CITY OF PLYMOUTH
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
FEBRUARY 11, 1999
Roll Call -
The meeting was called to order by Chair Sally Repeck at 7:01 p.m.
Present:
Chair Sally Repeck, Gerry Franks, Dave Pugh, Paul Benson, Larry Franka, Kandi Ronayne, Fred Hill, Jon Gary, Tim McKercher.
Absent:
Bob Mundt, Susan Watson, Don Dismuke
Also Present:
Acting City Manager/MSD Director Paul Sincock, DDA Secretary Mark Christiansen
Approval of Minutes -
Motion by Fred Hill, supported by Larry Franka, to approve the minutes of the January 14, 1999 meeting. Motion passed unanimously.
Financial Reports –
The financial Reports for the month of December, 1998 were accepted as presented.
Citizen Comments -
Jack Wilcox commented that last summer Alan O’Dell beautified the area around the parking structure and he wishes to do it again. Jack asked the DDA to help Alan. Dave Pugh said he wrote a letter to the DBA indicating that he landlords have contributed for his efforts in the past. He also said that the landlords are helping and that he and Ed Wendover will contribute by check and will give the contributions directly to Alan. Sally indicated that Alan needed an extra $300 this year for materials.
Tom Goebel was present as a newcomer to the community to observe.
Committee Reports -
Parking -Dave Pugh asked about the Harvey Street parking lot. Paul Sincock said paving is in the budget. The Harvey Street lot will require a complete rebuild using underground sprinkling and storm drains.
Recruitment
Mark Christiansen advised the Board that all but $3,000 of the Mayflower Hotel taxes are paid.
Have talked about recruitment packets and indicated he had received a third call from a Friday
night music band interested in entertaining this summer.
Promotion - Dave Pugh reviewed the existing expiring contract for DBA promotion. He had asked Dan Hershberger for a proposal for an extension through May. Dan was asked to provide a background and what has been previously completed. The proposed contract extension is at the same rate extending it from 11 to 16 weeks. It will take the burden off the new DDA Director, allowing for a transition period. Motion by Fred Hill, supported by Gerry Franks, to accept the contract extension as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
Business Association - No issues were discussed.
Correspondence - None discussed.
DDA Director Search –
Sally met with new City Manager Dave Rich per the direction of the Board and checked Melanie Purcell’s references and credentials. She met with Melanie today and they discussed a salary of $50,000 plus the typical city benefit package available to non-union employees. She asked for an allowance of up to $1,000 in moving expenses. Dave and Sally both concurred with the negotiation process with her. Melanie will be moving to the Plymouth area soon. Both felt she has the intelligence and experience and will grow into the job in the future. She indicated that she is excited about starting but has a 30-day notice requirement with her current employer. She will attempt to make some visits ahead of time to meet key people and to get the office set up. Based on direction provided at the previous meeting, Sally will make the position offer to Melanie. Sally will contact the remaining final candidates indicating that the position has been filled.
Sally said Dave Rich had corresponded with her regarding the DDA Director follow-up and he talked about relationships with the city and other matters. The DDA will look to City Hall on major project issues. Dave Pugh said Dave Rich views the DDA Director as separate from City Hall and one that would be supported by City Hall but not as a department head of the city. The director should function as an ally of the city.
John Gary questioned the length of the contract. The duration is 3 years and has been reviewed by the City Attorney. Dave said the contract contains provisions for salary that will allow the DDA to look at future bonuses and deal with goal setting and annual reviews. A 3-month severance provision is also contained in the contract.
MSD -
Paul Sincock reported that the MSD is now scheduling spring and summer projects after recovering from this year’s snow storm. They will be removing numbering from the curbs, which should come off with a power washer.
Jack Wilcox commented that the Postmaster said that the City of Plymouth was the only place in the area without excessive snow complaints. Dave Pugh indicated that the coverage area for major snow events has been extended down Harvey Street to the first curb cut into the lot. The owner of Heide’s was upset with snow enforcement policy regarding the area around the florist shop in that they are located within the DDA district. Paul said it has been quiet otherwise. Fred Hill asked Paul about the Ice Festival. Paul said the Ice Festival lacked some of the "spectacular" characteristics of earlier year’s events. Fred felt that the DDA needs to make comments about the event, which has increasingly lacked control with succeeding events. Paul discussed the evolution of the event indicating that the event needed upgrading and a more interactive nature with the visitors rather than being simply a competition among ice carvers. Fred suggested creating a committee to review the event comprised of three DDA Board members plus Paul plus three Ice Board members to suggest changes.
Sally said we need volunteers on existing projects—
Parking—Dave, Melanie and Dan
Planters— Dave, Melanie and Dan
Dumpsters—Sally, Paul and Gerry
Events—John, Fred, Jim and Paul
Music—Susan
Sally requested volunteers for any other unfilled assignments.
Sally indicated that she had a clock for future presentation to Lee Harrison for his past efforts on the DDA Board.
Adjournment –
There being no further business to conduct, meeting adjourned at 8:03 p.m.