Downtown Development Authority

Meeting

October 10, 2002

Attending: Bud, Anscomb, Wayne Bronner, John Benson, Randy Bierlein, Jerry Blohm, Mike Galsterer, Dave Johnston, Judy Keller, Leone Koester, Bill Mossner, Gary Rummel

Absent: Art Loeffler and Al Zehnder

Also attending were Charlie Graham and Sheila Stamiris.

The minutes of the September 12, 2002, meeting of the board were approved. Blohm moved; Rummel seconded. A preliminary year-end financial statement was circulated and received. Accounts Payable for month ending September 25, 2002, was approved. Keller moved; Blohm seconded.

Members Galsterer, Johnston and Zehnder have requested reappointment to the board. The board endorses their reappointment to the City Council. Bierlein moved; Anscomb seconded.

The Annual Report of the board was received. A presentation was made by Chairman Bronner and Sheila Stamiris at the City Council meeting, October 1, 2002.

The board will move its November meeting originally scheduled for Thursday, November 14 to Thursday, November 7. The board will meet in City Hall Council Chambers at 1:45 PM. Rummel moved; Anscomb seconded.

Project Updates. Stamiris circulated a written update of the outstanding "issues regarding the streetscape projects including:

1.) Mast Arms at Jefferson and Main. Incorrect engineering of the project and poor communications between MDOT offices are the primary reasons this project is not complete. Stamiris does not feel the estimated $14,000 in extras due to engineering changes are the responsibility of the board/City and has not authorized the work necessary to complete the project. There was discussion.

The board feels strongly that MC Smith & Associates must present an evaluation of all options with their recommendation and solution for this work. Stamiris is authorized to contact the City Attorney to begin action if necessary.

2.) Unilock Pavers. Pavers (shades of pink, coral and grey) installed in phases 1b and 3a purchased from Unilock have not performed as expected in the crosswalks at Jefferson and at Flint Street. The City has asked Unilock to provide for the cleaning of the crosswalks. Initially, the City did not want to seal the bricks, which was also not recommended by MC Smith. If the pavers are cleaned, it may be appropriate to seal them.

Keller is not confident that sealing them will solve the issue of "dirt" on the crosswalks. She asks that Unilock provide details about warranties in writing about the sealing process and their expectations of life and guarantees therein. Stamiris is unsure if she will authorize the sealing of the pavers; she will also investigate cost.

3.) Whitacre Pavers & Phase 1C. Two issues are outstanding with these pavers. The pavers are showing poor signs of spalling and chipping. Bricks have been sent out for testing; results are not in. The manufacturer has said it will replace all bricks (the labor) as we request. We have sent them a drawing outlining our areas for consideration. If the bricks fail the test by the independent company, all bricks will be removed and replaced.

A second issue has arisen regarding the bricks. At the recommendation of Decorative Paving and with the manufacturer’s endorsement, the pavers at the crosswalks were laid at a 2% slope, across the crosswalk to prevent puddling. The DPW director, Randy Braeutigam, is concerned that the snowplows will 1.) damage the bricks on their passes during snow removal and 2.) provide a condition for difficult snow removal, causing additional City time and labor expenses. He also feels that the crosswalks are uncomfortable to cross in a vehicle due to the perceived "bump."

Stamiris is asked to identify how other communities with this kind of cross walk manage snow removal and potential damage to the pavers. This will be discussed after results of the paver testing and general information is gained.

4.) Consumer’s Energy Project to bury utilities between Cass and Tuscola. The project is completed; CE has not billed for the balance (about $200,000.). The repair expense billed to the Contractor as not been paid (about $21,000). Should CE bill the City, Stamiris will deduct the outstanding repair bills from that payment.

5.) MDOT T21 Grant. The wheels of progress are slowing moving. It is not likely that new lighting fixtures will be installed before Christmas.

Old Business. The joint EDC/DDA/City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 12, 2002 at Zehnder’s.

New Business. The board will host a walk-through on Main from Tuscola to Jefferson for members on Wednesday, October 23, 2002 at 8 AM. This is not an official board meeting.

Community Partners Initiative. This is an opportunity for the community of Frankenmuth to apply for a 1.) planning grant and then 2.) arts grant for a community project. Stamiris felt this might be a way to fund painting of the silo at Star of the West or completing the May Pole at Aunt Hatties. She is encouraged to invite potential partners to discuss and participate in this process.

The board discussed an alternative plan to the silo submitted by Mr. Jack Selleck, a former resident. There was discussion. The board consensus was that it preferred the original concept (the logo) for the tower. The identification of a contractor to do this work is necessary, no matter the art selected.

Waterfront Development at Eddie Zehnder Park. Stamiris proposed a concept discussed with City staff regarding future investment in the City dam and streetscaping at this location. Stamiris feels strongly that the DDA needs to complete this section of streetscaping as part of the Phase 1 project. The City has been saving funds to repair the dam. Could this be an opportunity use the City funds and the DDA funds as "matching" funds to apply for grants for the waterfront walkways and perhaps a "fishing ladder?"

The board feels this kind of project warrants discussion. Johnston commented that we should leverage as much money as we can and research as many ideas as we can.

Stamiris is directed to pursue this for more discussion when more information is known.

Rotary Project in Heritage Park. The Rotary is discussing funding a permanent facility for festivals and special events in Heritage Park. There is a great opportunity for matching money from state grants should the Rotary (and other town organizations) agree to pursue this.

The Rotary Finance Committee is investigating all options. Is the DDA interested in participating in some capacity? Stamiris felt that the DDA could use funds for engineering or other upfront "soft" costs if the board was comfortable doing so.

Timing remains an issue. The Weiss Street project, our next commitment, is not completed and likely will not happen until 2004-2005. More information is needed before any decision can be reached.

The meeting adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Sheila Stamiris, Director