A) CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order at 5:33 p.m. by Chairman Hugh Mason.

Members present: John Kurtz, John Taylor, Dan Barron, Mayor Alvin Russell, Jeff Porter and Fred DiMartino (entered at 5:35 p.m.)
Members absent: Mary Feindt (excused) and Jeannine Wallace (excused)

B) APPROVAL OF AGENDA

The agenda was approved as submitted.

C) INQUIRY INTO POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

None.

Enter Mr. DiMartino at 5:35 p.m.

D) APPROVAL OF MINUTES

1. March 25, 2002 Regular Meeting Minutes
2. April 22, 2002 Regular Meeting Minutes

Motion made by Mayor Russell and seconded by John Taylor to approve the March 25th and April 22nd minutes as presented. Motion adopted unanimously.

E) PUBLIC INPUT, NOT RELATED TO OTHER AGENDA ITEMS

Jacque Merta of the Chamber of Commerce introduced Tom Welch to the Board. Mr. Welch is the Marketing and Events Coordinator (previously known as the Downtown Coordinator).

John Campbell, a member of the Chamber's Transportation Committee, advised the DDA that a proposal has been received to study the pedestrian-vehicle traffic flow. The study area is defined as Bridge Street between Pine River Lane and Belvedere Avenue. The study will take place in July. An estimate cost of the study is anticipated next week. He asked the DDA to consider holding a special meeting to review the proposal. The consultant has selected several times when tests can be held. City Manager Mike Wiesner stated that upon receipt of the information, Staff will look at setting a special meeting. All materials will be forwarded to the Board prior to the meeting for their review.

Mr. Wiesner advised the Board that the timetable sent to the Board on the Downtown Park Renovation was very preliminary. Dan Barron stated that the draft time line had a conflict on July 22nd with Venetian evening concerts.

F) NEW BUSINESS

1. Update on Convention Center/Meeting Room Feasibility Study

Chairman Mason stated that the committee held a meeting and has located a firm to look at the potential of creating a convention center/meeting room facility. The DDA is being asked to fund 50% of the study and to authorize up to $8,000 for Phase 1. The Visitors and Convention Bureau will fund the remaining 50%. Phase II of the study will not be authorized until the results of Phase I are available. Chairman Mason stated that it is important to verify that the site is large enough for the proposed facility.

Mr. Wiesner advised the Board that Stafford Smith has done a background check on the firm and states that they understand the Michigan market. The agreement covers only phase 1 of the study. The DDA will review the phase I study, prior any decision to start phase II of the study.

Jeff Porter asked for information on the two sites to be considered. Mr. Wiesner advised that the first site was located on the corner of West Dixon and Michigan Avenue. The second is located in the downtown valley area near shops and restaurants.

Michael Wiesner stated that there is an advantage of having the four motels in close proximity to downtown shops and restaurants. It would be possible to build an enclosed walkway between convention facility and hotels.

Jacque Merta of the Chamber of Commerce stated that conference attendees prefer to have the hotel/meeting rooms/restaurants under one roof or very close to one another. She has received information stating that the facility is needed.

G) OLD BUSINESS

Tom Welch asked if the City was planning to add signage showing the public parking area. Mr. Wiesner stated that we presently have small signs directing cars to parking areas.

Dan Barron stated that now that the Wharfside has been removed, the rear of band shell looks ugly. The Board asked that it be painted. Jeff Porter asked if large shrubs could be planted.

Dan Barron also asked if the foot of Mason Street could be graded to permit better access to the band shell. The area could be used for a staging tent or craft booth during Art Fair.

H) FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

Review park plan with committee
Traffic study
Convention meeting room study

I) ADJOURNMENT

Motion made by John Kurtz and seconded by Fred DiMartino to adjourn. Motion adopted unanimously.

Meeting adjourned 5:55 p.m.