The meeting was called to order by Mayor Russell at the above mentioned date and time.

Invocation (Pledge of Allegiance)

Roll Call of Members Present

Council members present: Bill Bellows, Gabe Campbell, Norm Carlson, Jr. Shirley Gibson and Bill Haggard.
Council members absent: Sherm Chamberlain
DDA members present: Dan Barron, Fred DiMartino, Mary Feindt, Hugh Mason, Jeff Porter, and John Taylor
DDA members absent: John Kurtz and Jeannine Wallace

Inquiry Regarding Possible Conflicts of Interest

None

General Business

A. Presentation by Peter Pollack and Associates of landside plan of downtown area and subsequent discussions of the plan by the City Council, DDA and general public

Peter Pollack of Pollack Design Associates reviewed the progress made in the past three meetings with Board members. He presented "Approach #4". The design keeps the overall quality of the park, keeps the park green and has very limited pavement. The design has a boardwalk that extends into the water for the general public. The Harbormaster's office and marina facilities are located at the foot of Clinton Street. The music performance facility (band shell) is in the southern corner of the park, near Antrim Street. Both facilities take advantage of retaining walls and platforms to keep the structures below the Bridge Street elevation. The design permits a tree/lawn area next to Round Lake. The area north of Clinton Street will be enhanced to provide more green. A Chamber Welcome Center is proposed in the Bridge Park area. The welcome center would be 400 sq. ft. (approximately 12'x34'). We will maintain the existing 70x50' overlook next to the Chamber of Commerce. A fish pond in a natural setting would be located in the northern portion of the park. There would be rocks and ledges with perhaps a foundation. Rocks could be used around the pond as seats for children. Two cross section plans were displayed. One plan showed Clinton Street, the overlook over the marina and a patio area along the bulkhead. The second plan is of the north side of Clinton Street that shows additional green area and a pedestrian pier with an access ramp. The plaza will create additional views of Round Lake at the foot of Clinton Street a top of the Harbormaster/marina building.

Dick Mitchell of Mitchell and Mouat Architects presented building concepts for the marina buildings, band shell, storage facilities and chamber buildings.

They propose that the band shell's architecture be "quiet." There will be no view conflicts. It will be tucked into the hillside next to Antrim Street. It is proposed to be shaped like a "backwards S," with the area behind the band shell to be used for storage and restrooms. The band shell will face north and have terraced seating on the west side. The seating area is proposed to be concrete, due to maintenance concerns. A second grass seating area is available north of the facility.

The Chamber has stated it needs 400 square feet of office area. The building needs to be seen so visitors can find it. The architect is proposing to place it on top of the Beaver Island Boat Company - Bridge Park building. The proposed building is narrow to avoid blocking the views. The Chamber's main offices will be located elsewhere. This is proposed as a "welcome center" and its main purpose is to market Charlevoix.

The Harbormaster's office is proposed at the foot of Clinton Street, in the middle of the marina. The building will be hidden from Bridge Street. It will have a roof top overlook area. The building will house the Harbormaster's office, boater's lounge, restroom and showers. The building will need exhaust stacks similar to the ones used in Bridge Park. A public restroom will also be in the building. An area is also available for an ice rink.

Peter Pollack stated that the placement of the bulkhead is a question that he has discussed with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Waterways Commission and the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). These agencies are not in favor of large changes to the shoreline.

The City Council and DDA received comments on the proposed plan from the general public. Following is a list of public comments on the proposed plan:

1. Band Shell - request for canopy to be over the performers. Also, would like the architect to look and make sure the sun is not in the performers eyes during evening performances. It is desired to retain the grass seating area for audiences and not have concrete seating.

2. Chamber Welcome Center All buildings should be below ground, does not like the placement of the Chamber building in Bridge Park. Concerns were raised in building any type of structures in the park area. A question was raised if our grant for the construction of Bridge Park permits the placement of buildings that block the view. Can the Welcome Center be placed to the north, near the drawbridge or near the fishing display, next to the Channel? Or can existing vacant buildings along Bridge Street be used?

3. Views Any overlook should not have railings that obstruct views. Mr. Pollack stated that the overlook railings can be designed to be as transparent as possible.

4. Fountain -- Desire to look at the placement of the fountain and children's safety.

5. Green -- Plan has more green areas with enhanced views. The promenade along the lake is a good feature.

6. Fish pond a previous plan had the pond in the lake. What happened? Peter stated that the placement of the pond in the lake raised concerns about containment of litter and fish habitat. They are trying to design a natural looking pond. Request to consider a waterfall in pond.

7. Bulkhead design The permitting agencies are very conservative on changing the existing bulkhead lines. Need to design what we can get a permit for.

8. Discussed possibility of creating a three-dimensional model of the final plan.

Jeff Porter of the DDA questioned the need for the Chamber marketing center.

Councilman Gabe Campbell feels we should focus on the marina design. We cannot plan a park, unless we know what we are planning to do with the bulkhead. He also feels a welcome center is not needed.

The City Council and DDA will meet in the future to discuss statements made at the meeting.

Shirley Gibson asked for a show of hands of people who liked the plan. The majority of the audience raised their hands.

Adjourn

It was generally agreed to adjourn.
Meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.