Downtown Development Authority Minutes

Absent: Christopher Johnson (excused), Dave Larsen (excused)

Approval of Minutes: There being no corrections or additions, the minutes of the February 12, 2002 meeting were approved.

At the suggestion of the DDA, a request was made for an estimate in conducting aerial photography over existing and proposed expanded areas of the DDA. McNeely & Lincoln, the City’s contracted engineering firm, has submitted a cost estimate for aerial photography and subsequent mapping for a total cost of $14,950. DPW Director Gallogly has suggested the aerial photography be done in early spring (before the trees leaf out) with the cost of $1060 to be charged against this year’s DDA fiscal budget. The resulting maps would be delivered sometime in Fall 2002 and the remaining cost of the project would be covered by the FY 02-03 DDA budget.

Subsequent discussion explored the need for up-to-date maps by the DDA and potential developers, specifics of how and what would be photographed, and fiscal year budget considerations.

Motion Shaffner, seconded by LaChance to authorize the actual aerial photography to take place in Spring 2002 and table the remainder authorizations until the next DDA meeting.

Amend motion Shaffner, seconded by LaChance to authorize the aerial photography and subsequent mapping and defer the allocation of funding from FY2001-02 or FY 2002-03 budget until the next DDA meeting. Motion carried unanimously.

DDA Director Ward received a request from Diane Gulau, NCBA Event Coordinator, to use the remaining $2,567.44 (from a budgeted amount of $10,000) for the upcoming Northville’s Hoppin’ event and summer children’s concerts.

Motion Long, seconded by Buckhave to approve the request of the NCBA to receive $2,567.44 (the remainder of the $10,000 budgeted allocation) for use toward expenses incurred regarding Northville’s Hoppin’ and the summer children’s concerts. Motion carried unanimously.

Presley and Ward reviewed the questions and feedback given by the City Council and Planning Commission regarding the downtown conceptual plan. Some specific points articulated by the Commissions were: preventing the dilution of the downtown corridors, approval of design controls, approval of pre-planning properties, struggle over the use of the PUD process versus overlay districts, the preference of having the plan adopted into the Master Plan, concern over the relocation of Randolph, impact on neighborhoods, and high interest in the Cady Town concept.

Ward stated the City and the Buckhaves have had several meetings on using a facility that will be placed in the Buckhaves’ establishment, and confirmed an agreement will be forthcoming.

Ward explained specific aspects of the developing web site and stated the site is expected to be up and running sometime in April.

City Manager Word spoke of his meeting with representatives of Northville Downs where the downtown conceptual plan was discussed. The representatives revealed their plans to sell six to nine acres on the north side of their property and stated they are presently talking with a number of potential developers.

Questions were raised on the strict enforcement of the trash guidelines in the downtown area.

Question was directed at the DPW Director regarding the implementation of the recommendations of the recently presented traffic study. Gallogly stated the island on Hutton has been trimmed, and the prohibition of the left-hand turn on Center Street will be presented to the City Council shortly.

The next meeting was tentatively set for Tuesday, April 9, 2002. Meeting adjourned 9:05 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol T. Kasprowicz

Recording Secretary