Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutDLI October Board Meeting MinutesDOWNTOWN LANSING FEBRUARY 8, 2024 BOARD MEETING 112 S. WASHINGTON SQUARE DLI Board Meeting October 10, 2024 | 11:30 am 112 S. Washington Square, Lansing, MI 48933 Members Present: J. Estill, J. Hinze, K. Dorshimer, J. Flores, J. Pugh, J. Durham, K. Tomac Members via Zoom: N. Thompson-Frazier Board Advisors Present: None Board Advisors Absent: Jeffrey Brown, Samantha Benson Staff Present: J. Reinhardt, C. Edgerly, S. Voss Guests Present: None Agenda 1. Call to Order: J. Estill called the meeting to order at 11:33 a.m. 2. Citizen’s Comments: None. 3. Correspondence: None. 4. Special Guests: None 5. Consent Agenda Approvals: Motion by K. Dorshimer with a note to change fund to fund in the agenda. J. Flores second. Motion passed unanimously. C. Edgerly brought attention to the fund balance and exceeding the goal discussed with previous board membership. We will keep an eye on this and ensuring we stay true to our goal of a 20% fund balance. 6. Old Town Updates: C. Edgerly reported on behalf of S. Benson. The Fall clean-up was Saturday, went well with over 30 volunteers. Last Arts Night Out will be held tomorrow 5-8. Howl-O-Ween is occurring later this week and is expected to be even larger. CSO construction delayed until November 15th through end of month. New AmeriCorps member joined as Community Engagement Specialist. 7. Reports: • Director’s Report: Next w Tuesday, October 15th Phil Eich of Storyville has been contracted by MEDC to doing interviews highlighting work and the people involved in Downtown Lansing. The Downtown Fall cleanup is this Saturday 9-11am. Looking to clean-up large areas and need more volunteers. Middle Village update included information about the vendors who have left over the past 60 days. Staff shared a plan for the remainder of this cohort to make sure traffic is supported to ones who remain as well as the plan for the next 2025 cohort. • Presidents Report: Director Edgerly’s review is completed. J. Estill encouraged board members to purchase tickets to the Big Red Ball. DOWNTOWN LANSING FEBRUARY 8, 2024 BOARD MEETING 112 S. WASHINGTON SQUARE 8. Action/Discussion Items • Strategic Planning: Estill recapped what was discussed last month regarding the Strategic Plan. Would like to continue action and measurables, etc. What does advocacy look like for our association? How to get past the daily and work towards larger goals. K. Dorshimer asked about the goals and indicated a lot of organizations have similar goals and do we need to duplicate if someone is already doing the work. How can we help shape what they are advocating for? Pugh expressed questions on steps to help us achieve objectives. Look at them through Lense of policy change and funding. Looking at local and state-wide change. Attempt should be the thought-leader and who is setting the structure of future growth. What organizations can we work with in order – putting together a public/private partnership. J. Flores if any other goals needed or restructure? Durham responded that based on past planning and discussions, we need to make sure we have a focus on advocacy in general – making sure it encompasses each goal. Board discussed if we could put something in place to clarify publicly what goals and visions are front facing to public. What are we doing to ensure that downtown is thriving? Next step: Advocacy statement document, action plan and measurables. Looking at what partners are currently working in this space. What change would we like to see with downtown? Clearly articulate and visually show what we envision downtown looks like in 10 years. Each board member also shared what they would like to see if they could make one change: Hinze expressed what is happening with existing structures and rehab. Nikki stated her thoughts on getting downtown is more fun than arduous. Jesse: enterprise/technology. Bringing it in and bringing jobs. How do we get, incubate and sustain that field? Pugh: expressed need for state to release parking lots; getting MSU more involved in Lansing instead of areas further outside the area. Stakeholders in other areas are taking obligations seriously. Estill: need to meet as executive committee. Read Strategic plan and will continue conversations to continue growth. • Tenant Improvement Grant Program: C. Edgerly reported updates on this grant program, reminding everyone that it prioritizes historic buildings downtown and helping tenants make improvements necessary for their business and opening downtown for their uses. Up to $50k is available for interior improvements and $50k for exterior improvements DLI launched this new program in July. Deadline to apply was September 30th. 2 applications are before review committee. Budgeted enough for 10 grants. • Main Street Technical Service: C. Edgerly shared with Board that each year we are able to receive a Master level technical service through Michigan Main Street. The enclosed choices were sent out for master level communities to choose from. The Board reviewed all proposed options, including the service staff recommends for our one technical service per year. We can request service that isn’t listed and see if it would be considered. Board discussion was held on which service we would request and fits our strategic plan and goals. Based on conversation and viewpoints, Cathleen was asked to will review needs and budget and make necessary decision based on board conversation. • TIFA Updates: K, Dorshimer shared there are no major updated. Efforts continued with amendments in the works. Has not yet been introduced to Council yet. DOWNTOWN LANSING FEBRUARY 8, 2024 BOARD MEETING 112 S. WASHINGTON SQUARE 9. Adjourn Motion to adjourn the DLI board meeting at 12:58 p.m. by K. Dorshimer. Second by J. Pugh. Motion passed unanimously. Board Members: • Jen Estill, President • Josh Pugh, Vice President • Julie Durham, Treasurer • Jennifer Hinze, Secretary • Open, Member • Nikki Thompson-Frazier, Member • Keri Tomac, Member • Karl Dorshimer, Member • Jesse Flores, Member Board Advisors: Jeffrey Brown, Sam Benson