1. Funding Status

City Manager Mike Wiesner reviewed a summary of the project budget and the DDA's future fund projections. The estimates are based upon concept plan B which total $10,570,207.97. The items that are not eligible for funding by Waterways Commission total $1,490,642. The project amount to be considered for Waterways funding is $9,079,565.97. The grant will pay up to 75% of the approved project costs or $6,809,674.48. The DDA, which is the proposed funding source for the project, would pay $2,269,891.49, or 25% of the grant amount and an additional contribution of $1,490,642.00 for items not eligible for Waterways' funding for a total local share of $3.76 million (Figure does not include bonding costs.) DDA funds need to be used in the DDA district. The City's General Fund will not contribute to the project. The Marina Fund is scheduled to contribute $100,000 to the DDA to assist in the funding the project's debt service payments.

Gabe Campbell questioned if Council was aware that the St. Ignace's marina has operated at a loss this past year and has lost State funding.

Becky Doan asked for information on how the project would be funded. City Manager Mike Wiesner stated the DDA has agreed to pay for the City's share of the project. Mr. Wiesner reviewed with the City Council, DDA and audience members how the DDA generates its funding through the levy of the DDA millage to properties in the DDA district. The majority of the DDA district is located in the downtown area. DDA funds can be spent only in the DDA District and for projects outlined in the DDA Plan. The average tax payer will not be paying for the downtown park or marina project.

The audience asked questions on the project and expressed the desire to retain open space and views in the park area.

John Winn, Chairman of the State of Michigan Waterways Commission advised the Boards that the Commission is proposing to fund 75% of the project in phases. Hopefully the project will start in the Fall of 2005 and the dock phase will be completed in Spring 2006. Construction of the Harbormaster's office will start the Fall of 2006. The Waterways will not fund relocation of the band shell and other non-marina portions of the project.

Peter Pollack of Pollack Design Associates and John Schlak of United Design Associates briefed the City Council and DDA on the status of the project. The cost estimates were completed in late 2003 and included cost of living allowances for 2004-2005 project construction.

Roberta Whitley expressed concerns over the loss of Round Lake views. She desires to see more of the water and voiced opposition to the project. She doesn't want more boats in the harbor, causing the Bridge to be open longer resulting in traffic backups. She asked the City Council have a public vote approving the project.

Mayor Carlson asked Harbormaster Hal Evans for information on the number of boats presently docking at the Marina. Mr. Evans advised that with the existing 34 slips, the Marina averages 54-57 boats. On a peak night, could see up to 67 boats in the Marina. The proposed plan will have approximately 67 spaces. The new docks are floating and will not have tall poles blocking the views.

Council member Chamberlain reminded the Boards that the configuration of the docks permits view corridors. Presently there is less than 10' between boats. The proposed layout will have a minimum 60' view corridor.

2. Decision Points

(a) Design considerations including pier discussion with buoys in place

Peter Pollack of Pollack Design Associates reviewed the project's history. Public input meetings were held in 2002 and 2003. The City Council and DDA agreed upon a drawing in October 2003 and started the DEQ/Corps permit process. The DEQ asked questions on the proposed changes to the bulkhead, the walkway along the bulkhead and the public promenade deck. As a result of meetings with the DEQ, the bulkhead line has been changed to account for the removal of contaminated soils. Originally, the floating piers were to be 12' wide. Presently, pier B, C and D are 8' wide, thus creating a wider view corridor than originally shown on the October 2003 plan. Discussions are still taking place on the design of the shopper's dock. Mr. Pollack is working with the DEQ on the placement and size of the Harbormaster's office.

The project's relationship with Ward Brothers has been addressed. The proposed plan has pier D boats at least 32' from the riparian line. Ward's dock is located 32' from the line for a total of 64' of water between the two docks.

Jeff Porter asked if security fencing has been addressed for the area adjacent to the Acacia. Mr. Pollack stated that Homeland Security issues have not been addressed at this time.

Jerry Puhl of WATCH asked for a verification that the total length of the docks are they the same as agreed upon in 2003? Mr. Pollack advised that there is a small change of 6 to 8 feet. Pier D has been moved in, piers B and C have been moved out. The desire is to have the piers to be a similar length as what was agreed upon at the 2003 meeting.

John Schlak of United Design stated that the DEQ application required soil samples from the East Park area. The samples revealed there is fuel based contamination in area along the shoreline. Due to the contamination, soils will have to be removed. There are two places the bulkhead juts. These locations will be minimized by the new bulkhead.

A citizen inquired if the placement of the Harbormaster facility would affect the parking at the foot of Clinton Street. Mr. Pollack stated a couple of parking spots will be eliminated.

(b) Status of permit applications

Jim Berlage requested a proposed time line for the project.

John Schlak of United Design advised that the City is awaiting permit approval from the DEQ and the Army Corps of Engineers. Mr. Pollack has been working with the DEQ to answer their questions on our permit application.

