Statement of Purpose (vision) of Community Advisory Group (CAG).

  1. Statement of Authority (power) of CAG.
  2. Statement of Mission: Work Today, Protect Tomorrow. (this is not a traditional “mission”)
  3. Statement of who CAG reports to (role); city, HDR, community.
  4. SOP’s for how CAG will function, communicate, collaborate, advise.
  5. List of all CAG members and contact details.
  6. Place for CAG to store documents, Dropbox, bulletin board, blog, chatroom, so can see each other’s posts, comments, etc.
  7. Place for CAG to collaborate, Basecamp; a matrix model; not a wheel & spoke model.
  8. Link on city website to the HI website where community can follow CAG activity.

Advisory Group Questions

  1. Who is CAG advising?  City?  HDR?  Community?
  2. What is the scope of CAG’s awareness?  Involvement?  Contribution?
  3. CAG meeting quarterly; fine.  But, there needs to be engagement monthly; i.e. surveys, question forms, idea contributions on an issue . . . etc.  Quarterly is a long dry spell.
  4. How often to update community?  Quarterly at least, but more frequently if possible.
  5. Have a link for community to sign up and opt in for email updates (similar to what city does for Friday updates now).
  6. Find ways to use surveys with community, maybe once a quarter or more.
  7. What role will CAG play in assessment, issue framing, problem solving, decision making?
  8. What processes will CAG follow?  What are the CAG SOP’s?
  9. Where will CAG create, review, find and place documents for other CAG’s to see and interact with?
  10. This is a long, multi-year journey.  How will CAG maintain continuity as some members phase out and others phase in?
  11. How will new CAG members be enlisted as others quit or phase out over time?

Harbor Island Questions

  1. What is the long-term purpose (vision) for HI?
  2. How will a HI Masterplan be developed?
  3. Can we start with a blank footprint of HI outline, and brainstorm filling in puzzle pieces of “elements” that end up there over short and long term.  At least the blank map lines so we all start to identify with the landscape.
  4. Should Harbor Island become an authority; Harbor Island Authority?
  5. What image do we want HI to have?
  6. What will be HI distinctives; destination factors?  Vs. Mackinaw Island, Drummond Island, Presque Isle, Beaver Island, Boblo Island, etc.
  7. How do we want HI to be found/ reached / experienced; etc.?
  8. Does HI have its own website or merely a link on the city website?
  9. How far do we want HI’s reputation to reach?
  10. List of FAQ’s for the several phases of HI recovery and future build out?
  11. How will HI be connected (knitted together) with Tri-Cities, county?
  12. What elements should HI have; e.g. recreational, educational, historical, boat launch, physical fitness course, ice skating, amphitheater, performance stage, etc.?
  13. Where can we find similar projects for comparison / guidance?
  14. Where can we find best practices on how to proceed / how to end up?
  15. How do we engage the community before / during / after HI’s journey?
  16. How do we define “community”?  Stakeholders?  Users?  Etc.?
  17. How should HI be connected (physically & intellectually) to the city?  The museum?  The library?  The county?
  18. How can we tap into skill sets and expertise of museum, library, schools, universities, community, etc.?
  19. What are the physical touch points we want for HI?  Virtual touch points?
  20. Should HI be virtually interactive with the public?  How to do?
  21. Could we engage the local historical society to develop the “history” of HI up to current?  It is historically significant and should be part of HI’s “life”.
  22. How do we engage public and private funding on HI elements; e.g. birdwatching platforms, snowshoe trail, pet paths, walking paths, soccer fields, solar garden, historical education plaques, boat launch, charter fishing, etc.?
  23. What utilities and services will HI have, e.g. electric, water, sewer, bathrooms, area lighting, parking, paved roads, etc.?
  24. Will anything be unique to local demographics, e.g. elderly, youth, skate park, preschool, sports, pets, veterans, special needs, etc.?
  25. How will ADA be factored in?
  26. Will HI draw any seasonal events, e.g. winter / spring / summer / fall fest activities, etc.?
  27. Should HI be a year-round destination; or only seasonal?
  28. How will HI incorporate / enhance Linear Park; soccer fields, should it?

Funding Questions

  1. List of elected officials; local, state, federal to help find funding.
  2. List of local, state, federal foundations, charities, special interest groups.
  3. Grant writer to seek funding.

Element Ideas

  1. Walking path around the full perimeter.
    1. Interactive environmental markers along the way that ask questions and give information of that particular spot.
    1. Sitting benches like along the boardwalk (lookouts).
    1. Picnic table areas.
    1. Water fountains; bathrooms.
    1. ADA compliant.
    1. Solar lighting for pathway.
    1. Emergency phone / call boxes.
  2. Snowshoe and cross-x ski trail on walking path during winter.
  3. Ice skating rink.
  4. Soccer / Lacrosse fields.
  5. Basketball / Pickleball / Tennis courts.
  6. Farmer’s market on the spot just over the 3rd St bridge DPW uses now for storage, etc.
    1. Solar roof panels for electricity.
    1. Bathrooms / water fountains.
  7. Charter fishing center; move the one from downtown.
  8. Marina, boat / canoe launch.
  9. Amphitheater for concerts, large events.
    1. Area for food trucks; kiosks.
    1. Winter carnival; chili cookoff, music fest, art fest, etc.
  10. Birdwatching stations.
  11. Linear Park as part of the perimeter pathway.