HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018 DLI Meeting MinutesDowntown Lansing Inc.
Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
DLI Conference Room
January 11, 2018
Members Present: K. Dorshimer, D. Johns Jr., C. Zarkovich, J.V. Anderton, and T. Carella
Members Absent: T. Richard, S. Schriner
Board Advisors Present: Vanessa Shafer
Board Advisors Absent: B. Jackson
Guest Present: Officer Rodriguez
Staff Present: Mindy Biladeau, Holly Rosser
I. Call to Order
K. Dorshimer called the meeting to order at 11:41 a.m.
II. Citizen's Comments
None
III. Approval of Agenda and Minutes
J.V. Anderton moved to approve the agenda of January 11, 2018 with the addition of the Michigan Main
Street Master level program agreement under action/discussion items and minutes from the meeting on
December 14, 2017, D. Johnson Jr. seconded, motion passed unanimously.
IV. Old Town Commercial Association Update -Chocolate Walk will take place on Feb. 8 from 3-7 p.m.
and a Lumberjack Festival on Feb. 24 from noon- 5 p.m. The OTCA annual meeting is on January 31
starting at 6 p.m. at the Old Town Marque. All are invited to attend.
V. Community Policing Update
Officer Rodriguez mentioned that there is a person that is climbing on downtown rooftops.
VI. Downtown Maintenance Update
Snow removal and salting is in full force. Coordination with the City of Lansing Public Service department
and Parking Office has been going smoothly. Postcards were mailed to residents reminding them to not
park overnight on city streets. Letters were mailed to business and property owners reminding them how
snow is removed from the downtown district and where snow storage areas are in their block.
VII. Correspondence
None.
VII. Reports
President's Report -K. Dorshimer:
Working with new Mayor -Andy Schor on economic development.
Director's Report -M. Biladeau
Wayfinding: Phase I -Vehicular Signage Installation is just about complete. The only thing that is left to add
to the signs is the decorative bases once they are received by sign company and remove two old signs that
were missed. Projected arrival for decorative bases is next week. When these are installed the other two
signs will be removed.
Phase II- Pedestrian kiosks and retro -fitting of the newspapers kiosks is underway in terms of design. The
goal is to complete design and get the fabrication process started for a Spring 2018 install. Once these are
in then the new Wayfinding system will be complete.
Creative Places Grant Applications: All grant recipients were notified of their awards and grant agreements
have been mailed.
Silver Bells in the City: Coordinating Committee re -cap meeting takes place on Friday, January 12 which
will set the stage for 2018 event planning.
All Brass Bell Sponsors and higher receive a framed commemorative piece from the event along with a
DVD of the broadcast and these just came in. Once our Silver Bells Re -Cap piece is complete and back
from the printer, I will be delivering all these sponsors their thank you gifts, event re -cap and renewal for
2018.
Viewership of the Silver Bells live broadcast on FOX 47 increased by 227%1 Total number of people who
tuned in, 25,100.
The 2017 viewership exceeded the combined WKAR + FOX 47 viewership from 2016 as well as 2015's.
Viewership comparison:
Silver Bells 25,100 total viewership compared to other FOX 47 Programming:
• Versus their average M -F 6p -8p, the same time period the Parade aired = 7,300 viewers (244%
advantage)
• Versus "FOX 47 News at Ten" average viewership = 18,400 (36% advantage)
• Versus FOX Prime Time average, M -Su 8p -10p = 14,200 (77% advantage)
• Versus the World Series on FOX = 38,200 (didn't beat the World Series, but WOW!)
Station Geography:
Lansing TV viewership (same for all TV stations in the market) is made of 5 counties: Clinton, Eaton,
Ingham, Jackson & Hillsdale.
Committee Reports
Economic Vitality Committee -C Zarkovich
-The committee is growing with the addition of new members
-Business Huddle went well with more than 40 attendees
-Trevor from the committee will be presented an overview of the Ready to Recruit training that the
committee recently completed at our February board meeting
Promotions Committee -T. Carel/a
-Forks and Corks returns on March 27 from 6-9 p.m. at Cooley Law School Stadium and event coordination
is underway.
-Holiday TV Co/Op advertising program was a success and all spots sold out.
-Working on a partnership with CADL to give the Lansing Adventure Club another try this summer,
Design Committee -D. Johns Jr.
