Jason Boes

The meeting agenda included Old Business and New Business items, with Old Business being reported as having none. New Business featured discussions and potential approvals for Case 2017-04 concerning the demolition of 240 Monroe Ave due to a fire rendering it substandard; Case 2017-05 regarding the installation of a permanent dance floor in Hackley Park; and Case 2017-06 involving the installation of an awning valance at 425 W Western Ave. During the February 7, 2017 session, the Commission unanimously approved the demolition request for 444 and 448 West Clay Avenue under specified conditions, and the officers, Chairperson J. Hilt and Vice-chairperson S. Radtke, were retained. Other business included a discussion on obtaining RSVPs for attendance and a review of HDC Standards concerning vinyl siding on painted structures, as well as brainstorming marketing and incentive ideas for historic districts.

The meeting addressed New Business concerning Case 2017-04, which involved an application for a 24' x 36' detached garage at 1201 Ransom Street, requiring approval for materials and placement, and also involved addressing a previously installed, too-tall white vinyl fence. The Commission unanimously approved the garage construction as proposed, contingent on zoning compliance, and approved moving the existing vinyl fence back to an acceptable location. Under Other Business, the Commission discussed an inadvertently approved fence at 390 W Muskegon Ave that was not historically appropriate; the City offered resources for modification, and staff was tasked with relaying the Board's suggestions, which included considering an aluminum picket fence design or modifications like painting/finials. In Old Business, the request for a permanent concrete dance floor at Hackley Park was not supported by staff due to conflict with the park's memorial focus, though leveling grass for a temporary floor was offered. Additionally, the Board discussed developing safeguards for a potential HDC grant program to assist with home painting.

The meeting addressed several key administrative and business items. The Board established a rotation for future board meetings for the remainder of 2015 and all of 2016. Discussions under New Business focused extensively on the Downtown Business Improvement District (BID) assessment and services, specifically regarding logistics coordinated with City of Muskegon staff. Key points included the necessity of two additional special meetings before assessment implementation, reconsideration of the minimum assessment amount, the city's preference for a single annual billing, and the recommendation for a multi-year assessment. The Board ultimately voted to eliminate the minimum assessment, advocating for a straight assessment up to the $3,000 cap, and reached a consensus to pursue two billings annually for property owner convenience, contrary to initial city staff advice. The Board also instructed staff to prepare a more detailed explanation of BID marketing and services for the next meeting. A motion was passed to schedule a special board meeting for August 18.

The meeting focused primarily on Unfinished Business concerning assessment billing methods and the 2016 budget and assessment recommendation. The Board discussed the feasibility of two assessment billings versus one billing through the winter tax bill, noting the risk of non-payment with the former and guaranteed collection through the latter (as the county collects unpaid taxes). Discussions also involved establishing reserve funds to cover potential shortfalls, with suggestions including pulling specific budget items into reserves or utilizing a $50,000 float loan from the city. The Board ultimately approved the 2016 assessment and budget with amendments stipulating that specific line items (excluding snow removal and cleanup) could not be spent until board approval, and all unused funds would be moved into reserves. New Business included an update on the city's market rate housing project, involving a signed purchase agreement for nine lots, and ongoing work for a downtown phone application.

The meeting agenda included Old Business (none) and New Business. Key discussions focused on the expectation of introducing a new Public Safety Director at the next meeting and introductions for a returning board member. A significant topic involved Ms. Dardinella Hippchen initiating a conversation regarding issues with police/community relations due to a perceived lack of information on police procedures, suggesting board member involvement in educating the public via materials similar to an ACLU leaflet. The Chairperson acknowledged the idea but noted it might be beyond the board's defined scope, suggesting a separate meeting for interested individuals, and deferred bringing the concept to the new Public Safety Director for input once appointed.