Downtown Development Authority Minutes

Absent: Rick Shaffner (excused)

Also Present: City Manager Gary Word, DDA Director Lori Ward, DPW Director Jim Gallogly, Police Chief Jim Petres, Recording Secretary Carol Kasprowicz, School Board President Joan Wadsworth, Arts Commission Chair Ken Naigus, NCBA Co-Chair Ron Bodnar, Sue Dillon of Graphic Visions.

Chris Johnson called the meeting to order at 8:10 a.m.

Approval of Minutes: There being no corrections or additions, the minutes of the meetings of March 16, 2004 and March 23, 2004 were approved.

Director Ward reviewed the proposal submitted by Street Marketing for the development of marketing materials to be used in downtown business recruitment efforts. The proposal entailed the creation of a marketing identification "tag" and the development of three optional designs at a cost of $5,500. The initial concept involves a tri-folder holding staggered inserts to allow for flexibility of material to be inserted. Discussion ensued regarding:

- the purpose of the brochure,

- reluctance to duplicate the marketing brochures currently in existence such as the Chamber and Northville Record booklets,

- encouraging landlords to cooperate in any DDA marketing plan,

- enlisting a consultant for hard demographic data,

- developing a recruitment plan and designing the recruitment package to fit the plan,

- specifics of the design, and

- a proactive approach to business recruitment.

It was suggested that additional information and examples of product be provided before a final decision is made.

Dillon presented an updated version of the proposed parking signs which will consist of: eleven 20" x 28" signs to be placed outside the parking lots indicating free 3-hour parking; ten signs with posts to be placed inside the parking lots; and 50 sign faces (with no posts) for a total of $32,008. Directory panels were also proposed, which would hold a map of the existing businesses, at a cost of $2,960 each. Two locations proposed for the directory panels were the corner of Main and Center, and in front of the Stamp eddler on Center Street. It was requested that the directory map be changed twice a year. It was also requested that the proposed locations of all signs be submitted for review.

Motion DeHaan, seconded by Larsen to recommend to City Council the approval of a contract to Graphic Visions for the construction of eleven parking signs and 60 directional signs for a total of $32,008. Motion carried unanimously.

Motion Presley, seconded by Buckhave to recommend to City Council the approval of a contract to Graphic Visions for the construction of two directory signs for a total of $5,920. Voice vote: Yes: Buckhave, Heaton, LaChance, Larsen, Presley. No: DeHaan, Johnson, Long. Motion carried.

Naigus reviewed the progress made thus far in obtaining a sculpture to be placed in the Main-Hutton park. The Arts Commission has received City Council consensus regarding the project’s direction. Bid specifications will be sent to local artists by May 1^st. The budget for the project is $33,000 inclusive of all work and installation. The DDA Board expressed a consensus for the Arts Commission to proceed as outlined.

It was decided that the agenda items dealing with parking management and parking expansion would be discussed at a special meeting.

Motion DeHaan, seconded by Larsen to schedule a special meeting for Tuesday, May 4, 2004 at 8:00 a.m. in City Council Chambers for the purpose of discussing the parking management plan and parking expansion. Motion carried unanimously.

Ward stated that, due to Fiscal Year 04-05 budgetary constraints, the DPW would no longer plow the snow in the early hours of the morning (prior to 8:00 a.m.) nor would they haul snow out of the parking lots (leaving mounds of snow in parking spaces). Traditionally, the cost of labor for these activities was funded through the Public Works budget. The discussion and comments by DDA board members reiterated the importance of having the parking lots cleared and available prior to business hours. It was suggested the expense for plowing and hauling of snow in the downtown parking lots be funded through the DDA budget.

Motion DeHaan, seconded by LaChance to fund the cost of plowing and hauling snow out of downtown parking lots at a cost not to exceed $14,000 and to make appropriate reductions in the existing DDA budget to cover this cost. Motion carried unanimously.

It was announced that the Downtown Steering Committee had invited Bob Gibbs of the Gibbs Planning Group to a meeting to review and discuss the 1997 Gibbs/Green Group Report in light of present day conditions. DDA members and the public will be informed as soon as the arrangements have been completed.

Ward was directed to research what is entailed in being designated a "cool" city as part of Governor Granholm’s initiative.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol T. Kasprowicz
Recording Secretary