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CITY OF MUSKEGON
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY/BROWNFIELD
REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
MEETING
March 17, 2026 @ 10:30 AM
CONFERENCE ROOM 204
933 TERRACE STREET, MUSKEGON, MI 49440
MINUTES
AGENDA
CALL TO ORDER
M. Bottomley called the meeting to order at 10:32 and and roll was taken.
Introduction of 2 new members were made. Kate Lynnes (present) and Chad Doane (not present)
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
I. January 13, 2026 DDA/BRA Meeting Minutes Economic Development
A motion to January 13, 2026 DDA/BRA Meeting Minutes was made by B. Hastings, supported by J. Moore.
All in favor.
ROLL CALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Martha Bottomley, Kiel Reid (arrived at 10:57am), Bob
Tarrant, Sherri Black, Michael Kleaveland, James Curtis, Andrew Boyd, Brad
Hastings, Jeanette moore, JoAnn Dornbos, Kate Lynnes
MEMBERS ABSENT:
MEMBERS EXCUSED: Jonathan Seyferth, Chad Doane
STAFF PRESENT: J. Hines, W. Webster
OTHERS PRESENT:
PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS
None
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PUBLIC HEARINGS
None
NEW BUSINESS
I. DDA: Acceptance of Financial Report for January 31, 2026 Economic
Development
City staff is requesting approval of the financial report for the period ending January 31, 2026. The current projected fund
balance is $454,964.56. Significant January expenses were staffing, snow removal, facade grant, and holiday lights.
A motion to approve the January 31, 2026, financial report as presented was made by M. Kleaveland, supported by B.
Tarrant
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: J. Curtis, M. Kleaveland, A. Boyd, K. Lynnes, B. Tarrant, B. Hastings, M. Bottomley, S. Black, J.
Moore, J. Dornbos
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
II. DDA: Acceptance of Financial Report for February 28, 2026 Economic
Development
City staff is requesting approval of the financial report for the period ending February 28, 2026. The current
projected fund balance is $454,964.56. Our Treasurer informed me that the total property tax capture will
be $519,000, as opposed to $537,000 due to property tax adjustments being made during Board of Review.
Significant February expenses were staffing and a facade grant.
Motion by B. Hastings, second by S. Black, to approve the February 28, 2026 financial report as presented. .
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: J. Curtis, M. Kleaveland, A. Boyd, K. Lynnes, B. Tarrant, B. Hastings, M. Bottomley, S.
Black, J. Moore, J. Dornbos
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
III. DDA: Western Market Workshop Approval by Stingray Advisory Group
Economic Development
Last year, StingRay Advisory Group facilitated three workshops for our Chalet vendors covering a variety of
topics, including:
• Transitioning to a Brick-and-Mortar Location
• Marketing Tips and Leveraging Analytics
• Understanding Your Financials
The workshops were attended by an average of seven (7) Chalet vendors. While we did not conduct a
formal pre- and post-survey, several vendors shared positive feedback and indicated that the sessions
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provided valuable information to help them grow their businesses.
In this year’s budget, we have allocated funding to host three additional workshops with StingRay Advisory
Group, focusing on pricing strategies, market research, and competitor analysis. Northern Initiatives also
conducts a business skills needs assessment with each Chalet vendor. Once completed, we will share this
information with StingRay Advisory Group, which may provide an opportunity to adjust workshop topics to
better meet vendor needs.
This year, we also plan to conduct both pre- and post-workshop surveys to gather more structured
feedback from participants and provide more comprehensive reporting to the DDA Board.
Further discussion:
1. Have the first session prior to opening season and possibly require attendance as part of their
agreement (J. Hines to check legality)
2. Survey afterwards to share
3. Have success stories from previous and current chalet owners to share with potential new chalet
owners.
Motion by B. Tarrant, second by A. Boyd, to approve the invoice from StingRay Advisory Group in the
amount of $7,000 for Western Market chalet vendor workshops..
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: J. Curtis, M. Kleaveland, A. Boyd, K. Lynnes, B. Tarrant, B. Hastings, M. Bottomley, S.
Black, J. Moore, J. Dornbos
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
IV. Livability Muskegon Lakeshore Magazine Proposal Economic
Development
The Community Engagement Team is requesting the DDA’s consideration to partner with the Lakeside
BID/CIA, Muskegon Farmers Market, Western Market, and their respective teams to participate in a shared
advertisement in the Livability Muskegon Lakeshore Magazine.
The proposed DDA contribution would be up to $1,400 toward the total package cost of $6,960.
The advertising package includes:
• A premium full-page advertisement facing the table of contents
• An online leaderboard advertisement
• First right of refusal for next year’s publication
• 100 complimentary copies of the magazine
According to analytics from last year’s edition, the publication achieved significant reach:
• 23,300 views of the Livability Muskegon website and related articles
• 20,000 average annual page views of the digital magazine
• 356,000+ impressions through social media promotion of Livability Muskegon content
The primary traffic sources for the publication were Muskegon, Norton Shores, Detroit, Grand Rapids, and
Chicago.
Participation in this partnership would provide additional visibility for Muskegon’s downtown district while
aligning with other local partners promoting the Muskegon Lakeshore region.
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Motion by B. Hastings, second by J. Moore, to approve spending $1,400 for the Livability Muskegon
Lakeshore Magazine.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: J. Curtis, M. Kleaveland, A. Boyd, K. Lynnes, B. Tarrant, B. Hastings, M. Bottomley, S.
Black, J. Moore, J. Dornbos, K. Reid
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
I. Strategic Planning Session — DISCUSSION ONLY Economic Development
As we begin preparing for the 2026–2027 budget discussions, staff recommends that the Board consider
engaging a consultant to facilitate a strategic planning session. A consultant could help the Board identify
clear goals, set expectations, and evaluate staffing needs and support. Additionally, a consultant could
assist with updating the DDA’s decades-old Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Plan. Staff will research needs,
wants, expectations and guidance. Will present to the board before moving forward with RFP.- Discussion
Only.
II. Added Western Market Sponsorship - The pitch competition should be revised to
incorporate a structured framework of questions, and participants should be informed of these in advance
to ensure they are adequately prepared.
K. Reid made a motion to sponsor 2 chalet vendors for the 2026 season so that the rent is paid for the year.
The competition to be determined at a later date. J. Moore supported.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Ayes: J. Curtis, M. Kleaveland, A. Boyd, K. Lynnes, B. Tarrant, B. Hastings, M.
Bottomley, S. Black, J. Moore, J. Dornbos, K. Reid
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:39.
Respectfully Submitted,
Ann Marie Meisch, MMC City Clerk
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