-Fagade lighting during Silver Bells will expanded this year. This program was well received and went
smoothly.
-Wayfinding update provided by M. Biladeau in ED report.
Public Spaces Committee
-Holiday decorations will be down by Sunday.
-Putting together hanging basket program extension to include Michigan Ave. this spring. Sponsorship
information will be out by the end of the month.
-Coordinating summer movie nights, setting dates/times.
Organization Convnittee-J. V Anderton
-Working on a new sponsorship brochure for 2018 that lists all sponsorship opportunities available for the
year
Financial Report -J, V. Anderton
The board reviewed the monthly financial reports for December and J.V. Anderton gave an overview of
revenue and expenses.
T. Carella moved to place all reports on file, D. Johns Jr. seconded. Motion approved unanimously.
VIIII. Discussion/Action Items
A. Maintenance Contract
In September of 2015, the board approved a two-year contract extension for annual maintenance services
with Lake State Lawn -Landscaping and Snow Removal for District A of the PSD. This extension took us
through October 31, 2017. There has been no lapse in service or change in price for the months of November
and December 2017 and January 2018.
Based on the satisfactory fulfillment of their contract for services that are provided year-round and their
responsiveness to staff and to stakeholders I would like to recommend that the board consider extending
their contract agreement for an additional two -years for the exact same services provided and for the same
annual cost that we pay now.
D. Johns Jr. moves a two-year contract extension without any material changes; T. Carella seconded. J.V.
Anderton added an amendment that he will review contract extension and sign off with K. Dorshimer
approval. Motion approved unanimously with the amendment.
B. Strategic Plan Development Session
Tentative date set for February 6 from 10 a.m. — I p.m. at the DLI Office. Patrice, CEO, of the National
Main Street Center will be conducting the session.
C. MMS Master Level Agreement
After successful completion over the last five years as a Michigan Main Street Community at the Selected
Level, we have graduated to Master Level status. The board reviewed the program agreement provided by
Michigan Main Street.
T. Carella moves for the agreement to be signed by K. Dorshimer and submitted to the City for
review and final approval, seconded by C. Zarkovich. Amendment made by J.V. Anderton in
regards to approval subject to resolution of liability insurance requirement issue. Motion passed
unanimously with the amendment.
M. Biladeau will reach out to Laura Krizov with Michigan Main Street in regards to the question
the board has in regards to the liability insurance requirement.
X. Other Business
None.
XI. Adjourned
Adjournment moved by D. Johns Jr,, T. Carella seconded. Motion approved unanimously at 12:38 p,m.
iriufes by: J.V Anderton, Acting Secretary
Downtown Lansing Inc.
Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
DLI Conference Room
Feb 8, 2018
Members Present: Karl Dorshimer, Summer Schriner, Christine Zarkovich, J.V Anderton, T.
Carella
Members Absent: T. Richard, Doug Johns Jr.,
Board Advisors Present: Brian Jackson from the 4th Ward City Council
Board Advisors Absent: Vanessa Shafer
Staff Present: Mindy Biladeau, Holly Rosser
Visitor Present: Trevor Friedeberg from MEDC
I. Call to Order
K. Dorshimer called the meeting to order at 11:38 a.m.
II. Citizen's Comments
None.
III. Approval of Agenda and Minutes
J.V. Anderton moved to amend the agenda to add Michigan Main Street Master Level
Agreement Update under item 9. J.V. Anderton moved to approve, C. Zarkovich seconded,
motion approved
C. Zarkovich moved to approve the minutes from the meeting of January 11, 2018, T. Carella
seconded. Motion approved.
IV. Old Town Commercial Association Update
Updates given on Chocolate Walk and Lumberjack Festival that will take place on February 22.
V. Community Policing Update
Officer Rodriguez talked about the three flower boxes that were vandalized on the Michigan
Ave. bridge and unfortunately no video cameras were able to capture footage from that location.
Panhandling is less visible but about the same.
VI. Downtown Maintenance Update
Steve with Lake State was absent because of the snow, but things seem to be going well with
sidewalk snow removal and salting. To date, we are getting close to our total salt budget for the
season. We will continue to monitor this closely.
