DDA March 25 ,2024 Minutes

VILLAGE OF ELLSWORTH DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY REGULAR MEETING Monday, March 25, 2024 Meeting Minutes Meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m. by chairperson, Mary Faculak. Members present: Mary Faculak, Lynn Spearing, Nathan Swailes, Chris Wallace, Tina Sundelius, Chris Randall. Members absent: Hugh Campbell, Ginny McCallum Approval of the Agenda: A motion to approve the agenda was made by Swailes, seconded by Randall. Motion carried by unanimous consent. Approval of the Minutes: A motion to approve the meeting Minutes from the February 26, 2024 regular meeting with one correction was made by Wallace, seconded by Spearing. Motion carried by unanimous consent. Treasurer’s Report: Spearing reported that the bank balance was $8,170.75. Corrections to the “kiosk” sign have been paid for, and $1,672 in TIP funding has been received from the township. A motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report was made by Swailes, seconded by Randall. Motion carried by unanimous consent. Student Representative: No update Way finding Signage: The ribbon cutting scheduled for Monday, March 25 at 3:30 p.m. was changed to April 29 at 3:30 p.m. due to weather concerns. We will meet at the Community Square and celebrate at each of the 3 signs. Spearing will contact our signage sponsors: Rotary Charities, the Grand Traverse Regional Foundation, Grand Traverse Pallet & The Ellsworth Farmer’s Exchange to ask that representatives attend the event. Concerts on the Square: All bands have been confirmed. Faculak will work on getting the rack cards printed. Chairperson Report: Faculak began her report with a heartfelt commendation to both Tex Drenth and Marlene Drenth for attending an important meeting concerning a seed grant for planning improvements to River Park and Community Park. A big thank you to Tex for his insight into who uses the parks and what is needed. The chamber is still working on the directory & visitor guides. The Clare Welcome Center continues to highlight our community’s displays. In May, banners for the Breezeway, Ellsworth & East Jordan will be displayed. Antrim Foundation: A relatively new organization based in Bellaire could be a good asset for the DDA. Spearing reported that they will be holding a Meet & Greet at the Front Porch on April 11, 5:30 p.m. to get connected with us. Ellsworth Farmer’s Exchange: The Farmer’s Exchange has ordered and gotten in some shirts, hats, & stickers featuring the new Ellsworth logo. They will be selling these at the store. Swailes reported that he was contacted by Michigan Works & the Michigan Economic Development Corporation concerning the issue with Consumers Energy’s poles in their parking lot. He is hoping the contact will help move things forward. North Country Veterinary Clinic: Dr Randall has been furthering his education. More information can be found at balancefuntionalhealth.com. He has added a virtual aspect to his business. Adjournment: A motion to adjourn was made by Swailes, seconded by Wallace. The next regular meeting will be held on April 29, 2024. _________________________________________________________on March 26, 2024 Submitted by Tina Sundelius _________________________________________________________ ______________ Mary Faculak, Chairperson Date