HomeMy WebLinkAbout02 -21- 23Lansing Gateway Corridor Improvement Authority Meeting Minutes 1I
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Andy Schor.Mayor
Lansing Gateway Corridor Improvement Authority
Board of Directors Annual Meeting
Tuesday, February 21, 2023 - 3:00 PM
Members Present: Robert Benstein, Bob Vanarkel, Jo Sinha,
Diane Hartwell, Steve Bohnet
Members Absent: Alicia Gonzales
Facilitator Present: Aurelius Christian (LEDC)
Guests Present:
Public: Simon Verghese
Recorded by: Aurelius Christian (LEDC)
Call to Order/ Roll Call
Benstein called the meeting to order at 3:03 p.m. Roll call was called by
Christian and recorded for public record.
Approval of Lansing Gateway CIA Meeting Minutes (January 17, 2023) - Action
MOTION: Sinha moved to approve the Lansing Gateway CIA Meeting Minutes
from January 17, 2023. Motion seconded by Bohnet.
YEAS: Unanimous. Motion Carried.
MSU Practicum Students Introduction
Verghese gave an update on the practicurn projects detailed the
specific parcels and the scope of the practicum project. Sinha asked if the
survey respondents need to live here. Verghese answered that they can be
visitors, or residents.
CIA Board Basics
Christian is putting together a resource guide for the Board, covering the
background components of the Corridor, protocols for the Board, and
other resources for the Board. Christian mentioned having training sessions with
other CIA Board members or subject matter experts.
Bohnet asked about the title of the Board and the geographic name of
this Authority as opposed to other CIA's with more descriptive names.
Aurelius explained the legal name of the Authority is "Lansing Gateway
Corridor Improvement Authority" which should be used for official use cases. For
other use cases adding "(N. Grand River Ave Corridor)" to the name is
appropriate.
Christian further explained that he can setup informational meetings to equip
the Board members with the knowledge and resources they need. Benstein
asked for a copy of the legislation establishing the authority. Christian stated
he will add it to the resource guide.
Approval of Lansing Gateway CIA Bylaws - Action
Christian explained the changes and corrections that were made from the
last meeting to the Bylaws.
MOTION: Vanarkel moved to approve the Lansing Gateway CIA Bylaws, as
proposed. Motion seconded by Sinha.
YEAS: Unanimous. Motion Carried.
Memorandum of Understanding for ARPA Funds - Action
Christian introduced the MOU and explained it is the process for spending the
ARPA Funds. He further explained that the LEDC is the fiduciary of the funds and
that they will make sure the CIA is in compliance with reporting requirements for
the use of the ARPA Funds. Christian explained that most use cases of the funds
can be satisfied with a resolution, and if needed, a sub-recipient can be put
in place to use the funds.
Sinha asked further about process of LEDC administering the funds. Christian
explained how the funds would be spent and that the LEDC would hold the funds
and disburse them at the discretion of the CIA Board.
MOTION: Sinha moved to approve the Memorandum of Understanding for ARPA
Funds, as proposed. Motion seconded by Vanarkel.
YEAS: Unanimous. Motion Carried.
Approval of MSU Practicum Expense Resolution - Action
Christian explained that this resolution is for the CIA to approve covering the
expenses of the MSU Practicum. Peckham will contribute $1,000 and this
resolution is to approve $4,000 of the CIA's allocated ARPA Funds.
MOTION: Bohnet moved to approve the MSU Practicum Expense Resolution,
as proposed. Motion seconded by Hartwell.
YEAS: Unanimous. Motion Carried.
Approval of CEDAM Fellow Expense Resolution -Action
Christian explained the details of the CEDAM Fellowship and that they will have
the goal of putting together the Development and Finance Plan. This fellow will
work closely with the LEDC as a full-time staffer for the purposes of assisting the
CIA over a 15-month period.
The total cost of the fellowship is $10,000. The City of Lansing is contributing half
of the cost, contributing $5,000 towards this expense. This resolution is for the CIA
to approve spending the other half of this cost, for a total spent by the CIA of
$5,000.
Christian further explained that the application for that position is open and will
close near the end of March.
MOTION: Vanarkel moved to approve the CEDAM Fellow Expense Resolution,
as proposed. Motion seconded by Bohnet.
YEAS: Unanimous. Motion Carried.
Mission Statement Discussion
Christian explained the background of having a mission statement. Christian
further explained that due to the open meetings act, deliberation must take
place during the CIA Meeting.
Bohnet inquired about the correct name and boundaries of the CIA for the
mission statement. Christian explained the boundaries and Bohnet further
explained the purpose of this statement. Discussion followed on how best to
describe the boundaries in the mission statement.
Discussion ensued about the specific wording of the mission statement and
further about changes to Bohnet's proposed mission statement. Bohnet inquired
about building a Facebook page for the CIA and engaging the community for
feedback on its initiatives. Bohnet inquired about the contact information for the
CIA. Christian responded that he will look into it. Vanarkel proposed having an
email for people to reach out to. Discussion followed about different channels
to advertise CIA marketing materials, including using an Instagram account to
post photos of the Corridor. Christian explained how the City of Lansing has
been involved with assisting other ClAs creating marketing materials.
Christian discussed the option for the CIA to create a logo and brand identity
for the Authority. Bohnet inquired about the availability of a graphic designer to
assist with putting together marketing materials. Christian explained that the City
of Lansing Communications Department can assist with putting together
materials.
Benstein discussed the wording of the mission statement that would tie in the
name, boundaries, and role of the CIA. Discussion ensued about using the word
"promote" rather than "preserve".
Bonhet stated he will change the wording per this discussion. Bohnet explained
that the Facebook page would be a good resource to invite people to these
meetings. He further discussed the pros and cons of inviting people to the CIA
meetings.
Other Business
The Board discussed an easier way of accessing the facility for the board
meetings.
Public Comment
None.
Adjournment
Benstein moved to adjourn the Lansing Gateway CIA Board of Directors Meeting
at 3:52 pm.
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Ro ert Benstein, Chair
Lansing Gateway CIA