2021-04-20 · City Council · Transcript · Downtown Development Authority Meeting

--- title: Downtown Development Authority Meeting date: 2021-04-20 source: 2021-04-20_Downtown_Development_Authority_Meeting.wav --- [0:01:19, 0:01:27]: Here we go. Okay, we're back to recording and I'm gonna go ahead and start the webinar so it'll go public. Oh, and here's Barbonell. [0:01:35, 0:01:43]: Hi Barber, welcome. I'm about to start the uh the public portion of the Zoom meeting, so we're gonna get started now. [0:01:45, 0:02:01]: Okay, we are live. Uh welcome everybody. This is the April meeting for the Downtown Development Authority for Stockbridge. And uh we'll go ahead and get started with uh uh first of all with our roll call. Uh so uh Bob if you'll please call roll. [0:02:02, 0:02:04]: Okay. Um Roger Custard. [0:02:05, 0:02:06]: I'm present. [0:02:07, 0:02:08]: Uh art Christian. [0:02:11, 0:02:12]: Art Christian? [0:02:13, 0:02:14]: Will you be serious? [0:02:14, 0:02:14]: Okay. [0:02:15, 0:02:17]: Thank you. Um, Leticia Gantt. [0:02:20, 0:02:21]: So make coquin. [0:02:23, 0:02:23]: Present. [0:02:24, 0:02:24]: Thank you. [0:02:25, 0:02:26]: Uh Barber Richardson. [0:02:31, 0:02:31]: Right. [0:02:32, 0:02:34]: Present yes, thank you. Thank you. [0:02:34, 0:02:36]: Uh Maxwell Sears. [0:02:38, 0:02:39]: Okay. [0:02:39, 0:02:42]: And I see that Mr. Peterson has joined us as well. [0:02:43, 0:02:44]: Hello to everybody. [0:02:47, 0:02:48]: Hello and uh [0:02:49, 0:02:55]: We um Bob we also have you on the call. And uh yes, and also me, yes. It's not for myself. [0:02:55, 0:03:15]: Very good. So I think we've got five out of the uh seven board members present, so that constitutes a quorum. So we'll get started with the meeting. So again, welcome. Um we'll start off with the first item on the agenda, which is to approve today's agenda. I do want to call out uh typo that was um thankfully caught before it was uh [0:03:15, 0:03:20]: uh put on the public forum that the um the approval for [0:03:21, 0:03:32]: the uh last month's meeting minutes had the wrong date. So it the last it was it said it should should have said March 16th instead of February. So um [0:03:33, 0:03:42]: uh just make sure that's corrected on the agenda. Uh but other than that I'll um take a an a motion for uh approving today's meeting agenda. [0:03:46, 0:03:48]: I move that we approve today's meeting agenda. [0:03:50, 0:03:51]: All right. [0:03:53, 0:03:54]: Second. [0:03:55, 0:03:55]: Thank you. [0:03:57, 0:03:58]: Any discussion? [0:04:01, 0:04:12]: Okay, so it's been moved by Bob and seconded by Samequa. Um all those in favor, um show of hands to approve. There'd be a yes. [0:04:13, 0:04:15]: And any opposed? [0:04:16, 0:04:19]: I'm seeing none, so it's unanimous. We've approved today's meeting agenda. [0:04:20, 0:04:26]: Uh Mr. Christian, if you could state your oh, because you weren't on. Okay, thank you. Thank you. Appreciate that, Vanessa. [0:04:29, 0:04:45]: And uh the next item on the agenda is to pro approve the March sixteenth uh meeting minutes. Uh Vanessa sent that um uh last week. So hopefully everyone has had a chance to review it. Um are there any um is there a motion to approve? [0:04:51, 0:04:55]: Approve the motions as submitted. Excuse me, the minutes as submitted. [0:04:55, 0:05:00]: All right. Thank you, Art. So we have a motion to approve the meeting minutes as submitted by Vanessa. [0:05:01, 0:05:03]: Well actually it was shared by uh [0:05:03, 0:05:05]: Bob, I think, to the group. [0:05:05, 0:05:06]: Um [0:05:07, 0:05:07]: Wait a second. [0:05:09, 0:05:11]: Uh our second to to approve the B. [0:05:12, 0:05:14]: Okay, Bob seconded. [0:05:14, 0:05:15]: Any discussion? [0:05:18, 0:05:32]: Not hearing or seeing any, so uh again we'll take a vote. So all those in favor of approving the March sixteenth meeting minutes, uh please uh raise your hand in favor. And I'm seeing uh five yeas. All right, so it's approved unanimously. [0:05:35, 0:05:36]: Okay. [0:05:37, 0:05:45]: Uh so next item on the agenda under 2A is uh uh the directors and or two a one, uh the directors and office insurance renewal. [0:05:45, 0:05:46]: Um [0:05:47, 0:06:01]: I I found out this was this was something that I I really wasn't real clear on because I've been involved as secretary in getting the insurance renewed the last two years and it was a very simple process. We just put it in, you know, we didn't make any changes or didn't have any questions about the policy itself. [0:06:02, 0:06:22]: Um and it was just a matter of saying, yes, we want to renew with the same. They came back with the approval and then we approved the the invoice. What I found out is that these policies are for a three-year period. So that's why this particular one is has been more involved, which which means, and Barber's aware of this, they've been they've asked for [0:06:22, 0:06:33]: or the last year's financial statements and uh and other information that we have to apply to get a quote and then the renewal because this is the beginning of the next three year cycle. [0:06:33, 0:06:34]: Um [0:06:35, 0:06:37]: We didn't have at the time [0:06:38, 0:06:58]: You know the the you may recall that the uh the renewal was due April twenty-third, I believe. Um so I have asked and received an extension on our existing policy for 30 days through May 23rd to give us a little bit more time to collect the information that's required for the renewal application. I believe [0:06:58, 0:07:18]: We have that thanks uh in no small part to the efforts of um Barber, who's uh uh basically uh prepared the 2020 financial statements, and now we're ready to