MEMBERS: Mr. Brian Barnard, Chair; Mr. Mike Ready, Vice-Chair; Mr.
Jonathan Eady, Ms. Danielle Miller, and Mr. Ray Wilson. Ms. Laura McCanless was
absent.
STAFF: Matthew Pepper, City Manager and DDA Secretary/Treasurer.
GUESTS: No guests were in attendance.
OPENING: At 7:06 PM, Mr. Barnard called the meeting to order.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Upon motion of Mr. Eady, seconded by Mr. Ready,
the minutes for the meeting held on February 23, 2021 were approved. The vote
was 5 – 0.
REPORT ON CITY COUNCIL AND DDA
DISCUSSION: Mr. Barnard updated the DDA on the City Council’s recent
discussions regarding the Authority and its current direction. During the
discussion, the DDA reviewed the memo from Mayor Eady regarding the City Council’s
recent discussion on land control for the town center project. The DDA agreed
that they should approach the City Council to reiterate that the existing town
center plan includes a phase focused on revitalizing the area where the former
city hall (810 Whatcoat Street) is located. In addition, the DDA would ensure
that the City Council support the conceptual plan before spending funds to move
the project forward.
Before future discussions with
the City Council, the DDA will review the existing concept plans for the area
near 810 Whatcoat Street. In addition, Mr. Eady and Mr. Ready will prepare a
timeline of events for the project to share with the City Council. They will
also share additional documents from previous conversations with
Councilmembers. At the April meeting, the DDA will review the documents
provided by Mr. Eady and Mr. Ready. The DDA will prepare to present to the City
Council at the May 3rd Regular Session meeting.
THE CITY GREENSPACE: The
DDA discussed how to best move forward with the minor capital improvements to
the city greenspace. Mr. Pepper shared that the Mayor and City Council have
requested that the DDA provide them with specific design recommendations for
the fencing, signage, seating, etc. for approval. The Mayor and City Council
will review and approved the design recommendations along with a license to the
DDA to make the improvements to the city-owned greenspace.
The DDA will prepare to present
their recommendations at the April 19th Work Session meeting. The
goal is to have the recommendations approved at the May 3rd Regular
Session meeting. Mr. Barnard will prepare the recommendation and share it with
the DDA for their feedback prior to April 19th. The DDA discussed
receiving approval from the Planning Commission for the proposed fencing and
signage.
MEMBERSHIP: Mr. Pepper
reported that the City Council is aware that Art Vinson resigned his post on
the DDA. The DDA discussed possible candidates for the vacancy.
OTHER BUSINESS: The DDA
did not discuss any items related to other business.
ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Barnard adjourned the meeting at 8:04 PM.
Submitted by:
Matthew Pepper, Secretary/Treasurer