Thursday, May 15, 2008

ESCANABA DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITYESCANABA, MICHIGAN
A regular meeting of the Escanaba Downtown Development Authority was held on January 09, 2008, at 7:30 a.m. in Room C101 of Escanaba City Hall, 410 Ludington Street, Escanaba, Michigan 49829.
Chairman Moravec called the meeting to order at 7:30 a.m. and asked to note who was present.
NAME TITLE STATUS ARRIVEDBRIAN MORAVEC, D.C. CHAIRMAN PRESENT 7:30 A.MCONNIE ETTENHOFFER VICE CHAIRMAN PRESENT 7:30 A.MAMY HUBERT TREASURER PRESENT 7:30 A.MLEO EVANS TRUSTEE PRESENT 7:30 A.MJAMES O’TOOLE TRUSTEE PRESENT 7:30 A.MSCOTT KWARCIANY, D.C. TRUSTEE PRESENT 7:30 A.MJAYNE MACKOWIAK TRUSTEE ABSENT PAULA HUGHES-JONSSON TRUSTEE PRESENT 7:30 A.MPEGGY SCHUMANN TRUSTEE PRESENT 7:30 A.M
ALSO PRESENT: Steve & Dan Hackleman, Lisa Reed
Minutes Approval:
A motion was made by Trustee Evans to accept the December 5, 2007, regular meeting minutes. Trustee Hughes-Jonsson seconded the motion.
Ayes were unanimous.
APPROVAL/ADJUSTMENTS OF AGENDA
Chairman Moravec called for approval of the agenda.
Director Good stated that Trustee O’ Toole wishes to have two board members participate in the Waterfront Committee and that selecting participants for the committee should be added to the agenda.
A motion was made by Trustee Evans to accept the agenda with the correction, seconded by Trustee Hubert.
Ayes were unanimous.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST: NONE
TREASURERS REPORT:
Treasurer Hubert gave a report on the expenditures for the month of November. All expenditures were normal. Questions were raised about two advertising expenditures. Black Friday was a first year event and considerable monies were spent to advertise it. A late advertising bill was also part of the payables and was expended on supporting the Gladstone little league during the World Series.
A motion to accept the November 2007 Budget-Unaudited was made by Trustee Kwarciany, seconded by Trustee Hughes-Jonsson.
Ayes were Unanimous.
1. UNFINISHED BUSINESS/OLD BUSINESS: A. Salary Recommendations/Staff
Director Good informed the board that the Personnel Committee met and that the hourly rate was raised $1 per hour and hours worked will be 20 hours per week for Cori and 30 hours per week for Judy.
Trustee Evans made a motion to accept the recommendation from the Personnel Committee. Trustee Hubert seconded the motion.
B. Short-term Ground Lease- Parking Lot 1319 1st Ave. North
Discussion about the amount of rent ($250/month), maintenance of the parking lot (handled by Public Works as it fits into their plowing schedule), and the term length (currently one month, seeking six month lease) of the lease were discussed. Director Good stated that with the façade improvement on Ernie’s Pub parking demand would increase even more. General consensus of the board was that the lease was a positive action for all members on the block, as they would all benefit from the additional parking.
Trustee Evans made a motion to approach Ann Fix and negotiate and draft a six-month lease for the parking lot located at 1319 1st Ave. North. Trustee Hughes-Jonsson seconded the motion.
Ayes were unanimous.
C. Facade Program- 1322 Ludington Street (Ernie’s Project)
Director Good informed the board that after meeting with Dan and Steve Hackleman a new design concept was developed for the facade program grant/loan requested for 1320-1322 Ludington Street. The new design will preserve the historic façade of the building. Director Good recommended the DDA invest the additional monies (approx. $10,000) from the 2007/2008 program and adjust the budget for an additional $10,000 for a total grant/loan of $20,000. The building is in a prominent location (at the beginning of the Central Retail District) and it is also the host of two different storefronts. It’s significance to our downtown, especially the Central Retail District, makes the building a prime candidate for our façade program.
Vice-Chair Ettenhoffer questioned the Hacklemans about whether or not they would blend the building with the sub shop.The Hacklemans responded by stating the two buildings would be separate in their design concept.
Trustee Schumann made a motion to release the monies to move forward with the Ernie’s Pub Façade Project. Trustee Evans seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote:Trustee Schumann YesTrustee Evans YesTrustee O’ Toole Yes Trustee Hughes-Jonsson YesTrustee Mackowiak AbsentTrustee Hubert YesTrustee Kwarciany Yes Vice Chair Ettenhoffer YesChairman Moravec Yes
Discussion:
Trustee Kwarciany questioned the number of apartments above Ernie’s Pub.
It was clarified that residential apartments fill half of the upper space above Ernie’s and that those apartments are rented out.
D. Michigan Main Street Program- Letter of Interest