Upon receipt of the permit, construction of the docks should start the Fall of 2005 and be completed in the Spring of 2006. In the Fall of 2006, construction of the new Harbormaster office will start. Once the building is completed, the present Chamber/Harbor master building can be removed and construction can start on the new band shell.

Mayor Carlson called a recess of the meeting at 8:10 p.m. Meeting reconvened at 8:25 p.m.

3. DDA, Council and then audience question and answer

Jeff Porter asked for the status of the design of the new band shell and Harbormaster's office. Mr. Pollack advised that the preliminary design of the buildings has started. The building design is being completed by the firm of Mitchell & Mouat Associates. They have been working with Pollack Design Associates on the project.

John Yaroch voiced concerns on the shopper's docks. He feels we do not have enough shopper's docks. He asked if a portion of Pier D could be designated as shopper's dockage.

Shirley Gibson asked for information on the size of the proposed Harbormaster facility. Mr. Pollack advised the facility has a boater's lounge area, boater's restrooms and shower facilities, public restrooms as well as the Harbormaster's office. The roof of the building is designed to be at the same level as Bridge Park Drive and will have a plaza on the top to permit the public to view the harbor. The plaza's railing will be designed to ensure the views of the harbor are maintained.

Robert Timms asked what is the fewest number of slips that need to be built and still receive Waterways funding. Mr. Pollack advised the plan has 67 slips. This is similar to what was approved last Fall. Mr. Timms also expressed concern that the placement of cooking facilities in the park would be a conflict with the downtown restaurants.

R J Button of 119 Belvedere Avenue voiced support for the project. Our present facility is a disgrace. The project will enhance our waterfront. The floating piers will eliminate the view of pilings.

Richard Georgi voiced support of the project. He voiced concern over the cost of the non-Waterways financed items and the cost of the new band shell.

Gabe Campbell asked for information on what would happen if project bids come in over budget. Mr. Pollack stated the figures submitted were estimated at 2004-05 dollars. The project bid will request pricing for separate items (i.e., band shell, seating area, fountain, etc.). The costs of the items need to be considered. The project will be built in phases.

Birdie Whitley asked if the DDA runs short of funds, can they increase the tax amount? Mayor Carlson stated that the DDA taxes cannot be raised.

John Winn advised the Boards that the Waterways receives its funding from boaters through fuel taxes and boat licenses. The grant is not a part of the State's General Fund. There is a 10 year waiting list for Waterways' funds. The Charlevoix marina is in dire straits. The proposed plan will permit the only a few more boats to be docked in the Marina. Boaters spend money downtown. A recent survey of bridge traffic showed that the bridge needs to operate more efficiency and the bridge operator needs to talk to the boats coming into the Channel to decrease the time the bridge is opened. The removal of the existing docks and installation of floating docks will enhance the views for the non-boating public. He would like to see a time limit established for seasonal boaters. The existing band shell has poor acoustics and is located in the middle of the park. He suggested the new band shell be named in honor of Mr. Odmark.

Dave Scott asked how the project would be approved. Mayor Carlson advised that upon receipt of the permit, a design contract will be awarded. Then phased construction contracts would be approved.

Mayor Carlson asked representatives of Ward Brothers their feeling about the proposal. Don Ward said the plan is better and respects their riparian rights. He is concerned about using Pier D as a shopper's dock. He'd like to see the shopper's docks kept to the northern end of the Marina. He feels boaters are bad drivers and need extra space for maneuverability. He'd also like the pier between Pier D and his dock to be shortened. He voiced concern that boats will be sticking out [a 35' boat at a 25' dock]. Ward Brothers fuel large boats and they need space for the boats to access their gas dock.

4. Summary wrap-up and future direction

Peter Pollack will continue to work with the DEQ to receive approval for the permit. He will also look at the shopper's docks. It is desired is to start construction in the Fall of 2005. He will prepare drawings for approval. The entire project will be designed and bid out in pieces (phases) to allow the City to consider only the segments it has funding for.

City Manager Michael Wiesner will be working to amend the DDA development plan to allow the DDA to acquire bonds for the project.

Mr. Pollack asked for confirmation from the City Council and DDA board members for their approval to continue to procure the required permits for the project, Staff will continue to keep both the City Council and DDA up to date on the project's progress, once the permits are received, the Engineer's design phase will be discussed and design contracts will be awarded for creation of the construction documents. After the construction drawings are completed, the City Council and DDA will have the option to bid the project out all at once or in phases.

The Recording Secretary took a roll call vote to confirm the direction outlined by Mr. Pollack.

Downtown Development Authority Board Members: Dan Barron, John Taylor, John Kurtz, Jeff Porter, John Yaroch, Hugh Mason, Fred DiMartino, Jeannine Wallace and Mayor Norman Carlson Jr. City Council members Bob Timms, Bill Haggard, Karen Campbell, William Bellows, Shirley Gibson and Sherm Chamberlain all concurred with Mr. Pollack's outline.

Linda Weller, DDA Recording Secretary