A) CALL TO ORDER

Meeting was called to order at 6:29 p.m. by Chairman Mason

Present: Dan Barron, Fred DiMartino, John Taylor, John Yaroch, Jeff Porter, Mayor Campbell, Hugh Mason and Jeannine Wallace
Absent: John Kurtz

Others present: City Manager Michael Wiesner, City Planner Gerry Harsch, Jacqueline Merta, Mary Ann Chew, Val Meyerson and Cynthia Postmus

B) APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Motion made by Jeannine Wallace and seconded by Mayor Campbell to approve the agenda as presented.

C) INQUIRY INTO POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST None.

D) APPROVAL OF MINUTES

1. January 26, 2004 Minutes

Motion made by Mayor Campbell and seconded by Dan Barron to approve the minutes of the January 26, 2004 meeting as presented. Motion adopted unanimously.

E) NEW BUSINESS

Discussion on DDA's Possible Involvement with Library Project

Members from the Charlevoix Library Board were present to ask for assistance in funding the new Library. Vel Meyerson, Director of Charlevoix Public Library, reviewed with the Board the Library's plan to renovate the old Middle School building and their efforts to acquire funding. They are grateful for the DDA's support in acquiring the property. They'd like the ask the DDA to consider donating to the project to reduce the cost of land acquisition and building.

Jeff Porter stated that the Library's capital campaign is preparing for a millage vote in June. Presently, they are looking at a $8.5 million millage levy. If the DDA became involved, the millage could be reduced..

Mayor Campbell stated that the DDA and the City Council took steps to expand the DDA District and purchased the property. It would look odd if the DDA did not continue to take steps to support the Library.

Hugh Mason reminded the Board that the DDA has limited resources. Fred DiMartino asked for additional information on an amount the DDA might be able to donate to the Library, without jeopardizing the downtown park/marina project. The DDA needs to send a message prior to the election that shows the support of the DDA for the Library's renovation project. If the bond proposal is defeated, the Library will have to the library will have to look elsewhere and the DDA and City could be stuck holding the property.

City Manager Mike Wiesner stated that DDA could give the building to the Library, but it could limit the finds available for the park/marina project. There would be no other funds available for any other DDA projects.

Dan Barron asked if the DDA could finance portions of the project - or pay as it goes along. It would be frustrating if funding was not available to complete the downtown park project. There is only so much money to go around.

Jacqueline Merta asked if grants or other funding was available for the project. Vel Meyerson advised that grants were being sought. Could the DDA pledge funds to the Library and then give the funds to the Library at a time when monies were not as tight?

DDA Board generally agreed to look at options to assist the Library. The matter will be discussed at the next meeting.

Resolution - Carry Over Funds for Projects within the Development Plan

Motion made by Dan Barron and seconded by John Yaroch to approve the following resolution.

WHEREAS, The City of Charlevoix Downtown Development Authority is projecting an approximate $838,255 fund balance as of March 31, 2004; and

WHEREAS, The Downtown Development Authority is in the process of prioritization and implementation of future projects; and

WHEREAS, The Downtown Development Authority has debt service payments;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, THAT THE DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT

AUTHORITY, hereby earmarks its March 31, 2004 fund balance estimated at $838,255 for implementation on the yet to be prioritized projects and to pay future years debt service payments now within their development plan, as funding allows.

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Resolution was adopted by the following yea and nay vote:

Yeas: Dan Barron, Fred DiMartino, John Taylor, John Yaroch, Jeff Porter, Mayor Campbell, Hugh Mason and Jeannine Wallace
Nays: None.
Absent: John Kurtz

Motion carried.

G) OLD BUSINESS

H) FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

I) ADJOURNMENT

Motion made by Dan Barron and second by John Taylor to adjourn. Motion adopted by a voice vote.

Meeting adjourned at 7:05 p.m.

Linda Weller, Recording Secretary