Downtown Development Authority Minutes

Approval of Minutes: As there were no corrections or additions, the minutes of the December 10, 2002 meeting were approved as presented.

Sue Dillon of Graphic Visions presented a proposal for the planning of a new directional and parking signage system for the City. She reviewed Graphic Visions’ history of successful projects in the City, which included the Welcome to Northville signs, and reiterated the firm’s knowledge of the City’s culture, traffic patterns, and ordinances.

The proposal listed the decisions to be reached regarding the double-faced directional signs and new signs at the surface parking lots and decks. An estimate of $2800 to $3800 was calculated for facilitating this decision making process and presenting the finalized layouts to the DDA and subcommittees. Further costs included the evaluation of locations for walking map kiosks ($85/hr.), site evaluation/stake location for City approval ($425 - $550), and City approval processing ($85/hr. plus permit/ processing fees). The costs of manufacturing the signs will be dependent on the final design.

Questions and comments dealt with: color, size, and number of signs; suggestion for black signs with gold letters; desire to eliminate the clutter of existing signs; suggestion to eliminate or consolidate shop signs; objective is to obtain consistency of look in signs. Further questions were asked regarding the City’s sign ordinance restrictions, funding of the project, and time line to completion. A subcommittee, consisting of Lori Ward, Greg Presley, and Sue Dillon, was formed to work on the signage project.

Motion Presley, seconded by LaChance to recommend to City Council the sign proposal as presented by Graphic Visions for an amount not to exceed $4700. This amount does not include fees incurred for the approval process and manufacture of the signs. Motion carried unanimously.

Director Ward reviewed the goals and objectives for FY 03-04, which will be presented to the City Council at an upcoming Council meeting. It was suggested that the objectives listed in the Goals be placed in a priority basis. Also suggested was the placing of a dollar amount for each objective.

Ward spoke of the Downtown Parking Committee’s recommendations of no enforcement on Saturday, additional orange dot spaces at the Cady Deck, a review of the fine schedule, and a method of responding to complaining tickets.

City Council will be acting on a request from Cambridge Development to extend the PUD Agreement for the project on Cady Street.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,