Corridor Improvement Authority

CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING JANUARY 10, 2007 – 5:30 P.M. CITY CENTER – ROOM 201 Chairman Crombez called the meeting to order at 5:35 p.m. Members present at roll call: Daniel Crombez, Salvatore D’Angelo (arrived 5:57), Denice Gerstenberg, Pat Lehman, Mary Marcinak, Douglas Skrzyniarz, Rose Tocco Members absent: none Also in attendance: Luke Bonner, Economic Development Manager; Jim Buhlinger, Deputy Treasurer; Jamie Freeman, Recording Secretary Motion to Approve the Agenda Moved by Marcinak, supported by Tocco, to approve the agenda as presented. Ayes: All Nays: None Motion carried. Motion to Approve the October 4, 2006 Minutes Moved by Gerstenberg, supported by Marcinak, to approve the minutes from October 4, 2006. Ayes: All Nays: None Motion carried. MDOT Grants Update- Denice Gerstenberg Ms. Gerstenberg reported that the engineering department applied for a grant in November that could be used to improve the 19 Mile and Van Dyke intersection. It is a Federal grant with a 20% match. The city should know whether the grant will be awarded within six months. The board discussed the grant, property assessments, and future plans for 19 Mile Road. Ms. Gerstenberg reported that she has also applied for a landscaping grant for plantings in the roundabout. CIA Website Mr. Bonner explained that the City has started putting together a website for the CIA. The board discussed ideas for the website. Ms. Marcinak expressed concern with promoting local businesses. The board will bring ideas for the website to the next meeting. Site Plan Review Committee/ Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment Mr. Bonner reported that at the November 21, 2006 Council meeting, Councilman Bracci questioned where the CIA would go from here. Donald Mende, City Planner, recommended a text amendment and site plan review committee. The committee will be comprised of the Building Official, Economic Development Manager, Public Services Manager, and City Planner. The Committee will review proposed site plans for the corridor to ensure they are in compliance with the development plan. Name for District The board brainstormed name ideas for the district. Some suggestions included River District, New Van Dyke, Uptown Van Dyke, and Uptown Business District. The board is going to come back to the next meeting with more ideas. Mr. Bonner reported that a Lakeside District is in the works. Potential Events for 2007/Kick Off Event? Mr. Bonner stated that the board could schedule special events in the district to bring attention to the area. The board discussed possible events and sponsors. Mr. Skrzyniarz suggested partnering with a non-profit. Ms. Lehman expressed interest in waiting until improvements are made before a kick-off event is planned. Redevelopment Plans from other cities Mr. Bonner suggested that the board could organize a bus trip to look at cities that have made similar improvements. The board was very interested in this idea. Ms. Lehman requested marketing videos if possible from cities like Tempe, Phoenix, and Scottsdale. The board discussed traffic concerns. Ms. Gerstenberg reminded the board that a traffic study is still planned. Ms. Lehman requested that Mr. Bonner put together phases or a chronological schedule so the board can prioritize improvements. Public Comments Mr. Skrzyniarz reported that he is running for State Legislature. He does not does foresee it being a conflict of interest. The board agreed. Adjournment Moved by Skrzyniarz, supported by Marcinak to adjourn. Ayes: All Nays: None Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Rose Tocco, Secretary JF