DDA June 30 ,2025 Minutes

VILLAGE OF ELLSWORTH DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Monday, June 30, 2025 Meeting Minutes Meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m. by chairperson, Mary Faculak. Members present: Lynn Spearing, Tina Sundelius, Mary Faculak, & Student Rep. Chance Solomon. Also Present: Members absent: Ginny McCallum. Jerry Rasmussen, Heather Beem, Chris Randall, Chris Wallace, & Nathan Swailes. No Quorum Approval of the Agenda: Approval of the Minutes: Treasurer’s Report: Spearing reported that the bank balance was $13,600.87. This month’s expenses include $600.00 for Concerts on the Square and an add promoting the concerts with the Shopper for $89.00. Village President’s Report: Spearing reported that the village has had some property dispute and roadway issues. They are still working on getting an unsafe structure on Center Street cleaned up. Concerts on the Square: Is off to a good start with 70 people in attendance at the first concert. Details were discussed about how the open mic night should progress. Spearing will ask Ron Williams of Drawbridge Ukuleles if he would MC the event. We will begin promoting to make participants aware. Any one interested in participating will sign up with the MC night of. Next year we need to move June’s meeting up a week so that it isn’t so close to the week of the 4th. Many of our members are already on vacation. (June 22, 2026) Social District: Some of the musicians brought alcohol to the concert on Wednesday. Concern was expressed by Wallace (Wednesday’s host) as to the legality of it. Discussion was held, we believe it is legal as long as we are not selling or promoting it. Faculak will investigate and bring back information on creating a Social district in the village. Art Walk: Faculak stated that she disagreed with the information given to Wallace about the feasibility of an Art Walk. She has spoken to Wallace and directed the committee to a different source of information. Chairperson Report: Faculak presented a copy of MI Trails Magazine featuring Paddle Antrim on the cover. The City of East Jordan received full funding to hire a Communication Information Specialist. The selected candidate will be expected to work 5 days a week promoting the community and eventually assuming the Executive Director position at Friends of the Jordan. This pilot program begins on July 7. The Chamber has connected with Circle Michigan to create routes/experiences in the Jordan Valley communities. These routes/experiences are in the planning stages and have to be implemented a year out. Both the Banks Township and East Jordan Historical Societies are both struggling. Discussion was held on how they could be helped. Chase Solomon suggested that giving volunteers periodic gifts is a good way to motivate. Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 6:04p.m. _________________________________________________________on July 1, 2025 Submitted by Tina Sundelius _________________________________________________________ ______________ Mary Faculak, Chairperson Date