The meeting was called to order at 6:07 p.m. by Chairman Mason.
DDA Board Members Present: Dan Barron, John Taylor, Jeff Porter, John Yaroch, Hugh Mason, Fred DiMartino and Mayor Carlson
DDA Board Members Absent: John Kurtz and Jeannine Wallace
The agenda was approved as presented. [City Manager Michael Wiesner later in the meeting received the DDA's approval to add two items to the agenda. (1) Discussion of creating a task force and (2) Charlevoix skatepark.]
None.
The minutes of the December 29, 2004 meeting were reviewed by Board. Motion made by Jeff Porter and seconded by Fred DiMartino to approve the minutes as submitted. Motion adopted unanimously by voice vote.
1. Review and Approval of Proposed Amendments to the DDA Plan
a. Proposed Fourth Amendment to the Development and Tax Increment
The DDA reviewed the proposed amendment. City Manager Michael Wiesner asked to amend the fourth amendment to include the ice skating rink. The infrastructure of the rink includes a cooling system that would create ice. The proposed location of the rink is in the vicinity of the Harbormaster's office at the foot of Clinton Street
Chairman Mason asked for public input on the proposed Fourth Amendment to the DDA plan.
Dave Scott voiced support of the DDA's efforts. The marina project is extensive and cost estimates have changed dramatically. He has concerns that the City might not receive the Waterways Commission grant and the City would have to pay for the entire project. He questioned if the DDA had figures on what it would have to pay for the project. Charlevoix's DDA is different from other area DDA's. Charlevoix's DDA pays for infrastructure items while other DDAs pay for promoting the downtown by promotional programs and kiosks. Mr. Scott feels that the DDA should not pay for the storm sewer.
Mayor Carlson advised Mr. Scott that the proposed amendment includes financing for personnel and projects to promote the downtown area.
Motion made by Dan Barron and second by John Taylor to ask the City Council to adopt the proposed fourth amendment, as revised, to the Downtown Development Authority's Development Plan and Tax Increment Financing Plan. The DDA is seeking to be a good partner to the City of Charlevoix. The DDA will be funding up to $300,000 in infrastructure improvements as a part of the downtown park/marina project.
The motion was adopted by the following yea and nay vote:
Yeas: Dan Barron, John Taylor, Jeff Porter, John Yaroch, Hugh Mason, Fred DiMartino and Mayor Carlson
Nays: None.
Absent: John Kurtz and Jeannine Wallace
b. Proposed Fifth Amendment to the Development and Tax Increment
City Manager Michael Wiesner reviewed the proposed Fifth Amendment with the Board. The Amendment includes the removal of the existing band shell, fish pond and restroom building and the construction of a new pavilion/performance building, with restrooms and amphitheater seating.
Chairman Mason asked for public comments on the Proposed Fifth Amendment to the DDA's development plan.
Dave Scott voiced concerns that the infrastructure budget is not paying for the storm sewer line. He asked that the DDA review the project budget before continuing with the project.
City Manager Michael Wiesner reminded Mr. Scott that the project is in the design stage. The plans need to be drafted and the project put out for bids. Firm project costs will be available only after bids are received.
Motion made by Jeff Porter and seconded by John Yaroch to recommend that the City Council adopt the Proposed Fifth Amendment to the DDA's Development Plan and Tax Increment Financing Plan.
Motion was adopted by the following yea and nay vote:
Yeas: Dan Barron, John Taylor, Jeff Porter, John Yaroch, Hugh Mason, Fred DiMartino and Mayor Carlson
Nays: None.
Absent: John Kurtz and Jeannine Wallace
2. Proposed DDA 2005-06 Budget
City Manager Michael Wiesner reviewed the DDA's proposed 2005-06 budget with the Board. There are no funds allocated for the Downtown Coordinator position. The budget also does not include the proposal for the downtown Task Force.
Dan Barron asked for clarification of the contractual services line item. Mr. Wiesner advised that the item covered the cleaning of the Bridge Park restrooms. Chairman Mason stated that if the DDA wishes to amend its budget to include other expenses, it can amend the budget in the future.
Jeff Porter asked that the budget be revised to reflect Mr.Nelheibel's future work in updating the DDA's master plan. City Manager Michael Wiesner stated that the Professional Services line will be revised to include Mr. Nelheibel's work; the professional services line item will reflect a total of $40,000.
John Taylor asked for the Professional Services line of the budget to be modified to include funds to promote the downtown area. The DDA generally agreed to raise the Professional Services line item an additional $10,000 to a total of $50,000.
Chairman Mason asked if there were any comments from the audience.
Dave Scott asked the DDA consider placing a wireless kiosk in the downtown area, improve signage and create a program toor help individuals rent downtown properties. He feels the DDA should be marketing the area and asked the DDA to consider taking funds away from infrastructure items and add funds to help bring shoppers into the downtown area.
Jeff Porter stated that the DDA had a facade study done in the late 1980's. The study incorporated pictures of the Bridge Street building facades in the late 1980's and pre-1930's. The study provided concept architectural drawings of the renovated building facades. The DDA has supported the Downtown Coordinator position, intended to help promote downtown Charlevoix and assist building owners to fill empty store fronts.
3. Task Force Committee
John Yaroch reviewed with the DDA an idea of creating a proposed coalition of representatives from key government and business service groups to be charged with the development and implementation of Smart Growth Initiatives. These initiatives would be designed to increase the economic vitality of the Charlevoix business community. Mr. Yaroch distributed information outlining the "smart growth" method which gives a community a framework for making informed decisions about how and where to grow. It would include involvement by the City, Chamber of Commerce, Convention and Visitor's Bureau and retailers. The Downtown Coordinator can help pull the different entities together. He feels the DDA needs to look at how other DDAs operate. The marina and downtown park project will make a large impact and improvement to the downtown area. The DDA is heading in the right direction.
The City Manager reminded the Board that the Fourth Amendment to the DDA development plan has wording to give the DDA the ability to spend DDA funds for hiring people to work on downtown promotions.
Chairman Mason asked who would create the task force. Mr. Yaroch stated the Committee would be established by the City Council.
4. Charlevoix Skatepark
Vickie Daman. Chairperson of the Charlevoix Community Skatepark discussed with Board members the merits of the skatepark in the community. The park has a new permanent site on West Carpenter Avenue. The kids have researched and designed the facility and assisted in raising funds for the construction of the Skatepark. They are seeking to provide an alternative activity for youth to do while their parents shop in the downtown area. Charlevoix is a resort area and families want something for their kids.
She is asking the DDA to consider donating to the Skatepark. The City has allowed them to place the park on City property and to have volunteers oversee the park operations. Mrs. Daman stated that they are actively seeking grants to complete the project. Chairman Mason advised that the Skatepark is moving out of the DDA district. DDA Board members offered names of other funding options for the Skatepark.
F) OLD BUSINESS
John Hess invited the DDA to participate in the City planning visioning meetings.
G) FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
H) ADJOURNMENT
Motion made by Fred DiMartino and second by Dan Barron to adjourn. Motion was adopted unanimously by a voice vote.
Meeting adjourned at 7:06 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda Weller, Recording Secretary