Southtown Corridor Improvement Authority - Regular Meeting

Southtown Corridor Improvement Authority 400 Franklin Street SE Minutes Packet Grand Rapids, MI 49507 November 6, 2023 @ 1:15 PM ICCF Community Center PRESENT: Senita Lenear, Darel Ross, Commissioner Nathaniel Moody, Bill DeJong, Helen Harp ABSENT: Kristian Grant, Ruben Ramos OTHERS: Chad Buczkowski, Kelsey Liebenow, Dionne Boles, Bukelwa Hornsby (Boston Square Business Association) I. Call to Order - Informational Meeting The meeting was called to order at 1:17 PM. 1. Informational Meeting - Southtown Corridor Improvement Authority Calendar Year 2023 Overview Chad Buczkowski highlighted facts and figures in the agenda packet powerpoint. 2. Public Comment on Calendar Year Overview None. II. Adjournment - Informational Meeting The informational meeting was adjourned at 1:21 PM. III. Call to Order - Regular Meeting The meeting was called to order at 1:21 PM. IV. Public Comment on Agenda Items Dionne Boles thanked the CIA for their support of the Neighborhood Business Associations. Bukelwa Hornsby introduced herself as the BSBA Treasurer and is excited to learn the process and work of the CIA. V. Minutes Approval 1. Approval of Minutes from August 7, 2023 No comments or corrections were made. Motion to approve the minutes from August 7, 2023. Generated 11/7/2023 02:49 PM Southtown Corridor Improvement Authority Meeting Full Page 2 November 6, 2023 RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Darel Ross, Secretary SECONDER: Helen Harp, Member YEAS: Lenear, Ross, Moody, DeJong, Harp ABSENT: Kristian Grant, Ruben Ramos VI. Financial Statements 1. Interim Financial Statements as of September 30, 2023 Mr. Buczkowski presented the financial statements and answered questions. Motion to accept Financial Statement C. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Darel Ross, Secretary SECONDER: Helen Harp, Member YEAS: Lenear, Ross, Moody, DeJong, Harp ABSENT: Kristian Grant, Ruben Ramos VII. Action Items 1. Project 49507 Updates and Funding Request The board had concerns about the mural being outside of the corridor, as well as the cost of the wall prep. Many on the board were supportive of reimbursing the actual imprinting of the mural (wall prep, artist payment, supplies, lift rental). Motion to approve the mural funding request up to $15,500 upon submittal of receipts/invoices. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Helen Harp, Member SECONDER: Darel Ross, Secretary YEAS: Lenear, Ross, Moody, DeJong, Harp ABSENT: Kristian Grant, Ruben Ramos 2. Corridor Manager Recommendation Senita Lenear thanked Kelsey Liebenow for her dedication to the Southtown Corridor. Motion to approve the Corridor Manager Recommendation of Kelsey Liebenow for a not to exceed amount of $64,000. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Nathaniel Moody, Commissioner SECONDER: William (Bill) DeJong YEAS: Lenear, Ross, Moody, DeJong, Harp ABSENT: Kristian Grant, Ruben Ramos Generated 11/7/2023 02:49 PM Southtown Corridor Improvement Authority Meeting Full Page 3 November 6, 2023 3. Southtown Corridor Improvement Authority - Business Associations Memorandum of Understanding Ms. Liebenow noted the Business Associations have been creating and growing wonderful events. Mr. DeJong stated that Alger Height’s bylaws require charging for membership and so AHBA may need to forfeit money from the CIA. Motion to approve the Southtown CIA Business Associations Memorandum of Understanding. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: William (Bill) DeJong SECONDER: Nathaniel Moody, Commissioner YEAS: Lenear, Ross, Moody, DeJong, Harp ABSENT: Kristian Grant, Ruben Ramos 4. Holiday Decorations Funding Request The group decided to increase funding to include Alger Heights. Motion to approve the Holiday Decorations Funding Request in a not to exceed amount of $16,000. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Nathaniel Moody, Commissioner SECONDER: Helen Harp, Member YEAS: Lenear, Ross, Moody, DeJong, Harp ABSENT: Kristian Grant, Ruben Ramos 5. Southtown Facade Improvement Program Projects The application for 1951 Eastern Ave will be reviewed to determine if the applicant is in fact the owner of that property. Motion to remove 1951 Eastern Ave from the agenda. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: William (Bill) DeJong SECONDER: Nathaniel Moody, Commissioner YEAS: Lenear, Ross, Moody, DeJong, Harp ABSENT: Kristian Grant, Ruben Ramos Motion to approve the Façade Improvement application for 640 Eastern Ave. in an amount not to exceed $15,000. Generated 11/7/2023 02:49 PM Southtown Corridor Improvement Authority Meeting Full Page 4 November 6, 2023 RESULT: APPROVED [4 TO 0] MOVER: Darel Ross, Secretary SECONDER: William (Bill) DeJong YEAS: Senita Lenear, Darel Ross, Nathaniel Moody, William (Bill) DeJong ABSENT: Kristian Grant, Ruben Ramos RECUSED: Helen Harp VIII. Reports 1. Corridor Manager and Committee Updates Ms. Liebenow and Verah Narh Kamara are researching other locations for the CIA meetings. New meeting day/times should be compiled and voted on next meeting. IX. Other Business None. X. Public Comment Ms. Hornsby asked about holiday decorations and who decides what in regards to business associations also doing decorating. XI. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 2:18 PM. Generated 11/7/2023 02:49 PM