HomeMy WebLinkAbout4-22-2022 Michigan Avenue Improvement Authority1
Michigan Avenue Corridor Improvement Authority
Board of Director’s Meeting
Friday, April 22, 2022 – 8:30 AM
Armory Building
330 Marshall Street 3rd Floor Board Room
Lansing, MI 48912
Members Present: Jonathan Lum, Yvette Collins, Laurie Baumer, Scott
Gillespie, Joan Nelson, Elaine Barr
Mayoral Designee:
Members Absent: Joseph Ruth (excused), Dr. Andrea Mc Swain
Facilitator Present: Kambriana Crank (LEAP)
Public Present: John Monberg (MSU), Andy Fedewa (City of Lansing),
Charlie Krupka
Recorded by: Yvette Collins
Call to Order / Roll call / Overview
Lum welcomed everyone and called the MACIA Board of Directors meeting to order at
8:37 a.m.
Approval of the March Minutes (Action)
MOTION: Gillespie moved to approve the amended March MACIA Meeting Minutes.
Motion seconded by Barr.
YEAS: Unanimous. Motion carried.
Approval of the 2022 Meeting Schedule (Action)
MOTION: Gillespie moved to approve the 2022 MACIA Meeting Schedule. A change
was made to denote the Informational Meeting on the Schedule. Nelson
moved to approve the 2022 MACIA meeting schedule. Motion seconded
by Barr.
YEAS: Unanimous. Motion carried.
2
Approval of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the 2000 Block Match of
$50,000 contingent upon the review by the Office of the City Attorney (Action)
MOTION: Barr moved to approve the Motion for the 2000 Block Match. Gillespie
seconded the Motion.
YEAS: Unanimous. Motion carried.
When funds are received the MACIA will transfer funds to the Community Foundation.
There will be further discussion at the May meeting to make an amendment to the
budget to confirm that the funds will be put forth for the current year.
Baumer suggested that the next discussion item for the next meeting should involve
liability insurance. She will check on what may be required. The Community Foundation
will also insure the actual dollars.
Updates from Charlie Krupka
Krupka suggests MACIA to have another meeting with the businesses involved again. He
also added that there is still a need to connect with Studio Intrigue and suggested to
identify contractors who will do the work.
There was discussion about whether or not the job should have a GM or a Project
Manager. It was offered that Studio Intrigue may be helpful in guiding the bid process. It
was noted that the city places an emphasis on local contractors.
Krupka also talked about creating a list of vacant properties and perhaps a bus tour
along Michigan Avenue (with the Mayor and Brian McGrain) would be helpful.
Other Business
Gillespie reminded the group that we had talked about naming exploration and
although we haven’t done much with it he wants to keep the focus there. There was talk
to perhaps engage marketing brand managers (such as SBDC or Red Head Design.
There was some thought that maybe Joe Ruth could help with his Sparrow Marketing
connection. The MACIA would like to see some of this done for free or for a reasonable
cost.
Baumer offered that she can have a conversation with Red Head Design. Allen offered
to call Laurie from SBDC. Gillespie offered to touch base with Joe Ruth. Gillespie will also
start a conversation with the MACIA sub committee on 4/25/22. Gillespie offered that
the process should be inclusive and open.
Public Comment
John Monberg shared that he has some ideas with his students to create content
promoting the Avenue – a process he described as design thinking. The students have
narrowed things down to aspects they can implement. He reminded the MACIA that on
4/28/22 he has his students meeting at the MSU Library to share what they have designed
so far. Gillespie shared that the MSU students may have information the MACIA can grab.
There was a lot of discussion surrounding how to promote the Avenue and starting a
conversation with marketing professionals.