Cheryl
Smith of the Sculpture Committee reported on the status of the 2010 Totally
Turtles Summer Sculpture series.
Seventeen sculptures are being created – nine preform turtles and eight free
form turtles. Sculptures will be placed
the week of June 14th. The sculptures
will visit the Reese Garden Walk on July 21st and the Gala Auction will be held
September 23rd at The H. Sponsorships
are still available at $500 for a full sponsorship and $250 for a partial
sponsorship.
City
Horticulturalist Stephanie Szostak reviewed the flower scheme for 2010. Dow Gardens was gratefully acknowledged for growing
and donating 12 flats of flowers to Downtown Midland for the spring
plantings. Stephanie reported that all
major riverfront clean up was accomplished in previous years and this summer
light maintenance of the area will continue.
Committee
reports were presented as follows:
·
Executive
Committee – Claudia Wallin reported that Paula Liveris has resigned her
position on the DDA board and Rich Pomeroy’s term ends in May 2010 and he will not seek re-appointment. Both were recognized and thanked for the time
and talents they have provided to the DDA Board. Jenny Anderson’s term also ends in May 2010
and she seeks reappointment. Jon Lynch
will collect names for city council appointment to the two vacancies. Bo Brines is heading up the 2010 nominations
committee and will seek board input on nominations for the next DDA board chair
and vice chair. The committee, along
with city staff, is also addressing problems with the Jumping Jewels water
feature along Ashman Street.
·
Economic
Sustainability Committee – several discussions are taking place with potential
downtown business ventures. The
incubator and façade programs continue to be a draw for persons seeking business
locations. The committee held a
discussion with Midland Area Chamber of Commerce President Sid Allen regarding
the Buxton Study and is exploring new ways of utilizing that study. Economic Sustainability presented minor revisions to the
Incubator Guidelines. Approval of the
revisions was moved by Cline and seconded by Riecker and were unanimously
approved.
·
Budget
and Finance Committee - reported it held a joint meeting with the
Economic Sustainability Committee to talk about long term capital
planning. Despite tight budgets at this
time, the committees felt it is
important to prioritize future spending.
Jon Lynch will work with city staff and members of the joint
subcommittee to conduct an inventory of downtown assets. The draft DDA budget was presented to the
board. The Budget & Finance Committee
will bring the final document to the May meeting for adoption.
·
Midland
Downtown Business Association - President
Lauri Ireland reviewed activities of the MDBA including a very successful Loons
Opening Day parade event, the upcoming Loons Pennant Race and other events
scheduled for May. A discussion was held
regarding how to encourage businesses to remain open during events that may not
take place in the normal business hours window.
DDA
Executive Director Selina Tisdale reviewed the April and May meeting calendars
and event information.
No
Public Comments were made.
Riecker/McGuire
moved to adjourn – 3:55 p.m.