Downtown Development Authority Minutes

Approval of Minutes: There being no corrections or additions, the minutes of the August 20, 2002 meeting were approved.

DDA Director Ward stated+ that the Michigan Downtown Finance Association annual meeting would be held in Northville on Friday, September 27, 2002 at the Old Church Square banquet facilities. DDA Board members were invited to attend.

Ward reviewed the progress of implementing the parking management plan. She stated that over 600 employee permits have been issued, suggestions are being offered by the business community to further improve the system, the grace period (warnings vs. tickets) is still in effect, and City Staff is investigating the possibility of placing more orange dots in the parking lots. It was requested that a more definitive count be taken of the number of full time and part time employees that are present in the downtown area at one time.

Assistant City Manager/Finance Director Bateson reviewed the DDA Annual Report, for the year ending June 30, 2002, which contained specific information and is required to be published in a local newspaper. The report contained information regarding sources of revenue, expenditure categories, outstanding bonded indebtedness, initial assessed value by tax roll, and captured value by tax roll. Additionally, the 1994 Parking Deck Construction Bond Amortization table is to be included in the report.

Motion DeHaan, seconded by LaChance to approve the Downtown Development Authority Annual Report for the year ended June 30, 2002 and direct it be published in the appropriate venue. Motion carried unanimously.

City Manager Word stated he had received a proposal from an architectural firm and a construction firm regarding the proposed parking deck but any further action is in abeyance until there is further movement on the two adjoining projects proposed for the site.

A discussion ensued regarding the payment for construction and maintenance of public restrooms that was approved at the last meeting. Ward reviewed the process and negotiations involved in constructing the public restrooms in the Old Church Square facility. Comments were directed at the process of decision making of the DDA and City Council, the need to maintain a strict meeting schedule, and the need for detailed financial data prior to making decisions.

Further inquiries were made regarding the status of construction of Cady Street, tree trimming of downtown trees, and sidewalk maintenance on Main Street.

The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, October 8, 2002. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol T. Kasprowicz

Recording Secretary