VII. Correspondence
Letter received from City Council information us that Brian Jackson, who represents the 41h
Ward, is our new Council liaison for the board. He replaced Jessica Yorko.
Letter received from the Mayor's Office regarding Board Appointments: standard info from the
new Mayor's office letting us know that all previous administration appointments have been
withdrawn.
VII. Reports
President's Report -K. Dorshimer:
-State of the City was last night and was pleasant,
Director's Report -M. Biladeau
-A Strategic Planning report will be coming soon from Patrice and Michigan Main Street from -
our session earlier this week.
-On February 15 we will be hosting a Meet and Greet with Mayor Schor for downtown business
owners at the Lansing Art Gallery. To get input from business owners for the board's strategic
plan, we have developed a survey that has been sent to business owners to get feedback in
relation to collaboration, business and residential development and sense of place. We will have
engagement boards set up around the room for attendees to answer questions with dots in
relation to the boards three areas of focus.
-Putting the finishing touches on Vehicular Wayfinding Signage and working through design of
the Pedestrian Signage which is Phase II of the system.
Committee Reports
Economic Vitality Committee -C Zarkovich
-Great Business Huddle this month where they talked about blind date with a book, Winter
Warrior at Lansing Brewing Company and Black History Month events. Bob Every from the
Greater Lansing Sports Hall of Fame spoke a bit. Inside Scoop featured the business owner from
Roma Bakery in regards to Paczki Day.
Design Committee -M Biladeau gave an update
-Signage first phase is getting a lot of kudos, there is a 50K Grand from MEDC, and 25K from
CVB for Phase 2: The Pedestrian Portion. Things are moving along very well and things will
happen spring/summer.
Public Spaces Committee -M Biladeau gave an update
-Holiday decorations are down; the traffic circle ornaments will have a new look next year.
Wreaths are over 20 years old and have out lived their life, but are really expense to get
refurbished or purchase new. The committee is putting together some options to present to BWL
as possible collaborative partnership.
-Hanging baskets will return this spring to Washington Square from Ottawa to Lenawee and
looking to extend them down Michigan Ave. from Capitol Ave. to Pere Marquette. This would
make for 76 baskets total in the downtown area. Sponsorship recruitment is underway. �
Organization Committee -J. V. Anderton gave update
-The meeting was rescheduled for February 14 so nothing new to update from last month at this
time.
Promotions Committee -T. Carella
-Forks & Corks is March 27 and planning is well underway for another great fundraising event.
Get your tickets now or volunteer to help.
Financial Report -J V. Anderton gave update
January's big income number was 50K for way finding in the design committee account. For
expenses, cornstalks were from October, the invoice just came in. Wayfinding was the big
expense, and was expected since all the vehicular signs have been installed. Everything else is
standard except salt which is at around 15K (of the 18K budgeted) right now. More than 330K+
is still expected to come in from assessments.
S. Schriner moved to approve all reports. J.V. Anderson seconded. Motion approved.
VIIII. Discussion/Action Items
A. Ready to Recruit Presentation: Trevor Friedeberg from Economic Vitality Committee
EV Committee Ready to Recruit Initiative
-We want to more actively recruit people to Downtown, so they:
-Did a Market Study Update with Downtown Professionals Network
RTR Training: Using ESRI data they looked at 3,5 and 10 -minute drive
times, and they got great data.
-And a conducted a Top Prospects Survey
- 422 responses (more than was needed) that showed that 80%
don't live here, 70% work here, and 44% would come to a specialty
grocery, then full service restaurants, then a gift store, etc.
-Deliverables for prospects that they want us to have: pre visit questionnaire,
community overview, market snapshot, Property Profiles, Tour Maps (driving and
walking)
-Using all of this they did a prospect test with a faux potential grocer, and they
were given a 7.5 out of 10 on the recruitment test.
-The feedback gave them 14 action items to work on and some have already been
completed.
This experience and six months of training was very valuable and has already been put
into action with real prospects that we are courting.
B. Michigan Main Street Master Program Agreement:
The board reviewed and discussed the Michigan Main Street Master Level program
agreement at the January board meeting. The board approved it conditionally based on a
resolution to getting a question answered by the MEDC attorney in regards to the liability
insurance requirement that was raised by J.V. Anderton. The MEDC provided a response
back to us and the agreement is currently being reviewed at the City Attorney's office.
