Southtown Corridor Improvement Authority - Regular Meeting

Southtown Corridor Improvement Authority 400 Franklin Street SE Minutes Packet Grand Rapids, MI 49507 April 20, 2022 @ 11:00 AM ICCF Community Center PRESENT: Helen Harp, Kristian Grant, Commissioner Nathaniel Moody, Eric Williams, Commissioner Senita Lenear. ABSENT: Darel Ross, Jonathan Farman, Reuben Ramos. OTHERS: Verah Narh-Kamara, Kelsey Liebenow, Carl Peters (EZ BANNERS) I. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 11:04 AM by Chair, Helen Harp. II. Public Comment on Agenda Items None. III. Minutes Approval Approval of Minutes from March 16, 2022 No corrections or comments were noted. Motion to approve minutes from March 16, 2022 RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Kristian Grant, Vice-Chair SECONDER: Senita Lenear, Commissioner YEAS: Harp, Grant, Moody, Williams, Lenear ABSENT: Darel Ross, Jonathan Farman, Ruben Ramos IV. Action Items 1. FY2023 Budget Recommendation for the Southtown Corridor Improvement Authority Verah Narh-Kamara presented the fiscal year 2023 budget to the board and noted that the numbers presented are preliminary and should not be considered final. She added that the final numbers will be provided subsequently. Kelsey Liebenow, Helen Harp, and Kristian Grant who were part of the executive committee discussion about the budget appropriation took turns explaining the various allocations. Generated 4/22/2022 01:18 PM Southtown Corridor Improvement Authority Meeting Full Page 2 April 20, 2022 Eric Brown, a new member of the board had questions about the Project 49507 budget line item. Ms. Grant explained that the board does not manage that program, there is a third-party entity, Project 49507, which presented a proposal to the board for funding. Motion to recommend the fiscal year 2023 budget presented to City Commission RESULT: RECOMMENDED TO CITY COMMISSION [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Senita Lenear, Commissioner SECONDER: Eric Williams, Member YEAS: Harp, Grant, Moody, Williams, Lenear ABSENT: Darel Ross, Jonathan Farman, Ruben Ramos 2. Building Bridges Landscaping Maintenance Contract Renewal Ms. Liebenow presented this item to the board and explained the deliverables, specifications, and locations that will be covered by this contract. Ms. Grant and Commissioner Lenear shared their concerns about the quality of work that was delivered last year. Ms. Liebenow explained that was due to COVID and she was sure to address those concerns during the walkthrough for this contract. Building Bridges confirmed they have hired more staff and are positive there will be better outcomes this time around. Helen Harp noted that South Division may not require as many maintenance visits due to low activity and suggested 4 visits instead of the 8 visits that were presented in the contract. The board also discussed the optional services, and beautification projects that include the planting of perennials along curbs and sidewalks. Ms. Kamara suggested the board approves the contract for $38,000 which is the total budgeted for streetscape maintenance. Motion to approve the Building Bridges Landscaping Maintenance contract for $38,000 RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Kristian Grant, Vice-Chair SECONDER: Senita Lenear, Commissioner YEAS: Harp, Grant, Moody, Williams, Lenear ABSENT: Darel Ross, Jonathan Farman, Ruben Ramos V. Reports Ms. Liebenow did not prepare reports for this meeting. She will include the new board members in the committee meetings and present hard copies of the BASP to them at Generated 4/22/2022 01:18 PM Southtown Corridor Improvement Authority Meeting Full Page 3 April 20, 2022 the next board meeting. VI. Other Business None. VII. Public Comment Carl Peters with EZ Banners expressed concerns about using Roundup for weed control. He suggested other noninvasive and environmentally safe weed control options. Ms. Liebenow will follow up with Building Bridges to confirm their weed control method. VIII. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 11:31 am by Chair, Helen Harp. Generated 4/22/2022 01:18 PM