A) CALL TO ORDER

Meeting was called to order at 5:36 p.m. by Chairman Hugh Mason.

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

B) APPROVAL OF AGENDA

The agenda was revised to reflect two sets of minutes to be approved. [Discussion on the Proposed DDA 2003-04 budget was added later in the meeting.]

C) INQUIRY INTO POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

None

D) APPROVAL OF MINUTES

1. January 20, 2003 5:15 p.m. Special Meeting Minutes
2. January 20, 2003 5:30 p.m. Special Joint Meeting with City Council Minutes

Motion made by Mayor Campbell and seconded Dan Barron to approve the minutes of January 20, 2003. Motion approved unanimously.

E) PUBLIC INPUT, NOT RELATED TO OTHER AGENDA ITEMS

Jacqueline Merta of the Charlevoix Area Chamber of Commerce gave a brief report on the DDA's budget funding for Downtown Marketing and Groups Coordinator and the duties of the position.

F) NEW BUSINESS

1. Request by Charlevoix Area Chamber of Commerce for a Temporary Restroom Facility

John Campbell presented photos of a concept for a temporary restroom facility to be located in the East Park area. The 45' x 8' trailer would provide hot and cold running water for hand washing, fans and possible showers for the boaters and band shell participants. The restroom would be connected directly to water and sewer lines. The visitors to Charlevoix would have a pleasant looking facility. The porta johns are unsanitary and smell. The City has funds to repair the existing bathrooms in Chamber and Harbormaster's building. The proposed structure could have siding and decks or patios attached. He has received offers from several area businesses to do work (woodworking, mechanical, etc.) The City can keep the facility clean. The trailer could stay in the park area until the Park/Marina renovation was completed. A cost estimate for a 4 stall trailer is $43,000. We wish to invite people to our community and we want to treat them well. They need good restrooms and a place to change. He'd like to see all porta john removed from the downtown area. Mr. Campbell asked the DDA for their thoughts on the concept and if the DDA would be willing to help fund the facility.

Dan Barron voiced concerns on the aestethics of the structure. Mr. Campbell stated that arbors and flower planters can be added around the perimeter of structure. He also asked if Staff felt there was a need for the showers. Mr. Wiesner advised that Staff feels there are adequate shower facilities to meet the Marina's needs. Mr. Barron feels we should focus more on restrooms needs and not shower facilities. Could the facility be smaller and be placed not to block views of Round Lake? Could it be placed adjacent to the wall in the Bridge Park parking area?

Jeff Porter asked for information on the number of porta potties rented for festival periods and where they were placed. City Manager Mike Wiesner was not sure of the total amount, but they are placed at foot of Clinton Street and in Erber parking lot. He stated that similar facilities have been rented by Bay Harbor for between $1,500 - $2,500 a day.

John Yaroch stated that the existing restrooms in the downtown area should have clear signage to direct visitors to their locations. He also asked that we look at another site that was less obtrusive.

Mayor Campbell wants to see the City get rid of porta johns. Their appearance does nothing for the appearance of Charlevoix.

The DDA generally agreed to the concept, but they asked for additional information on the cost and proposed location. They will discuss it at the next meeting.

2. Resolution to Carry Over of Funds for Projects within the Development Plan

Motion made by Jeff Porter and seconded by John Yaroch to adopt the resolution to carry over funds available on March 31, 2003 to the 2003-2004 budget period.

WHEREAS, The City of Charlevoix Downtown Development Authority is projecting an approximate $371,832 fund balance as of March 31, 2003; 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, 2003 fund balance estimated at $371,832 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, Mayor Gabe Campbell, Hugh Mason, Jeff Porter and John Yaroch
Nays: None.
Absent: Fred DiMartino, John Kurtz, John Taylor and Jeannine Wallace



G) OLD BUSINESS

1. Possible Report on the Status of the Middle School Study

Chairman Mason advised the Board that the Architect's report has been received. The building is salvageable. The Library has expressed a desire to have its facility on one level. The School District requests a decision by the end of May.

Rick Brandi, Library Board Chairman stated that they are looking at the feasibility of using the "L" part of the building. Upon receipt of the rest of the Architect's information, another public meeting will take place and the Library Board will make a decision. It is possible that they make ask the DDA for assistance in purchasing the property. There is a deed restriction on the Library's present site, which may be removed in the near future. The Library would like to stay in the downtown area. The Friends of the Library has increased by 185 families in the past two years. The new design needs to meet the Library's future needs.

Marilyn Hall-Lovett advised the Board that a developer is also considering purchasing the lots for a site condominium development and single family houses. Mary Ann Chew stated that this is one of the last large parcels in the downtown area. The Library site does not have a enough room to add to the existing facility.

City Manager Mike Wiesner stated the DDA needs to know if the Library is willing to use the existing building. If the DDA is desirous to purchase the property, a public vote may be needed to obtain funding for the project.

John Yaroch stated that there is abestos in the building. He feels that the best use of the property might be to erect small homes to increase the tax base.

DDA Board members voiced support to preserve the historic structure and to keep the property in public ownership.

2. Proposed DDA 2003-04 Budget

The Board reviewed the proposed 2003-04 City budget and capital plan.

Motion made by Jeff Porter and seconded by Dan Barron to approve the 2003-04 budget as presented.
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Motion was adopted by the following yea and nay vote:

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

H) FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

Temporary restroom facilities, DDA/Library Consideration of Old Middle School Purchase

I) ADJOURNMENT

Motion made by Jeff Porter and seconded by Hugh Mason to adjourn. Motion adopted unanimously.

Meeting adjourn at 6:45 p.m.