X. Other Business
XI. Adjourned
Adjournment moved by J.V. Anderton, T. Carella seconded. Motion approved unanimously at
12:51 p.ip.
Schriner,
Downtown Lansing Inc.
Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
DLI Conference Room
April 26, 2018
Members Present: Karl Dorshimer, Summer Schriner, Christine Zarkovich, JV Anderton, Terry
Carella
Members Absent: Tamkeo Richard
Board Advisors Present: Brian Jackson, Vanessa Shafer
Staff Present: Mindy Biladeau, Holly Rosser
Visitors Present: Jimmy Baumgras and Officer Rodriguez
I. Call to Order
K. Dorshimer called the meeting to order at 11:40 a.m.
II. Citizen's Comments
None
III. Approval of Agenda and Minutes
T. Carella motioned to approve the agenda for meeting of April 26, 2018 and minutes from February
2, 2018, seconded by C. Malkovich. K. Dorshimer wanted to change minutes to say the Mayor
Schor did a "good job" with the State of the City instead of saying "it was pleasant," under his
President's report. He also moved to change a typo to "50K grant." J.V. Anderson moved to
approve as amended, T. Carella seconded. Minutes approved with edits.
IV. Old Town Commercial Association Update
Updates given on Scrapfest, ArtFeast, and Sign Toppers,
V. Community Policing Update
Officer Rodriguez mentioned that May 5 at the Lansing Center is the 125th LPD anniversary There
will be a lot going on for kids and families. Warm weather is starting to bring folks out more just
like every year.
VI. Downtown Maintenance Update
Jimmy from Lake State thinks were finally done salting. Now they're prepping for spring. Hanging
basket brackets are starting to be installed on Washington and Michigan Ave. in preparation for
hanging flower baskets coming in mid-May. Mulch installation is starting as well along with
general cleanup of flower beds and planted areas.
VII. Correspondence
LEAP: Public Art for Communities Grant Award: DLI received a congrats letter from LEAP for
winning one of three l OK awards for a public art piece. This grant is for the Wallscape project on
the south and east facades of the 8 story high elevator shaft of the North Grand Ramp.
Doug Johns Jr.is resigning as he is not seeking another term. He is spending more time in Florida
and has served on the board for more than twelve years. Doug has been instrumental in moving
our organization and downtown forward. He will be properly recognized for his service at our
annual meeting. We are working with the Mayor's office to fill his seat. Cara Nadar from Strange
Matter Coffee has applied.
VII. Reports
President's Report -K. Dorshimer:
A lot of downtown projects are happening, one is the plan for pedway improvements, another is a
tiny portion of Adado Riverfront Park near the City Market. Lake Trust's lot was purchased by
Urban Systems who is working on mixed use development with assistance of the Brownfield
program, etc. That and the 600 block's redevelopment will have a positive impact on the south end
of Washington Square. These proposed projects will assist in creating a gateway for better
connectivity between downtown and REO Town. As far as City Hall's RFP, that has been put on
hold because the Police, Courts, and lockup need a new location and it can't be temporary. The
administration is working on figuring this out first.
Director's Report -M. Biladeau
The Master Level Main Street Agreement has been approved and submitted to the MEDC. There
is a new bistro in Market Place apartments called MP Social that is now open as well as a new
bakery in the Lansing City Market.
Committee Reports
Economic Vitality Committee: C. Zarkovich provided an update
The committee is growing with three new members. The Business Huddle (first Tuesday of every
month) had Lugnuts as a sponsor this month and it went very well. Events are continuing to grow
and succeed.
Design Committee -M. Biladeau gave an update for Doug Johns Jr
Historic and architectural walking tours for the summer have been scheduled with the Historical
Society and will run from May -August either on Thursday evenings or Saturday mornings. Phase
1 of the Wayfinding Installation (Vehicular Signs) was finished last week. We are working on the
map and historic interruptive panels for the 10 new pedestrian kiosks at this time. Goal is to have
then installed this summer. Business Extension permits have been coming in from businesses for
sidewalk cafe, signs etc. Working closely with members of the Public Spaces committee on the
artist RFP for the wallscape art project.
