DDA Board Minutes

Cascade Charter Township

Downtown Development Authority
Board of Directors

February 24, 2004
Cascade Museum Building
2839 Thornapple River Dr. SE

Attendees: Lori Chu, Ron Clark, Ray James, Julie Johnson, Michael Julien, Diana Kingsland, Joann Noto and Dan Wallace.
Absences: Ron Biermacher (unexpected)
Others Attending: Township Manager Jay Cravens
Guests: Unidentified resident

ARTICLE 1: Call the Meeting to Order
Chairman James called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

ARTICLE 2: Approval of the Agenda
Supervisor Julien made a motion to approve the agenda submitted by staff. Vice-Chairman Clark seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

ARTICLE 3: Approval of the Minutes of January 20, 2004
Chairman James requested approval of the January 20th Minutes. Member Julien motioned for approval, Vice-Chairman Clark seconded. All in favor none opposed. The minutes of January 20, 2004 passed unanimously.

ARTICLE 4: Adoption of Resolution Recommending an Amendment to the Downtown District
Manager Cravens summarized that since the last DDA meeting he has met with the Township Board. It was the consensus of the Township Board to proceed and amend the DDA district to include the remaining portions of the Centennial Park office and commercial areas, except the golf course. Manager Cravens also explained that the Resolution has an attachment noting the properties and addresses to be included in the amended district. Chairman James requested a motion for approval of the Resolution approving and recommending amendment to downtown district. Vice-Chairman Clark motioned for approval, supported by Member Wallace. All in favor; none opposed.

ARTICLE 5: Discussion of Draft DDA Tax Increment Financing Plans
Manager Cravens recalled from the November meeting the drawings of streetlights, sidewalks, etc. and how the projects were broken down into logical groups of completion. Manager Cravens shared drawings with the DDA Board and suggested construction scenarios to the Board, noting that dates provided are subject to change depending on available funds and bonds. Manager Cravens explained that the yellow "lollipops" depicted on the maps were new streetlights, the green trees denoting trees to be planted. At this time the trees are to be planted one tree per thirty (30) feet. For practical purposes, trees may be clumped together if space allows. The red lines denote sidewalks. Manager Cravens noted intersections, which would receive mast-arms for traffic signals and street signs. He also noted plans for driveway consolidation for the improvement of traffic flow. Manager Cravens noted the dates on the front page for the Charlevoix to Thornhills project and reviewed the tables and dates, ranging from 2005 - 2022. Manager Cravens utilized these dates but stressed they truly depend on when the project is adopted. DDA members reviewed the suggested DDA District Improvement Costs and Projection Sheet. General questions arose regarding the dates for the Charlevoix to I-96 project. Manager Cravens noted there has been some resistance from MDOT regarding traffic islands on the west side of the I-96 overpass bridge. He suggested putting this improvement off until 2024. Manager Cravens also noted that if the captured funds grow, some of these projects might be completed sooner.

Board members asked if there was a cost for the pedestrian connector under the I-96 overpass bridge. Manager Cravens stated that this will be a challenge to develop. Member Wallace asked if consideration was given to the new mall being built where the (Showcase Cinemas) theater was located. Manager Cravens hasn't heard of a timeframe for the new Cosco and its accompanying gas station. The Cosco project has just cleared the Planning Commission and may be open in 2005. Supervisor Julien asked the DDA Board if this timetable and projected costs were okay. He would like to see the projects proceed East to West as have the other projects in the past.

Manager Cravens mentioned that the sewer line in 28th Street has been problematic for the past twenty (20) years. The sewer line is fragile and susceptible to horizontal cracks. The Township has had leaks in the past and repairs have been made. The Township would like to replace this sewer line when 28th Street is closed for road construction. Manager Cravens noted that this project is targeted for 2007 and the Township can do its streetscape improvements once road construction is complete.

Manager Cravens requested the DDA Board's general consensus on the proposed plans. He said he will improve the maps, add the tables to each map and incorporate other suggestions. Member Chu asked if flowers could be added. Manager Cravens stated they would review the costs and add a flower planting budget. Member Johnson asked if some type of top could be placed on the current streetlights because the light is going up and not down onto the street. Member Johnson also asked why the mast arms at intersections were being used for traffic signals and not wires; it seems the intersections would be too congested with "stuff" up above. Manager Cravens noted that the mast arms would hold both traffic signals and street signs. Supervisor Julien noted that most people prefer the mast arms vs. the dangling wires. Supervisor Julien also asked if the vendor who made the current streetlights could provide tops for the lights. Manager Cravens noted that the streetlights were custom-made for the Township. General discussion was held regarding the streetlights and Supervisor Julien reminded the DDA Board that the discussion was getting into details. This is just a general plan that covers the next twenty (20) years. Manager Cravens stated this is a flexible plan and is just general. He stated the budget numbers have been figured with a 3.5% inflation factor.

In March, Manager Cravens will provide a general plan for Centennial Park and extending the sidewalks. Manager Cravens suggested inviting the Centennial Park Association to the next meeting for their input on the project. Member Johnson asked if the lights should be considered now, instead of 2005 as noted on the project. Manager Cravens clarified that 2007 is the start dates and the DDA needs to pay-off its current debt. If funds are available, we can certainly do improvements as early as 2005.

Member Wallace hopes that the Township will allow Cascade residents to purchase the bonds. Supervisor Julien noted that the bonds are not a DDA decision. The Township obtains the lowest interest rates through bids. There was no further discussion and the general consensus of the DDA Board was to proceed with the plans presented to them.

Article 6: Other Business
There was no other business discussed.

Article 7: Adjournment
Chairman James requested a motion for adjournment. Member Chu motioned for adjournment, seconded by Supervisor Julien. Meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Lisa Hern, Recording Secretary

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