Downtown Development Authority Minutes

Absent: Jim DeHaan (excused)

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: There being no corrections or additions, the minutes of the August 14, 2001 meeting were approved as submitted.

At the meeting of August 14, 2001, John Genitti, on behalf of the Arts Commission, requested a donation from the DDA to help fund the purchase of a sculpture that is to be placed in the Band Shell area. The art piece chosen is a six foot bronze sculpture of a treble clef.

Motion Heaton, seconded by Buckhave to donate $1000 for the purchase of the art sculpture commissioned by the Arts Commission for placement in the Band Shell area. Motion carried unanimously.

By law, the DDA is required to publish an annual report outlining revenues, expenditures, outstanding debt, and property values. Several questions were asked regarding the specific line items in the report.

Motion LaChance, seconded by Shaffner to approve the publication of the public notice. Motion carried unanimously.

In April 2001, the Parks and Recreation Department requested funds to help finance the renovation of Ford Field. After discussion, the DDA Board voted to budget $50,000 toward the Ford Field Project. Of the $50,000, $22,500 was allocated for the replacement of a boulder wall and the remaining budgeted amount was to be set aside in the event an unforeseen expense would arise during construction. At this time, the Parks and Recreation Department is requesting $20,900 to cover the expense of modifying the method of installing the lights at Ford Field. The soil has been discovered to be unsuitable and additional measures will have to be undertaken to secure the light poles properly.

Motion Long, seconded by Shaffner to approve the allocation of $20,900 from the budgeted $50,000 to cover the cost of the modifications to the light pole installation at Ford Field. Motion carried unanimously.

Downtown Subcommittee / Long Term Conceptual Plan – Further discussion took place on traffic flow, parking, pedestrian traffic, public restrooms, and the needs of the downtown businesses. It was suggested a joint meeting be arranged soon with the City Council, Planning Commission, and Historic District Commission. Appreciation was expressed to the subcommittee for the time and effort in creating a plan for future downtown development.

Potential Expansion of DDA Boundaries – Director Ward reviewed the benefits and liabilities of expanding the DDA boundaries. Additionally, Ward explained the benefits of extending the DDA expiration date. Discussion ensued regarding inclusion of specific properties and the effect on DDA revenue and expenditures. Further discussion appeared to be warranted regarding this matter and was earmarked for the next DDA meeting. It was also suggested that the inclusion of specific areas in the DDA boundaries be an item of discussion at the proposed joint meeting.

There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned.

Meeting adjourned 9:20 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol T. Kasprowicz

Recording Secretary