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# downtown
muskegon
BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
Downtown Muskegon Business Improvement District
Meeting Agenda
Sept. 26, 2017
380 Western Ave., Suite 202 Muskegon, MI at 4 PM
Call to Order
Consent Agenda
a) Approval of Agenda
b) Approval of Minutes from the meeting July 25, 2017
c) Acceptance of financial statements as of Aug. 31, 2017
Public Comment (on an agenda item)
Unfinished Business
a) BID renewal process underway, an update ... assessing or soliciting non-profit
support
New Business
a) Three-year request for quotes for parking lot/alley snow removal
b) Three-year letter of understanding with city DPW for sidewalk snow removal with
expansion of service and price for 2017-18
c) Update on Issues Media Group journalism project and Watch Muskegon downtown
billboards.
d) Update from Megan Jones on fall and Christmas event plans
Other Business
a) Review downtown summer events
b) Update on current downtown development activity
c) Next meeting is Tuesday Nov. 28, 2017 4 p.m. chamber training room, 380 W.
Western Ave. Suite 202, Muskegon, MI or at the call of the chair.
Adjournment
From: Dave Alexander, DMN executive director we
To: Business Improvement District Board
Re: Sept. 26, 2017 agenda notes 7
Date: 9-22-2017
Sorry for the large agenda packet but we haven’t met in two months and there is a ton going on
in the district. | think 2017 will be seen as a tipping point in the ongoing transformation of
Downtown Muskegon. Thanks to all of you for your contributions. Here is some background on
the agenda items for Tuesday ...
Finances: The financial reports next time will show $3,000 in revenues from two Community
Foundation for Muskegon County funds (Larsen and Kuznar family funds) that will help pay for
$4,700 for two community locking message boards. The remainder of the cost of $1,700 will
come from the BID’s streetscape fund. One message board goes at the farmers market and the
other at the Depot. It also will show our payments for the $5,000 in billboards and $5,000 for
Issues Media Group. DMN has been paying expenses for marketing, events, promotion and
landscaping, which will come to about $10,000 in reimbursements. Finally, DMN has asked for
its $25,000 payment for staff services. Our finances remain within budget with a healthy
reserve as we end 2017. Hopefully have a three-year source of funds through 2020 with the
approval of the city commission on BID renewal.
BID Renewal: | provided the city commission with an overview of the BID renewal request.
There was about a 45-minute discussion among commissioners. | came away with the sense of
their support. The BID renewal’s first public hearing is after our BID meeting at 5:30 at city hall
before the city commission. | am providing you the renewal summary document all property
owners received and the PowerPoint slides | used to brief commissioners. One issue that arose
is non-profit contributions/assessments. | think the commission will direct us to seek
contributions in light of non-profits being exempt from assessments under your
recommendation.
Parking lot/alley snow removal: | am sharing the RFQ| will send out later this week to private
snow removal operators for downtown services for the next three years. Any contract is
dependent upon city commission approval and can be formalized after Oct. 24. The RFQ is in
the packet.
Sidewalk LOU with DPW: Likewise, | want to complete a new letter of understanding with the
city DPW for three years on sidewalk snow clearing services. | have included last year’s
agreement and sidewalk service maps. | also included a map of where we may expanded the
BID. | think we need to expand services with the additional funds we would be receiving. | want
your help in determining where new sidewalk snow removal services are needed. We also have
to come to an initial monthly contract price for the DPW services. You input on both are
invaluable as | meet in the future with the city’s DPW director.
Financially, the recommended BID budget has $75,000 for snow removal. If we get another
$2,200 a month for our private contract with an average of $300 more for salt, that would be
$12,500 ($2,500 X 5 months). Last year we paid DPW $8,000 a month for basic service Monday-
Saturday and additional on Sundays. That would be $40,000 ($8,000 X 5 months) and another
$2,000 a month average for Sunday service or $10,000 ($2,000 X 5). An average winter status
quo budget for snow removal would then be $62,500, leaving BID $12,500 in budget snow
removal surplus. The overall 2018 BID contingency fund is another $12,933. With that, how
much do we want to expand sidewalk service and at what price?
Marketing update: | have put a contract and an update memo in your packet for the launch of
the Issues Media Group Muskegon’s On the Ground journalism project through RapidGrowth
out of Grand Rapids. Also, | have worked with Watch Muskegon to share the cost of four
monthly Watch Muskegon/downtown billboards in western Kent and northwest Ottawa
counties for October and November. The board placements and the creative for each are in
your packets.
