Downtown Development Authority Minutes

Present: Christopher Johnson, Jim DeHaan, Lynda Heaton, Lou LaChance, Dave Larsen, Jim Long, Greg Presley.

Absent: Margene Buckhave, Rick Shaffner (both excused)

Also Present: City Manager Gary Word, DDA Director Lori Ward, DPW Director Jim Gallogly, School Board Representative Joan Wadsworth, Recording Secretary Carol Kasprowicz, Reporters from the Northville Record and Northville Journal, and three citizens.

As there were no corrections or additions, the minutes of the January 18, 2005 meeting were approved.

Larsen reviewed the changes proposed to the DDA bylaws as presented in the DDA meeting of January 18, 2005. Changes included language dealing with the makeup of a quorum, the disposition of board vacancies, gender-neutral designations, and appropriate titles of officers.

Motion DeHaan, seconded by Heaton to approve the proposed DDA bylaws and further recommend approval by the City Council. Motion carried unanimously.

In 2002, the City approved an agreement between the DDA and Buckhave Development for the construction, lease, maintenance, and supplies for three public restrooms located in the development at the corner of Center and Dunlap. The original reimbursement rate for maintenance and supplies was $910/month. In 2003, this amount was increased to $1225/month. Records submitted by Buckhave Development indicate the cost of maintenance and supplies for the three restrooms have increased to $1325/month. Furthermore, it has been requested that additional reimbursement of $25/hour be made for expenses incurred during special events.

Discussion brought out:

- the need to identify which special events would qualify for the additional reimbursement,

- the suggestion to require a number of portable toilets for special events, to be supplied by the event sponsor,

- proposing the passing on the extra expense of special events to the event sponsors, and

- compliments to Buckhave Development for offering this service for downtown visitors.

Motion Larsen, seconded by DeHaan to approve the increase in operational expenses for the three public restrooms at Old Church Square to $1325/month and the reimbursement for expenses incurred during special events at a rate of $25/hour. Motion carried unanimously.

Joan Wadsworth, Chair of the Downtown Steering Committee, reported on the activities and progress of the Committee. She stated the Downtown Steering Committee had sponsored two public hearings, and held numerous committee meetings, resulting in the drafting of a final report which will be presented to the City Council either late April or early May. She stated that the process has developed a consensus within the community regarding the future of the downtown.

A brief discussion ensued regarding aspects of retail shopping in the downtown. In the hearings, the public stated that, while they value Northville’s uniqueness, they hope to shop for "everyday stuff" in the near future. It was pointed out that the business owners are a key factor in recruiting the appropriate mix of businesses that would meet these needs.

Mark Trudeau, owner of Fine Threads in downtown Northville, spoke of his concern of the possible presence of another men’s clothing store which would carry the same line of clothing as his shop. He challenged the DDA to prevent this from happening. It was countered that, while the DDA has moved from an exclusive "bricks and mortar" focus to include business recruitment and retention activity, it is unable to dictate what businesses can or cannot enter the downtown mix. What can be done is to actively recruit the businesses desired. A key component in recruitment is the cooperation of the landlords regarding the vision of the downtown. It was pointed out that the Chamber of Commerce is eager to be a partner in being a resource for potential Northville businesses.

Director Ward reviewed the process and planning in creating the position of Special Events Coordinator, which has the support of the Downtown Development Authority, the Northville Chamber of Commerce, and the Northville Central Business Association. The Special Events Coordinator would coordinate, enhance, and market the special events which take place in the downtown area. The position is proposed to be filled by Ms. Janet Bloom, a current employee of the Chamber, and her office and duties will be administered through the Chamber. However, she will be accountable to the Special Events Board.

The proposed agreement states that the funding for this position will be a 70/30 split between the Chamber (70%) and the DDA (30%). The DDA will fund this position through the line item in the DDA budget earmarked in the past for support of NCBA-sponsored downtown activities.

Motion Long, seconded by LaChance to approve the proposed agreement for the position of Special Events Coordinator as presented. Motion carried unanimously.

Motion Larsen, seconded by DeHaan to call a special meeting on Wednesday, April 6, 2005 at 8:00 a.m. for the purpose of reviewing the proposed FY 05-06 Goals and Objectives and Budget. Motion carried unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol T. Kasprowicz
Recording Secretary