Director Good informed the board of the seminar that he, Judy Schroeder, Blaine DeGrave, and Chairman Moravec would be attending. He stated that the seminar would allow him to learn of programs that will be helpful to downtown Escanaba and increase awareness and understanding of the Michigan Main Street program.
2. NEW BUSINESS:
A. MSHDA 2008 Downtown Competition Façade Improvement
Director Good recommended the DDA pursue the MSHDA 2008 Downtown Competition Façade Improvement Program. The block that was targeted is the 1300 Block of Ludington. This would be major renovation of both sides of that block. The program allows the DDA to use state and federal funds to help stretch our local dollars. The program is very similar to the façade grant/loan program the DDA currently administers. Approximately 7-8 businesses have expressed interest in participating in the program. The 1300 block is significant in receiving improvements because it is the entrance of the Central Retail District. Director Good also informed the board that he wishes to retain the services of Patrick Connor and Peggy Schumann to expedite the preparation of applying for the program. The program requires a 50% match. The DDA will provide 25% or $50,000 and property owners will provide the other 25%.Trustee Evans questioned the time frame of the program. It was clarified that the program would not begin until July 2008 should our façade improvements be approved, which would allow us to plan for the project during our budget process.
Trustee O’ Toole stated that the City and the DDA plan to pursue a rental rehabilitation program next year.
Director Good stated that certain requirements are necessary in order to obtain the program monies. He informed the board the services provided by Patrick Connor and Peggy Schumann will be used to satisfy those requirements.
Trustee Schumann made a motion to approve a Resolution of Support requesting the City of Escanaba file a Notice of Intent with MSHDA which requires a 50% local match, with the DDA providing 25% or $50,000 and a match from the property owners of the other 25%. Trustee Kwarciany seconded the motion.
Ayes were unanimous. Trustee Evans abstained from voting because of his position as mayor on the Escanaba City Council.
B. Bays de Noc Ad
Director Good stated the he was approached about the advertising (1/2 page ad $600; 1/4 page ad $425) for the Bays de Noc publication that the DDA placed an ad in last year. It was the impression that the City of Escanaba was not willing to co-sponsor the ad this year. Trustee O’ Toole clarified that the City would pay half of the costs of the ½ page ad resulting in the DDA paying $300 and the City paying $300.
Trustee Kwarciany made a motion to accept the proposal for advertising in the Bays de Noc publication for a ½ page ad and costs are to be split with the City. Trustee Schumann seconded the motion.
Ayes were unanimous.
C. Election of Officers
It was suggested that as terms expire, a resident be appointed to the DDA board, as it is a requirement of 1975 PA 197. A vacancy has been created by the resignation of Peter Jennings. As Jayne Mackowiak term expires in March 2008, it was recommended that the board take this opportunity to search for a resident board member. The board asked DDA staff to advertise an open position on the DDA board for a residential member. It is to be advertised on the website.
Trustee O’ Toole made a motion to reappoint Brian Moravec as Chairman. Trustee Hubert seconded the motion.
Ayes were unanimous.Trustee Evans made a motion to reappoint Connie Ettenhoffer as Vice-Chair. Trustee O’ Toole seconded the motion.
Ayes were unanimous.
Trustee O’ Toole made a motion to reappoint Amy Hubert as Treasurer. Trustee Hughes-Jonsson seconded the motion.
Ayes were unanimous.
D. Waterfront Committee
Trustee O’ Toole stated two volunteers are being sought to participate in the advisory committee to help determine zoning. Trustee Kwarciany and Trustee Schumann expressed willingness to participate.
9. Project Updates
Director Good stated that the new concept of the DDA website it available to view, but that the DDA is continuing to update the information provided on the website.
10. Board of Trustee's Comments
Director Good also stated that the board should meet to begin the work sessions. It was determined that the board will meet Monday, January 21, at 12:00 p.m.
Trustee O’ Toole wished to express his thanks to Director Good for taking on his position so well and excelling in his job duties.
11. Public CommentNONE
12. AnnouncementsNONE
12. Adjournment
A motion to adjourn was made by Trustee O’ Toole at 8:25 a.m. Trustee Evans seconded the motion.Ayes were unanimous.
__________________________________ DATE:BRIAN MORVEC, D.C.CHAIRPERSONDowntown Development Authority__________________________________ DATE:ROGER GOOD, EXECUTIVE DIRECTORDowntown Development Authority
ACTION SUMMARY-DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