Public Spaces Committee -M. Biladeau gave an update
May 8 is the 1 lch annual Capital City Clean Sweep. Grand Traverse Pie donates lunches. Sponsors
include CART, CASE Credit Union, MSUFCU, CATA, and Lake State. Almost 100 volunteers
have signed up to participate. Hanging basket program has been extended to include Michigan
Ave. from Capitol Ave. to the tracks just east of Pere Marquette. There will be 76 baskets total and
only 2 sponsorships remain. The support from the business community has been amazing. They
will go up in mid-May and remain in place through September. Adopt -a -Spot program is about to
bring on a new coordinator, and a lot of volunteers are anxious to get started.
Organization Committee -J. V. Anderton gave update
2018 sponsorship brochure is here and being distributed. It is available on our website as well.
The committee will staff an information booth and have balloon twisting during Be a Tourist in
Your Own Town on June 2.
Promotions Committee -T. Carella
-Forks and Corks was a huge success! Around the same amount of people, but because of strategy
with sponsorships and increasing ticket prices, revenue was up and in the second year we raised
more than $6,000. Taste of Downtown is also being planned. It's July 21 st, 3:30-9:00 p.m.
Financial Report -J. V. Anderton gave update
A large portion of assessment income has been received. YTD we have received more funds than
budgeted due to the assessment increase for District A. Promo's account is low right now, but it's
normal as event attendance fluctuates due to weather. We have to sort out salt costs, but it's not
terrible.
Motion to approve reports and financials moved by T. Carella, seconded by C. Zarkovich; motion
passed.
VIIII. Discussion/Action Items
A. Draft Transformational Development Plan: This was what Patrice was involved in with
Michigan Main Street, if we want to make any changes, we need to do that soon so we're
prepared for the next 3 -hour work session. M. Biladeau will send out proposed dates. Please
review and send feedback to M. Biladeau prior to the next board meeting.
B. Organization Work Plan: Volunteer Management Software. The committee researched a
variety of software options that would help improve the management of our volunteers and
help us recognize them better. Wild Apricot seems to be the best product on the market at this
time. There is a cost associated with this service. T. Carella is going to provide feedback as
some of her colleagues have used Wild Apricot at Cooley. In addition, the board would like
confirmation that excel files could be imported into the program before making a decision on
whether to approve the work plan.
C. FY19 Budget Presentation: The budget has grown on a massive scale in the last 7 years, over
156%. Due to our on robust sponsorship program, special events revenue, great public and
private partnerships, and being aggressive about grants, etc. our projection for year-end FY 18
will exceed 1 M. We fundraise more than 60% of our annual revenue.
New projects include a partnership with BWL for new holiday wreaths, the wallscape art
project, a new downtown website that is mobile responsive (this will take 2 FYs to complete),
pedestrian wayfinding installation and being more aggressive in recruiting businesses based
on market data.
X. Other Business: None,
XI. Adjourned
Adjournment moved by J.VY Anderton, T. Carella seconded. Motion approved unanimously at
1:09 P.M.
Summer
Downtown Lansing Inc.
Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
DLI Conference Room
September 13, 2018
Members Present: Karl Dorshimer, Summer Schriner, J.V Anderton, T. Carella, Cara Nader
Members Absent: T. Richard, C. Zarkovich
Board Advisors Present: Vanessa Shafer
Board Advisors Absent: Brian Jackson from the 4th Ward
Staff Present: Mindy Biladeau, Layna Anderson
Visitors Present: None
I. Call to Order
K. Dorshimer called the meeting to order at 11:35 a.m.
II. Citizen's Comments
None
III. Approval of Agenda and Minutes
J.V. Anderton moved to approve today's agenda, second by T. Carella, motion passed
unanimously. T, Carella moved to approve the minutes of June 14, 2018, J.V. Anderton
seconded and motion passed.
IV. Old Town Commercial Association Update
Vanessa gave updates on Art Feast's success, Blues Fest, and Oktoberfest, scheduled for the 5th
and 6th of October with a kickoff of the week before including a Wiener Walk with Dachshunds.
V. Community Policing Update
Officer Rodriguez was absent, no updates. A business owner meeting is being set up some time
in October to address panhandling issues. M. Biladeau will let Vanessa know when the meeting
is.
VI. Downtown Maintenance Update
Jimmy says trash is ongoing and weeding has been a big issue, but other than that just business
as usual. New tree lights are in.
