Downtown Development Authority Meeting

Downtown Development Authority Meeting Monday, June 30, 2025 at 6:30 PM City Hall, 875 Main Street, Stone Mountain, Georgia 30083 Minutes I. Call to Order  Carl Wright called the special called meeting to order at 6:30 pm.  Members Present: Carl Wright, Robert Witherspoon, Sarah Hage, Denise Phillips, Michelle Dunbar, Council Member Anita Bass. The DDA Legal Counsel also attended the meeting. Thom DeLoach attended virtually. II. Approval of the Agenda  Council Member Bass made a motion to approve the agenda, seconded by Denise Phillips. Unanimously approved. III. Approval of Minutes  DDA Regular Meeting Minutes from May 27, 2025: Michelle Dunbar made a motion to approve the minutes seconded by Denise Phillips. Unanimously approved. IV. Citizen Comments: Joan Monroe shared her thoughts on a new tattoo shop in the city. V. DDA Chairperson / Words of Privilege: The DDA Chairperson shared reflections on an article from Georgia Trend magazine titled “Visionary Cities,” which highlighted how Hogansville, Georgia revitalized its downtown movie theater. The Chairperson expressed hope that Stone Mountain will soon be recognized as one of Georgia’s next visionary cities. VI. Director's Report  The DCA Monthly Report for May 2025 was presented. The DDA Director provided updates on the upcoming renovation of the Caboose project and announced that community table talk discussions have been scheduled for July 14, 17, and 19. These discussions will focus on the lawn concept design. VII. Council Report  Council and DDA Member Anita Bass provided a brief update on the last council meeting discussions/action items. VIII. Old Business 1. Discussion Item: DDA and Council Special Called Meeting  The DDA members expressed interest in scheduling a special-called meeting with the Mayor and Council to discuss upcoming development projects. Denise Phillips made a motion to approve July 28 as the proposed meeting date, which was seconded by Anita Bass. The motion was unanimously approved. 2. Discussion Item: Commercial Buildout Improvement Grant (CBIG) / Funding  The DDA is interested in creating a CBIG (Commercial Building Improvement Grant) program for local businesses. A subcommittee will be formed to review applications and will include two DDA members, one HPC member, the DDA Director, and the City’s Planning Manager. The DDA Director will also be responsible for drafting the grant guidelines. IX. New Business 1. Discussion Item: Partnership Opportunities / Ideas for Business Webinars  Ms. Robbie Terry-Washington shared ideas for improvements in the city. 2. Discussion Item: DDA Budget Amendment, FY2025/1  The DDA would like to amend their budget and allocate funds into the CBIG grant. 3. Discussion Item: Funding Sources Available to Downtown Development Authorities (DDAs)  A brief discussion was held on how other authorities are funded and what opportunities the DDA has to generate revenue. 4. Discussion Item: Mural Project 2025-1: DDA Selection of Finalist  There was a brief discussion about the project. The Borad is still deciding on the proposals. X. Executive Session to Discuss Personnel, Legal, and/or Real Estate (if needed) 1. Legal Purposes: Densie Phillips made a motion to enter into an executive session, seconded by Michelle Dunbar. Unanimously approved. 2. Michelle Dunbar made a motion to exit the executive session, seconded by Denise Phillips. Unanimously approved. XI. Adjournment  Anita Bass made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Denise Phillips. Unanimously approved. Approved: ______________________________________________________ _______________________ ______________________________________ Carl Wright, Chairperson Robert Witherspoon, Vice Chairperson