TO: DDA Board of Trustee Members January 9, 2007
At the January 9, 2007 special meeting of the Downtown Development Authority, the Board of Trustees took the following action:
A motion to accept the November 2007 Budget-Unaudited was made by Trustee Kwarciany, seconded by Trustee Hughes-Jonsson.
Ayes were Unanimous.
______________________Roger Good, Executive Director Director, Downtown Development Authority




ACTION SUMMARY-DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

TO: DDA Board of Trustee Members January 9, 2007
At the January 9, 2007 special meeting of the Downtown Development Authority, the Board of Trustees took the following action:
Trustee Evans made a motion to accept the recommendation from the Personnel Committee. Trustee Hubert seconded the motion.
______________________Roger Good, Executive Director Director, Downtown Development Authority

ACTION SUMMARY-DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
TO: DDA Board of Trustee Members January 9, 2007
At the January 9, 2007 special meeting of the Downtown Development Authority, the Board of Trustees took the following action:Trustee Evans made a motion to approach Ann Fix and negotiate and draft a six-month lease for the parking lot located at 1319 1st Ave. North. Trustee Hughes-Jonsson seconded the motion.
Ayes were unanimous.
______________________Roger Good, Executive Director Director, Downtown Development Authority
ACTION SUMMARY-DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
TO: DDA Board of Trustee Members January 9, 2007
At the January 9, 2007 special meeting of the Downtown Development Authority, the Board of Trustees took the following action:
Trustee Schumann made a motion to release the monies to move forward with the Ernie’s Pub Façade Project. Trustee Evans seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote:Trustee Schumann YesTrustee Evans YesTrustee O’ Toole Yes Trustee Hughes-Jonsson YesTrustee Mackowiak AbsentTrustee Hubert YesTrustee Kwarciany Yes Vice Chair Ettenhoffer YesChairman Moravec Yes
______________________Roger Good, Executive Director Director, Downtown Development Authority
ACTION SUMMARY-DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

TO: DDA Board of Trustee Members January 9, 2007
At the January 9, 2007 special meeting of the Downtown Development Authority, the Board of Trustees took the following action:
Trustee Schumann made a motion to approve a Resolution of Support requesting the City of Escanaba file a Notice of Intent with MSHDA. Trustee Kwarciany seconded the motion.
Ayes were unanimous. Trustee Evans abstained from voting because of his position as mayor on the Escanaba City Council.

______________________Roger Good, Executive Director Director, Downtown Development Authority


ACTION SUMMARY-DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

TO: DDA Board of Trustee Members January 9, 2007
At the January 9, 2007 special meeting of the Downtown Development Authority, the Board of Trustees took the following action:
Trustee Kwarciany made a motion to accept the proposal for advertising in the Bays de Noc publication for a ½ page ad and costs are to be split with the City. Trustee Schumann seconded the motion.
Ayes were unanimous.

______________________Roger Good, Executive Director Director, Downtown Development Authority



ACTION SUMMARY-DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

TO: DDA Board of Trustee Members January 9, 2007
At the January 9, 2007 special meeting of the Downtown Development Authority, the Board of Trustees took the following action:
Trustee O’ Toole made a motion to reappoint Brian Moravec as Chairman. Trustee Hubert seconded the motion.
Ayes were unanimous.
Trustee Evans made a motion to reappoint Connie Ettenhoffer as Vice-Chair. Trustee O’ Toole seconded the motion.
Ayes were unanimous.
Trustee O’ Toole made a motion to reappoint Amy Hubert as Treasurer. Trustee Hughes-Jonsson seconded the motion.
Ayes were unanimous.
______________________Roger Good, Executive Director Director, Downtown Development Authority

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Escanaba Downtown Development Authority • 1025 Ludington St. • Escanaba, MI


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