HomeMy WebLinkAboutMichigan Avenue Corridor Improvement Authority Meeting Minute 10.18.241
Michigan Avenue Corridor Improvement Authority Board of Director’s Meeting Friday, October 18, 2024 – 8:30 AM Foster Community Center 200 N. Foster Ave., Room 211 Lansing, MI 48910
Members Present: Scott Gillespie, Joan Nelson, Jon Lum, Laurie Baumer, Tim Daman
Mayoral Designee:
Members Absent: Elaine Barr (excused), Yvette Collins (excused)
Facilitator Present: Kahleea Washington (LEDC)
Public Present: Kris Klein
Recorded by: Kahleea Washington
Call to Order/Roll call Chair Lum welcomed everyone and called the MACIA Board of Directors meeting to order at 8:35 a.m.
Approval of September 20, 2024, MACIA Meeting Minutes - Action
MOTION: Baumer moved to approve the September MACIA Meeting Minutes. Motion seconded by Daman.
YEAS: Unanimous. Motion carried.
Public Comment None
Updates on Block 2000 Façade Project Gillespie provided an update: He has paused his Block 2000 façade efforts in respect of the business owners dealing with the Michigan Ave. road construction.
Marketing Efforts Update
Nelson asked the board members if they had any contributions to the mailer the City of Lansing plans to send to nearby residents. Daman suggested using the Dotheavenue website to collect contributions from the business owners.
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Discussion on supporting Michigan Ave Businesses The board discussed reinstalling the signage to support businesses along Michigan Ave.
Washington agreed to contact Capital Imaging to replace the original post with “A” frames. Daman agreed to explore if there are any Chamber Members in the area of focus that are willing to host the signage on their property.
Nelson volunteered to reach out to Andy Kilpatrick from the City’s Public Service department with a list of questions and concerns from the board. The board discussed contacting local
journalists to write an article on the Michigan Ave. construction project and highlight the businesses affected by the construction.
The board discussed establishing and managing the Red Cedar Social District. Washington and Lum plan to contact Jennifer McKinstry to acquire the sticker needed for the social district.
Discussion on AmeriCorps Vista Job Descriptions Lum moved the board’s conversation to hiring a staff person to help complete projects. The board highlighted previous issues with bringing on part-time staff personnel and them falling short on finishing efforts. The board members debated what the staff person should focus on, whether it's marketing/events or pursuing development efforts.
Other Business Baumer led a conversation on what the MACIA’s focus/scope of work should be to organize
their efforts better. Lum suggested that the board members review MACIA’s Development and TIF Plan to prepare to refocus the board’s endeavors in 2025. Washington plans to work with MACIA to develop an annual spending/projects plan.
Adjournment
Chair Lum adjourned the Michigan Avenue Board of Directors at 10: 01 a.m.
Jonathan Lum, Chair
Michigan Avenue Corridor Improvement Authority