Mayor Gabe Campbell and DDA Chairman Hugh Mason called the meeting to order at 5:40 p.m.

I. Roll Call of Members Present

DDA Members Dan Barron, Mayor Campbell, Fred DiMartino, John Kurtz, Hugh Mason, Jeff Porter, John Taylor, Jeannine Wallace, and John Yaroch

City Council Bill Bellows, Karen Campbell, Sherm Chamberlain, Shirley Gibson, Bill Haggard and Bob Timms

II. Inquiry Regarding Possible Conflicts of Interest

None.

III. General Business

A. Chamber of Commerce Request to Acquire Old Post Office Building

Jacqueline Merta, President of the Chamber of Commerce outlined the Chamber's request. They reviewed the March 22, 2004 letter from Maura Snabes, the Chamber's Chairman of the Board, the Chamber's goals, program of work, budget and their Strategic Plan and Critical issues program. The Chamber was incorporated in 1958 and has had a long partnership with the City as a nonprofit entity. The Chamber desires the City to lease the old Post Office building located at 109 Mason Street to them.

Hugh Mason, Dan Barron, John Taylor, Fred DiMartino and Jeannine Wallace voiced support of the proposal stating that the Chamber assists in stimulating the downtown businesses, their need for additional work space and it is important that it remain in the downtown area.

City Council members generally voiced support for the Chamber to use the old Post Office facility.

Ron Agnello of the Chamber Board offered to place $2,500 a year into a sinking fund. Funds will continue to build and all building repairs will be taken out of the account. If the City wishes, a yearly accounting of the fund can be given to the City.

Council member Chamberlain supported a lease with an initial lease term of 10 years, with a 5 year automatic renewal. At the end of that period, the City Council would review the terms of the lease.

Mayor Campbell asked that the City and Chamber would discussion future options at the end of the 12th or 13th year of the lease.

The Boards discussed if the Chamber leased the building, would they be required to pay property taxes. At this time, it is uncertain if taxes will be levied.

The City Council generally agreed to the concept as outlined in the March 22, 2004 letter from Maura Snabes, with the understanding that: (1) the initial lease will be for 10 years with an automatic 5 year renewal. (2) The lease payment will be $1.00 per year. (3) The Chamber will be responsible for the cost of any repairs and maintenance. A sinking fund will be established and $2,500 will be placed in the fund each year. (4) The City will insure the premises against loss and the Chamber will insure the personal property and obtain liability insurance listing the City as the additional named insured. (5) The Chamber will pay all utilities, which are not being paid by the Chamber in its current location. (6) That the tax status remain the same on the post office i.e. the post office did not pay taxes and was not a tax-generating source, therefore, if taxes were to be levied against the building the taxes would be donated by DDA or Council to the Chamber, thereby amounting to a "wash" for the Chamber.

The City Council asked to review the final lease document prior to execution.

IV. Adjourn

Motion made by Council member Chamberlain and Council member Timms to adjourn. Motion was approved by a voice vote.

The Downtown Development Authority generally agreed to adjourn the joint meeting with the City Council at 6:32 p.m.