Southtown Corridor Improvement Authority - Regular Meeting

Southtown Corridor Improvement Authority 400 Franklin Street SE Minutes Packet Grand Rapids, MI 49507 August 7, 2023 @ 1:15 PM ICCF Community Center PRESENT: William DeJong, Senita Lenear, Darel Ross, Helen Harp ABSENT: Kristian Grant, Commissioner Nathaniel Moody, Eric Williams, Ruben Ramos OTHERS: Jeremiah Gracia, Verah Narh Kamara, Chad Buczkowski, Michael Hoeker, Richard App, Kelsey Liebenow, Dione Boles, Kevin Tracy, Carlos Calderon I. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 1:28 PM by Chair, Senita Lenear. II. Public Comment on Agenda Items None. III. Minutes Approval 1. Approval of Minutes from June 5, 2023 No corrections or comments were noted. Motion to approve the minutes from June 5, 2023. RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Darel Ross, Secretary SECONDER: William (Bill) DeJong YEAS: William (Bill) DeJong, Senita Lenear, Darel Ross, Helen Harp ABSENT: Kristian Grant, Nathaniel Moody, Eric Williams, Ruben Ramos IV. Action Items 1. Sponsorship Request for Liberation Saturdays - MLK Park Kelsey Liebenow introduced the event from the agenda packet. It is being held only at MLK Park, not at Garfield Park. The board discussed their various stance on such requests. Motion to approve sponsorship of Liberation Saturday’s event in an amount not to exceed $5,000, with the condition that Southtown Business Associations are noted in all promotional print materials. Generated 8/9/2023 09:26 AM Southtown Corridor Improvement Authority Meeting Full Page 2 August 7, 2023 RESULT: APPROVED [3 TO 1] MOVER: Darel Ross, Secretary SECONDER: Senita Lenear, Chair YEAS: William (Bill) DeJong, Senita Lenear, Darel Ross NAYS: Helen Harp ABSENT: Kristian Grant, Nathaniel Moody, Eric Williams, Ruben Ramos 2. Southtown Facade Improvement Program Projects Ms. Liebenow explained this property is no longer a restaurant but is being used as a catering and event space. Motion to approve the façade application for 1553 Kalamazoo Ave. for an amount not to exceed $8675. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: William (Bill) DeJong SECONDER: Darel Ross, Secretary YEAS: William (Bill) DeJong, Senita Lenear, Darel Ross, Helen Harp ABSENT: Kristian Grant, Nathaniel Moody, Eric Williams, Ruben Ramos V. Discussion Items 1. Economic Development Department Fiduciary Role Discussion Jeremiah Gracia and City Attorney Michael Hoeker explained the Michigan State Law (Public Act 57) that enables Corridor Improvement Authorities as well as the City’s policies for CIAs. There are no administration fees being charged to the CIAs, although state law allows for that. The Mayor also has board appointee power under state law. If the CIA wanted to be autonomous from the City, the management, bookkeeping, administration, etc. would have to be hired out and that cost borne out of the tax capture. 2. Business Associations Memorandum of Understanding and Committee Engagement Discussion RESULT: TABLED [UNANIMOUS] Next: 9/11/2023 1:15 PM MOVER: William (Bill) DeJong SECONDER: Helen Harp, Member YEAS: William (Bill) DeJong, Senita Lenear, Darel Ross, Helen Harp ABSENT: Kristian Grant, Nathaniel Moody, Eric Williams, Ruben Ramos Ms. Liebenow will schedule a Strategic Planning meeting. VI. Reports 1. Corridor Manager and Committee Updates Generated 8/9/2023 09:26 AM Southtown Corridor Improvement Authority Meeting Full Page 3 August 7, 2023 Ms. Liebenow met with the interim leadership of Project 49507. They are planning to present at the next meeting. The Corridor Manager's job scope will be modified at the strategic planning meeting. VII. Other Business None. VIII. Public Comment None. IX. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 2:20 PM. Generated 8/9/2023 09:26 AM