Oct. 3 summer recap: DMN is hosting a 4:30 p.m. Oct. 3 roundup discussion of summer events
downtown. Our issues are potential overload of our capacity and how to address the great
growth in our events going forward. Please join us for that discussion.
Development: Downtown is on fire. | will have a fall construction map available at the meeting.
Downtown Muskegon Business Improvement District
Meeting Minutes
July 25, 2017
380 Western Ave., Suite 202 Muskegon, MI at 4 PM
1) Call to Order: 4:03 PM
Attendance:
Doug Pollock (Chairman), Gary Post (VC), Bob Tarrant, Clyde Whitehouse, Mike
Hennessy, Frank Peterson, Bruce Lindstrom and Phyllis Watson-Laudermill.
Excused Absent(s): John Riegler
Guests: Dave Alexander, Downtown Muskegon Now director; Muskegon City
Commissioner Ken Johnson and Dennis Lohman, Northwest Industrial Supply;
Muskegon DPW Director Mohammed Al-Shatel and David Burlingame..
2) Consent Agenda
a) Approval of Agenda, minutes May 23, 2017, and acceptance of the financial
statements as of June 30, 2017,
Motion: Frank Peterson
Support: Bruce Lindstrom
Vote: All voted in favor
3) Public Comment (on an agenda item) — None. The board chose to leave the floor open for
the whole meeting allowing attendees to participate as they like.
4) Unfinished Business
a) The board was asked to take a revote vote on a recommendation to the Muskegon
City Commission on a three-year renewal of the Business Improvement District as
not all members were present for the initial May 23 vote: The recommendation is
based upon the belief that the BID is a needed funding base for the common
maintenance and promotion of Downtown Muskegon.
The points of the recommendation include: a three-year renewal 2018-2020, BID
district boundaries slightly increased east and south as per attached map, the word
“automotive” removed from Category B in the BID Bylaws (accomplished with a vote
April 25, 2017), Category A lands assessed at $0.08 per square foot and capped at
$4,000 and B lands $0.04 per square foot and capped at $2,000 and assessments
being paid as part of the winter property tax bills.
1
Clyde Whitehouse questioned the three-year recommendation. Doug Pollock said that
after one year in 2016 the board did not feel comfortable establishing it any longer than
one more year in 2017. But now with two years of historic operations, there is no need
to go through the administrative and legal process of renewing each year. There is
hope that the Downtown Development Authority will be in a position to help to service
downtown by 2020. However, Frank Peterson said it is unknown where the DDA will
be at in 2020. If there is successful downtown development, there might not be a need
for the BID at the end of three years, Peterson said.
Clyde Whitehouse said he thought it should be a one-year recommendation.
Motion: Frank Peterson
Support: Gary Post
Vote: Post, Riegler Tarrant, Lindstrom, Peterson, Watson-Laudermill, Hennessy,
and Pollock voted “yes”; Whitehouse voted “no.” Passed 7-1.
b) An annual BID budget based upon approximately $168,151 was recommended for
2018-2020 at the May 23 meeting. To get.all members voting on the recommended
BID budget, a revote was requested. With potentially additional funds from the past
two BID budget years of 2016 and 2017, the board recommended expanding the
landscaping services to include areas off of Western Avenue and Third Street. The
priorities would be Clay Avenue, Terrace Street and Pine Street. The goal is to get
district to look better further out from Western and Third. Members recommended a
budget with $75,000 for snow removal, $30,000 for landscaping, $24,000 for
marketing and events, $13,000 for streetscape, $25,000 for administration and the
remainder in contingency.
Concerning future landscaping efforts and expansions in the BID, Mohammed Al-
Shatel suggested the BID conduct a comprehensive landscaping plan for the district
before deciding the type and locations of the landscape expansions.
Motion: Gary Post
Support: Frank Peterson
Vote: Post, Riegler Tarrant, Lindstrom, Peterson, Watson-Laudermill, Whitehouse,
Hennessy, and Pollock voted “yes.” Passed 8-0.
5) New Business
a) Dave Alexander outlined a solid financial position for the BID as of July 1 with
$106,240 in the account. He estimated that the anticipated fund balance from each
of the expenditure categories at the end of 2017 with current spending would be a
total of $16,853. On top of that, the BID continues to carry about a $20,000 overall
fund balance going forward.
b) Dave Alexander said that the city DPW’s landscaping efforts this summer season
has the downtown looking the best ever. Board members concurred. The city’s
actual cost to date was $34,000, which includes mowing not paid (20 percent of the
2
total) for by BID and plant replacements not contemplated in the BID budget,
Mohammed Al-Shatel said. This summer the city has shown how the downtown can
look, he said. Doug Pollock said he is concerned with the $34,000 being spent
looking out over the next three years. Frank Peterson said the city made the
commitment to make downtown look right. Next year will not need as much
intensive work, he said.
