A) CALL TO ORDER

Meeting was called to order by Chairman Mason at 5:30 p.m.

Present: Jeff Porter, Hugh Mason, Mary Feindt, Jeannine Wallace, Fred DiMartino,
John Kurtz, Mayor Russell, John Taylor
Absent: Dan Barron (arrived at 5:32 p.m.)

B) APPROVAL OF AGENDA

The agenda was approved as submitted.

C) INQUIRY INTO POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

None.

D) APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Enter Dan Barron at 5:32 p.m.

1. September 24, 2002 Regular Meeting Minutes
2. September 25, 2002 Special Meeting Minutes

Motion made by Mary Feindt and seconded by Jeannine Wallace to approve the minutes of September 24, 2002 and September 25, 2002 as submitted. Motion adopted unanimously.

E) PUBLIC INPUT, NOT RELATED TO OTHER AGENDA ITEMS

None.

F) NEW BUSINESS

1. Update on Proposed Amendment of the DDA Boundary, Tax Increment Financing Plan and Discussion with Library Individuals

City Manager Mike Wiesner briefed the Board on the steps needed to revise the DDA District boundaries and to amend the DDA Tax Increment Financing Plan. It is the
City's intent to exclude two residential properties located at 204 and 206 Clinton Street. The reason for the exclusion was to avoid DDA millage being placed on the two residential parcels. Jeff Porter understood that any residential properties located in the DDA district received an automatic exemption from payment of the DDA millage.

Dan Barron agreed that residences should not have to pay the extra taxes to the DDA.
The DDA Board generally agreed that if State statute provides for an exclusion of residential properties from paying DDA millage, that the two lots would be placed in the DDA District. If the residential lots were not excluded by Statue, than the lots would not be included in the DDA District.

The Board reviewed the proposed amendment to the DDA tax increment financing plan to include the former Charlevoix Middle School building and grounds. It is in the public interest that this property be returned to productive use, either in the public or private sector or a combination of public and private usage. As a result, the site may be utilized for one or more of the following uses or any similar use even if the use is not listed below:

A. Purchase of Property; Renovation or Demolish.

An attempt will be made to purchase the property or, at least obtain a right of first refusal or similar legal mechanism which will allow purchase of the property in the future. Ultimately, if the property can be purchased, the building may be renovated or demolished, depending upon cost estimates and potential uses of the site. If the existing building is demolished, a new building may be erected to accommodate the needs of a new use. Funding for the purchase and any intermediate steps such as a right of first refusal will come from Downtown Development Authority funds collected pursuant to the Development Plan/Tax Increment Plan.

B. Resale or Lease.

All or part of the site may be resold or leased to public and/or private entities, depending on the contemplated use and the terms of the proposed transaction.

C. Additional Parking.

A portion of the site may be used to help accommodate parking needs for the downtown area.

D. Public Park
.

Part of the site may also be used as a public park which will serve nearby residential areas and preserve and promote natural beauty in the downtown area.

E. Mixed Public/Private Use.

The site may also be studied to determine whether a mix of public and private uses will best serve the needs of the downtown development area and the community as a whole.

DDA Board members expressed concerns over the Charlevoix Public Library's plan "Option E" . The plan shows a parking lot along the east side of the property which accesses both Clinton and Mason Streets. The parking area could be used by marina users. The Board does not wish a "sea of black top" to be developed. An ice rink is proposed in the center of the parking area with a new Library being built near the corner of Grant and Clinton Streets. The Library's relocation is a benefit to the DDA. The old Middle School building is an historic building and should be preserved.

Representatives of the Library Board (Marilyn Hall-Lovett, Al Ranger, Connie Saltonstall, Joe Sidel )were present to answer questions. The Committee stated that their consultants have reviewed the exterior of the structure and advised that the old Middle School could not be used for the Library. The structure would not hold the weight of the books. They are proposing to build a new 20,000 square foot building on the site and look at alternative uses for the existing building. They have until the end of this year to find a use for the building/gym. If a use is not in place by then, the building will lose its grandfather status for ADA/building code items. It is proposed to remove the 1950's addition to the building. Today, the Library encompasses technology as well as books. If the Library had two floors, additional staffing would be needed, which would increase costs. The Library has offered the School its current building in exchange for the property. The "Option E" plan is very preliminarily.

Dan Barron agreed that the building has a limited market. He asks that the creative visions be stretched for the existing building. Could the library use the building? He feels there is a benefit to the town to keep the building. Jeff Porter agrees with the concept of using the existing building for the library. The DDA would be willing to look at providing funds to assist in renovation of the building.

The DDA unanimously resolved its approval of the expansion of the DDA District to include the lots bounded by Clinton/Grant/Mason. The inclusion of the residential lots located at 204 and 206 Clinton depend upon the ability to exclude the lots from paying the DDA millage. If the lots can not be excluded from paying the millage, then the lots will be excluded.

Jeannine Wallace stated that the neighborhood is very concerned over the amount of parking. Could the City permit the Library to use the street for parking?

John Kurtz asked if the Library had done a study of the feasibility of using the existing building. Dan Barron and Fred DiMartino also voice concerns about finding ways to use the existing building and maintaining the historic character of the area.

City Manager Mike Wiesner stated that the City Council/DDA and School officials need to meet with Library personnel to discuss site details.

G) OLD BUSINESS

City Manager Mike Wiesner advises that the wooden sidewalk in front of the Berlage building is getting rough. The boardwalk is on State of Michigan property. Discussions are underway with the State and Mr. Berlage on the sidewalk. We hope to have a solution soon.

H) FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

Convention Center Feasibility Study

I) ADJOURNMENT

Motion made by Jeff Porter and seconded by John Taylor to adjourn. Motion adopted. Meeting adjourned at 6:47 pm