MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY
WHICH TOOK PLACE ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2008
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, MIDLAND, MICHIGAN
Denise Hufford read Roll Call.
PRESENT: DDA MEMBERS – Bo Brines, Doug Chapman, Fr. Fleming, Mike Hayes, Jon
Lynch, Jack McCandless, Sue Rabbage, Ranny Riecker, Mark Ruhle, Jim Stamas, Claudia
Wallin
ABSENT: Jenny Anderson,
Paula Liveris
PRESENT: STAFF – Denise Hufford, Keith Baker,
Margaret Maday, Bradd Maki
PRESENT: OTHERS –
John Palen (Midland Issues)
Wallin called the meeting to order
at 3:00 p.m.
1.
Approval of past meeting minutes
Motion
to approve the December 12, 2007 meeting minutes by Hayes. Seconded by Fleming.
Approved unanimously.
2. Financial Reports
for December 2007
Maday
presented the December 2007 financial statement. Chapman asked about interest
income. Maday responded that interest income is posted quarterly and will be on
the next report. Motion to approve statements by Riecker. Seconded by Hayes.
Approved unanimously.
3.
Reports
a)
Design Committee
None
b)
Organization Committee
Wallin
reported that the Strategic Planning session will be held on January 30, 2008
from 9:30 am – 1:30 pm at the Currie Clubhouse and we need a good showing from
our DDA Board. Board and Committee members are invited to attend along with
MDBA members. Also, please complete the SWOT analysis and return to Denise.
Please RSVP to Denise if you plan to attend. Current RSVP – 7 Board, 4 Staff, 6
various committee members.
Baker
reported that the search continues for an Executive Director. The job has been
reposted, applications are available on the city website and the deadline to
apply is February 1, 2008. Interviews will be scheduled in February. The
interview committee hopes to have an announcement in March.
c)
Economic Restructuring Committee
Hayes
reported 7 downtown vacancies for lease and one property for sale. Two retail
spaces at 128 and 134 E. Main are both are available for lease. Personal
Expressions is having a quitting business sale. There are some discussions
underway for a retail leasee, but no final details at this point. The Midland
Area Community Foundation is vacating their space, which has already been re-leased
for office space.
Hayes
reported some discussion in the Economic Restructuring meeting regarding the
need for retail recruitment downtown. Downtown would also like to have downtown
residential, which would require a grocery store. Committee discussed national
chains or local stores to locate downtown.
Hayes
reported that Willow is off to a great start. The second story renovation
should be completed by spring.
d)
Creating Cool Committee
Wallin
reported that the 2008 Summer Sculpture Series theme will be Summer of the
Dragons. Artists are needed to create these creatures and the deadline to
submit a proposal is January 31, 2008. Dragon sponsorships are now available. Please
contact the DDA office for more information.
Riecker
commented that a Chinese Cultural organization may want to be involved. Hufford
will follow up with that partnership.
e)
Midland Downtown Business Association
Hufford
reported that the MDBA have organized an indoor sales event to be held at Dow
Diamond. The event will be titled “Deals at the Diamond” and will be held on
Saturday, February 2, 2008. Center City businesses have been invited to
participate along with other retails businesses in the area. About 25 retailers
have reserved space. There will be prize drawings throughout the day.
Public Comments
Hayes
would like to encourage citizens to visit the Chinese Warriors at the Midland
Center for the Arts. It is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see two of the
terra-cotta warriors along with 48 other relics. There is also a nice chance to
support the Center at a kick off event on January 19th. The exhibit
runs through the first 10 days of April.
Old Business
None.
New Business
None.
Adjourn
There was
no further business to come before the Board. Riecker moved that the meeting be
adjourned. Hayes seconded. Meeting adjourned at 3:15 p.m.