210 State Street, City Hall, Second Floor Council Chambers
The meeting was called to order to 5:35 p.m. by Chairman Hugh Mason.
Members Present: Dan Barron, Mayor Norm Carlson Jr., Fred DiMartino, John Kurtz, Hugh Mason, Jeff Porter, John Taylor, Jeannine Wallace and John Yaroch
Members Absent: None.
Staff Present: City Manager Michael Wiesner and City Planner Gerry Harsch
The agenda was approved as submitted.
None.
1. October 25, 2004 Meeting Minutes
2. November 29, 2004 Joint City Council/DDA Meeting Minutes
Dan Barron asked to revise page 2 of the November 29th minutes to indicate that there are more than one view corridor. The paragraph to be reworded as follows:
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 corridors.
Motion made by Dan Barron and seconded by Jeannine Wallace to approve the minutes of October 25th and November 29th as amended. Motion adopted unanimously.
1. Amendment to DDA Development Plan and Tax Increment Financing Plan to Include the Marina Project
City Manager Michael Wiesner advised the Board that the DDA's development plan needs to be amended to permit the DDA to pay for the marina/downtown park project. It is anticipated that bonds will be sold for the marina project. The City Manager hopes the City Council, at their January 17th meeting, will approve engineering design contracts for the project. The construction of the marina/downtown park project will be over a two-year period. Due to rising interest rates, timely acquisition of the bonds to fund the project is preferred. The City Manager asked the DDA to consider a motion to allow Staff to prepare an amendment to the DDA's development plan to include the marina and to extend the DDA's TIF plan to include the debt service for the marina.
Motion made by Dan Barron and seconded by John Yaroch to approve the amendment of the DDA plan to include the marina project and to extend the time of the DDA's tax increment financing plan to permit payment of the bonds. Motion adopted unanimously.
John Hess asked the DDA to reconsider relocating the band shell. He was part of a Committee that sought funds to build the existing band shell. He feels the proposed removal of the band shell is a miss use of public funds.
Dave Scott asked for clarification on the proposed extension of the DDA's tax increment financing plan. He asked, how much money will be involved and if the DDA knew what it is doing? He feels we do not need to do the waterfront. The project is an excessive use of funds. He voiced concern that at the DDA's November 29th meeting, which was attended by 75 persons, there was no comment about extending the DDA's tax levy.
Chairman Mason advised Mr. Scott that the DDA has worked on the marina/downtown park project for a number for years. Presently, the DDA returns given funds not needed back to the other taxing entities. The DDA has been able to do things to improve the downtown area that the would not have gotten done otherwise.
Dan Barron stated that a number of DDA Board members have been on the Board for 10 - 20 years. The marina/downtown park project has been a discussion item for more than 10 years. The Downtown property owners are benefitting from the DDA's infrastructure improvements.
City Manager Mike Wiesner will ask Staff to prepare an outline of the DDA's future fund projections and planned expenditures. Staff wants to make sure that future funding is available for DDA projects.
2. Charlevoix Task Force 2005
John Yaroch spoke to the Board about the creation of a coalition of representatives from government and businesses to assist in the development and implementation of Smart Growth Initiatives designed to increase the economic vitality of downtown Charlevoix. Presently, there is no coordinated effort between the City-Chamber-Visitors and Convention Bureau -businesses to promote the downtown area. He feels a task force should be created to attract and create more business in the community and to entice businesses to relocate into the downtown area. The task force could consider issues such as, planning for growth, bypass routes, traffic, event planning, affordable housing, etc. The Committee could look at what is missing in downtown Charlevoix. He expressed that Boyne City has made great strides in this area. They appear to be doing something right. Could we keep the Christmas lights lit year-round to create a holiday atmosphere? We need to look at long range planning. Do we wish to create a theme in Charlevoix similar to Gaylord's alpine theme?
Dan Barron stated that the DDA has made great improvements to the downtown's infrastructure in the past 20 years. The DDA will be reviewing its development plan and the DDA can find out where it is in its mission. It is within the authority of DDA to engage in promotion activity. We need to stimulate downtown. Look at the shoulder seasons and events midweek in the Summer months. Look for good ideas to make downtown Charlevoix a fun place to have events. We need a person to lead the charge and make long and short term goals.
Jeff Porter stated the DDA has funding sources for this type of project. This is a project the DDA should consider.
Chairman Mason asked if this is the type of thing the DDA should oversee?
City Manager Mike Wiesner feels the Visitors and Convention Bureau - Chamber - City should be working together. We presently levy a bed tax. The Downtown Coordinator position has done several of these things in the past. Presently, the position is vacant. Do we really need another level of administration?
City Planner Gerry Harsch stated he has been working with adjacent Townships to update the City's Master Plan. We are locked into the land we have. Charlevoix has specific challenges with the MDOT drawbridge and a State highway in the middle of our downtown.
Jacquie Merta of the Chamber of Commerce stated that the Chamber has a goal to address the economic vitality of the downtown area. The City of Petoskey has a full time downtown director that helps to look for and plan downtown promotions. This person attends meetings, sends brochures to groups, etc. Charlevoix has a vacant part-time position. There are grants available to assist cities in determining the types of businesses and activities needed to revitalize downtown areas.
Mr. Yaroch stated that he feels we need more help. The job is not getting done.
Kirby Dipert wishes hard facts that existing landlords can give perspective tenants. What type of business does Charlevoix need. He feels changing the area is like throwing money in the air. There are existing conditions that need to be taken into account.
Dick Georgi suggested keeping the trees lit in the Summer months. Vail Colorado has their lights lit year-round. Can we get the truck traffic off Bridge Street? Mr. Georgi expressed support for the DDA to coordinate the effort of promoting downtown. The Chamber focuses on the entire Charlevoix community. It is not proactive, only reactive to the issues. Once Charlevoix realizes what is missing, then it should go out and recruit the business to come to Charlevoix. The Chamber is good at promoting an event, but not getting the trucks off Bridge Street.
Jacquie Merta stated you get what you pay for. Petoskey has a lot more money then Charlevoix does. Items are limited by the amount of money available. If DDA wants to provide additional $100,000 a year to the Chamber, more can get done.
City Manager Mike Wiesner reviewed the items discussed:
a. Desire to remove traffic off Bridge Street - The Highway Department prepared a report outlining traffic options. The community did not wish to address the issue at that time.
b. DDA funding of downtown promotion - Ask Staff to prepare a report on what funds would be available and the options on what the funds could be used for.
c. Look at programs available for doing studies in the needs of downtown - Future discussion at DDA meeting on the programs available. Look at what the DDA can do with its funds.
Prior to the existence of the DDA a lot of businesses lasted only 30 months. He feels there is more stability in downtown. The DDA's efforts in planning and improvements in the area have helped improve the downtown. He will seek to have the information at the next meeting.
Dave Scott stated he does not think another study is the answer. He asked the DDA to consider spending funds to help promote Charlevoix. The Chamber and the Convention and Visitors Bureau does not have the funds to do this.
John Taylor feels the waterfront and park renovations are the first steps. We need to look outside the box on the other issues.
F) OLD BUSINESS
G) FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
1. Charlevoix Task Force
2. Promoting Downtown Charlevoix
H) ADJOURNMENT
Motion made by Jeff Porter and seconded by Jeannine Wallace to adjourn. Motion adopted.
Meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m.