HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-15-2023 Downtown lansing Inc, Board Meeting MinutesDowntown Lansing Inc.
Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
June 15, 2023
Members Present: J. Estill, T. Carter, J.V. Anderton, T. Carter, J. Hinze
Members Absent: K. Dorshimer
Board Advisors Present: None
Board Advisors Absent: Patricia Spitzley
Staff Present: T. Benoit, J. Reinhardt, J. Anderson
Guests Present: Mark Criss, ED of Lansing City Rescue Mission
I. Call to Order: J. Estill called the meeting to order at 11:39 a.m.
II. Citizen’s Comments: None.
III. Correspondence: None.
IV. Special Guests: Mark Criss presented on Lansing City Rescue Mission. They are at capacity at
each of their locations. They need more space and room to grow, so they’re looking at 415 and 421
W. Kalamazoo Street. This site includes an existing building with 40k square feet collectively. The
Mission has begun contract negotiations to purchase and they’re looking for support to move single
adults to Kalamazoo/ Cedar Street for moms and kids. The proposed site will allow the mission to
double its capacity. Michigan Avenue will become drop-off/kitchen location and donation center.
Sheltering 60-70% of homeless locally.
Consolidation of locations will meet the needs of operational staffing. The mission has no
restrictions for their drop in shelter, allows those in need to “come as you are”. No government
funding is providing, they have the funding available.
Mark is requesting support regarding zoning for the new location. Will talk with Cathleen about
support and what we can provide as DT3 is a zoning issue. Mark also shared that putting services
on the same side of street will be beneficial and will allow them to be able to provide a bit more
security as well as provide space to other organizations (meds ministry/MI Works, etc.). They
expect this to be a 2-year project.
V. Consent Agenda Approvals: Approved by J.V. Anderton. Second by T. Carter.
1. Agenda approved.
2. Minutes from May 2023
3. Committee Reports
4. Monthly Financials
VI. Old Town Updates: J. Hinze reported on Robert’s departure from the OTCA and existing
issues with new board.
VII. Reports:
1. Director Report: T. Benoit reported on the written report received covering the
Marketing & Brand Specialist Position: C. Edgerly is posting for another round of
interviews.
The first year of the Downtown Farmers Market has started 2nd week in series.16
vendors are expected at next week’s market. Please come out to support the vendors
and spread the word about this Summer market.
2. President’s Report: Review for Cathleen for 2023 will be started. Self-assessment
done. The assessment sub-committee has been formed and is looking at possible
changes to assessment numbers: looking at tax assessment changes for zoning.
Assessments have not changed since 2017. More updates to come as this will be a
discussion agenda item next month.
Asked to do everything in power to support events.
VIII. Action/Discussion Items:
1. Budget Adoptions: City Council formally approved the DLI budget as proposed
following C. Edgerly’s budget presentation. JV moved to adopt the budget. T. Carter
seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
2. CMA: The CMA is in the final stages, and we expect to have that to the board for review
by the end of month. Upcoming events were also highlighted.
3. City of Lansing Downtown Agreement with Advent House: The update was provided in
the Director’s Report. The board reviewed their understanding of the mission.
4. Artery Alley Update: T. Benoit reported on Artery Alley lighting project. This project is
moving into permitting stage. The purpose is to beautify the alley as a public art gallery and
make the public alley space accessible.
IX. Other New Business:
1. T. Carter asked about new board appointments. Estill reported should be a full
board by the August meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 12:40 pm.