Dave Alexander said that the city is being paid $13,000 for landscaping services by the
BID and an additional approximately $9,000 to Berry’s Flowers for downtown planters.
The 2017 landscaping line item is $16,000 with a budget overrun of about $7,000. But
that the overall BID operational surplus this year is $16,853 to date. Alexander
recommended the board consider an additional payment to the city DPW for
landscape services.
Board members were concerned about future landscape expenditures the next three
years if the BID is renewed. Al-Shatel said a landscape plan is needed going forward.
Doug Pollock said that will tell the city commission what costs will be the next three
years.
David Burlingame asked from the audience what the overall responsibilities are for the
BID and for the city for projects within the district. Doug Pollock said that is a good
question. Mohammed Al-Shatel said when it comes to sidewalk clearing and the
intensity of landscape services, no other place in the city has such resources being
spent. The reason this work is able to be done and only done in the downtown is for
the BID.
Doug Pollock in a discussion of city services for sidewalk snow removal and
landscaping not to combine the two but to have separate letters of understanding.
Gary Post suggested that an additional $7,000 payment to the city DPW for additional
landscaping services for the summer of 2017 would be appropriate.
Motion: Gary Post
Support: Bruce Lindstrom
Vote: All voted in favor (Frank Peterson obstained)
c) The board discussed the future of snow removal services in the BIDif the city
commission approves a three-year renewal. Mohammed Al-Shatel was told to plan
on doing the sidewalk snow removal for the next three years but parking lot and
alley services would be bid out for a three-year contract to the private operators.
d) Dave Alexander brought an update to the board on the convention center proposal
for downtown Muskegon and the “4-4-1” financing approach as a public-private
partnership among the city of Muskegon, Muskegon County and Parkland
Development, the owners of the Holiday Inn Muskegon Harbor. The board was
3
asked to have Alexander write a letter of support on its behalf, supporting the
concept.
Motion: Phyllis Watson-Laudermill
Support: Bob Tarrant
Vote: All voted in favor
6) Old Business
a) Dave Alexander’s memo discussed the Holiday In the City, future of Western
Market, update on downtown summer events and downtown development activity.
b) Next meeting of the BID is Tuesday Sept. 26, 2017 at 4 p.m. in the chamber training
room, 380 W. Western Ave., Suite 202, Muskegon, MI or at the call of the chair.
7) Adjournment
5:35 PM
No Objection
Minutes produced and submitted by Dave Alexander, executive director of Downtown
Muskegon Now.
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DOWNTOWN MUSKEGON
BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
SPECIAL ASSESSMENT BENEFIT ANAYLSIS SUMMARY
PREPARED BY THE MUSKEGON COUNTY EQUALIZATION DEPARTMENT
| August 25, 2017
August 25, 2017.
Downtown Muskegon Business Improvement District Board
933 Terrace Street
Muskegon, MI 49443
Dear Board Members:
In accordance with your request, I have examined the proposed special assessment district for the
Downtown Muskegon Business Improvement District. The purpose of this analysis is to document
the reasonableness of this special assessment district by identifying and quantifying any accrued
benefits. It is subject to the normal governmental restrictions of escheat, taxation, police power and
eminent domain. The effective date of this analysis is August 25, 2017.
The proposed special assessment district encompasses all classes of properties. The Downtown
Muskegon Business Improvement District Board has provided per parcel cost estimates in
accordance with the City’s Special Assessment Policy and all project-related costs.
The three year project is estimated to have a first year assessment of $179,933.
The amount of money to be spread is based on a per parcel rate of $0.08 per square foot of lot size
for a “Class A” Property and $0.04 per square foot of lot size for a “Class B” Property as defined by
the Downtown Muskegon Business Improvement District Board in their Bylaws. The Downtown
Muskegon Business Improvement District Board is solely responsible for these figures.
In conclusion, it is my opinion that the special assessment amounts as provided by the Board justly
and reasonably represents the accrued benefits to the properties encompassed by this project. The
amounts reflect the sum of the immediate estimated value enhancement and the intrinsic value that
will accrue from an overall increase in property values due to an improved quality of life created by
the proposed project. Simply stated, the rate of $0.08 per square foot of lot size for a “Class A”
Property and $0.04 per square foot of lot size for a “Class B” Property as defined by the Downtown
Muskegon Business Improvement District Board in their Bylaws for the above mentioned project
area appears reasonable and equitable based upon the data presented by the Downtown Muskegon
Business Improvement District Board, and supporting office records.
