City of Charlevoix

JOINT CITY COUNCIL

DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MEETING MINUTES

Monday, January 24, 2005 - 5:30 p.m.

210 State Street, City Hall, Second Floor Council Chambers

 

Invocation (Pledge of Allegiance)

Meeting was called to order at 5:34 p.m. by Mayor Norman Carlson, Jr.

II. Roll Call of Members Present

City Council Members Present: Bob Timms, Bill Haggard, Karen Campbell, Shirley Gibson and Sherm Chamberlain

City Council Members Absent: Bill Bellows

;

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

III. Inquiry Regarding Possible Conflicts of Interest

IV. General Business

Downtown Park/Marina Renovation Project - Proposed Amendments to DDA Plan

Mayor Carlson stated that the meeting was to discuss the proposed DDA plan amendments. The amendments would allow the DDA to be extended the life of the DDA to pay for the Marina bonds. The project has been split into two projects. Anything that would be a part of funding for the Waterways Commission grant is in one section, Amendment #4. This includes the marina construction, east park construction, Harbormaster building construction, storm sewer construction, off-site parking construction, allows for personnel to be hired by the DDA and paid out of the captured revenue and financing of projects and personnel. It excludes the band shell, fish pond and the restroom building directly behind the band shell.

Amendment #5 to the DDA Plan includes the band shell, fish pond and restroom building to be removed and the construction of a new pavillion/performance building with amphitheather seating.

City Manager Michael Wiesner advised that an items was inadvertantly omitted. The ice skating infrastructure. It should be in Amendment #4 and should be added to amendment #4.

The Mayor asked that comments be limited to the discussion to amend the DDA Plan. Any comments made at this meeting, would have to be reiterated at the proposed March 7th public hearing meeting.

The Mayor asked if there were any questions.

Councilmember Timms asked that as the DDA's projected fund balance in 2014 is over $1.8 million, does the DDA need to be extended to 2026.

DDA Chairman Hugh Mason stated that according to projections, the funds will be available, but that figure is an estimate. The DDA has a commitment to the Library for the next 20 years. The DDA does not have funds on hand to do the entire project. DDA funds will be needed as colateral against the bonds issued to help pay for the marina/park project. Funds will also be needed for any additional DDA projects in the future.

Mayor Carlson stated that he had asked for information on the amount the DDA was presently capturing. He was advised that the DDA does not capture the full amount at this time. This practice could continue, and the DDA would not capture funds and build up a large bank account.

Councilmember Timms asked if the DDA could pay for infrastructure type of items. DDA members Dan Barron and Jeff Porter advised that DDA funds have been used for infrastructure items in the past. If the infrastructure items are in the plan, then DDA funds can be used. An example of this is the water main construction in Bridge Street and the relocation of the Sewer Pumping Station.

Public comments

Gabe Campbell voiced concerns about maintaining clear view corridors. The proposed amendment states that the water would be open space, except when used by vessels for moorage. He does not wish to see boats extending beyond the dock. Mr. Campbell also asked if the City knew the amount of the Waterways grant to the City. He asked the grant amount be placed as a part of the public hearing motion. Originally the grant amount was over $6 million. He asked that the amendment be contingent upon receipt of the Waterways grant.

Mayor Carlson referred the question to John Winn, member of the State Waterways Commission. Mr. Winn stated that the Commission was scheduled to meet tomorrow (January 25th) to discuss the item.

Mayor stated that the project figures were given over three years ago and they were best guess estimates. There have been differences in opinion on what would be covered and what was not covered by the Waterways grant.

Mr. Campbell wishes to have a guarantee that the Waterways would pay a set amount at the public hearing. Mayor Carlson stated that Staff would have the grant amount at the public hearing.

Dave Scott addressed the DDA and City Council with comments on a proposed resolution to be discussed at the upcoming City Council meeting. He will wait to address the Council at their next session.

V. Adjourn

Motion by Councilmember Bob Timms and seconded by Sherm Chamberlain to adjourn. Motion was adopted unanimously by a voice vote.

Motion made by John Taylor and seconded by John Yaroch to adjourn. Motion was adopted unanimously by a voice vote.

Meeting adjourned at 5:47 p.m.