MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY
WHICH TOOK PLACE ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2007
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, MIDLAND, MICHIGAN
Denise Hufford read Roll Call.
PRESENT: DDA MEMBERS – Jenny Anderson, Bo Brines, Doug Chapman, Fr. Fleming, Mike
Hayes, Jon Lynch, Jack McCandless, Sue Rabbage, Ranny Riecker, Mark Ruhle, Claudia
Wallin
ABSENT: Paula Liveris, Jim
Stamas
PRESENT: STAFF – Denise Hufford, Stephanie
Szostak, Keith Baker, Margaret Maday, Bradd Maki
PRESENT: OTHERS –
Neil Hershfield
Wallin called the meeting to order
at 3:00 p.m.
Welcome to our new board member,
Fr. TJ Fleming, local pastor at St. Brigid’s Parish.
1.
Approval of past meeting minutes
Motion
to approve the October 10, 2007 meeting minutes by Brines. Seconded by Hayes.
Approved unanimously.
2. Financial Reports
for September 2007
Maday
presented the September 2007 financial statement. Motion to approve statements
by Riecker. Seconded by Hayes. Approved unanimously.
3.
Reports
a)
Design Committee
Chapman showed
the preliminary design for replacement benches for downtown. The old benches are degrading and cost to
repair is prohibitive. This new design is using metal and should wear well with
a contemporary design. Hays asked about the expense, but compared to repair costs
it will be affordable. The design ties in with the wayfinding signage. Would
like to have new benches before Great Lakes Loons All Star Game in June, 2008.
Chapman
showed design for three downtown kiosks. Features include a business listing
that is changeable. To be installed in spring 2008. Locations possibly at
Main/Ashman, Main/Rodd, by the Tridge (with Rail Trail information included). Cost
is approximately $16,000 for all three signs. Brines asked about tamper
resistance. Although they are not completely resistant they are very sturdy.
Wallin
asked the committee to vote on moving forward on ordering and installing the 3
new kiosks this spring. Motion was seconded by McCandless and approved
unanimously.
b)
Horticulture Report
Szostak
reported that the crew divided out the day lilies. Crew was also able to clean
out area behind Espresso Milano. The fall mums are starting to fade and will be
cut back and the beds cleaned for winter. Szostak presented the design for the
2008 summer plantings that includes lots of hot colors, shapes, and textures.
Szostak
thanked Dow Gardens for their generous donation of 20 flats of annuals.
c)
Organization Committee
Baker
reported that the search for an Executive Director for the DDA continues.
Committee has interviewed 3 candidates and will interview 2 more next week.
Then the committee will meet to decide if additional interviews are necessary.
There were 37 applicants with 5 applicants receiving interviews.
d)
Budget Committee
Reicker
reported that the Budget Committee met for preliminary meeting. Will meet again
in January and have all committees report to the budget committee.
e)
Economic Restructuring Committee
Hayes
reported 8 downtown vacancies for lease and one property for sale. Many inquiries,
but no firm business.
Hayes
reported the business recruitment packets have been well received and available
at the DDA office.
Baker presented
the final Redevelopment and Design Study and asked the Board to vote on the
action item:
The Downtown Development Authority Board of Directors hereby approves the adoption of the 2007 Hamilton Anderson Redevelopment and Design Study for the Downtown Development Authority.
Motion by
Reicker to approve, seconded by Hayes.
Hayes
would like to assure citizens that this is a suggested plan and that the DDA
doesn’t plan to go out and move businesses out of the way. The plan has a time
frame from 5-20 years. Baker noted that many committees are already looking at
specific projects identified in the study. The study is already being utilized.
Approved
unanimously.
f)
Creating Cool Committee
Wallin
reported on the upcoming event, Breakfast with Santa (12/1) at Ashman Court
Hotel. Tickets for Breakfast with Santa are almost sold out. Call the DDA
office at 839-8433 for tickets.
The 2008
Calendar of Events is now out – over 20 events will take place downtown plus
the Farmers Market, Tunes by the Tridge and the Artist Market.
g)
Midland Downtown Business Association
Hufford
reported that the Santa Parade is this Saturday, November 17 at 10 am and the
Courthouse Lighting and Arrival of Santa is November 27 at 7 pm. A new event
will be held this year on the first three Saturdays in December – the 1st,
8th, and 15th. Downtown Midland will host free horse and
carriage rides from 12 noon – 4 pm, 25 cent hot cocoa available at Pizza Sam’s,
Daddy O’s, Espresso Milano, and the United Way Building along with strolling
carolers – a fun and festive atmosphere downtown to do all your holiday
shopping. A $5 coupon (off a $25 purchase) will be inserted into the Midland
Daily News on November 29th – many retailers are participating.
Public Comments
None.
Old Business
None.
New Business
None.
Adjourn
There was
no further business to come before the Board. Ruhle moved that the meeting be
adjourned. Reicker seconded. Meeting adjourned at 3:35 p.m.