Downtown Development Authority Minutes

There being no corrections or additions, the minutes were approved for the regular meeting of June 21, 2005.

Director Ward gave an update of the actions taken thus far regarding the strategic planning effort, including the hiring of Beckett & Raeder (B&R), a review of a recent meeting with the B&R Project Manager Connie Pulcipher, and the appointments and reappointments to the Downtown Steering Committee. Ward stated B&R will be presenting a graphic physical plan of placement of parking, farmers’ market, types of businesses, etc. It is anticipated that recommendations for parking might come before the final report. Discussion ensued regarding the role of the DDA in implementing any recommendations of B&R.

Ward reviewed the bid process and reported the bid was awarded to Structural Preservation Systems. The bid came in at $98,936.75. A 30% contingency has been attached to the bid to cover the expense of additional work such as the damage created by the birds. A fee of $12,000 is to be included to cover architectural and engineering fees for Rich & Associates. While $100,000 has been budgeted toward this project, the overage of approximately $42,000 could be funded from the parking expansion budget or the unallocated reserve budget.

Ward categorized the recommendations that were garnered from the Gibbs Report in a report entitled "Low Hanging Fruit" (which was a term mentioned by Gibbs for those items that could be quickly addressed and resolved). Discussion ensued on the various real and perceived parking problems. It was suggested that many of Gibbs recommendations be deferred until after the Beckett & Raeder project. Several items in the Gibbs report were in the area of responsibility for other City boards and commissions. After a lengthy discussion on various items listed, it was suggested that the Director further modify the report to list items that the DDA could "safely" work on in the next six months prior to receiving the Beckett and Raeder report, and submit the list for discussion.

It was proposed that the DDA, Chamber of Commerce, and the Northville Central Business Association combine resources to develop a marketing initiative that is not event related. Further discussion is needed regarding the level of commitment and resources available from all three organizations. Representatives from each of the groups are to meet. An RFP is to be generated by the DDA to solicit proposals regarding the marketing initiative.

No questions or discussion.

(Correction/Addition:) It was suggested that the election of officers be placed on the following month’s agenda.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol T. Kasprowicz

Recording Secretary