Sincerely,
(LE
Donna Vandervries, MMAO
City of Muskegon Assessor
West Western Avenue and 34 Street
Equalization Department
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Downtown Muskegon Business Improvement District
2018 - 2020 Assessment
Regarding: Assessment for 2018, 2019 and 2020
Date: Aug. 11, 2017
To: Muskegon City Clerk/City Commission
From: Downtown Muskegon Business Improvement District Board
Overview:
After separate public hearings, the Muskegon City Commission approved the Downtown Muskegon Business
Improvement District on Nov. 24, 2015 and the district assessment rolls on Jan. 12, 2016. The approval was
for one year. Again in 2016, the Muskegon City Commission had a status quo renewal of the BID for 2017 after
public hearings Sept. 27, 2016 and Oct. 25, 2016. The BID Board used 2017 to study and review the BID
District and the assessment structure, coming to a recommendation for 2018 and beyond.
Following a review of requested and needed services within the Downtown Muskegon Business Improvement
District, the BID Board recommends to the Muskegon City Commission to extend the Downtown Muskegon
Business Improvement District for an additional 3 YEARS with an assessment be established for the 2018,
2019 and 2020 calendar years.
The BID board recommends the Business Improvement District boundaries be slightly increased to better
reflect downtown activities and benefits of the district. The BID board also recommends changes to the
assessment rates, property classifications and maximum assessments to more fairly spread responsibility for
downtown services. Like in 2017, the assessments would be placed on the winter property tax bills for 2018 -
2020.
2018 - 2020 Assessments:
- “Class A’ Properties, as defined in the BID Bylaws, shall be assessed an annual assessment of
$0.08/sf with no assessment to exceed $4,000. Contiguous properties with the same use and same
owner shall be assessed as one property. Property lot size on record with the County Assessor shall be
used in determining the square footage of properties.
o Inthe instance of a condo property the master dead shall be used in determining the percent of
the assessment that an individual property owner would be assessed.
- “Class B” properties as defined in the BID Bylaws be assessed an annual assessment of $0.04/sf with
no assessment to exceed $2,000. Contiguous properties with the same use and same owner shall be
assessed as one property. Property lot size on record with the County Assessor shall be used in
determining the square footage of properties.
o Note that the BID Board on April 25, 2017 voted to amend the BID Bylaws to define a “Class B”
property as: “Properties located within the Downtown Muskegon Business Improvement District
which are currently use for, or zoned for industrial or manufacturing.” The word “automotive”
was removed from the definition, moving that category of property to “Class A.”
- Based on this assessment structure, approximately $179,933 can expected to be collected for services
to support businesses and property owners within the BID in 2018.
(A budget recommendation & explanation is attached as a separate memo.)
- The assessment shall be placed on the 2018, 2019 and 2020 winter property tax bills.
- The 2018 -2020 BID district, assessment rolls and collection methods were discussed at BID Board
meetings Jan. 24, March 28 and April 25, 2017. A resolution supporting the above recommendation
was voted on at a May 23, 2017 BID Board meeting. Due to a number of absent board members, a
revote was taken at the July 25, 2017 meeting. The vote result of the same resolution at the two
meetings was as follows:
2017 BID Extension Vote:
Member No Abstention Motion/Support Absent
|<] [><] ></><}><]>« x\ 5
Chair Doug
Pollock
VC Gary Post Support
Bruce Lindstrom
John Riegler (at May 23)
Phyllis Watson-
Laudermill
Frank Peterson Motion
Clyde Whitehouse
Mike Hennessy
Bob Tarrant
Downtown Muskegon Business Improvement District
Budget Recommendation & Explanation
Date: Aug. 11, 2017
To: Muskegon City Clerk/City Commission
From: Downtown Muskegon Business Improvement District Board
Budget Recommendation:
This is a proposed third-year budget for the Downtown Muskegon Business Improvement
District. Based on a two tier assessment where “Class A” Properties pay $0.08/sf annual and
“Class B” Properties pay $0.04/sf annual the Downtown Muskegon BID can expect to generate
$179,933 during 2018.
