The City of Montague Downtown Development Authority (DDA) met Thursday morning, December 18, 2025, with a full agenda that included approving prior meeting minutes, setting the 2026 meeting schedule, reviewing a pre-budget request for a community event, and spending significant time discussing the status of a Revolving Loan Fund loan connected to Bardic Wells Meadery.
November minutes approved
The board began by approving the November 2025 meeting minutes, followed by approval of the November 20, 2025 closed meeting minutes.
2026 meeting schedule adopted
Next, the board reviewed the proposed 2026 DDA meeting schedule. A motion was made and approved to adopt the schedule.
Walk the Beat 2026: Pre-budget request approved
The DDA then considered Walk the Beat 2026, presented as a pre-budget request of $1,200. Staff noted the request reflected a $200 increase from the previous year’s $1,000.
Board members discussed the value of the event, acknowledging it as a strong community draw that brings people into the area, while also noting that the benefit may vary depending on a business’s location and the weather. After discussion, the board voted by roll call to approve the request.
Revolving Loan Fund: Bardic Wells Meadery discussion and interim payment plan
A large portion of the meeting focused on the Revolving Loan Fund loan associated with Bardic Wells Meadery.
The business owner presented a multi-stage approach aimed at stabilizing the business through the winter and improving cash flow through the busy season. Key elements discussed included:
- A planned price increase (nearly $1 per bottle, structured to land on a round number after tax).
- Maintaining modest payments during winter months due to higher seasonal expenses (taxes, insurance, licenses, heating).
- Increasing payments as revenue improves during the warmer months and (ideally) during Farmers Market season.
- Exploring additional events to build traffic, including adding another game/special night to complement the existing Thursday night game programming.
Board members asked detailed questions about advertising and promotion, the likelihood and timing of a potential business sale or investor, and what would happen if the business missed payments under a proposed schedule. The business owner stated that a long-term solution may involve finding an investor or buyer, and that reducing the loan balance would make the business more attractive to a future purchaser.
Farmers Market eligibility was also discussed. It was clarified that the issue is not state licensing, but local requirements tied to being current with city obligations (such as taxes, utilities, or loan payments). The owner indicated the goal was to be in good standing so Farmers Market participation could be part of the business’s recovery plan.
Next steps: board input and a draft proposal
The DDA discussed the need for a clearer, enforceable plan moving forward, including potential loan terms, payment structure, and any conditions that could be included in a revised agreement. Staff indicated that with direction from the board, a written proposal could be prepared for review at a the January meeting, but emphasized that board guidance would be necessary on topics such as payment amounts, term length, interest, and any conditions for compliance.
Motion: $50/month payments during negotiations
To show good faith while negotiations continue—and to provide consistency for “good standing” purposes—the board approved a motion allowing the business to make $50 monthly payments on the existing loan while the renegotiation process is underway, with payments due on the 15th of each month. The board approved the motion by roll call.
Priority Project List: member input requested
The Priority Project List was discussed briefly near the end of the meeting. With time running short, staff indicated an email would be sent requesting members’ input and bullet-point feedback so rankings and next steps could be compiled for discussion in January.
Public comment, other business, and adjournment
With no public comment, the meeting adjourned.
Montague DDA Recap: November 20, 2025 Meeting
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