MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

WHICH TOOK PLACE ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2007

COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, MIDLAND, MICHIGAN

 

Denise Hufford read Roll Call.

 

PRESENT:     DDA MEMBERS – Bo Brines, Doug Chapman, Mike Hayes, Jack McCandless, Ranny Riecker, Jim Stamas, Claudia Wallin

 

ABSENT:       Jenny Anderson, Fr. Fleming, Paula Liveris, Jon Lynch, Sue Rabbage, Mark Ruhle

 

PRESENT:     STAFF – Denise Hufford, Stephanie Szostak, Keith Baker

 

PRESENT:     OTHERS – Rich Pomeroy

 

Wallin called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m.

 

1.      Approval of past meeting minutes

Motion to approve the September 12, 2007 meeting minutes by McCandless. Seconded by Riecker. Approved unanimously.

 

2.      Reports

a)      Design Committee

Chapman showed the design for a downtown kiosk. Features include a business listing that is changeable. To be installed in spring 2008. 

 

Chapman reported that there is an action item to approve the façade loan request by Rich Pomeroy for the former Baringer’s Men Shop. Rich Pomeroy gave a brief overview of the project including an invitation to the board to come to the open house once construction is complete.

 

Chapman asked for approval of the action item:

 

The Downtown Development Authority Board of Directors hereby approves the Façade Loan in the amount of $15,000 for façade improvements at the building owned by Rich Pomeroy located at 129 E. Main Street, upon execution of a personal and business guarantee.

Seconded by Stamas. Approved unanimously.

 

Baker reported that the Redevelopment and Design study has given the board one more week to make any suggestions for changes. Email your changes to Baker or Hufford. Final report will be brought to the board at the November meeting for approval.

 

b)      Horticulture Report

Szostak reported that the annuals have been removed, baskets and pots put away for the winter, bulbs have been planted, soil drenching completed, and mums have been planted. Tree lights for corner trees will be installed by the October 18 Pumpkin Festival. Irrigation should be turned off next week, and the day lily division project will be worked on as time permits this fall.

 

Szostak will present the 2008 Annual design at the November meeting.

 

c)      Organization Committee

Baker reported that the search for an Executive Director for the DDA continues. Twelve applications have been received so far. The search remains open until October 19. Applicants must fill out a City of Midland job application form, available at www.midland-mi.org. The search committee will meet on October 29 to review applications.

 

Hufford will set up a budget committee meeting. All sub-committees should review their budgets for the coming year.

 

d)      Economic Restructuring Committee

Hayes reported 8 downtown vacancies for lease and one property for sale. New business called Tri-City Nutrition will offer 31 flavors of smoothies and other health foods sometime in November.

 

Hayes presented the new downtown business recruitment packet. Can be updated and used as a marketing tool for downtown.

 

e)      Creating Cool Committee

Wallin reported the new downtown website is up and running. A few minor glitches, but overall seems to be working well.

 

Wallin reported that the Google Headquarters in Ann Arbor, Michigan invited Midland to decorate one of their conference rooms. The DDA sent event posters along with a replica of the red wagon to promote the 100 Best Communities to Raise Young Children Award received this year. The Chamber of Commerce is coordinating this project. Hayes reported that this room has been named “The Midland Room.”

 

Wallin reported upcoming events including Mannequin Night (10/11), Pumpkin Festival (10/18), Santa Parade (11/17), Santa’s Arrival and Courthouse Lighting (11/27), and Breakfast with Santa (12/1). Tickets for Breakfast with Santa go on sale November 1st.

 

f)       Midland Downtown Business Association

Hufford reported that Mannequin Night is tomorrow night, October 11, from 6:30-8 pm and is a joint venture with Northwood University’s Fashion Department. Pumpkin Festival is Thursday, October 18 from 6-7:30 pm and features many fun pumpkin events.

 

Hufford reported that the DDA Board is invited to attend the Michigan Main Street Annual Review on Wednesday, October 31 from 11:30am – 1 pm at Ashman Court Hotel.

 

 

Public Comments

None.

 

Old Business

Strategic Planning will be held in January. Hufford will contact Board Members to find convenient dates.

 

New Business

None.

 

Adjourn

There was no further business to come before the Board. McCandless moved that the meeting be adjourned. Hayes seconded. Meeting adjourned at 3:22 p.m.