Downtown Development Authority Minutes

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

Absent: None

Also Present: City Manager Gary Word, DDA Director Lori Ward, DPW Director Jim Gallogly, School Board Representative Joan Wadsworth, Chamber of Commerce Director Jody Humphries, Recording Secretary Carol Kasprowicz, Reporter from Northville Record, and two citizens.

There being no corrections or additions, the minutes were approved for the regular meeting of November 16, 2004, the special meeting of November 30, 2004, the special meeting of December 9, 2004, and the regular meeting of December 21, 2004.

A draft copy of proposed by-laws was distributed to the Board members, and discussion arose regarding the makeup of a quorum, the designated responsible parties for check signing, the provisions of the Open Meetings Act, the office of Secretary vs. Recording Secretary, what constitutes a conflict of interest, and the use of counsel. DDA members were encouraged to review the bylaws and forward any comments to DDA Director Ward and/or Dave Larsen. Final review will take place at the next DDA meeting.

A mission statement was also distributed and will be reviewed at a later date.

The Downtown Steering Committee is preparing for two meetings to take place February 1^st and 3^rd at the Senior Community Center for the general public. The purpose of the meetings is to impart information contained in the Gibbs Report and to receive feedback from the public regarding their vision of a future downtown. There will be specific meetings for elected and appointed officials, and building and business owners. It is hoped that a final report from Gibbs will be forthcoming in the spring. In the meantime, the draft report will be placed on the DDA website and the Gibbs presentation of December 9^th will be on the City’s cable station.

Ann Willis, a resident, former editor of the Northville Record, and professional facilitator, has been approached by the Steering Committee to facilitate the February meetings. She will conducting and preparing for six formal meetings. It was stated that someone other than a DDA board member as facilitator would be seen as unbiased in the directing the feedback meetings. Additionally, Ms. Willis is familiar with Northville and the issues facing its residents.

Motion Heaton, seconded by Buckhave to retain Ann Willis for $2000 to facilitate the various public meetings planned by the DDA for the purpose of soliciting feedback regarding the future of the downtown. Motion carried unanimously.

Ward reported that an impasse appears to have been reached regarding a major donor of the proposed sculpture and the direction the Arts Commission wishes to take. A discussion took place regarding the role of the DDA in this endeavor. It was suggested that the Arts Commission be directed to contact the chosen artist regarding scaling back on the project.

Ward explained the December Revenue and Expenditure Report of the DDA’s budget. Questions were asked regarding contractual services, and snow removal in the downtown on weekends.

Downtown merchant Ron Bodnar spoke of the lack of input by downtown business owners regarding the proposed sculpture in Hutton Park.

Meeting adjourned 9:30 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol T. Kasprowicz
Recording Secretary