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City prepares for downtown festival; DDA considers buying three parcels across from the beach
Summary
Council approved a budget amendment tied to public-safety costs and DDA activity, and heard staff outline downtown festival logistics including street closures and a beer tent on private property the Civic Fund arranged to rent.
Council members described plans for this weekend's downtown festival and fireworks, approved a budget amendment that included adjustments tied to the Downtown Development Authority (DDA), and discussed a possible DDA purchase of three parcels across from the beach.
Mayor Ackley and city staff said the Civic Fund coordinated use of private property owned by Abe Kisaglu (spelled several ways in the record) for the festival footprint and a beer tent. Staff said Walled Lake Drive from Liberty to Witherall will be closed for the event beginning early Saturday and that one-way and no-parking restrictions would be put in place along the lake shore to allow emergency access. The city will keep several downtown streets open so local businesses can participate.
City staff also briefed the council on a recommended budget amendment to record increased interest revenue and to increase public-safety personnel costs and purchases. Council approved the amendment in a roll-call vote. Staff said the amendment also reflects an adjustment tied to the DDA's recently approved spending.
In extended discussion, the council and staff described DDA finances and a potential acquisition. The DDA reported it has roughly $2.5 million available and, if approved, could use those funds (or a city/DDA partnership) to buy three parcels across from the beach. Staff said the parcels have produced modest annual revenue (about $8,000 annually in aggregate under the current arrangement) and that acquiring the site would remove those parcels from the tax rolls but allow the city or the DDA to develop it for public benefit, including park space or structured parking, depending on further approvals.
Police and city staff briefed the council on traffic plans for the festival. The police chief said the Civic Fund's move to use property off the main downtown street would reduce the need for large street closures compared with past years, and the arrangement should make crowd control easier. The council encouraged residents to attend but to heed posted closures and no-parking signs so emergency vehicles can move through the area.
Council members praised parks staff and volunteers for Memorial Day events and urged residents to enjoy the weekend events safely. The council took no purchase action at the meeting regarding the beach-adjacent parcels; staff said they would return to council with a specific purchase proposal and any required budget or DDA approvals if negotiation moved forward.
