Michigan St. Corridor Improvement Authority - Regular Meeting

Michigan Street Corridor Improvement Authority 809 Michigan Street Minutes Packet Grand Rapids, MI 49503 July 13, 2022 @ 3:30 PM Grand Coney PRESENT: Alexander Lamkin, Kevin Brant, Chris Swank (3:44 PM), Thomas Dann, Commissioner Joe Jones, Max Benedict ABSENT: Jeff Lobdell OTHERS: Tricia Chapman, Verah Narh-Kamara, Rocio Perez, Richard App, Sam Cornwell (Well Design) I. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 3:30 PM by Chair Alexander Lamkin II. Public Comment on Agenda Items None. III. Minutes Approval There were no comments or questions noted. Approval of Minutes from June 8, 2022 Motion to approve the minutes from June 8, 2022. RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Max Benedict, Member SECONDER: Kevin Brant, Vice-chair YEAS: Lamkin, Brant, Dann, Jones, Benedict ABSENT: Christopher Swank, Wayne Lobdell IV. Financial Statements 1. Preliminary Interim Financial Statements as of June 30, 2022 Tricia Chapman presented the statements. She noted that the statements presented are only preliminary and not final.  RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Joseph D. Jones, Commissioner SECONDER: Max Benedict, Member YEAS: Lamkin, Brant, Dann, Jones, Benedict ABSENT: Christopher Swank, Wayne Lobdell V. Action Items 1. ArtPrize Poutine Week Event Planning Proposal - Well Design Sam Cornwell with the Well Design team introduced herself to the board and noted that she is available for any follow-up questions on the project. Kelsey Liebenow presented this item and noted that even though the Design Committee received just one bid for the Request for Proposals (RFP), it was a very good bid. Ms. Liebenow also pointed out some key points of the proposal such as a voting system that will be embedded into the Michigan Street website. She further explained that this proposal does not include marketing swag and any printing costs. He added that the Well Design team is also proposing a $1,500 ad buy which is not covered by the cost of the overall contract. Kevin Brant asked if the Ads will be digital. Ms. Cornwell replied yes, and listed Facebook, Instagram, and Google Ad as the possible platforms for Ad buys. Mr. Brant also asked if there will be data available from the ads. Ms. Cornwell confirmed all the data will be available if the board provides access to all Michigan Street CIA accounts. Alexander Lampkin mentioned that along the way, the RFP focus shifted from even planning to event marketing. He added that he spent time with Tyler Doornbos with the Well Design team and was able to get all the details of the proposal. And, Mr. Doornbos, suggested an onsite T-Shirt printing during the event. Mr. Lamkin asked for a final confirmation from the board about the project. The board members confirmed they are happy to proceed with the event. Richard App noted that the on-site T-Shirt printing could be a good fundraiser. Motion to approve the Poutine Week Event Planning Proposal presented for an amount not to exceed $16,250 and the proposed Ad Buy of $1,500. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Kevin Brant, Vice-chair SECONDER: Christopher Swank, Member YEAS: Lamkin, Brant, Swank, Dann, Jones, Benedict ABSENT: Wayne Lobdell 2. Corridor Management Contract Renewal with Kelsey Liebenow for FY2023 Ms. Liebenow presented this item. She noted that all terms of the contract will be still the same, including the budget. Mr. Brant asked if it is an hourly contract and suggested the need for a raise. Mr. Lamkin answered it is a set amount. Mr. Brant added that the contract amount should go up since everything else is going up. The board discussed a possible raise for the contract. Verah Narh-Kamara reminded the board the Corridor Manager role will be up for a rebid by spring, and they may consider revising the terms, including the budget then. Ms. Kamara assured the board they are not inclined to go with the lowest bid. Mr. Lamkin added that the poutine week event will be a good evaluation tool for Kelsey and will be factored in the next corridor manager RFP. He suggests holding off the raise till then. Ms. Liebenow is happy with the board’s decision and will look forward to discussing it further next year. Motion to the Corridor Manager contract renewal for a total of $15,000. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Joseph D. Jones, Commissioner SECONDER: Max Benedict, Member YEAS: Lamkin, Brant, Swank, Dann, Jones, Benedict ABSENT: Wayne Lobdell VI. Discussion Items i. Parklet Update Ms. Liebenow presented this item and noted that Parks and Recreations Department has requested the market value which the owner considers a reasonable value for the property. They noted that there are various easements for stormwater storage on this property and any proposed improvements will need to consider. The property owner will also need to provide full consent for the use of the property in writing. Mr. Lamkin mentioned there was an outstanding question during discussions which is for the board to be able to pay for the cost of the property. Ms. Kamara confirmed the board is allowed to pay for a property. Max Benedict, a board member is part owner of this property. He noted that the owners are willing to donate the property, but any incidental cost or tax transfers will be handled by whoever is taking over the property. He made it clear that are not expecting any capital gains from this property. Mr. Benedict noted he is available via phone or in-person for any follow-up conversations about the Michigan Street Corridor Improvement Authority 809 Michigan Street NE Minutes Packet Grand Rapids, MI 49503 July 13, 2022 @ 3:30 PM Grand Coney property. Ms. Liebenow added that the feedback she received from the Engineering Department indicates green space and stormwater storage will be required as part of the site plan for any development and permits will be required by the necessary department. VII. Reports 1. Corridor Manager & Design Committee Ms. Liebenow presented the reports. VIII. Other Business None. IX. Public Comment Rocio Perez introduced herself to the board as an intern with the Economic Development Office. X. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 4:08 PM. Generated 8/3/2022 11:57 AM