Downtown Development Authority Minutes

There being no corrections or additions, the minutes were approved for the regular meeting of May 17, 2005.

Matt Jobin explained the bid document focuses on two areas of proposed restoration work for the M.A.G.S. Deck and the Cady Street Deck, which is masonry repair and painting. The bid document has been prepared with square footages of specific items which would facilitate the bidder and allow for a "shopping list" for the City in scheduling the repairs. It is anticipated the project would cost between $190,000 and $215,000. The DDA budget has allocated $100,000. When asked if any of the needed repairs is due to City negligence, the answer was "no." It was surmised that much of the deterioration was caused by decisions made at the time of construction. Budget amendments and capital improvement decisions will be needed to offset the additional cost of the project. Discussion ensued on what was covered in the present maintenance budget, and what should be the appropriate yearly budget amount for future maintenance and repair.

Director Ward reviewed the names of the firms that had submitted a proposal for Strategic Planning for Downtown Northville. City Council will interview all four firms on Tuesday, July 5^th starting at 5:00 p.m.

One of the FY 05-06 goals of the DDA, as requested by City Council, was to report, on a quarterly basis, the total existing parking space count and the subsequent need based on a formula. Discussion with several DDA Board Members resulted in the suggestion that this goal be referred to the appointed strategic planning firm.

The City of Northville and Singh Management Company entered into an agreement regarding management of parking of the lower level of the MainCentre parking deck. The lower level has been designated as parking for residents of MainCentre. Negotiations have been pursued with Singh to allow for parking in the lower level by employees of downtown businesses. It has been determined that 40 parking permits can be made available at a cost of $10/month for each permit. The permit would allow for parking in the covered lower level from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday.

On another matter, the City Manager was asked to address the deterioration of the inner sidewalks and steps east of MainCentre, which is the responsibility of MainCentre.

Questions were asked regarding the contribution to the Art Commission and the line item dealing with the purchase of the Edward’s Catering building. It was also mentioned that the 2-mill levy has been reduced to 1.93 mills for FY 05-06, due to the adjustments mandated by the Headlee Amendment.

Chief Petres explained the delay in obtaining the hand-held computer parking enforcement tool. He mentioned the complicated bidding process for the equipment was made more time consuming by the past year’s staffing difficulties. However, a summer intern is now available, and work has been done with the Front Office and the Finance Department regarding system compatibility. An RFP for the equipment is anticipated to be out in July.

Discussion centered on the present parking problems, and the level of parking enforcement. It was suggested that an update on parking be given by Chief Petres at each monthly DDA meeting.

Director Ward reviewed the moving-in, moving-out, and moving-around businesses of the downtown.

Discussion took place regarding the timing of a future election, and the makeup of the DDA Board of Directors. The next DDA meeting is scheduled for July 19, 2005.

Meeting adjourned 9:17 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol T. Kasprowicz, Recording Secretary