Downtown Development Authority Minutes

Present: DDA Members: Christopher Johnson, Margene Buckhave, Jim DeHaan, Lou LaChance, Jim Long, Greg Presley, Rick Shaffner.

Absent: Lynda Heaton, Dave Larsen (both excused).

Also Present: City Manager Gary Word, Assistant City Manager/ Finance Director Nickie Bateson, DDA Director Lori Ward, DPW Director Jim Gallogly, Sue Dillon of Graphic Visions, Reporters from Northville Record and Northville Journal, and three citizens.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: There being no corrections or additions, the minutes of the September 9, 2003 and September 30, 2003 meetings were approved.

Sue Dillon of Graphic Visions reviewed the work done by the subcommittee comprised of DDA members Johnson and Buckhave, Ward, and herself. Two locations were investigated that presently are the sites of numerous newspaper vending boxes. Measurements and visual determinations were made regarding the placement of the proposed newspaper boxes.

A 5-wide newspaper rack, which would contain eight newspapers and four free brochures, measuring approximately 11 feet wide and 4½ feet high, is proposed to be situated in the MGM building area. Discussion ensued regarding the choice of placement at the present site (north side of Main Street) or in front of the MGM building itself (south side of Main Street). It was noted that having the newspaper rack on the south side of Main Street would require a realignment of the curb. The realignment would generate additional parking spaces on Main Street.

Motion DeHaan, seconded by LaChance to recommend to City Council the purchase and subsequent placement of a 5-wide newspaper rack on the south side of Main Street in front of the MGM building. Motion carried unanimously.

The second location of clustered newspaper vending boxes investigated is situated in the band shell area. It was recommended the 5-wide newspaper rack face the bandshell, and be situated back from the curb with brick pavers installed in front of the rack. The newspaper rack would be facing in one direction, away from Main Street.

Motion DeHaan, seconded by Shaffner to recommend to City Council the purchase and subsequent placement of a 5-wide newspaper rack to be situated in the Band Shell area as described above. Motion carried unanimously.

Further discussion took place regarding additional newspaper vending boxes situated in the downtown area. It was determined that the newspaper boxes in question were situated on private property. It was noted that funds for the purchase of the new newspaper racks were donated by the June Mainville Fund.

Assistant City Manager/Finance Director Bateson reviewed the 2003 DDA Financial Audit Report and stated the auditors have given a "clean audit opinion." Questions were asked regarding total assets, parking credit funds, and the parking reserve.

Motion DeHaan, seconded by LaChance to receive and file the 2003 DDA Financial Audit Report. Motion carried unanimously.

Sign Committee Update – Sue Dillon stated a subcommittee had conducted a recent field trip to determine locations for directional signs throughout the downtown area. A recommendation regarding materials to be used, number of signs, and actual design will be forthcoming at the November meeting.

Parking Expansion Program 2003 Update – Extensive discussion took place regarding the information and feedback generated at the October 13th Public Information Meeting. As public opposition was voiced over the size, mass, and location of the proposed deck, it was suggested that the DDA revisit these factors in the very near future. Much discussion ensued over the possibility of further public meetings before the November election including the presentation of additional deck designs. It was pointed out that the time limits and expense was prohibitive. Mayor and DDA Chairman Johnson made a commitment and public pledge that the DDA would review and reopen the issue of the deck design, location, and mass. He stated he would urge the City Council to concur with the DDA’s pledge.

Wing Street RFP Update – It was stated the DDA subcommittee has reviewed the RFPs, and as there is a sizable difference in both proposals, has requested additional information from the bidders. An additional meeting is set for October 24^th. It is hoped a recommendation will be forthcoming.

DDA members were reminded of several key dates regarding the proposed adoption of the 2003 Plan Amendment, the Wing Street parking lot project, and the ballot proposal.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol T. Kasprowicz
Recording Secretary