Proposed 2018-2020 BID budgets
2017 BID Estimated Fund Balance $25,000
2017 Estimated Revenues $179,933
2018 Expenditures
Snow removal ($75,000)
Landscaping ($30,000)
Marketing, promotion, events ($24,000)
Streetscape ($13,000)
Administration ($25,000)
Contingency ($12,933)
Total ($179,933)
Estimated Fund Balance Dec. 31, 2018 $25,000
Budget Note:
The BID Board in 2016 appointed Downtown Muskegon Now as staff and managers of the BID.
A Letter of Understanding between the BID and the DMN board was signed, having the budget
and general spending categories established by the BID Board and work plans carried out by
DMN. The administrative fee of $25,000 per year was established for 2017.
All unused funds go to cash reserves in fund balance.
Budget Explanation:
Snow removal: The BID’s largest line item is dedicated to snowplowing and salt application
along sidewalks within the BID where the majority of the Class A properties are located along
portions of W. Western Ave., Clay Ave., Morris Ave., Terrace St., Jefferson, 1%, 274, 3%, 6 & 7!
Streets. Funds will also be used to clear parking areas which are generally used by the public —
specifically the two lots between 2 and 3" Streets accessed off of Morris Ave. With plenty of
fund balance for snow removal, the BID Board will attempt to expand the snow removal services
as the budget allows for 2018 and beyond.
Landscaping: The Downtown Muskegon BID in 2017 contracted with city of Muskegon Public
Works Department to provide a high level of landscaping service after seeking bids from private
contractors. The BID will likely seek a three-year contract to provide these services 2018-2020.
Summer Landscaping includes the wedding and fertilization of common areas throughout the
BID (grass cutting is done by the city). This line item also includes the planting and maintenance
of flower planters throughout the BID (this item could be completed by a different vendor than
the one doing the landscaping and clean up). Fall clean-up will consist of removal of leaves from
the BID district and preparation of the planning beds for the winter. The BID board significantly
increased the landscaping portion of the budget vs. 2016 with the intention of furthering BID
landscaping services to Terrace Avenue, Clay Avenue and Pine Street as funds allow.
Marketing, promotion, events: The BID was used to launch the highly successful First Fridays
events in the downtown, 6-8 p.m. family-friendly gatherings that have included a family dance
party, two hugely popular street performance events and a “touch the truck” event. Beyond
events, the BID is supporting an updated Downtown Muskegon website, a revised downtown
email list, a new downtown e-newsletter and an annual tri-fold downtown map/brochure, direct
and indirect advertising among other marketing and promotional activities.
Streetscape: This is a broad spending category that allows the BID Board to improve downtown
Muskegon through new holiday decorations, public art projects, banners,
directional/informational signs, benches, trash receptacles, sidewalk repairs, new planters,
public space maintenance such as Olthoff Stage and Alcoa Square and like expenditures.
Administration: Downtown Muskegon Now provided the staff support to design and establish the
Downtown Muskegon Improvement District in 2015 and 2016. As promised to the Muskegon
City Commission for 2016, there was no BID funds expended for “salaries and benefits” —
administrative costs. The BID requires staff time and effort. Going forward DMN needs to be
compensated for its time and effort. Thus, administrative line-item in the 2017 budget continues
for 2018 and beyond.
The 2018 — 2020 BID budget and work plan was approved by a vote of the BID Board on May
23, 2017. Due to absent members a revote of the same motion was taken at the July 25, 2017
meeting. The combined results were:
2018 -2020 BID Budget Vote:
Member Yes No Abstention Motion/Support Absent
Chair Doug Xx
Pollock
VC Gary Post x Motion
Bruce Lindstrom
John Riegler xX (at May 23)
Phyllis Watson- x
Laudermill
Frank Peterson x Support
Clyde x
Whitehouse
Mike Hennessy x
Bob Tarrant x
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Downtown Muskegon Business Improvement District
Request for Service Proposals
Date: Sept. 27, 2017
To: Snow Plowing Contractors
From: Downtown Muskegon Business Improvement District
RE: RFP for NOVEMBER 15, 2017 through APRIL 15, 2020 Parking Lot
snowplowing
The Downtown Muskegon Business Improvement District seeks qualified insured firms to prepare and
submit proposals for two downtown Muskegon parking areas and associated alley ways.
PURPOSE & OBJECTIVES
The organization is interested in receiving proposals from companies or agencies with the ability and
interest in providing the below detailed services. The contract period will be for three winter seasons
starting Nov. 15, 2017 and terminating on April 15, 2020. Service areas for these winter seasons’ contract
can be found on the enclosed scope of work map.
Snowplowing services are requested when snowfall accumulation reaches 1.5 inches. If the snow fall
occurs overnight, it’s requested that a goal of completing all snow removal occur by 8 a.m. The parking
lots should receive priority, followed by the alleys.
