HomeMy WebLinkAbout08- 04- 23 Lansing Economic Development Corp Minutes 08.04.23The Lansing EDC’s Mission is to improve the Lansing community by fostering
economic growth that is strategic, sustainable and equitable.
Board of Directors Meeting
Friday, August 04, 2023 – 8:30 AM
M3 Group
221 W. Saginaw St. Lansing, MI 48933
MINUTES
Members Present: Chair - Calvin Jones, Vice-Chair - Shelley Davis Boyd, Treasurer - Catherine
Rathbun, Secretary - Dr. Alane Laws-Barker, Chaz Carrillo, Jordan Hankwitz,
Sandra Lupien, Jordan Sutton
Members Absent: Michael McKissic
Staff Present: Karl Dorshimer, Kris Klein, Brandy Standler, Aurelius Christian, Simon
Verghese, Alex Watkins, Kahleea Washington
Guests: Dustin Howard (Plumber and Outfitters), Mr. Sparks, Aurora LeMule (BWL),
Rhonda Jones (BWL)
Call to Order/Roll Call
Chair Jones called the Lansing Economic Development Corporation meeting to order at 8:34 AM.
Welcome to M3 Group by Shelley Davis Boyd
Davis Boyd welcomed the board and guests and provided a brief history of the M3 Group.
Approval of LEDC Board Meeting Minutes – Friday July 14, 2023 (ACTION)
MOTION: Member Carrillo moved to approve the LEDC meeting minutes from the Friday, July 14, 2023, Board
of Directors meeting, as presented. Motion seconded by member Rathbun.
YEAS: Unanimous, motion carried.
Update on Financials
Standler discussed various items concerning the financial statement. Some contract income is anticipated for
22-23, and adjustments will be made when that income is received. Business loans are current. Working with
LEDC Board of Directors Meeting: Friday, August 04, 2023 Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 3
PNC to move funds into a higher interest account. Net income currently shows $224,149.11 pending year end
audit. New activity anticipated with the move of office locations. Future budget amendments may be
needed.
Corner Parcel Repurchase (ACTION)
Dorshimer discussed the history of the corner parcel that is currently available for repurchase. The original
purchase agreement allows for the Lansing EDC to purchase back the parcel in the event that the Casino was
not developed.
The purchase price is $280,000 plus closing costs. Purchase would be made with the Business funds.
Dorshimer added that the Lansing Building Authority currently owes the Lansing EDC $150,000.00 which will
help offset the cost of purchasing the Corner Parcel. Additionally, Mr. Dorshimer commented the intent was
to make the Corner Parcel available for purchase and development.
MOTION: Member Carrillo motioned for the Lansing EDC to repurchase the corner parcel. Supported by
member Davis Boyd.
YEAS: Shelley Davis Boyd, Catherine Rathbun, Dr. Alane Laws-Barker, Chaz Carrillo, Jordan Hankwitz, Sandra
Lupien.
NAYS: Jordan Sutton
Motion carried.
LEED Initiative Update
Christian updated the board that the Empower program had its first session. Participants provided great
feedback. Additional programming and future opportunities were discussed.
Programs and Corridor Updates
Watkins discussed the new social district proposed in the Red Cedar/South Frandor area which will go in place
after Labor Day. Hotels, amphitheater, and Toscana Italian Steakhouse will open in August and just after Labor
Day.
Mr. Watkins also reported: 20 business have applied for a Façade Improvement Grant. The Lansing Gateway
Survey closes on August 20th. Saginaw Street is coordinating a beautification project where the City of Lansing
begins on the west side. South MLK CIA - There are proposed sheltered bus stops. Michigan Ave CIA –
Michigan Ave is going to undergo an updated roadway configuration. MACIA is also going to launch their own
website and Facebook page.
LEDC Board of Directors Meeting: Friday, August 04, 2023 Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 3
Organization Update
Dorshimer commented that Lansing EDC is operational in a makeshift way in the new office space located in
the Arbaugh building. He said that construction on the necessary space improvements will begin soon. Once
these improvements are made the office furniture can be delivered and installed.
Open Forum
Chair Jones mentioned the social district article in the LSJ and appreciated the presentation that included
information on the development of the social district.
Other Business
None.
Public Comment
Dustin Howard from Plumber and Pipefitters introduced himself.
Adjournment
Chair Jones called the Lansing Economic Development Corporation meeting to adjournment at 9:20 AM.
________________________________________________________
Karl Dorshimer, President, and CEO
Lansing Economic Development Corporation (LEDC)