Downtown Development Authority Minutes

Present: Christopher Johnson, Margene Buckhave, Jim DeHaan, Lou LaChance, Greg Presley.

Absent: Lynda Heaton, Dave Larsen, Jim Long, Rick Shaffner (all excused)

Also Present: City Manager Gary Word, DDA Director Lori Ward, DPW Director James Gallogly, Recording Secretary Carol Kasprowicz, School Board Representative Joan Wadsworth, Chamber Director Jody Humphries, David Cole, and Bob Buckhave.

There being no corrections or additions, the minutes were approved for the regular meeting of March 15, 2005 and the special meeting of April 6, 2005.

The DDA Board reviewed the changes, as suggested in the previous meeting, and minor additions and clarifications were made. The DDA Board will receive the final changes through a direct email from the Director. It was acknowledged that many of the stated goals would be implemented after receiving direction from the anticipated strategic plan. It was suggested that a review of the goals and objectives be made in November 2005, and also a planning session be scheduled to prioritize the goals and objectives.

Downtown Steering Committee (DSC) Chair Joan Wadsworth stated the purpose of the upcoming May 2^nd Special City Council meeting would be to review the report and the "assignments" given in the report to the various boards, commissions, and civic groups. The assignments are meant to assist in implementing the goals, as formulated in the public hearings, of ensuring the success of Northville’s downtown.

Discussion centered around the tasks of the DDA (as listed in the report) of developing a model for small town expansion, and working with the Planning Commission to analyze long-term parking needs. It was noted that there is a need for a planner or planning firm to help visualize, prioritize, coordinate, estimate, and implement the specific goals as outlined in the DSC Final Report. A number of outside (of Northville) known firms were discussed as well as the possibility of local expertise. Discussion ensued over the parameters to be assigned to the planner, i.e. exclusively the downtown, inclusion of nearby neighborhoods and parks. Concern was expressed regarding the length of time it would take for a planner to submit a proposal, the need for a workable realistic plan, and the possibility of repeating the preliminary work already done. Parking factors and budgetary parameters are to be addressed in the proposal.

With regard to parking, it was noted that City Council had requested specific data regarding current building use, number of parking spaces required for the use, number of existing parking spaces, etc. This information would be useful for the prospective planner, and would be given as part of the background data. It was suggested that a summer intern might be used for this task.

It was suggested to have a Request For Proposals (RFP) created to submit to City Council for approval at the May 2^nd Special City Council meeting. The DDA Board will review the proposed RFP prior to submittal to City Council.

Motion DeHaan, seconded by LaChance to call a special meeting of the DDA for Thursday, April 28, 2005 at 8:00 a.m. for the purpose of reviewing a proposed RFP for a strategic planner. Motion carried unanimously.

A course, entitled "Urban Retail Planning Principles for American Towns, Cities, and Retail Centers" is to be held in July at Harvard University. It was suggested and concurred that Greg Presley would attend as a representative and resource for the DDA.

There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol T. Kasprowicz
Recording Secretary