Walker Downtown Development Authority

City of Walker Walker Downtown Development Authority Agenda Fire Station #2 - Upper Level 4243 Remembrance Road NW Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at 7:30 AM 1. Call Meeting to Order - Record Attendance 2. Approval of Minutes a) November 19, 2024 3. Business Relations Manager Updates a) Standale Logo Update 4. RFP Discussion 5. Streetscape Special Assessment Recommendation 6. Planning Updates 7. Other Business/Updates 8. Next Meeting Date and Time - Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at 7:30 AM 9. Adjournment If you have any questions or are unable to attend a meeting, please contact Jessica Marion at 616.791.6878 Page 1 of 4  City of Walker Walker Downtown Development Authority Tuesday, November 19, 2024 7:30 AM - Fire Station #2 - Upper Level 4243 Remembrance Road NW 1. Call Meeting to Order - Record Attendance The meeting was called to order by Chair D. Brinza at 7:30 am. Members present: D. Brinza, D. Prato, J. DeGroot, G. Carey, L. McNees, D. Schmalzel, R. Smith, S. Zokoe, and M. Grooters. Members absent: T. Hiller. C. Ludwick arrived at 7:40 AM. Also present: City Engineer Scott Conners, Communications Manager/DDA Business Relations Manager Nicole DiDonato, Planning Director Paula Priebe, and Assistant City Manager Frank Wash. 2. Approval of Minutes Motion by R. Smith, supported by D. Prato, to approve the minutes of the October 15, 2024, DDA meeting. Motion carried. 3. Streetlight Project Update S. Conners provided an update on the Standale Streetlight project, informing members of the final cleanup items being done, he stated the lights are now in service. He also stated that the city is relying on the public and Standale business owners to report any lighting issues they see, i.e. blinking lights, bulbs out, etc.. S. Connors stated that the current system does not allow for a brighter bulb. However, there are enough lights that they can push for attachments to provide a brighter system. 4. Business Relations Manager Updates N. DiDonato presented the New Moon's proposed logo designs for Standale. There was discussion by members. The members provided feedback and suggestions for possible edits to the logos. N. DiDonato gave another demonstration of the Placer AI system, showing the systems ability of comparing two similar businesses of different locations, i.e.. one in Walker and one outside of Walker from a similar Jurisdiction. The system provided insights into demographics, psychographics, spending patterns and more. It even examined visitor origins and visitation trends. Members discussed the potential uses of the system and how best to use the data being provided. They discussed the ability to provided the data information with businesses to help with promotion and attractions. They also talked about the systems ability to analyze what types of businesses Standale still needs, as well as what types of businesses there are an abundance of. N. DiDonato also informed that the Walker Chambers will be hosting a small business passport program to encourage people to visit businesses within the area. The program will begin on November 30th and end on December 15th. Page 2 of 4 5. Planning Updates  Panda Express - is expected to submit an area plan for a location within Standale later this week.  Vista-45 - There will be a Joint Planning Commission meeting tomorrow night with City Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Walker Downtown Development Authority board members to discuss the latest proposal for the Vista45 development. Members incurred on what business is expected to go into the building at 4290 Lake Michigan Drive. P. Priebe stated that she would look into it and provide an answer at the next meeting. 6. Other Business/Updates R. Smith Update -  Inquired about the manhole cover issue on Kinney Avenue. S. Conners stated that city is aware that the contractor missed the tolerance for one manhole. Unfortunately, the only fix is 'Grand Rapids Style' where they will place a ring around it since closing the road down and starting all over is not an option. S. Conners stated there are still 1 or 2 that still have to be done since they have broken.  Facade grant planning - He stated he reached out to the Cascade township, however he has not heard back from them yet. He plans to follow-up and provide information at a later date.  He stated that he spoke with all eleven businesses regarding the service road between Cummings and Kinney. He stated he had good conversations and most seem very interested in discussion possible ideas to transition the area to something other than what it is. There was discussion about inviting business owners to a meeting with the DPW Director and/or City Engineer present to help with right-of-ways. D. Prato inquired if N.DiDonato would be interested in offering digital content on the Laker Line bus, i.e. QR code directing the user to the business's website. F. Wash stated that the Request for Proposal (RFP) for Central Standale Subarea plan went out and he is already fielding calls. The deadline for the RFPs to be submitted is Thursday, December 12th by 5pm. More information regarding the RFP has been posted to the city's 'Bid Opportunities' website. He stated that he will let the group know who submitted at the next meeting. G. Carey presented Laura McNees with a Years of Service award, thanking her for her years of service with the City of Walker and to the DDA. 7. Next Meeting Date and Time - The next Walker Downtown Development Authority meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at 7:30 AM at Fire Station #2 Upper Level. 8. Adjournment Motion by C. Carey, supported by S. Zokoe to adjourn the meeting at 8:37 AM. Motion carried. If you have any questions or are unable to attend a meeting, please contact Jessica Marion at 616.791.6878 Page 3 of 4 Page 4 of 4