Downtown Development Authority

DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MINUTES Monday, December 11, 2023 Council Chambers 5:00 PM 70 S. Clayton St, GA 30046 Call to Order Chairman Merritt called the meeting to order at 5:02 pm after recognizing a quorum. PRESENT Board Member Victoria Jones Board Member Joanie Perry Ward Board Member Katrina Fellows Board Member Jeremy Higginbotham Board Member Lee Merritt Board Member Johnson ABSENT Board Member Chris Adams Approval of Agenda Motion to approve the agenda made by Board Member Jones, Seconded by Board Member Fellows. Voting Yea: Board Member Jones, Board Member Perry Ward, Board Member Fellows, Board Member Higginbotham, Board Member Merritt, Board Member Johnson Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes 1. Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes for October 9, 2023 Motion to approve the Prior Meeting Minutes for October 9, 2023 made by Board Member Perry Ward, Seconded by Board Member Johnson.  Voting Yea: Board Member Jones, Board Member Perry Ward, Board Member Fellows, Board Member Higginbotham, Board Member Merritt, Board Member Johnson 2. Approval of Executive Session Minutes for October 9, 2023 Motion to approve the Executive Session Minutes for October 9, 2023 made by Board Member Perry Ward, Seconded by Board Member Johnson. Voting Yea: Board Member Jones, Board Member Perry Ward, Board Member Fellows, Board Member Higginbotham, Board Member Merritt, Board Member Johnson 3. Approval of Special Call Meeting Minutes for November 7, 2023 Motion to approve the Special Call Meeting Minutes for November 7, 2023 made by Board Member Perry Ward, Seconded by Board Member Johnson. Voting Yea: Board Member Jones, Board Member Perry Ward, Board Member Higginbotham, Board Member Merritt, Board Member Johnson Abstain: Board Member Fellows 4. Approval of Executive Session Minutes for November 7, 2023 Motion to approve the Executive Session Minutes for November 7, 2023 made by Board Member Perry Ward, Seconded by Board Member Johnson. Voting Yea: Board Member Jones, Board Member Perry Ward, Board Member Higginbotham, Board Member Merritt, Board Member Johnson Abstain: Board Member Fellows Downtown Development Business 5. December 2023 Treasurer’s Report Board Member Fellows, Treasurer presented the December 2023 Treasurer's Report to the Board. Motion to approve the December 2023 Treasurer's Report made by Board Member Higginbotham, Seconded by Board Member Jones.  Voting Yea: Board Member Jones, Board Member Perry Ward, Board Member Fellows, Board Member Higginbotham, Board Member Merritt, Board Member Johnson 6. Downtown Development Authority Budget for 2024 Motion to approve the Downtown Development Authority Budget for 2024 for the operating account by Board Member Higginbotham, Seconded by Board Member Jones. Voting Yea: Board Member Jones, Board Member Perry Ward, Board Member Fellows, Board Member Higginbotham, Board Member Merritt, Board Member Johnson 7. Downtown Development Authority Million Dollar Fund Update Chairman Merritt reviewed the Million Dollar Account with the Board. 8. Presentation of Comprehensive Plan 2045 Helen Appenzeller Balch, Deputy Director of the City of Lawrenceville Planning and Development Department presented the 2045 Comprehensive Plan. Mainstreet Business Jasmine Billings, Community and Economic Development Director gave the Mainstreet update to the Board. We had to cancel the Christmas Parade earlier in the month due to weather. We are currently working on plans for our 2024 events. We are in the process of becoming accredited with Mainstreet. Vintage Wine Shop on the square is now open. Placer AI update - more information will be coming in 2024. The information this provides is very helpful for events and sponsorships. Lawrenceville Business Alliance will be meeting at City Hall on January 30th from 6 - 7:30 pm. Citizen Comments No Citizen Comments Other Business No Other Business Executive Session - Real Estate Motion to enter Executive Session made by Board Member Merritt, Seconded by Board Member Higginbotham. Voting Yea: Board Member Jones, Board Member Perry Ward, Board Member Fellows, Board Member Higginbotham, Board Member Merritt, Board Member Johnson Motion to exit Executive Session made by Board Member Merritt, Seconded by Board Member Jones. Voting Yea: Board Member Jones, Board Member Perry Ward, Board Member Fellows, Board Member Higginbotham, Board Member Merritt, Board Member Johnson 7 Real Estate Items Discussed; 3 Votes Taken Final Adjournment Motion to adjourn made by Board Member Merritt, Seconded by Board Member Higginbotham. Voting Yea: Board Member Jones, Board Member Perry Ward, Board Member Fellows, Board Member Higginbotham, Board Member Merritt, Board Member Johnson Minutes Signature _________________________ Lee Merritt, Chairman _________________________ Barry Mock, Secretary