The company awarded the contract will need to provide a copy of their insurance certificate to Downtown
Muskegon Business Improvement District, being managed by Downtown Muskegon Now.
Proposals should also include a list of equipment that will be used to complete the work.
SCOPE OF WORK
Parking Lots
- Daily Snow Removal (when needed) in public parking lots behind the:
o Hines Building (380 W. Western Ave. — enter off of Morris St.)
o Russell Block (360 W. Western Ave. — enter off of Morris St.)
o Sidock Building (379 W. Western Ave. — enter off of 2" St.)
*This parking area is marked in orange on the enclosed map
Alley Areas
- The alley behind Baker College’s downtown campus to 1* Street also should be maintained and
accessible to both vehicle and foot traffic.
- The alley connecting the above parking areas with Morris Street & 2"? Street should also be
maintained.
- The sidewalk abutting the Hines building should also be cleared of snow
Salting
- Salting of the parking lots and alleys should occur when needed*
* Please consult with downtown staff before salting
(Continued on the next page)
Downtown Muskegon Business Improvement District
downtownbid@shorelinecity.com
Downtown Muskegon Business Improvement District
Request for Service Proposals
Snow removal
- As needed, removal of snow piles from parking lots and transportation to a “snow dump.”
DEADLINE FOR PROPOSALS
Complete proposals should be received into the Downtown Muskegon Now office by 5 p.m. on Friday
October 13, 2017. Proposals can be emailed to info@downtownmuskegon.org or dropped off in person
at 380 W. Western Ave., Suite 202 Muskegon, MI 49440 (c/o Downtown Muskegon Now).
NOTE: The awarding of a contract is dependent upon Muskegon City Commission final approval of the
BID renewal on Tuesday Oct. 24, 2017.
QUESTIONS:
Email: dalexander@downtownmuskgon.org — phone conversations can be arranged if needed
(Map Enclosed)
Downtown Muskegon Business improvement District
downtownbid@shorelinecity.com
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Letter of Understanding
City of Muskegon DPW and Muskegon downtown Business Improvement District
This is a Letter of Understanding between the Muskegon downtown Business Improvement District (BID)
and city of Muskegon Department of Public Works (city) concerning the snowplowing of downtown
sidewalks for the winter season from Nov. 15, 2017 to April 15, 2020. City and BID officials will work
together to provide superior snow removal services the most efficient, cost-effective way for the three
years.
The BID board voted on Sept. 27, 2016 to seek sidewalk snow plowing services from the city for the
upcoming winter season. H&H Landscaping and Snowplowing Services of North Muskegon will continue
providing parking lot and alleyway snow removal this coming season as they have in previous winters.
For each snow season November through April, the BID will pay the city a total of SXX,XXX as a retainer
to provide the outlined services below for Monday through Saturday. Sunday sidewalk services for the
three years will be requested on an “as needed” basis and billed by the city for time and materials.
Monthly costs and invoices will be sent to Downtown Muskegon Now as managers of the BID and paid
by the city Finance Department with BID funds to the DPW. Muskegon DPW will provide DMN a monthly
accounting of the downtown sidewalk activity and expenses, reports that will be shared with BID board
members.
Sidewalk snowplowing, salting (as needed) and snow pile removal (as needed) will be provided by the
city when fresh snow accumulations are 2 inches or greater measured at Third Street and West Western
Avenue each morning. The goal with overnight snowfalls is to clear the sidewalks by 10 a.m. the next
morning starting along Western Avenue, if possible. Sidewalk snowplowing services provided by the city
on Sundays and holidays will result in higher charges due to overtime and will be triggered by downtown
needs. Sidewalk snow clearing is more limited on Saturdays as outlined below. The goal on Saturdays is
to have the sidewalks on the main streets of Western, Clay, Morris and Third cleared by noon or as
needed.
The area of sidewalk snow removal services is shown on the attached maps.
Sidewalk Snow Removal for weekdays (Monday-Friday map)
Unless otherwise noted, BOTH sides of the following streets should be plowed
- W. Western Ave. between 7‘ Street and Pine Street (approximately 1.6 miles total for both sides
of Western).
- W.Clay Ave. between 3° St. and Terrace St. (approximately 0.8 miles total for both sides of
Clay)
- Webster Ave from 3% St. to 2"? St. - only the northside of Webster should be plowed
- Morris St between 3° St. and Terrace St. (approximately 0.6 miles total for both sides of the
Morris)
- 4h Street between W. Western Ave. & W. Clay Ave — only the east side of 4 should be
plowed (approximately 0.1 miles for the one side of 4'")
- 3 Street from the parking lot behind the Hume Building (at Morris) to Houston Ave.
