Downtown Development Authority Minutes

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

Absent: Dave Larsen.

Also Present:City Manager Gary Word, DDA Director Lori Ward, DPW Director Jim  Gallogly, Councilmember Tom Swigart, School Board Representative Joan Wadsworth, Recording Secretary Carol Kasprowicz, Reporter from Northville Journal.

Approval of Minutes:

There being no additions or corrections, the minutes of the July 20, 2004 meeting were approved.

Director Ward stated Ken Naigus was unable to make the meeting. An update of the project disclosed that an understanding is yet to be reached with the major donor regarding the final selection of the sculpture. Further discussions are to take place.

A proposal was placed before the DDA regarding the creation and partial funding of a Special Events Coordinator position. The responsibilities of the position would be to manage, market, and seek corporate sponsorship for events traditionally handled by the NCBA, and the Tunes for Tuesday musical events sponsored by the DDA. Currently, the Chamber employs Janet Bloom as Director of Marketing and Events. It is proposed that Ms. Bloom assume the responsibilities of the Special Events Coordinator position in addition to handling Chamber events. It is proposed that the funding for this position would be a 70/30 split between the Chamber (70%) and the DDA (30%).

The position as proposed would be answerable to a Special Events Advisory Board comprised of representatives of the Chamber, DDA, NCBA, Parks and Recreation, Arts Commission, and the Community Foundation as well as other select individuals.

By State Statute, the DDA cannot participate in funding or planning events that fall outside the DDA boundaries. Thus it has been determined that 30% of the responsibilities and time of the current Chamber of Commerce Director of Marketing and Events will be directed to the development and management of downtown events. The DDA would contribute $13,600 toward this position. Currently, the DDA budgets $10,000 for subsidizing the NCBA and $6,000 for the Tunes for Tuesdays summer concert series. These amounts would be transferred to the Special Events Coordinator position.

- Concern over the relationship between the special events coordinator and the advisory board, and the possible loss of a direct reporting relationship to the Chamber. It was suggested that the position be employed by and report to the Chamber, and have the advisory board established as strictly consultative.

- Questions regarding the financial responsibility of the NCBA. It was stated that the events itself would continue to be funded through sponsorship of NCBA businesses. However, the Special Events Coordinator would look for additional corporate sponsors for the events.

- Concern over the DDA contribution toward this position being a percentage number instead of a firm budget number.

- Discussion on the relationship of the Chamber and the NCBA.

- Concern over the funding of the expenses of each downtown event.

- Suggestion to set up parameters for the donation of the DDA toward the position, and have the advisory board set up goals for the event coordinator to obtain outside funding for events.

It was directed that the proposal be modified to incorporate the above suggestions and returned to the DDA for final approval.

Director Ward reviewed Bob Gibbs upcoming schedule regarding his project. Gibbs will be giving an evening presentation on September 27^th dealing with the factors of a successful downtown. Gibbs will also be meeting with approximately 10 focus groups. Councilmember Swigart questioned the wisdom of having Gibbs begin his project prior to getting a consensus of the desired future of Northville. A discussion ensued between Swigart and members of the DDA on the most effective way of getting the information needed to plot a successful course for the future of Northville. It was argued that the purpose of Gibbs’ focus group would be to receive information on what the residents are looking for in Northville’s downtown. Swigart stated the information would be flawed unless the right questions would be asked, and asking the right questions requires the skill of a strategic planner which is not the expertise of Gibbs.

It was suggested that Northville Township Board be invited to the focus groups because of their active support of the City’s downtown.

School Board representative, Joan Wadsworth, urged all to vote in the upcoming school millage election.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:25 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol T. Kasprowicz
Recording Secretary