Downtown Development Authority Minutes

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Present: DDA Members: Christopher Johnson, Margene Buckhave, Lou LaChance, Dave Larsen, Jim Long, Rick Shaffner.

Absent: Lynda Heaton, Jim DeHaan (both excused)

Also Present: City Manager Gary Word, DDA Director Lori Ward, Assistant City Manager/Finance Director Nicolette Bateson, DPW Director Jim Gallogly, Recording Secretary Carol Kasprowicz, School Board President Joan Wadsworth, Matt Jobin of Rich & Associates, Arts Commission Chairman Ken Naigus, and Reporters Maureen Johnston and Scott Spielman.

Approval of Minutes: There being no corrections or additions, the minutes of the July 8, 2003 meeting were approved.

New Business:

Request by Ken Naigus, Northville Arts Commission

The Arts Commission is seeking direction and approval to proceed into the investigation of an art piece to be placed in the park plaza on the corner of Main and Hutton. The DDA has budgeted $15,000 in FY04 for some type of landscape architectural piece to be placed in the Main/Hutton park. Questions were raised regarding a possible fountain, existing plumbing in the area, and the size of the bank sign impeding use of plaza. Caution was expressed regarding the safety of children in choosing a particular sculpture or fountain. Consensus was reached to extend approval to proceed into investigating an art piece for the Main/Hutton park.

Request for Funding / Northville Fire Department

The Northville Fire Department is seeking contributions for the purpose of purchasing a Club Car Medical Vehicle. The approximate cost is $12,000. The vehicle will be used to service rescue needs in the downtown area for special events, parades, and/or sporting events.

Motion Long, seconded by Larsen to transfer $3000 to the Fire Department for the purchase of the Club Car Medical Vehicle. Motion carried unanimously.

Multi Building Company Proposed Development

Architect Presley explained the proposed development to be located at the corner of Griswold and Cady. The topography of the site poses a challenge because of the deep grade leading down from the back of the site to Cady Street. It is proposed that the building will consist of parking at the lower level of a three story building. Office space will occupy the 2nd and 3rd floors. It is proposed that most of the parking requirements of the project will be met on site. However, eleven parking credits will have to be purchased. Discussion ensued regarding the impact of an above-the-ground parking level. Additionally, concern was expressed over the lack of a commercial presence on the first floor off Cady Street. It was suggested that a commercial establishment be placed in the first floor if on-site parking space becomes available. It was also suggested that pedestrian access to the building be made available on the first level. In general, support was expressed for the project.

Resolution of Intent to Hold a Public Hearing / Amendment to DDA Development Plan and Tax Increment Financing Plan

Director Ward stated the City’s bond counsel has advised that the current Plan be amended to include the proposed parking deck project in order to issue bonds for said project. The current plan specifically lists the two decks that were built with the current bond debt. This bond debt will be discharged in year 2008. As the purpose of the DDA is to manage and discharge the debt incurred for the purpose of capital improvements in the DDA district, the DDA’s existence is directly linked to the life of the existing bond debt. Any additional bond issuance will concurrently extend the life of the DDA. The City’s bond counsel will submit an amendment to the Plan for the DDA’s approval. In an effort to expedite this matter, a special meeting is required.

Motion Larsen, seconded by Shaffner to call a Special DDA meeting for August 28, 2003 at 8 a.m. in Council Chambers for the purpose of approving an Amendment to the DDA Development Plan and Tax Increment Financing Plan. Motion carried unanimously.

Old Business:

Update on Proposed Downtown Parking Structure

Matt Jobin of Rich & Associates reviewed the updated design of the proposed developments and deck on Main and Wing Streets. Discussion ensued on the necessity to educate the citizenry on the facts regarding the developments, decks, and the issuance of bonds. With regards to an election or ballot question, clarification was made as to the responsibility of DDA members to educate with facts, not advocate a position. A DDA member may voice an opinion as an individual in a private setting but not as a position of the DDA as a whole.

Larsen leaves at 9:20 a.m.

Long leaves at 9:45 a.m.

New Business Item:

D & D Bicycle Addition

Mark Tucker, builder for D & D Bicycle, presented the plans for the addition to the D & D Bicycle Shop located on Center Street. He reviewed the plans as presented to the Historic District Commission and to be presented to the Planning Commission. The proposed addition would place an additional level on the building, and would make it a three-story 36-ft. high building. The first floor is proposed to be the bike shop, the second floor is earmarked for a dental suite and offices, and the third floor is to be office space. The existing building is 86 ft. long and will be lengthened to 100 feet. Discussion took place on the parking requirements, the brick facing and height of the building, and the complexity of coordinating the submission of plans of the various proposed projects that are in close proximity to each other.

Shaffner leaves at 9:50 a.m.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:57 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol T. Kasprowicz
Recording Secretary