Downtown Development Authority Minutes

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City of Northville
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Council Chambers
October 18, 2005 – 8:00 AM

Present: DDA Members: Christopher Johnson, Kim Behmer, Margene Buckhave, David Cole, Jim DeHaan, Lynda Heaton, Lou LaChance, Dave Larsen, Greg Presley, Rick Shaffner.

Absent: Jim Long (excused)

Also Present: City Manager Gary Word, DDA Director Lori Ward, DPW Director Jim Gallogly, Recording Secretary Carol Kasprowicz, School Board President Joan Wadsworth, Landscape Architect Marc Russell

Citizen Comments

Cheryl Gazlay, President of the Northville Historical Society, requested that the Mill Race Village be considered in any future expansion of the Downtown Development Authority boundaries. It was noted that the request is timely in light of the strategic plan presently being formulated.

Approval of Minutes

There being no corrections or additions, the minutes of the September 20, 2005 regular meeting was approved.

Downtown Improvements
Area east of 120 East Main Street
Marc Russell of Russell Design requested approval of the landscape design to be placed east of the new Long building located at 120 East Main Street. The area east of the building is City property. Included in the plan was an evergreen four-foot hedge to be used to screen the parking area and transformers, five trees, landscape roses, and ornamental grasses. Questions were asked regarding additional trash receptacles in the area, and additional bike racks. Three bids were received for the cost of the landscaping materials and labor. The three bids were:

Motion DeHaan, seconded by Shaffner to approve the contract for landscaping the property east of the building located at 120 East Main to Tru-Cut in the amount of $11,273.45. Motion carried unanimously.

Landscape Maintenance
Director Ward reviewed the issue of maintaining the landscaped materials situated in front of downtown businesses in the City’s right-of-way. She stated that the budget constraints placed on the DPW’s resources warrants researching an alternate option to ensure consistent attention to the landscaped areas of downtown. The options available to the DDA are the funding of a seasonal employee, sharing in the cost of an additional DPW employee, or the contracting of an outside firm. Discussion ensued on hiring a person with the appropriate knowledge of the plant care; the assignment is dependent on whether the right-of-way holds grass or plant material; and the importance of maintaining the downtown. Staff was requested to receive proposals for the consistent maintenance of the downtown landscaped areas. It was stated that any expenditure in this area would have to be offset by an amendment of the present budget.

Sidewalk Cleaning
It was proposed that the downtown sidewalks be cleaned as they haven’t been cleaned for approximately 10 years. A proposal has been submitted for $3000 which includes the use of the City’s water in the cleaning process. Discussion centered on the boundaries of the area to be cleaned. Ward will confirm the boundaries contained in the $3000 proposal. It is hoped the sidewalks will be cleaned as soon as possible prior to the onset of the cold weather.

Motion DeHaan, seconded by Lynda Heaton to authorize the expenditure of up to $3000 for the purpose of cleaning the downtown sidewalks. Motion carried unanimously.

Banner Policy

The Northville Central Business Association had requested revisions to the City’s banner policy to allow for across-the-street banner to be used in publicizing upcoming events. The City Council had considered the request and the proposed changes. After review, the City Council assigned City Staff to revise the language to assure control of the quality of the signs. The revised language will be reviewed by the Special Events Committee and the DDA prior to resubmission to the City Council.

Recap on "Tunes for Tuesday" Program

A report was submitted by the Parks and Recreation Department on the "Tunes for Tuesday" activity which is partially funded by the DDA. The report indicated the high level of success and positive feedback of the program.

Presley left the meeting at 9:10 a.m.

September Financial Statement
No comment or discussion.

Other

• The update on parking data is to be delivered in November.
• The art project proposed for the Main and Hutton corner is to be installed sometime in the spring.
• The presence of the Police Chief is requested at the monthly DDA meetings.

Next Meeting
The next meeting is scheduled for November 15, 2005.

Meeting adjourned at 9:28 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol T. Kasprowicz
Recording Secretary