Downtown Development Authority Minutes

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Present: DDA Members: Christopher Johnson, Dave Larsen, Lynda Heaton, Lou LaChance, Margene Buckhave, Rick Shaffner, Jim Long, Jim DeHaan. Others: City Manager Gary Word, DDA Director Lori Ward, Assistant City Manager/Finance Director Nickie Bateson, DPW Director Jim Gallogly, Police Chief Jim Petres, School Board Representative Joan Wadsworth, School Finance Director John Street, Reporter Heather Connor, Recording Secretary Carol Kasprowicz

Absent: Greg Presley (excused)

Approval of Minutes: There being no corrections or additions, the minutes of the October 8, 2002 meeting were approved.

The Police Department is requesting funds from the DDA to help offset the costs incurred in enforcing the new parking management program. Part time officers have been scheduled from July 02 and, if scheduled until the end of the fiscal year, a shortfall of $12,000 in the budget will occur. Points of discussion included progress in efforts to shift the parking patterns of downtown employees, the need for consistent enforcement, the use of funds in Unallocated Reserve for this purpose, and the possible hiring of a full time enforcement officer in the next fiscal year. It was suggested that a portion of the funds generated from the parking enforcement be directed to the DDA to offset the expense of the part time officer.

Motion DeHaan, seconded by LaChance to reimburse the difference between the budgeted and actual expenses for use of part time police officers for parking enforcement through the end of December 2002, not to exceed $6000. Motion carried unanimously.

City Manager Word gave an update on the implementation of the parking management program. He stated the Parking Committee has met with the NCBA and with executives of Century 21 to hear complaints regarding the program. Both groups were requested to submit their concerns, in writing, to the City Council for the November 18^th meeting. Director Ward stated a parking map was being developed for merchants to distribute to their customers. Additionally, signage is being designed to highlight free all-day parking areas.

Assistant City Manager/Finance Director Bateson reviewed the results of the audit of the DDA’s FY 01/02. The audit received an unqualified "clean" opinion, which is the highest opinion that can be reached. Bateson reviewed the various components of the audit. Additionally, it was announced the City had recently obtained a AA- rating from Standard & Poor’s, an upgrade of three levels from the previous A- rating. One of the effects of the new rating is a reduction in interest and insurance costs for any new bond debt.

Members of the Adrian DDA will be visiting the City Thursday, November 14^th. The visit is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will include a discussion group, slide show, tour of the downtown, and lunch at Genittis. DDA members are invited to attend.

A question arose regarding the City Council minutes of May 20, 2002 that were presented as part of the explanation of how public restrooms were developed on the Buckhave project. It was pointed out that a misrepresentation might have been made regarding the DDA proposing a credit of parking spaces in exchange for leasing of restrooms. City Manager Word took responsibility of the Council communications and apologized for any unintentional misrepresentation.

The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for December 10, 2002.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol T. Kasprowicz

Recording Secretary