Local Development Finance Authority
Regular MeetingSterling Heights, MI · September 20, 2022
Minutes
CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS
LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FINANCE AUTHORITY
Approved
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
September 20, 2022 – 8:00 a.m.
6633 18 Mile Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48314
586-884-9322
Velocity Building
Phil Hunsberger called the meeting to order at 8:01 a.m.
Pledge of Allegiance
Members present at roll call: Josephine Attisha, Dr. Michael Balsamo, Phil Hunsberger, Laurel
Johnson, Dominic Patrus, Vicky Rowinski, Howard Sizemore, Jill Tomyn
Members absent: Ellanore Evans, Bill Holbrook, Josh Hundt, John Lettang, Steve Pomaville,
Jeanne Schabath-Lewis
Also in attendance: Jason Castor, City Development Director – City of Sterling Heights; Kathryn
Quell, Management Services Specialist – City of Sterling Heights; Luke Bonner, CEO Bonner
Advisory Group, Senior Economic Development Advisor – City of Sterling Heights; April
Boyle, Senior Advisor for Entrepreneurship and Innovation; Rachele Downs, EIR - Downs
Diversity Initiatives
Motion to Approve the Agenda
Moved by Balsamo, supported by Patrus, to approve the agenda as presented.
Ayes: All
Nays: None
Motion carried.
Motion to Approve the CONSENT AGENDA as presented
Moved by Balsamo, supported by Johnson, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.
A. To approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of August 16, 2022.
B. To approve the Shared Workspace Agreement between David Trupiano (LecturePanda,
LLC) and the Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA). The Agreement is month-
to-month at a rate of $100/month.
C. To approve the Shared Workspace Agreement between Matthew Chartier (EyeWyre
Software Studios) and the Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA). The
Agreement is for the time period of 9/6/22 – 10/15/22 at a flat rate of $264.00.
D. To approve authority for Kathryn Quell, Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA)
liaison, to sign Lease Agreements for the shared Co-Working space on behalf of the
LDFA Board.
Ayes: All
Nays: None
Motion carried.
New Business
To Consider the Proposal for Velocity AV Upgrades between the City of Sterling Heights
Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA) and CCS Presentation Systems – MI, 24660
Dequindre Road, Warren MI 48091 in the amount of $105,473.09.
Ms. Quell stated that CCS Presentation Systems performed an extensive evaluation of the seven
conference spaces at Velocity. The proposal allows for maximum use of each of the spaces
based on how each space is utilized. Enhancements include two-way video conferencing,
microphones/speakers for presentations, interactive monitors and wireless connection. Ms. Quell
stated that the proposal will bring Velocity to the level of technology necessary to support the
tenants and programming of the building. Ms. Quell introduced Matthew Vazana, Vice
President of CCS Presentation Systems. Mr. Vazana provided a detailed explanation of the
technology for each of the spaces in the proposal.
Moved by Balsamo, supported by Patrus, to approve the Proposal for Velocity AV Upgrades
between the City of Sterling Heights Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA) and CCS
Presentation Systems – MI, 24660 Dequindre Road, Warren MI 48091 in the amount of
$105,473.09.
Ayes: All
Nays: None
Motion carried.
To Approve a Budget Adjustment to fund the AV Upgrades as proposed by CCS
Presentation Systems at Velocity.
Ms. Quell stated that currently $88,000 is budgeted for AV Upgrades to Velocity. Ms. Quell is
requesting Board approval to approve $20,000 from the LDFA fund balance to fully fund the
CCS Presentation Systems proposal in the amount of $105,473.09.
Moved by Balsamo, supported by Patrus, to approve the Budget Amendment allocating $20,000
from the LDFA fund balance for Velocity AV Upgrades between the City of Sterling Heights
Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA) and CCS Presentation Systems – MI, 24660
Dequindre Road, Warren MI 48091 in the amount of $105,473.09.
Ayes: All
Nays: None
Motion carried.
To Consider the Facilities Maintenance Independent Contractor Agreement between the
City of Sterling Heights Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA) and Helen
Tsouroullis in the amount of $15,000.
Ms. Quell stated that the facilities maintenance position, at Velocity, has been vacant since
January 2022 and it is essential to have a dedicated facilities maintenance person to service the
building. Ms. Quell is requesting approval of the contract with Helen Tsouroullis. The contract
has been reviewed by the City Attorney.
Moved by Balsamo, supported by Tomyn, to approve the Facilities Maintenance Independent
Contractor Agreement between the City of Sterling Heights Local Development Finance
Authority (LDFA) and Helen Tsouroullis in the amount of $15,000.
Ayes: All
Nays: None
Motion carried.
To Consider the License Agreement Peerspectives System between the City of Sterling
Heights Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA) and The Edward Lowe Foundation
in the amount of $800.00.
Ms. Quell stated that April Boyle requests approval of the License Agreement for the
Peerspectives System through The Edward Lowe Foundation. Ms. Quell said that the agreement,
reviewed by the City Attorney, contains an Indemnification Clause and therefore, requires Board
Approval.
