September 20, 2005

Chairperson Michael Weiler called the meeting of September 20, 2005 to order at 7:04 PM. in room 317 of City Hall.

Members Present: Shelly Budnik, Ralph Camarand, Trisha Charbonneau-Ivey, Georgene Forster, Bob Gutchek, Dr. Dan Hatton, Dale R. Johnson, Mary Militello, Irene Rzepa, Terry Wagar, Michael Weiler, Martha Kovacsi, Jack Rich, Mary Witbrodt and Pat Savage.

Members Absent:  Geraldine Ballor, Dr. Mary Boettger, Gerald Dishaw, Robert Jarve, Chris Ibanez, Larry Templeton, Wendell Perkins, Mark Sayles, and Barbara E. Treat.

Others Present:  Mike Brandow, City of Bay City Liaison; Bill Kiepert of the Columbus Avenue Management Board; Amy Doornhaag, Secretary of the Bay City Public Schools; Michael L. Prime, Resident of the District.

With thirteen (13) members present, a quorum was declared. 

Approval of Minutes:

Motion was made by Dr. Dan Hatton, seconded by Bob Gutchek, to approve minutes from June 21, 2005.  Motion carried.

Public Comment:

Amy Doornhaag the secretary of the Bay City Public Schools School Board came to present information about the new bond proposal up for vote on November 8, 2005.  This proposal will cost the average citizen with a $75,000.00 home approximately $5.00 per month in additional taxes.  The cost to the taxpayer will decrease over time.  The bond will expire in 2007.  The schools are proposing a bond of 68.8 million and really are in need of 69 million to do all of the repairs needed on the buildings.  The school system has a goal to address safety concerns, and increase energy efficiency in the school buildings covered by this proposal.  Information regarding this proposal was mailed today and if additional brochures are needed you may call Carolyn Wierda.

New Business:

City Projects – The excess materials from the gravel piles have been sold and shipped to Alma, Michigan.  The City of Bay City received approximately $60,000.00 from the recycled gravel.

The City is seeking a grant from the DEQ for a river walk to run 1,000 lineal ft. along the river frontage near the Uptown at River’s Edge Site.  The intent is to develop the riverwalk prior to development, as the site must be viable in order to have development proposals.

The City also has a Brownfield Redevelopment Plan for $9.2-9.3 million dollars for the Southerly half of the site.

The City of Bay City has two developers interested in property in the South End of Bay City. 

The City is focusing their efforts to increase rehabilitation of existing housing stock.  Phase II of the NPP is ½ million dollars.  There are also dollars available in the Phase I area. 

City will be seeking grant funding for the design of the marina planned for the Uptown site.

The City of Bay City received $190,000.00 to complete the street lighting project along Columbus Avenue!

Columbus Days – The Columbus Ave. Days will be held October 8, 2005 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.  The planning committee has held sessions over the summer to prepare for this event.  The businesses and organizations along Columbus Avenue and within the District will be showcased. Come and join us! 

Routing of City Trucks - Tabled

Water on Franklin Street -  Tabled

Street Basketball – Wendell Perkins worked with his church, Mt. Hermon Baptist, on black topping a parking lot and putting up Basketball hoops.

Future Initiatives- Mike Weiler distributed sheets that should be completed by all members and returned to him prior to the next CDC meeting. 

Concerns Regarding Housing Rehabilitation - Ralph Camirand made a motion that the Columbus Avenue CDC recommend to the coordinating council representatives to request closer to $1 million dollars for housing rehabilitation programmed income which would remain in housing rehabilitation.  Motion was supported by Bob Gutchek, and the motion carried with one nay, and no abstentions. 

Committee Reports:  No Committee Reports

Adjournment:  Motion to adjourn made by Bob Gutchek and supported by Shelly Budnick.  Motion carried and meeting adjourned at 8:40 PM. 

Respectfully submitted,

Trisha Charbonneau-Ivey

Secretary