Downtown Development Authority

Meeting Notes

March 13, 2003

Attending: Wayne Bronner, Al Zehnder, Jerry Blohm, Bill Mossner, Dave Johnston

Absent: Bud Anscomb, John Benson, Randy Bierlein, Mike Galsterer, Judy Keller, Leone Koester, Art Loeffler, Gary Rummel

Also attending were Jamie Furbush (CVB & Chamber), Charlie Graham and Sheila Stamiris.

There was no public input. A quorum was not established.

The meeting highlights include:

Review of the financial report of the DDA month ending February 28, 2003;

Receipt of the letter from City Manager Graham to staff Stamiris regarding pay increase;

Review of these projects:

Mast Arms at Jefferson & Main – next on schedule for contractor per memo from RC Hendrick;

Chamber Restroom – receipt of Thank You from Chamber & CVB; overview of timelines and miscellaneous details; commitment letter to Chamber;

Lighting Project Update – operational equipment & computer system shipping March 31, 2003

Rotary/Heritage Park Event Center;

EDC Minutes of 2.20.03

Attendees discussed:

Weiss Street Streetscaping Planning: Project cost estimates are over-budget from original budget. Alternates need evaluation prior to an open meeting with property owners at next DDA meeting. Suggestions include: evaluating improvements in phases by area; evaluating improvements in "packages" i.e. Package 1 includes ‘these" amentities at this cost; and development of other fund sources. We have time to make final decisions; we want to provide good tools for decision making.

Grant/Platz "Extra Projects": In discussion, it was concluded that investing in benches and trash cans was most important. Investing in the mosaic tile for the Keinath Fountain (at $40,000) was less important because to appreciate it, one has to walk to it. Can we do something more dramatic with the money i.e. granite obelisk at G’sen Platz, small statue somewhere or other? Stamiris is NOT encouraged to proceed with the mosaic tile.

CBC/Streamer Pole Damage at Bavarian Haus: A banner pole on the east side of Main at the Bavarian Haus was in a hit in run accident destroying the banner pole. The CBC inquires if the DDA has plans to replace all streamer poles on Main with decorative poles, including possibly the replacement of this recently destroyed pole. Stamiris reports costs to order new poles (such as those at the Chamber) are about $4500 each without labor to put in foundation or electrical service. Attendees were not inclined to support this expense at this time.

Renewal of 2 Mills. Graham will report that the DDA supports continuation of the 2 mill levy on properties for this year, as the board has already supported it in its budget proposal to council. There is a public hearing; opportunities to speak will be scheduled as part of the process.

Jerry Blohm and Charlie Graham will attend the MDFA conference in Midland on March 28.

Meeting adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Sheila Stamiris, Director