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HomeMy WebLinkAbout7-14-22 Downtown Lansing Inc. BoardDowntown Lansing Inc. Board of Directors Meeting Minutes July 14th, 2022 Members Present: A. Willis, K. Dorshimer, J. Tischler, J. Estill, T. Benoit Members Absent: J.V. Anderton Board Advisors Present: Robert Doran-Brockway, Patricia Spitzley, Board Advisors Absent: None Staff Present: C. Edgerly, Julie Reinhardt, W. Roberts Guests Present: CPO Officer Dillon Reust I. Call to Order: A. Willis called the meeting to order at 11:30 am II. Citizen’s Comments: None III. Correspondence: None IV. Consent Agenda Approvals Motion to approve • Agenda for July 14, 2022 • Minutes from June 9, 2022 • Committee Reports • Monthly Financials & Year-End - Jim Tischler J. Tischler moved to approve Consent Agenda items, J. Estill supported. Motion passed V. Guest Speaker: Dillon Reust updated the Board on the uptick of traffic downtown due to the nice weather and events. No major public safety issues to report. Issues with speeding vehicle traffic were disused along with suggestions of who to mitigate. General homeless and illegal activity happening downtown discussed. Reutter Park is a public gathering space. Board and staff discussed new DLI programing planned for in the park. This will help with public perception of the park and encourage more residence to visit the park. Recommended improvements: • Clean up • Tree trimming • Encourage more foot traffic VI. Old Town Updates (Robert Doran-Brockway) Discussed ongoing strategic planning activity for Old Town and new members for Old Town board and collaboration with DLI on CMA Upcoming Old Town events: • Summer social tonight • Dam Jam • Art Feast • Jazz Fest • Blues Feat • Lansing Pride VII. Lake State Report : Not present VIII. Reports • Director Report : C. Edgerly reported on the following Part-Time Staff Promotion: Audrey Brayton has been assisting staff as a part-time contract employee overseeing Middle Village after normal office hours Insurance: As an organization, we have been discussing, and staff and the Executive Team have been stressing. C. Edgerly is gathering quotes and looking into any possibility of paying into City benefits plan. Block Aid will integrate with Forks and Corks October 6. • President’s Report- A. Willis: $5 Million in Funding Support: After a year of challenging work, I am thrilled that DLI was awarded $5 million from the State of Michigan. This funding was requested to provide small business support, enhance our community spaces, and expand DLI’s capacity to provide program management. Congrats all and it is because of the hard work of this Board, every business owner, property owner, partner employee and resident who wrote letters of support, send emails, held meetings, created ‘One Click Politic’ tools, etc. that this funding appropriation made it over the finish line! July 12: Virtual Community Whiteboard CMA Exercise went well and we’ll have updates later in the meeting. IX. Action/Discussion Items a. Board Secretary Appointment – Trevor Benoit J. Tischler moved to approve appointment, J. Estill supported. Motion passed. b. Bylaws Update (J.V. Anderton & Cathleen) Board discussed proposed updates to bylaws to make it more inclusive (DEI friendly) and assert our abilities as an organization to advise and consult on Downtown matters to promote collaboration with all stake holders and increase Board membership will be adjusted to nine seats to add more voices to the board. c. CMA Next Steps July 29: Downtown Walking Tour for CMA, from 10am-noon. Old Town’s walking tour is 1-3p.m., and REO Town, will be from 4:00-5:30 p.m. d. DEI Facilitator Next Steps: We need a new facilitator, fortunately several other consultants have been highly recommended. The board discussed options and an RFP will be issued to hire a new contractor. Moving forward with RFP posting. e. Event Manager: Job description was reviewed by the Board, no objection from the Board to moving forward with the posting. X. Other New Business: New businesses coming downtown • Grand Traverse Pie: Now Open! • Concert Venue (former Hookah Lounge): Fall • Behold Beauty (Brow Bar): July • A Novel Concept bookstore: August • Veg Head: Late July • Neva Lee’s expanded new location: Later this Summer • JUST Salon & Spa: Fall • Olive Oil Company: Fall XI. Adjourn : A. Willis move to adjourn at 12 :49 p.m. J. Estill second. Meeting adjourned at 12 :49 p.m.