Moved by Balsamo, supported by Patrus, to approve the License Agreement Peerspectives
Systems between the City of Sterling Heights Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA)
and The Edward Lowe Foundation in the amount of $800.00.
Ayes: All
Nays: None
Motion carried.
Update – April Boyle, Senior Advisor for Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Ms. Boyle provided information to the LDFA Board regarding: EIR activity for August 2022,
Senior Advisor action items completed since the last meeting, introduction of Mr. Dennis Dela
Cruz - Yseali follow and MEDC service provider meeting.
Presentation – Luke Bonner, Senior Economic Development Advisor regarding Sterling
Innovation District
Old Business
Public Comment
None
Adjournment
Moved by Balsamo, supported by Rowinski to adjourn.
Ayes: All
Nays: None
Motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 8:52am
Agenda
CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS
Regular Meeting of the
LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FINANCE AUTHORITY
6633 18 Mile Road, Sterling Heights
586-884-9322
VELOCITY BUILDING
September 20, 2022
8:00 AM
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
CONSENT AGENDA
A. August 16, 2022 Regular Meeting Minutes
B. To approve the Shared Workspace Lease Agreement between David Tripiano
(LecturePanda, LLC) and the Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA).
The Agreement is month-to-month at a rate of $100/month.
C. To approve the Shared Workspace Lease Agreement between Matthew
Chartier (EyeWyre Software Studois) and the Local Development Finance
Authority (LDFA). The Agreement is for the time period of 9/6/22 – 10/15/22
at a flat rate of $264.00.
D. To approve authority for Kathryn Quell, Local Development Finance Authority
(LDFA) liaison, to sign Lease Agreements for the shared Co-Working space on
behalf of the LDFA Board.
NEW BUSINESS
1. To Consider the Proposal for Velocity AV Upgrades between the City of
Sterling Heights Local Development Finance Authority and CCS Presentation
Systems – MI, 24660 Dequindre Road, Warren, MI 48091 in the amount of
$105,473.09.
2. To Consider the Facilities Maintenance Independent Contractor Agreement
between the City of Sterling Heights Local Development Finance Authority
and Helen Tsouroullis in the amount of $15,000.
3. Update – April Boyle, Senior Advisor for Entrepreneurship and Innovation
4. Sterling Innovation District Update
OLD BUSINESS
PUBLIC COMMENT
ADJOURNMENT
CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS
LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FINANCE AUTHORITY
Draft
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
August 16, 2022 – 8:00 a.m.
6633 18 Mile Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48314
586-884-9322
Velocity Building
Phil Hunsberger called the meeting to order at 8:08 a.m.
Pledge of Allegiance
Members present at roll call: Josephine Attisha, Dr. Michael Balsamo, Phil Hunsberger, Steve
Pomaville, Vicky Rowinski, Jeanne Schabath-Lewis, Jill Tomyn
Members absent: Ellanore Evans, Bill Holbrook, Josh Hundt, Laurel Johnson, John Lettang,
Dominic Patrus, Howard Sizemore
Also in attendance: Jason Castor, City Development Director – City of Sterling Heights; Kathryn
Quell, Management Services Specialist – City of Sterling Heights; April Boyle, Senior Advisor
for Entrepreneurship and Innovation; Rachele Downs, EIR - Downs Diversity Initiatives
Motion to Approve the Agenda
Moved by Pomaville, supported by Schabath-Lewis, to approve the agenda as presented.
Ayes: All
Nays: None
Motion carried.
Motion to Approve the CONSENT AGENDA as presented
Moved by Tomyn, supported by Schabath-Lewis, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.
A. To approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of June 21, 2022.
B. To approve the International Landing Zone (ILZ) Lease Agreement between Akimbo
Technologies, Inc. and the Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA).
Ayes: All
Nays: None
Motion carried.
New Business
Update from April Boyle, Senior Advisor for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
Ms. Boyle stated that the website redesign is in the preliminary stages and the logo has been
updated. The Re-opening of Velocity with the City will be November 15, 2022. Ms. Boyle said
the Lunch & Learn on 8/25 had 20 participants. Also, there are 6 companies working with
ReGroup – three manufacturing companies and three software companies. Ms. Boyle said that
she is working with Macomb to put together a series of events monthly. Ms. Boyle stated that
she is working with the MEDC regarding the gateway grant and will be hiring a
representative/liaison. Mr. Hunsberger inquired about the benchmark metrics and when the
Board would be receiving them. Ms. Boyle stated that they are not ready yet and the fiscal year
started July 1 so after the first quarter.
Introduction of Rachele Downs, of Down’s Diversity Initiatives, LLC, the new consultant
for the Entrepreneur-In-Residence program at Velocity.
Ms. Downs discussed her intake plan and process to review perspective clients. Ms. Downs is
meeting with companies and working with ReGroup. Ms. Downs stated that she is building a
resource network to assist companies.
Old Business
Public Comment
None
Adjournment
Moved by Rowinski, supported by Attisha to adjourn.
