A) CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order at 5:47 p.m. by Chairman Mason

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

B) APPROVAL OF AGENDA

The agenda was approved as presented.

C) INQUIRY INTO POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

None.

D) NEW BUSINESS

Property Acquisition

The City Manager advised the Board that he has spoken to the Waterways Commission and they cannot give us details on the amount of parking that may be required for the City marina.

Dan Barron reminded the Board that the retention of the old Middle School in public ownership was high on the DDA's priority list. If the DDA owns the site, it can control what the building's future use will be. The Library needs to pass a bond millage in order to have the funds to purchase the property and to make renovations to the old school building.

City Manager Mike Wiesner stated that the retention of the property for public use was also a City Council goal. Funding for the project is available through Act 99 funds, which were used in both Bridge Park and on the Airport. The DDA can look at purchasing the site and developing an agreement with the Library to acquire a portion of the site and discuss the possibility of sharing in the costs to maintain and provide utilities to the building.

The DDA Board members agreed to meet in a special session on Tuesday, April 29th at 5:30 p.m. to discuss strategy for acquisition of the Old Middle School site.

Motion made by Mayor Campbell and seconded by Dan Barron to ask the School for an extension until June 30, 2003 to make an offer on the Old Middle School site. Motion adopted unanimously.

Connie Saltonstall a representative of the Charlevoix Public Library Board reviewed a written statement with the Board. The statement is hereby made an attachment to the minutes.

It was generally agreed that the Library Board will continue to seek grant funds to minimize the costs for the new facility.

E) OLD BUSINESS

Portable Bathrooms

John Campbell showed the DDA the proposed floor plan of the portable restroom facility. He also showed an elevation of the completed facility. The trailer will be 40' long, handicap accessible and will have attractive landscaping around the unit. The total budget for the project was $68,000. He has been able to confirm the cost of materials and has received a commitment from the Coast Guard to help with the construction of the facility. He estimates that the total costs will be $41,500. Site Planning Development is willing to continue donating their time to work on the project. The installation of the facility will eliminate the use of porta-johns and the $5,000 budget costs to rent the units. He also feels that we need to look at better signage to help visitors locate public restroom sites.

Jeff Porter voiced support for the restroom facility. The lower cost estimates make the portable restroom facility more appealing. He feels that the visitors to Charlevoix expect a higher quality of services.

City Manager Mike Wiesner stated that he felt that the porta-johns would still be necessary during peak periods, even with the construction of the facility.

Jacqueline Merta of the Chamber of Commerce stated that Chamber of Commerce Board feels that there is a need for more restroom facilities. The porta-johns do not have hand washing options. She also requested the existing facilities be kept open longer.

John Yaroch and Fred DiMartino voiced support to not place porta-johns in the downtown area, except during the Venetian Festival in the carnival area.

City Manager Mike Wiesner stated that the City Council needs to approve the placement of the facility. He understands that the Planning Commission may also have to review the building placement.

Jeff Porter asked if the Convention and Visitors Bureau would be willing to contribute to the cost of temporary restroom building. Jacqueline Merta advised that all the CVB's funds have been appropriated for this year.

Motion made by Mayor Campbell and seconded by John Taylor to authorize spending $41,500 to purchase the materials for the restroom. The building is to be placed in East Park behind the band shell. The Chairman is authorized to sign the agreement.

Motion unanimously adopted.

E) ADJOURNMENT

Motion made by Mayor Campbell and seconded by Fred DiMartino to adjourn. Motion adopted.

Meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m.


Linda Jo Weller, Recording Secretary