VII. Correspondence
There is a letter of support fi•om the DLI Board for the Arts Council of Greater Lansing as they
are pursuing a grant for the Adado Riverfront Park project.
VII. Reports
President's Report -K. Dorshimer: Capital City Market Project was announced and a
brownfield plan is being worked on so that the demo can start in early 2019. The former YMCA
building is currently being demoed.
Director's Report -M. Biladeau: Annual Meeting was a success and the Annual Report turned
out nicely. It was mailed out as well, and highlights a lot of our accomplishments and future
plans. Today from 3-6 p.m. is the annual student welcome at Lansing Brewing Company
highlighting downtown businesses to Davenport, LCC, and WMU-Cooley students. Taste of
Downtown is coming up this weekend. Kiosks with the maps and historic panels are being
installed in October, and they look great. Glazed and Confused closed in August. In addition to
the new market, a hotel and other residential units will be going up. Tacos Monterrey just opened
and is being assisted by the Design Committee for signage. C. Nadar offered design help as well.
Committee Reports:
Economic Vitality: C. Zarkovich is absent so M. Biladeau gave the update -
Nothing new to report.
Design: M. Biladeau gave a report: Summer walking tours were a big success. People are
gearing up for facade lighting for Silver Bells, assistance for Tacos Monterrey, etc.
Public Spaces: T. Richards is absent so M. Biladeau gave the update- Seasonal decor is
being traded out. Traffic circle ornaments have a new look that will be revealed. 50 new wreaths
come in the weekend of the 24th.
Organization: J.V. Anderton- Not much to update. Food Fight is coming up. The annual report
is complete. We're going ahead with Wild Apricot. Student Welcome is today.
Promotions: T. Carella- Not much to update here beyond Taste of Downtown. Trick or Treat
on the square is October 29th, and there will be some new acts this year.
Financial Report: J.V. Anderton gave update on July financials- On the revenue side -the
50K is the MEDC grant for wayfinding kiosks, and Silver Bells sponsorships. On the outgoing
cash side we are paying for mulch (under design). Promo expenses are for Taste, etc. T. Carella
moved to approve, J.V. Anderton seconded and the motion passed.
VIIII. Discussion/Action Items
A. Strategic Planning Report Recap: M. Biladeau emailed out a summary of
measurables, etc. so we know how we can plan better for next year and FY 2020 so we can better
work plan.
B. Waliscape: The RFPs came in and the committee met to narrow it down. The Mayor
gave his blessing. They want something bright and colorful. The artist is Bruce Mackley who is
the creative director at LCC and a top competitor at Art Prize for the last several years. The goal
is to have this piece installed this fall on the elevator shaft of the North Grand Parking Ramp.
C. Annual Report: Has been sent out and is getting good feedback from stakeholders.
X. Other Business
None.
XT. Adjourned
Adjournment moved by J.V. Anderton, T. Carella seconded. Motion approved unanimously at
12:20 p.m.
Minutes by S. S'chriner ��
Downtown Lansing Inc.
Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
DLI Conference Room
November 27, 2018
Members Present: Karl Dorshimer, Summer Schriner, Christine Zarkovich, T. Carella, Cara Nadar
Members Absent: T. Richard
Board Advisors Present: Vanessa Shafer
Board Advisors Absent: Brian T. Jackson f
Staff Present: Mindy Biladeau, Layna Anderson, Charlsie Abel
I. Call to Order
K. Dorshimer called the meeting to order at 11:37 a, m.
II. Citizen's Comments
None
III. Approval of Agenda and Minutes
C. Zarkovich moved to approve the Agenda of November 27, 2018 and minutes from September
13, 2018. T. Carella seconded, motion passed unanimously.
IV. Old Town Commercial Association Update
Updates given on Oktoberfest, Howloween. The band shell feasibility study is moving forward.
V. Community Policing Update
Officer Rodriguez stated that there were the same issues with kids at Silver Bells, and that they are
doing homeless outreach due to the cold. LPD worked with DLI to host a business owner
panhandling meeting in October to address concerns. Businesses would like to see some type of
PSA put together with the City/DLI on this issue. DLI is working on putting together information
on panhandling and community resources (best practices) for businesses and large downtown
employers. He met with Old Town businesses this morning about panhandling.
