DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
MINUTES
Board of Directors Meeting
Wednesday, May 9, 2012, 3:00 p.m.
Council Chambers, City Hall – Midland, MI

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Board Members Present: Marty McGuire (Chair), Mike Hayes (Vice Chair), Jenny Anderson, Bo Brines, Dan Cline, Jon Lynch, Heidi McIvor, Bo Miller, Zach Prior, Ranny Riecker, Doug Thompson, Claudia Wallin.
Board Members Absent: Mark Ruhle

Chair Marty McGuire presented the DDA board minutes from the meeting of March 14, 2012 for approval. Ranny Riecker moved, Bo Brines seconded the minutes were unanimously approved.

DDA Executive Director Selina Tisdale presented the Quarterly Financial Report for period ending March 31, 2012

Ranny Riecker moved, Jenny Anderson seconded the quarterly financial report was unanimously approved.

· Cline inquired as to what percentage of revenues is Personal property tax. This topic will be brought back as a June Board Informational discussion.

Horticulturist Stephanie Szostak

· Presented the planned annuals display for the summer

· Reported that the farmers market paving project is going out to bid and construction is anticipated for June

· Shared that six new handicapped accessible picnic tables and nine new trash receptacles will be installed in the farmers market area, a project funded by the City Parks department

· Reported that the downtown Bulb sale sold out of more than 1000 bulbs by noon. Next Wednesday will be the second and last sale day.

DDA Executive Director Selina Tisdale presented a board informational on the 2011 post event survey results being administered by the Midland Downtown Development Authority.

Committee Reports –

a) Communications Committee – Tisdale presented a review of new digital media options being considered by the communications committee finalizing decisions on direction.

b) Economic Sustainability Committee Chair Mike Hayes reported that ES held a discussion with Christine Greve, regional director of the Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center (MiSBTDC) to review the incubator program and discuss improvement ideas. Hayes presented the following facade request for approval:

a. WHEREAS the Economic Sustainability Committee of the Downtown Development Authority has reviewed the façade application submitted by Jeff Currier, Ways to Wellness, 122 W. Main Street, and found all information acceptable and in order; now therefore

RESOLVED, that the Economic Sustainability committee recommends the Downtown Development Authority grant the Ways to Wellness façade matching grant request in the amount of $1759.58 for a new awning and signage at their new location.

Motion made by: Mike Hayes

Motion supported by: Ranny Riecker

Yeas: 12

Nays: 0

Absent: 1

Vote: unanimously approved

c) Executive Committee Chair Marty McGuire reported that the Executive committee has been exploring refuse removal options in the downtown.

d) Midland Downtown Business Association President Patty Aspin reviewed several upcoming Downtown Midland events including Parade your Pet, Farmers Market, Memorial Day Parade, Artist market coordinating with Farmers Market, Tunes by the Tridge, Dog Days and Bark in the Park.

Public comments regarding items that are not on this agenda

None

New Business

Tisdale provided and plate on the status of the DDA boundary expansion, which goes to city council for final approval on July 9.

Dan Cline and Doug Thompson, 2012-13 nominating committee, presented for approval that Mike Hayes be named vice chair and Marty McGuire chair for the 2012-13 business year.

Motion made by: Dan Cline

Motion supported by: Claudia Wallin

Vote: Unanimously approved

Meeting Adjourn. 3:50 pm