MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY WHICH TOOK PLACE ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 09, 2008 COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, MIDLAND MICHIGAN

 

Tony Kulick read Roll Call.

 

PRESENT:     DDA MEMBERS -  Bo Brines,  Mike Hayes,  Jack McCandless, 

Marty McGuire,  Mark Ruhle,  Claudia Wallin

 

ABSENT:       Paula Liveris, Marty McGuire, Jenny Anderson, Jon Lynch,

 Ranny Riecker, Sue Rabbage, Jim Stamas       

 

Present:          STAFF – Tony Kulick, Keith Baker, Margaret Maday, Stephanie Szostak, Daryl Poprave, Denise Hufford

 

PRESENT:     OTHERS – John Palen (Midland Issues), Cheryl Wade (Midland Daily News), Neil Hershfield (Dow Chemical)

 

Wallin called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. – a quorum was not present

 

  1. Approval of past meeting minutes.

Item postponed pending arrival of quorum

 

  1. Financial Reports for June 2008.

Item postponed pending arrival of quorum

 

  1. Reports.

 

    1. Design Committee

 

Stephanie reported that all the flowers are all planted and doing well since warm weather is here.  A fertilizer tank has been purchased and all the hanging baskets are getting fertilized daily.  There are no bug or other problems yet this year.  She shared photos of several of the flower beds.

 

Kulick reported that the three kiosks had been installed.  The top piece for all of the kiosks are having the letters reglued.   

 

b)      Organization  Committee

 

No report was given

 

 

 

 

 

c)      Economic Restructuring Committee

 

Baker reported that the bids for the housing study had been received and were lower than estimated approximately $6000 rather $10,000.  The contract has been awarded to Community Research Services of Okemos Michigan

 

Hayes reported on properties available for rent, lease or sale in the downtown there were no changes since last month’s report.  He reported that the bridal shop had closed during June and a new business
Kutchey’s  Flowers has opened in the same location.

 

Hayes reported that the Chamber of Commerce has entered into a contract with the Buxton group from Texas to start the retail study approved at the June meeting.  He noted that the partnership relationship allows the entire community to benefit from the study results.  He also reported that there no Michigan firms that could provide the level of analysis that Buxton will be providing.

 

d)      Creating Cool Committee

 

Hufford reported on the successful events that took place in June, including the Highland Festival, Summer Solstice, Farmers Market Tunes by the Tridge, and Artist Market.  She reported that Riverdays will take place July 17 – 19 and the Rock the Park event will take place July 26th.

 

e)      MIDLAND DOWNTOWN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION REPORT

 

Aspin reported that sidewalk sales have been re branded and should be bigger and better than last year.  The new name is Mainstreet Marketplace.  The event will take place July 10, 11 and 12 in the downtown.  She invited everyone to attend and have a good time.  She reported that the MDBA’s annual awards meeting will be taking place on July 29 at the Dow Diamond, tickets are still available.  Awards will be given to the Business Person of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and several Legacy Awards to businesses that have a history of excellence in the downtown.

 

  1. Public Comments

 

            None

 

  1. Old Business

 

            None

 

 

 

  1. Adjourn

 

A quorum never arrived so the Chair postponed approval of the minutes and receipt of the financial reports until the August meeting.

 

M / S Ruhl / Hayes

 

To adjourn the meeting.

 

Approved unanimously

 

 The meeting adjourned at 3:14 p.m.