Downtown Development Authority Minutes

Present: DDA Members: Mayor Christopher Johnson (arrived at 8:50 a.m.), Margene Buckhave, Jim DeHaan, Lynda Heaton, Lou LaChance, Dave Larsen, Jim Long, Greg Presley, Rick Shaffner.

Absent: None

Also Present: City Manager Gary Word, Assistant City Manager Nickie Bateson, DDA Director Lori Ward, DPW Director Jim Gallogly, School Board President Joan Wadsworth, Recording Secretary Carol Kasprowicz, Sue Dillon of Graphic Visions, and Reporter Maureen Johnston.

Approval of Minutes: There being no corrections or additions, the minutes of August 12, 2003 and August 28, 2003 were approved.

Director Ward reviewed the history of exploring various options of combining land at the rear of businesses on Main Street near Church for the purpose of providing public parking in the area. Recent discussions have taken place with the owners of the businesses and there is a heightened interest in pursuing the possibility of parking due to a potential development on Cady Street. Questions and comments of DDA members included:

- how important is parking in this area?

- existing parking needs in the area with the current businesses.

- possible costs to the City.

- the significance of a possible development on Cady Street on the parking in the area.

Staff was seeking direction from the Board regarding the possibility of a public parking lot in this vicinity. It was determined that more definitive information was needed as to how the costs of the parking lot would be divided.

Director Ward reviewed the designs offered by Kaspar Wire Works, Inc. for modular coin operated newsracks. Kaspar Wire Works offers a selection of various lengths of newsracks which would include 4, 8, or 10 newspapers. It was determined that the newsracks would be in two locations: at the bandshell and on Main Street either in front of or across the street from the MGM building. Objections were raised regarding the height of the units and it was suggested that the banner be eliminated and the caps of the posts be lowered.

It was determined that more information was needed, and a visual examination of the proposed areas was to be made by a subcommittee composed of Johnson, Buckhave, and Dillon. Recommendations will be forthcoming at the next meeting.

Sue Dillon of Graphic Visions, Inc. presented the latest proposed version of the parking signs. The signs are to be approximately 43" high, 28" wide, with 4"4" posts, with apple red print on a white background with gold detail. Discussion ensued over the color of the signs. A subcommittee, comprised of Greg Presley, Lynda Heaton, Margene Buckhave, Sue Dillon, and Jim Gallogly, was directed to further investigate potential sign design.

Ward reviewed the minor changes in the Plan that was submitted to the City Council at their September 2, 2003 meeting.

City Manager Word stated a petition for referendum was submitted to the City Clerk relative to the bond issue. The Clerk has reviewed the signatures and over 500 signatures have been found to be valid. However, bond counsel has found flaws in the wording of the petition. The petitions will be forwarded to the City Council and a decision will be made at their September 15, 2003 meeting as to the acceptance or rejection of the petitions.. It was noted that the flaws were of form and not of substance.

Ward informed the Board of City Council’s approval of an art sculpture in the Hutton Street park area. However, concern was expressed in placing a large sculpture in the center area of the park due to the frequent trafficking of strollers.

Members were urged to attend the public hearing of the Plan Amendment which will take place at the City Council meeting of October 6, 2003.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol T. Kasprowicz
Recording Secretary