether the City Council will support an employee-parking program and how any permit revenue can legally be handled. • Which restaurants seek off-Main-Street outdoor dining spaces, and whether approvals can move quickly enough for summer. • What Marina Park improvements can be implemented in 2021. Upcoming: The regular April DDA meeting will not occur; the board may call an April meeting if needed before its May meeting. Why it matters: The DDA is weighing practical summer supports for restaurants, workers and visitors while deferring higher-cost streetscape improvements.

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