A) CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Mason at 5:31 p.m.

Present: Dan Barron, Mayor Campbell, Fred DiMartino, Hugh Mason, John Kurtz, John Taylor (arrived at 5:40 p.m.), Jeannine Wallace and John Yaroch
Absent Jeff Porter

B) APPROVAL OF AGENDA

The agenda was approved as submitted.

C) INQUIRY INTO POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

None.

D) APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Dan Barron asked that page three of the DDA's March 29, 2004 minutes be amended to read:

"Motion made by Dan Barron and seconded by Mayor Campbell requesting Charlevoix Township investigate the legal ability to restrict a retail establishment to no greater than 40,000 square feet."

Motion made by Dan Barron and seconded by Jeannine Wallace to approve the minutes of the March 29, 2004 Joint DDA/City Council Meeting Minutes and the minutes of the March 29, 2004 DDA Board Meeting as amended. Motion adopted unanimously by voice vote.

E) NEW BUSINESS

Tax Increment Financing Plan and Development Plan

City Planner Gerry Harsch reviewed with the Board an outline of the DDA's projects and their status. There are a number of items that have been completed and can be deleted from the plan. There are also items that the DDA may wish to include into the Development Plan. The Board reviewed a 1984 development plan map prepared by Victor Nelhiebel.

John Taylor arrived at 5:40 p.m.

Board members participated in an exercise with Mr. Harsch on items to be included in the development plan. The following items were discussed: Placement of a storm sewer in the State/Park/Antrim Street area; removal of roof drains from Bridge Street storm sewer system; preservation of old Middle School building; creation of marina parking; acquisition of the boardwalk along the south side channel bank; acquisition of a town clock with temperature and chimes; shuffleboard courts; and downtown ice skating rink.

It was discussed that the new development plan should tie into the City's Master Plan, presently being updated.

Mr. Harsch will take the ideas originated from the meeting and prepare a list for prioritization by DDA members.

Chamber President Jacqueline Merta asked for information on the status of the DDA's directional signage and banner programs. Mr. Harsch advised that staff is presently looking for a way to place directional signage in the downtown area.

G) OLD BUSINESS

Dan Barron asked the Board if they would be willing to enter into a contract with This is Our Town, Inc. The City Attorney has stated that the DDA cannot make the contribution as outlined in its March 29th minutes. He feels the DDA could enter into a contract with This is Our Town, Inc., as they are educating, enlightening the public on the impact of big box and sprawl type of growth and how it can be detrimental to our area. Both Mayor Campbell and Jeannine Wallace voice support for the proposal.

Motion by Dan Barron and supported by Mayor Campbell that the DDA propose a contract with This is Our Town, Inc. for their services regarding the education of the general public on big box and urban sprawl and supporting their efforts to prevent detrimental growth in this area in the amount of $5,000 and to have City Attorney draft the contract. Public education can translate into legislative action. Motion adopted by unanimous voice vote.

Motion made by Dan Barron and supported by Fred DiMartino that ask the Charlevoix City Planning Commission to limit businesses located in the retail area not to exceed 40,000 square feet. Motion carried unanimously.

H) FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

Continued discussion on amending the DDA development plan

I) ADJOURNMENT

Motion made by John Yaroch and seconded by Jeannine Wallace to adjourn. Motion carried.

Meeting adjourned at 6:42 p.m.


Respectfully submitted,
Linda Jo A. Weller, Recording Secretary