MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY
WHICH TOOK PLACE ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2008
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL,
Denise Hufford read Roll Call.
PRESENT: DDA MEMBERS – Jenny Anderson, Mike Hayes, Jon Lynch, Jack McCandless, Sue
Rabbage, Mark Ruhle, Claudia Wallin
ABSENT: Bo Brines, Doug
Chapman, Father Fleming, Paula Liveris, Ranny Riecker, Jim Stamas
PRESENT: STAFF – Denise Hufford, Keith Baker,
Margaret Maday, Bradd Maki
PRESENT: OTHERS –
John Palen (Midland Issues), Rich Fosgitt (Wilcox and Associates)
Wallin called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m.
No quorum to begin. Jon Lynch came
in after financial presentation.
1.
Financial Reports for January 2008
Maday presented the
January 2008 financial statement. Cannot approve without quorum.
2.
Reports
a)
Design Committee
Anderson
introduced Neil Hershfield, the Director of Regional
Projects from Dow Chemical to present the Riverfront Design Proposal from
Hamilton Anderson Associates. Anderson read the Action Item. Motion to approve
by Hayes. Seconded by McCandless. Baker mentioned
that once the DDA approves the proposal the City Council will need to approve.
Approved unanimously.
Jon Lynch arrived during Riverfront Proposal.
Board now has quorum.
3.
Financial Reports for January 2008
Motion
to approve statements by Hayes. Seconded by Ruhle.
Approved unanimously.
4.
Approval of past meeting minutes
Motion
to approve the January 9, 2008 meeting minutes by McCandless.
Seconded by Ruhle. Approved unanimously.
Wallin discussed
the Design Committee meeting minutes. Anderson liked the idea of showing
meeting minutes at Board meeting.
a)
Organization Committee
Wallin thanked Hufford for work as Interim Director.
Baker
reported that the application process has closed for the Executive Director
search. 10 qualified candidate applications have been circulated to the
interview committee who will submit their top 5 candidates. Interviews will
begin to be scheduled in the next few weeks.
Wallin discussed
the recent Strategic Planning session held on January 30th. Lee
Rouse was the facilitator and did a great job. 25-30 people attended. There was
excellent discussion throughout the session. The DDA’s mission statement was
re-worked.
The Mission of the DDA is to enable a dynamic downtown
environment that fosters economic growth.
Each
committee will discuss and provide recommended changes to the board. The vision
statement will remain the same.
Small City Charm with Big City Choices.
Projects
and priorities were identified and voted on. Committees were given the top 4
priorities for their committee. They will look at them and report back to the
board regarding their priorities.
Wallin thanked
everyone who participated in Strategic Planning.
b)
Economic Restructuring Committee
Hayes reported
that Tri-City Nutrition, 305 E. Main St., is now open and plans a ribbon
cutting on March 21 at 11:30 am that is open to the public. Artful Dodgers
Brewing Company should open in 2008 on Main Street. Rehman
James Financial will be moving into the old Midland Area Community Foundation.
Hayes
reported 7 downtown vacancies for lease and one property for sale.
Baker
discussed two rezoning Action Items regarding property located on Buttles across from the County Building. While the property
is outside our district the DDA can vote to provide support for rezoning, which
will then go to the Planning Commission and the Midland City Council.
Action
Item Zoning Petition No. 548 by Wilcox Professional Services. Change from
office service to downtown which would allow for mixed use function.
Recommendation from staff is to allow approval. Hayes reported that the
Economic Restructuring committee had discussed and would like to support the
request.
Motion by
Hayes. Seconded by Ruhle. Baker mentioned that there
is representative attending from Wilcox if there are any questions. Supported
Unanimously
Action
Item Zoning Text Amendment No. 146A. Change from maximum height of 28 feet to
none in the Downtown Zoning District in the City of Midland Zoning Ordinance.
Baker explained the history of the height restriction. Economic Restructuring
Committee has reviewed and supported the petition. The Planning Commission is
looking for a specific height instead of none.
Motion by
Hayes. Seconded by Rabbage. Supported Unanimously.
Hayes
asked for questions from the Economic Restructuring minutes from January
meeting. No questions.
c)
Creating Cool Committee
Wallin discussed
the issue of withdrawing membership in the Michigan Main Street Program. Issue
has been discussed at Organization meetings, Strategic Planning, and Creating
Cool meetings. Reasons to withdraw include the costs associated with the
program, staff time to administer, inflexibility of some of the services, and
the advancement of our DDA program.
Lynch
included some information regarding the history of the program and the way the
program has changed and become less suited to Midland’s needs.
A motion
to approve the Action Item to withdraw from the program was made by Wallin. Seconded by Rabbage. Approved
Unanimously. This motion will now go to Midland City Council for final
approval.
Wallin reported
that the 2008 Summer Sculpture Series theme will be Summer of the Dragons. 18
artists have submitted designs, including 3 from local high schools. Dragon sponsorships
for $750 are now available. Please contact the DDA office for more information.
Creating
Cool minutes were shown. No questions.
d)
Midland Downtown Business Association
Hufford
reported that the MDBA’s indoor sidewalk sale, Deals at the Diamond, was a great
success. With 42 retailers and over 1,500 shoppers both the businesses and the
stadium were very pleased with the turnout for the day. Discussion has already
begun about holding the event again next year.
The MDBA
Board would like to extend an open invitation to all DDA Board members to
attend any of their meetings. The next meeting is February19th at 8:30 am in
the DDA Board room. Following meetings will be held on the 2nd
Thursday of the month at 9 am at Pizza Sam’s.
Public Comments
None.
Old Business
None.
New Business
Baker
reported that the tree lighting downtown has been removed for tree trimming,
but it will return soon. The Mark Putnam Bridge Lighting has been completed for
security reasons, safety, and to illuminate the mural. The project came in
under budget. Some graffiti has occurred so hopefully the new lighting will
deter other damage.
Staff is
proceeding with the purchase of the kiosks which should be installed this
Spring. The one placed at the Farmers Market will be temporarily relocated
during any upcoming Riverfront development.
Wallin asked about
the walkabout to decide on placement of the kiosks. Baker responded that the
weather didn’t cooperate so staff will plan to re-schedule during better
weather.
Wallin asked about
a flower presentation. Baker reported that Stephanie will present her 2008
flower design at the March board meeting.
Adjourn
There was
no further business to come before the Board. Hayes moved that the meeting be
adjourned. Rabbage seconded. Meeting adjourned at 3:55
p.m.