(approximately 0.7 miles total for both sides of 3)
- 3' Street from Houston Ave. to Merrill Ave. — only the west side of 3 Street should be
plowed (approximately .02 miles for the one side of 3")
- 2"4 Street between Morris Ave & Webster Ave. (approximately 0.2 miles total for both sides of 274)
- 1% Street between Morris Ave & W. Clay Ave. (approximately 0.2 miles total for both sides of 1**)
- 18 Street from W. Clay Ave. to W. Webster Ave — only the west side of 1° Street Should be
plowed (approximately .01 miles for the one side of 1%)
- Jefferson St. between W. Western Ave & W. Muskegon Ave. (approximately 0.4 miles total for
both sides of Jefferson )
- Terrace St. between Shoreline Dr. & W. Muskegon Ave. (approximately 0.8 miles total for both
sides of Terrace)
- Pine St, between W. Western Ave. & W. Clay Ave. (approximately 0.1 miles total for both sides of
Pine)
Sidewalk Street Crossings
- Allefforts should be made to keep sidewalk entrances to streets clear
3% & W. Western Traffic Circle
- The cross walks in the traffic circle at 3 and Western should also be cleared
Sidewalk snow removal for Saturdays (weekend map)
- _W. Western Ave. from Terrace to 7" St., both sides of the street.
- Morris Avenue, Terrace St. to Third St., both sides of the street.
- Clay Ave. from Third St. to Terrace St., both sides of the street,
- Third St. from Morris Ave. to Merrill Ave., both sides of the street.
Sidewalk Street Crossings
- All efforts should be made to keep sidewalk entrances to streets clear
3% & W. Western Traffic Circle
- The cross walks in the traffic circle at 3 and Western should also be cleared
Salting and snow pile removals
- Salting of sidewalks and crosswalk entrances will be done when they are treacherous and
weather conditions for salting are favorable.
- Snow pile removal will be done when needed in coordination with piles from street plowing.
Issues concerning the daily sidewalk snow plowing services will be handled jointly by Dave Alexander,
executive director of Downtown Muskegon Now on behalf of the BID or BID board members residing
downtown on weekends and holidays and city Public Works Director Mohammed Al-Shatel or his
designee.
On behalf of the city Department of Public Works:
Date:
Frank Peterson, Muskegon city manager
On behalf of the downtown Muskegon Business Improvement District:
Date:
Doug Pollock, BID board chairman
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Issues Media Group’s On the Ground project update
Issues Media Group will begin Oct. 5 with a six-month intensive reporting
project on Muskegon called On the Ground through the company’s
RapidGrowth news outlet in Grand Rapids.
The project is a collaboration among four funding partners: MEDC, Pure
Muskegon members, DMN-Chamber-Watch Muskegon and hopefully the
Community Foundation (request for funding filed by IMG on behalf of
DMN).
The total cost is $48,000 and those needing to contribute to a non-profit
are doing so through Downtown Muskegon Now.
The intensive reporting project will be interactive and community engaging.
Weekly stories will be generated and update news items will be produced.
The focus is the southern shore of Muskegon Lake in conjunction with the
Imagine Muskegon Lake planning effort. The center of the project is the
kayak launch at Muskegon County’s Heritage Landing in terms of kayaking
use of the lake and the accessibility it provides all.
Stories will look at the environment, economic development and the
people and organizations that are found along the lakeshore. The project
area includes the downtown and the neighborhoods Jackson Hill,
McLaughlin, Nelson, Nims, Glenside, Lakeside and Bluffton-Beachwood. It
includes what could be happening from the B.C. Cobb plant to Windward
Pointe and the beach.
The project editor/writer is Anna Gustafson, a former RapidGrowth editor
who has moved into Muskegon County in the past six months with a home
purchase. She is a millennial with an engaging personality and an extensive
reporting/media background. Her email is Anna Gustafson
akgustaf@gmail.com. She is now a freelance writer found at:
https://annagustafson.org/
She has been offered workspace in Suite 202 of the chamber and
encouraged to hang out in the neighborhood through the Community
enCompass office. She will be having scheduled hangouts to meet folks in
the various coffee shops and bars of the project area.
