The HEART (Hart Economic and Redevelopment Team) board met for their monthly meeting Wednesday, Jan. 14 with members Scott Beal, Lindsay Brown, Noble Graham-Lattin, Hannah Juhl, ex officio member and Hart City Manager Nichole Kleiner, Chairman Andrew Mullen, Sue Payne and Maria Rosas present. Members absent were city council representatives Catalina Burillo and Dean Hodges.
Brown reported that she had sourced three different downtown light pole banner options and will do a community poll to decide which design to go with. The banners will cost $3,500 and be installed after the snowflake banners come down.
The market chalets located on East Main Street will be moved prior to the upcoming streetscape project this spring. The final decision for where they will be relocated is yet to be made; however, the HEART board recommends moving them where they will be best utilized and provide the city with some financial benefit.
Kleiner told The Oceana Echo later that while the hope was the Market Chalets would remain a part of the downtown well into the future, Hart TIFA [Tax Increment Financing Authority] only agreed to fund their portion of the streetscape project ($660,000) if the chalets were “permanently” removed. The city council agreed to the terms so the city could accept the $1 million RAP [Revitalization and Placemaking] grant to fund the streetscape project.
The posting of the city’s open Community and Economic Development Director position was posted both internally and externally and expired Jan. 22. The personnel committee has had one interview and hopes to have someone in place by March.
With regards to the Ceres property development opportunity, a four-color postcard was shared with the group that will be mailed to approximately 50 developers. The board would like to expand its promotion of this opportunity to neighboring states, not just Michigan. It was suggested that a follow-up with those contacts inviting them to tour the property would be a logical next step. “If we send it out, we need to follow up,” Payne said. To date, there has been one developer who has looked at the property and will be submitting a quote.
The H-Art Project Initiative, to have 25 art installations by 2025, has been on the back burner for several months as the city has been transitioning through the process of filling the City Manager and Community Economic Development Director positions. Adding more art in Hart is still a goal of the HEART board, and proceeds from this year’s Frozen Tin Man golf outing will go toward the H-Art Project.
Even though January is typically slower, those members present all reported positive activity at each of their businesses this past month. Two downtown businesses have expanded or will be expanding before spring, and two will be undergoing some minor renovations during the downtime winter brings. They are all looking forward to Winterfest and all the fun and energy that event brings to the community.
The board reviewed its three main committees - Development, Business Support; Marketing, Talent, Promotion; and Budgeting and discussed possible meeting schedules. Chairman Mullen reminded the group that all three are open to community members who wish to serve in an advisory capacity. Interested community members should contact the city offices for further information.
Brown reported that volunteers are needed at each intersection for the State Street Mile Fun Run/Walk that will begin at 11 a.m. of Winterfest, Feb. 7. Those interested in volunteering should contact Brown at lbrown@cityofhart.org or call 231-923-3837.
Currently the HEART board meets the second Wednesday of every month at 2 p.m. at the Hart Community Center. Committees meet whenever convenient for those involved. The next HEART board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 11 at 2 p.m. in the Hart Community Center.
