CITY OF CHARLEVOIX

SPECIAL JOINT CITY COUNCIL -- DDA MEETING MINUTES

Monday, January 6, 2003 -- 6:15 p.m.

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Campbell at 6:17 p.m. at the above mentioned date.

Invocation (Pledge of Allegiance)

Roll Call of Members Present

Present: Council members Haggard, Bellows, Campbell, Carlson, Chamberlain and Gibson.

Absent: None.

Present: DDA members Hugh Mason, Fred DiMartino, Dan Barron, John Taylor and Jeff Porter.

Absent: DDA members Mary Feindt, Jeannine Wallace and John Kurtz.

Inquiry Regarding Possible Conflicts of Interest: None.

General Business

Executive Summary of a Proposed Event/Meeting Facility Study

Charles Skelton of Hospitality Advisors Consulting Group reviewed findings from a study of a proposed event/meetings facility for the City of Charlevoix with City Council, Downtown Development Authority, and members of the Charlevoix Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and the Charlevoix Area Chamber of Commerce Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors.

According to surveys of corporations, meeting planners and associations, there is a "mystique" about Charlevoix that draws interest to the City. Of those surveyed, 75% said they would come to Charlevoix for a conference. Because of its close proximity to hotels, the Bridge Street Inn would be the best location for such a facility. To be successful, more activities would need to be created for the "shoulder seasons" -- part of April through the second week of June, and the end of August through October. Management would be a great factor in the success of the facility and Mr. Skelton suggested hiring Stafford's. He calculated that it could eventually bring $8 to $10 million a year to the community. Issues surrounding the idea would be the need for parking, increased traffic during the summer months, hotel room consistency, funding, and the coordination of off season business with retailers.

In the discussion that followed, It was agreed that the shoulder seasons should be the focus time for use of the facility. The project's ability to improve the economy is more important than making a profit off the facility its self. The public should know that the intent is not to add to the summer congestion.

A date and time of January 7, 2003 at 8:00 a.m. was set for the Convention Center Feasibility Study Committee to meet with Mr. Skelton to determine a direction for City Council and the DDA on how to proceed with the study.

Adjourn

Council generally agreed to adjourn at 8:17 p.m.