VI. Downtown Maintenance Update
Lake State reps were not available due to sidewalk snow removal going on. M. Biladeau indicated
things are going well so far.
VII. Correspondence
None.
VII. Reports
President's Report -K. Dorshimer:
Capital City Market Development (Meijer, hotel and residential units, etc.) were approved at City
Council last night. A lot of development is in the works, City Hall is still looking for a new location.
Director's Report -M. Biladeau
Taste of Downtown was successful. Costs were a bit higher because of the date change, info to
follow. Trick or Treat on the Square was great with more than 8,000 in attendance. Silver Bells
was fantastic. Fireworks return in 2019. Vendors were happy, businesses were packed, and the
Silver Bells 5K drew more than 1,000 participants, exceeding our goal of 750. This year, the race
committee offered a duel metal by collaborating with the OTCA for the Scrooge Scramble. DLI
was able to send the OTCA almost 200 runners to their event. Brunch with Santa at Troppo on
Saturday and Sunday of Silver Bells weekend sold out with 600 attendees, over sold event by 100
people. Once the event recap is put together, it will be shared with the board in more detail. Jim
Tishler has applied to be on the DLI Board and is going through the city process. He lives and
works downtown. Renee Bush from MSUFCU is also interested in applying to the board. A new
business: Fudge and Frosting is opening up next to Strange Matter Coffee Co. at 333 S.
Washington Sq. this December. The Economic Vitality Committee has been assisting the business
owner with finding a downtown location for almost a year. They have been operating a store in
Pentwater for the last 5 years, which is seasonal, and want to have a second location that can be
open year around.
Committee Reports
Economic Vitality committee -C Zarkovich
Two new members just joined the committee, and meeting times are being adjusted. Business
Huddle was very successful with 30-40 businesses attending. A new insurance company is opening
next to Baryames.
Promotions Committee -T. Carella
Taste was successful back in September. It felt like attendance was slightly down, but still around
1000 people. There is an art exhibit Wednesday, Dec 12, 2018 of art that is being donated to WMU-
Cooley Law School, and T. Carella extended an invitation to the board. Forks and Corks planning
is underway and event date is March 26 from 6-9 p.m. at the ballpark. The annual Holiday TV Co -
Op campaign is moving ahead where DLI pay is half and the ten participating businesses pay the
other half. This year's partner is FOX 47. All spots sold out quickly and will run from Friday, Nov.
16 through Christmas.
Design & Public Spaces Committees -M. Biladeau
The wallscape project was given an extension by LEAP, as install will be finished this spring.
Mother Nature did not cooperative this fall. A 9 ft. base bike rack needs to be relocated, not
necessarily downtown. Arts Council is working on it. Penny, the Adopt -a -Spot coordinator just
wrapped up and did a very good job. Volunteers have been thanked, etc. 50 new wreaths are up
and look gorgeous. Ornaments in the traffic circle got a makeover and have been very well received
by the public,
Organization Committee- L. Anderson
The Downtown Lansing Food Fight event had 18 teams participate and it was the largest collection
ever, providing 40K meals to those in need in the Lansing community! This event benefits the
Greater Lansing Food Bank. Loomis Law Firm won the Golden Can trophy and
BCBS won the heavyweight award as they brought in the most food. It was fantastic.
Financial Report -M. Biladeau gave update
August and September monthly reports were reviewed. T. Carella moved to approved the
financials for August 2018 and September 2018, C. Zarkovich seconded, motion passed
unanimously.
VIIII. Discussion/Action Items
A. Election of New Officers/Board Officer Nominations: Karl, Terri, J.V. and Summer will meet
to put together a slate that will be presented in December.
X. Other Business
The Chamber is renovating their office space. They have two new positions available and there is
a holiday event at La Fille on December 4, 2018 that everyone is invited to. Athena is also coming
up on Dec. 6, 2018.
XI. Adjourned
Adjournment moved by T. Carella, C. Zarkovich seconded. Motion approved unanimously at
12:43 p.m.
I
I
Minutes by: Suriimer Schriner, Secri iary
J,
Downtown Lansing Inc.
Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
DLI Conference Room
December 23, 2018
Members Present: Karl Dorshimer, Christine Zarkovich, Terry Carella, JV Anderton, Jim Tischler
Members Absent: Tameko Richard, Summer Schriner, Cara Nadar
Board Advisors Absent: Brian T. Jackson, Vanessa Shafer
Staff Present: Mindy Biladeau, Layna Anderson, Charlsie Abel
I. Call to Order
K. Dorshimer called the meeting to order at 11:37 a.m.
II. Citizen's Comments
No comments, but Jim Tischler was introduced and welcomed as a new board member. M. Biladeau
and J. Tischler scheduled a date and time for new board member orientation.
III. Approval of Agenda and Minutes
C. Zarkovich moved to approve the agenda of December 23, 2018 and minutes from November 27,
2018. T. Carella seconded, motion passed unanimously.
IV. Old Town Commercial Association Update
No update at this time.
V. Community Policing Update
Officer Rodriguez was not able to attend to provide an update.
VI. Downtown Maintenance Update
Lake State reps were not available to attend to provide an update.
VII. Correspondence
None.
VII. Reports
President's Report -K. Dorshimer:
Provided the board with an update on the old YMCA building coming down for a new residential
development project across from Reutter Park. There was also discussion of other announced projects
and issues with moving City Hall.
Director's Report -M. Biladeau
Provided a re -cap of a very successful weekend of events with Silver Bells in the City, the Silver Bells
5K and Brunch with Santa events. The annual Silver Bells Wrap Up breakfast will take place in
January. The last week of November, we received MDOT approval for the installation of new
wayfinding kiosks located on MDOT right of way. Fabrication of the ten pedestrian wayfinding kiosks
is complete and an installation plan is currently being put together. Next phase of pedestrian
wayfinding is retrofitting the newspaper kiosks into the system. There is a possibility that 5G antennas
may need to be incorporated into the newspaper retrofits as well. The Design Committee is working
with the City of Lansing Public Service Department and on this along with the contractor.
Committee Reports
Economic Vitality committee -C Zarkovich
Successful ribbon cutting for Fudge and Frosting, 333 S. Washington Square. State Farm Insurance
Company is opening next to Baryames. Sub -committee of EV team is working on prioritizing Ready
to Recruit action plan and who is responsible for each step.
Promotions Committee -T. Carella
Brunch with Santa events sold out, and an additional 100 tickets were sold. Forks and Corks planning
is underway and event date is March 26 from 6-9 p.m. at the ballpark. This is the 3�d year for this event
and Lexus of Lansing is back as the Presenting Sponsor. The annual Holiday TV Co -Op campaign
continues to air on FOX 47 and all ten spots were reserved by businesses. Campaign was from
November 15 — December 25, 2018.
Design & Public Spaces Committees -M. Biladeau
Bob Rose with the Design Committee did a wonderful job with enhancing the fagade lighting for Silver
Bells in working with Allstar Media and BWL. M. Biladeau provided an update on the pedestrian
wayfinding kiosks in the ED report. The 50 new wreaths on lights poles throughout downtown districts
and the makeover of the traffic circle ornaments have been well received by stakeholders and the
public.
Organization Committee- L. Anderson
Will be working on putting together a RFP for a new downtown website early in the New Year and
working on updating the annual sponsorship brochure. Special edition e -newsletters went out this
month for the Downtown Gift Guide and NYE. The Downtown Lansing Food Fight event had 18 teams
participate and it was the largest collection ever, providing 40K meals to those in need in the Lansing
community. This event benefits the Greater Lansing Food Bank. Loomis Law Firm won the Golden
Can trophy and BCBS won the heavyweight award.
Financial Report -JV Anderton
The October monthly reports was presented and reviewed. C. Zarkovich moved to approve the
financial report for October 2018, T. Carella seconded, motion passed unanimously.
VIIII. Discussion/Action Items
A. Election of New Officers/Board Officer Nominations: The nominating committee has not been able
to meet year, which includes K. Dorshimer, T. Carella, J.V. Anderton and S. Schriner, K. Dorshimer
will coordinate a date/time for the committee to meet prior to the next board meeting.
X. Other Business
None,
XI. Adjourned
Adjournment moved by J.V nderton, C. Zarkovich seconded. Motion approved unanimously at
12:52 p.m.
VVVI �.
Minutes by: J.V. Anderton, Treasurer