Rapid Growth eT
Rapid Growth Media & Downtown Muskegon Business Improvement District
Partnership - On The Ground Program
strategy
Rapid Growth will use an embedded journalism model to maintain a presence in the
Imagine Muskegon Lake district from August through December of 2017. Rapid
Growth will focus weekly coverage on the area to tell the story of the businesses,
individuals and non-profits working and living there.
On The Ground Program
Rapid Growth has identified a project editor to understand the district and the nuances
of its community. The project editor will hold regular office hours in the neighborhood,
as well as attend monthly neighborhood events and convenings, and host dedicated
editorial advisories to engage residents and citywide stakeholders for story ideas and
networking.
Throughout the program, Rapid Growth will publish weekly content, send a monthly
dedicated mailing, and manage consistent social media coverage about the Imagine
Muskegon Lake district. Rapid Growth will produce, cover, and promote a finale event
upon completion of the project. This will include video coverage and a neighborhood
event hosted by Rapid Growth.
Rapid Growth also works with a 37 party evaluator to produce a comprehensive
evaluation of the program after the intensive embedded period in each neighborhood.
Muskegon BID ads will be placed alongside On The Ground content in Rapid Growth.
— Program Pricing —
Coalition
The On The Ground program in Muskegon will be funded by a coalition of partners:
- Michigan Economic Development Corporation
- Watch Muskegon
- Downtown Muskegon Business Improvement District
Pure Muskegon
o Steve Olsen
0 Larry Hines (Hines Corporation)
o Mike Olthoff (Nichols)
Community Foundation for Muskegon County
Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce
Total for Downtown Muskegon BID $5,000
Program total $48,000
— Contract Terms —
Payment terms: Payment due upon receipt of invoice(s).
Contract duration: August - December 2017
Muskegon BID payment will be made to Downtown Muskegon Now (DMN). DMN will
pay the full contract amount to Rapid Growth/Issue Media Group.
No amendment, change or modification to this contract will be effective unless it is in
writing and signed by both parties. Either Rapid Growth or Downtown Muskegon
Development Improvement District may terminate this contract for any reason by
giving the other party 30-days written notice.
This contract contains the entire agreement between Rapid Growth and Downtown
Muskegon Business Improvement District, and there are no other conditions in any
other written or oral agreement concerning the subject matter in this contract. This
contract supersedes any prior written or oral agreement between Rapid Growth and
Downtown Muskegon Business Improvement District.
Issue Media Group's Underwriting Policy
Issue Media Group (IMG) offers its underwriters the opportunity to directly align their
brands with content about talent, innovation, diversity, and place. In addition, IMG
provides corporations, governments, institutions, nonprofits, and foundations with
similarly focused missions a way to use their media budgets to support and expand
coverage of job growth, economic development, real estate, non-profit innovation, city
building, and place making.
Underwriting is the basis of our model as a publication. Underwriters are considered
crucial to our organization and their support is the reason that IMG is able to produce
content within a broad spectrum of topics. Support from underwriters allows IMG to
dedicate editorial resources to cover key issue areas that are of importance to both the
undermriter and IMG's mission.
We work with like-minded stakeholders who have shared values and missions.
Because of our intersecting interests, we may cover our underwriters’ work
journalistically. However, IMG observes strict boundaries regarding the direction,
review, and approval of content that is published.
IMG encourages undemriters to pitch ideas through Editorial Advisories and to our
editorial teams. We value the knowledge our partners bring to our work, and we
encourage underwriters to send story ideas, trends in underwriters’ areas of expertise,
and press releases. However, published content is at the discretion of the editorial
teams and all final decisions regarding content are made without client approval.
While underwriters are not allowed to review or approve content, IMG works with them
to establish focus areas that will be included in coverage. If an underwriter desires the
ability to direct or edit content, the content will be considered “Partner Content,” and
given a treatment that distinguishes it from editorial content. The underwriter's logo
will be embedded in the story and a transparency statement will be included.
IMG works with underwriters to fully understand the issues they care about. However,
IMG trusts its editorial teams to shape stories around issues in a way that will resonate
with readers.
IMG honors truthfulness and strives to avoid conflicts of interest in our reporting. This
includes real conflicts and acts that may appear to be a conflict. To this end, we opt to
disclose any relationships with underwriters that could be perceived as complicating
our journalistic mission.
— Partnership Approval —
By signing this proposal, the undersigned Client representing Downtown Muskegon
Business Improvement District authorizes Rapid Growth to proceed with the work
described in this proposal and to bill according to the terms indicated above.
Accepted by Muskeg Accepted by Rapid
Gi
Business Improvement District:
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Signature
Signature
| Name ee. Re. OM. | Paul Schutt
| Date V Date
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