Downtown Development Authority Minutes

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

Absent: Rick Shaffner (excused)

Also Present: City Manager Gary Word, Assistant City Manager/Finance Director Nickie Bateson, DDA Director Lori Ward, DPW Director Jim Gallogly, School Board Representative Joan Wadsworth, Recording Secretary Carol Kasprowicz

In reviewing the proposed "2005-2006 DDA Goals and Objectives," the following suggestions and comments were offered:

- Add the establishment of priorities to the development of an effective implementation strategy for the Steering Committee’s recommendations.

- Add the installation of the signage program of which the sign design was finalized in the previous year.

- Add the implementation of a specific schedule for deck maintenance.

- Develop a policy and plan on what specifically the DDA will do regarding business retention and recruitment.

- Have a specific schedule of contact with business owners.

- Be proactive in marketing the entire downtown.

- Support the placement of historical signs with the assistance of the Historic District Commission and Historical Society.

Director Ward was directed to incorporate the changes and resubmit the DDA Goals and Objectives for approval at the next DDA meeting.

DDA Board members were asked if there were questions on the budget.

A brief discussion took place regarding the goal of providing additional permanent restroom facilities in the downtown through a business partnership similar to the Buckhave arrangement. Also, it was suggested that special event sponsors be required to provide additional portable facilities for use during the event.

Questions were asked regarding:

- the increase in the contribution to the General Fund (Answer: addition of parking enforcement, snow removal from parking lots);

- the purpose of the $50,000 for Planning and Design Studies (Answer: downtown streetscape improvement design) It was mentioned that further studies will be needed to implement additional parking in the downtown;

- street furnishings (painting of light poles);

- next year expenditure of $300,000 for Main Street improvements (reconstruction of E. Main Street from Center to Griswold);

- business retention program expenditures (walking maps and tear sheet maps of downtown)

A discussion ensued regarding the suggestion to earmark the specific revenue of the 2-mill levy for marketing purposes. It was the consensus that the issue is one of communicating to the downtown merchants that money is being spent in specific ways to market the downtown. Prior to developing a specific line item in the budget for marketing, it was suggested that a plan of action be formulated.

Motion DeHaan, seconded by Larsen to accept the DDA budget for FY 2005-2006 as presented. Motion carried unanimously.

Director Ward reported that the artist, chosen to produce his sculpture/fountain for placement at the Main/Hutton park, has agreed to produce the piece for a lowered price of $19,000 plus the cost of a plaque. The DDA had previously committed $18,000 for the project. Discussion centered on where in the budget this money would be levied against, and the suggestion to delay the project until the Downtown Steering Committee report was issued.

Motion DeHaan, seconded by LaChance to continue with the sculpture project, with the DDA contribution being $18,000 and the remainder of the cost of the project being borne by another source. Yes: Johnson, Buckhave, DeHaan, Heaton, LaChance. No: Long, Presley. Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol T. Kasprowicz
Recording Secretary