Ayes: All
Nays: None
Motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 8:48am
Business of the Local
Development Finance Meeting: 9/20/22
Authority
Sterling Heights, Michigan
AGENDA STATEMENT
OMB AS03 Rev. 11/04
Item Title: Consider The Proposal for Velocity AV Upgrades between the City of Sterling Heights Local
Development Finance Authority and CCS Presentation Systems – MI in the amount of $105,473.09.
Submitted By: Office of Economic Development
Contact Person/Telephone: Kathryn Quell, Building Services Specialist
Administration (initial as applicable) Attachments
City Clerk x Resolution Minutes
Finance & Budget Director Ordinance Plan/Map
City Attorney (as to legal form) x Contract x Other
City Manager
Check box if this agenda item requires billing/revenue collection (fees, etc.) by Treasury Office
Executive Summary:
CCS Presentation Systems – MI performed an extension evaluation of the seven conference spaces at Velocity.
The proposal allows maximum use of each of the spaces based on how each space is utilized. Enhancements
include two-way video conferencing, microphones/speakers for presentations, interactive monitors and wireless
connection. The proposal will bring Velocity to the level of technology necessary to support the tenants and
programming of the building. The proposal for the seven conference spaces is $105,473.09.
Suggested Action:
MOVED BY: SECONDED BY:
RESOLVED, to approve the Proposal for Velocity AV Upgrades between the City of Sterling Heights Local
Development Finance Authority and CCS Presentation Systems – MI in the amount of $105,473.09.
IM PACT REPO RT
IMPACT REPORT | June 2022
IMPACT REPORT | Year 4 - Purpose
A. Continued underwriting: Year 4 of Sterling
Heights content will start in July and run
through June 2022. Have been running
dedicated coverage on Sterling Heights in
Metromode since 2018
A. Purpose of partnership: To Identify and
capture the story of talent, investment,
innovation and emerging assets that are
shaping the future of Sterling Heights.
A. Weekly content about Sterling Heights is
published in Metromode
IMPACT REPORT | Innovation District - Purpose
To develop a brand and communications
platform for the launch of a Sterling Heights
Innovation district.
A. Define the Story and Capture The Vision
B. Develop overall project vision statement for
the innovation district
C. Define the Brand / Brand Essence
Statement
D. Develop Sterling Heights Innovation District
Logo
E. Develop a 6-Part editorial series
IMPACT REPORT | At a Glance
Year 4 Partner City Innovation District
35 Stories published to-date 7 Features published
Logo developed
- 23 News Hits
Brand defined
- 4 Profiles
Vision statement drafted
- 8 Features Recommendations drafted
IMPACT REPORT | Readership
295,633
Total Reach
9,257
Total * Pageviews +
Social reach =
Engagements Total Reach
Source:
Google
Analytic and
Crowdtangle
IMPACT REPORT | Top 3 Stories- Year 4
TO P 3 STO RIES
Dodge Park Ice Rink, A Sterling Adaptive re-use project will
Christmas event return to Sterling Three must-visit independent
Heights convert Sterling Heights hotel
coffee shops in Sterling Heights
12/2/21 into residential housing
2/17/22
7/8/21
37,661 REACH 38,773 REACH 37,816 REACH
276 ENGAGEMENT 1,093 ENGAGEMENT 1,057 ENGAGEMENT
IMPACT REPORT | Innovation District
TO P 3 STO RIES
‘Hustling for the hustlers’: Meet the MacLean Additive brings 3D New research and development
woman uplifting innovative talent in
Sterling Heights printing to Sterling Heights center in Sterling Heights
Innovation District expanding defense innovation
5/5/22
1/27/22 4/21/22
31,527 REACH 26,128 REACH 13,711 REACH
70 ENGAGEMENT 125 ENGAGEMENT 294 ENGAGEMENT
IMPACT REPORT | Social Shares
● All About Animals Rescue ● Detroit Developments
● Paradise Animal Rescue ● Macomb County Planning & Economic Development
● Lost or Found Pets of Livingston ● Sterling Heights City Hall
● Oakland and Macomb Counties in Michigan ● DCS Corps
● SEMCOG ● Sterling Heights Regional Chamber of Commerce,
● Southeast Michigan Council of Governments ● Detroit Women Entrepreneuers
● Association of Black Anthropologists ● Sterling Heights Michigan Residents Group
● Anthropological Psychology ● Macomb County Residents
● Militant Constitutionalist DEMOCRATS for Majority ● OneMacomb
Rule ● Michigan Moms
● Michael Radtke, Sterling Heights Councilman ● Make Macomb Your Home
● Ventimiglia's Italian Foods Co, ● Macomb County P lanning & Economic Development
● Michigan Municipal League,Detroit Community ● S terling Heights S canner
● We Are One Macomb ● Michigan Moms
● Sterling Heights City Politics ● Macomb County Michigan S mall Bus ines s es
● Detroit Community ● New Baltimore Farmers Market Fan P age
● Shelby Township & Utica Michigan Residents Group ● VIT AC
● Disability Network Oakland & Macomb
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