SPECIAL MEETING OF THE

MIDLAND CENTER CITY AUTHORITY,

TO TAKE PLACE ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 2012, 8:00 A.M.

COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, MIDLAND, MICHIGAN

 

1.   ROLL CALL

      MEMBERS PRESENT:              Clint Struthers, Jerry Deming, Joe Kozuch, Cliff Miles, David Ginis,.

      MEMBERS ABSENT:     Jon Lynch, Christine Rapanos

      STAFF PRESENT:          Brad Kaye, Director of Planning and Community Development, Lori Morgan, Planning Department intern, and Joe Valent, Chamber of Commerce.

      OTHERS PRESENT:      Rick Fraser, Julie Ratcliffe, Scott Marquiss, Ann Beck, Paul Reder  and Julia Jordan.

2.   INTRODUCTIONS

 

Roundtable introductions were completed.

 

3.   EDUCATIONAL EFFORTS

 

Clint Struthers opened discussion of the proposed Center City TIF plan.  He explained that the intent of the plan was to redirect taxes from the City’s general fund to the Center City area, not levy additional taxes on the properties and businesses in the area.  This approach has been successfully utilized in the downtown area for about 20 years, since about the time the Midland Mall was constructed.  We are now in the educational phase of the process.  A public hearing will be held by the CCA Board on June 20, 2012 to consider a recommendation on the TIF plan.  If supported, the TIF plan will then be forwarded to City Council for consideration and a further public hearing.

 

a.    Personal Contact with Business and Property Owners

Board members were encouraged to personally contact as many business and property owners in the proposed TIF area as possible in the coming weeks.  Educating those that will be impacted by the TIF plan and answering the questions they may have will be important to the success and support of the plan.

 

b.    Open House

An open house is scheduled at the Law Enforcement Center on June 13, 2012.  A powerpoint presentation will be used to explain the proposed TIF plan.  Display boards will also be used.  Cindy Winland, Consulting Planner, and CCA Board members will be at the open house to engage those in attendance in conversation and answers any questions they may have.

 

 

c.    Letter to Business and Property Owners

A letter will be prepared and sent to every business and property owner in the area covered by the TIF plan.  Board members requested the chance to review and comment on the letter before it is mailed out.  Mr. Struthers agreed to provide Board members with the letter before it is mailed.

 

d.    Ways to Support Adoption

The new website is now up and active at www.midlandcentercity.org. The open house flyer has been placed on the website.  Board members were encouraged to engage as many people as possible in conversations about the TIF plan.  Attendance at the June 20, 2012 CCA Board meeting and public hearing on the TIF plan to show support for the proposed plan was also encouraged.

 

Joe Valent questioned what the response should be when questioned whether or not a specific assessment may be applied within part or all of the center city area under this TIF plan.  Clint Struthers responded that an answer to this should be developed so that all members would respond consistently.

 

The projects that would be funded by the TIF plan was questioned.  Clint Struthers answered that the development Plan for the center city area establishes the projects that will be completed and funded.  The plan has a list of projects, but that list is not prioritized.  A general discussion comparing a TIF plan to a special assessment followed.

 

4.   ADJOURNMENT

      As there was no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:55 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Brad's Signature.JPG

C. Bradley Kaye, AICP

Director of Planning and Community Development

 

 

MINUTES ARE NOT FINAL UNTIL APPROVED BY THE CENTER CITY AUTHORITY.