Corridor Improvement Authority

CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING April 9, 2008– 5:30 P.M. CITY CENTER – ROOM 201 Approved Dan Crombez called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Members present at roll call: Daniel Crombez, Salvatore D’Angelo, Mary Marcinak Denice Gerstenberg, Pat Lehman, and Rose Tocco. Members absent: Doug Skrzyniarz Also in attendance: Luke Bonner, Economic Development Manager; Jim Buhlinger, City Treasurer, Mike Bartholomew, City Development Director, Terry Croad, McKenna Associates, Allan Federlein, Key Bank, Teresa Jarzab, Recording Secretary Motion to Approve the Agenda Moved by Marcinak, supported by Gerstenberg, to approve the agenda as presented. Ayes: All Nays: None Motion carried. Motion to Approve the January 9, 2008 Minutes Moved by Marcinak, supported by Gerstenberg, to approve the minutes from January 9, 2008. Ayes: All Nays: None Motion carried. Discussion on Façade Program Progress Terry Croad of McKenna presented the first draft of the Design Guidelines. Mr. Croad discussed guidelines of signage, outdoor seating opportunities, landscaping, and façade improvements options. Mr. Croad showed the committee examples of existing businesses and potential changes to the façades. General discussion ensued about Mr. Croad’s presentation. Ms. Lehman questioned who would be eligible in the case of the Kroger Plaza, store tenants or the Plaza owner. Mr. Bonner responded that both would be eligible for the façade program. Ms Lehman wanted clarification of paint colors prohibited by the program. Discussion by all that the committee did not want to limit colors, but that any gaudy or fluorescent colors are prohibited. Discussion about neon signs ensued. Discussion followed regarding window signs, window painting and the City ordinances for signs. General discussion ensued about the future boulevard construction, and how boulevard construction would impact landscaping improvements that any owner may do. Ms. Lehman questioned Mr. Federlein about the loan program and interest rates. Mr. Federlein will have to check the program guidelines. Questions regarding whether or not the sale of a business, in the middle of a project would affect the agreement. Mr. Bonner responded that it is addressed in the program guidelines and the agreement. Ms. Marcinak had questions about large blank walls on the sides of buildings facing the road. Mr. Croad responded that there was an example in the design guidelines, and that paint, art and landscaping are great examples of things that can be done. General discussion ensued regarding the existing ordinances for signs and window coverings. Mr. Bartholomew explained that some of the items are in the current ordinance, but some changes are going to be added to the ordinance soon. Discussion ensued regarding grandfathering and how any improvements would affect the current businesses. Ms. Marcinak asked Mr. Croad about newspaper vending machines and how to address that issue. Mr. Croad responded that he did include an example in the design guidelines, but that there are uniform machines that are more decorative. Mr. Croad suggested that grant monies would also be an additional idea as an incentive to get projects started. The elimination of sign clutter and reducing the size of the signs would go a long way in increasing the appearance, and that is a real cheap fix. Mr. Bonner asked the committee if they would be available to attend second meeting this month on April 23rd. There were no objections. Mr. Bonner also announced that after the committee approves the guidelines then he will take them to the City Council, and then he would like to have Kick-Off meeting at City Hall for the Corridors’ eligible property owners. Ms. Lehman asked if we could add an additional committee member to the Design Review Committee. The committee voted that Mr. Crombez be added to the Review Committee. Discussion ensued about CIA funds, how many projects could be done with this amount of money, and how many businesses are actually in the corridor. Ms. Marcinak questioned about the “pay down” of the loans. Mr. Bonner explained that the bank would front the money and the City would refund the Bank when the project is complete. Ms. Marcinak asked if there would be funds available if an owner wanted to go green. Mr. Bonner responded that façade monies would still be available. Mr. Bartholomew responded that he was unaware of any Federal Funds available for “Going Green”, but that some special interest groups may have some funds available for those purposes. Ms. Marcinak asked if the City would look into this. Mr. Crombez reminded everyone that he had distributed some information at a prior meeting. General discussion ensued about site plan review, if there were costs involved with the review, and whether or not it would be required by the Planning Department. Recommendations were made that maybe a reduced fee could be beneficial. General discussion about the Banks involved in the program, what the differences were between the two banks programs, if the application fees could be waived, rates and terms. Ms. Marcinak questioned if there is a limit of time that the permit is good for. Mr. Bartholomew responded that permits are generally good for six months, but that if extenuating circumstances apply then they are considered on a case per case basis. Ms. Marcinak would like language clarified as to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy. Mr. Bartholomew had several suggestions to specify the work applied for only. Discussion ensued regarding the language changes. Ms. Marcinak questioned what would happen if the owner that applied of the program passed away. Discussion ensued regarding this topic. Mr. Bonner explained the Program Guidelines to the committee. Ms. Marcinak asked how much money was there in the current budget. Mr. Bonner responded that we have approximately $16,000. There were previous discussions about the potential for grant monies, but Mr. Bonner stated that we were unsuccessful with those applications. Ms. Lehman would like to see the Boulevard Plans shown on the drawings. General discussion ensued about why the boulevard is not shown on the Façade Program Guidelines. Mr. Bonner would like to present all the committees achievements to the City Council on May 6th. Mr. Crombez questioned the round-a-bout plans from MDOT. Ms. Gerstenberg responded that MDOT improvements are scheduled for 2009 and the budget has been reduced. Ms. Tocco asked about the Van Dyke Road improvements from 17 to 18 Mile Roads. Ms Gerstenberg responded that it is scheduled for 2011. Public Comments None Adjournment Moved by Marcinak, supported by Tocco to adjourn. Ayes: All Nays: None Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m. TJ Minutes Approved 04/23/08 Rose Tocco, Secretary