submit that over to the uh insurance company for a quote. And I'll um share the results. [0:07:18, 0:07:29]: Once we do get a quote on the items that were in question from our last meeting, things like the crime coverage and the employee uh coverage and those types of things, I will share that via email and then uh we'll uh [0:07:30, 0:07:32]: we'll get your opinion as to whether or not to renew. [0:07:33, 0:07:53]: I don't think it will require a uh a vote. Um, but I can check with our attorney to see if that's actually required because it is part of our operating expense to cover insurance for this board. So I don't think it will require a special resolution. But I'll make sure that's not the case. And m if everyone agrees to [0:07:53, 0:08:03]: What we want to include in the policy, then we'll proceed with that. So that's the status. Any questions, discussion on that piece, on the insurance directors and officers insurance? [0:08:09, 0:08:25]: I am seeing none. So we will move on to the next uh agenda item. Uh joint planning uh meeting with the Main Street Board. So Kira, thank you for joining. Uh you may want to weigh in on this piece as well. So Kira has done a lot of legwork to try to um [0:08:25, 0:08:38]: nailed down a date uh for the uh plan uh for the joint planning meeting between the Main Street advisory board and the uh D DA. I think we've landed on June twelfth, I believe is the date. Um [0:08:39, 0:08:41]: Hope I have that right. It's off the top of my head. [0:08:41, 0:08:43]: Yes, June twelfth is correct. [0:08:43, 0:08:45]: Yep. And that is a Saturday. [0:08:46, 0:09:06]: Right. And um she's been working with um with uh uh a speaker or or moderator for for the meeting who who um was really only interested in doing it if we could uh have the meeting in an in-person format. So thank you to most of you who replied, um, because I wanted to check to see [0:09:06, 0:09:26]: See that you know whether a socially distanced, in-person format would be acceptable to everybody. Those of you that did reply said yes. You know, just as long as you know we remember mem asks and keep our distance and those types of things. So take the appropriate precautions. So that that's our that's our goal. [0:09:25, 0:09:35]: assumption. The next item to think about related to that is getting an uh an approval for the cost. So Barber um [0:09:36, 0:09:56]: The Kira's putting together um what the cost items will be, namely the speaker, um, whatever expenses are related to the speakers um um what what the speaker would provide, uh facilitating this the set it's not really a speaker, but a facilitator, as well as um [0:09:56, 0:09:59]: Um whatever expenses we incur. [0:09:59, 0:10:10]: during the meeting excel itself. So if we have any kind of breaks or anything like that, um, maybe box launch or something like that. So we will [0:10:10, 0:10:15]: Prepare an estimate and send it out to the board uh for review. [0:10:15, 0:10:35]: Kira, um I'm gonna ask if you uh you know, you'll probably have a deadline as to when you need to commit to the um the expenses. I'm not sure that that'll line up before this D DA's next meeting in May. So you'll probably need a decision before then. Is that right? Do you want you wanna add to anything? Yes. [0:10:35, 0:10:41]: Um we um in order to book this particular facilitator, we need to let them know um [0:10:42, 0:10:48]: relatively quickly. I was hoping we would be able to at least be able to agree upon um booking. [0:10:48, 0:10:50]: the speaker for um [0:10:51, 0:10:52]: The twelfth because [0:10:52, 0:10:56]: Their calendar fills up very quickly and they're actually [0:10:56, 0:10:59]: Um reserving the June twelfth date. [0:10:59, 0:11:06]: um as a favor. So I'm hoping that we would at least be able to settle on the date. [0:11:07, 0:11:13]: And um be able to look at at least the cost for their services. [0:11:13, 0:11:17]: Um the other costs um we can kind of get some [0:11:17, 0:11:23]: um estimates on as far as whether or not we want to serve any types of refreshments. [0:11:24, 0:11:25]: It whether or not [0:11:25, 0:11:31]: You know, we want to do anything that would require any additional expense over [0:11:31, 0:11:33]: The actual cost for [0:11:34, 0:11:36]: the facilitators to come in. [0:11:38, 0:11:41]: Um and I have submitted a proposal. [0:11:41, 0:11:43]: Um the proposal that they sent to us. [0:11:44, 0:11:46]: Which basically um [0:11:46, 0:11:48]: Called out the cost for [0:11:48, 0:11:50]: doing a community survey. [0:11:51, 0:11:51]: Um with [0:11:52, 0:11:57]: Up to 200 respondents, the board survey in session planning and facilitation. [0:11:58, 0:12:00]: And then a strategic work plan. [0:12:00, 0:12:03]: Which would include their PowerPoint presentation. [0:12:03, 0:12:06]: cover letter and the work plan that's required. [0:12:06, 0:12:10]: for the Georgia Main Street um programs. [0:12:10, 0:12:16]: Accreditation submission at the end of the year. And that is one of the main purposes of [0:12:17, 0:12:27]: Our annual meeting, our strategic planning session is that we have to meet certain requirements. Um, we meaning the Main Street Advisory Board and the Main Street Program. [0:12:27, 0:12:38]: have to reach meet certain requirements in order to maintain our accreditations as a state Main Street program. So this would help us with our strategic planning. [0:12:38, 0:12:41]: And um also um [0:12:42, 0:12:51]: provide some guidance and some steps, action steps for us to work collaboratively with the DDA as well. [0:12:52, 0:12:56]: Um, the cost for the community survey is seven hundred dollars. [0:12:56, 0:13:02]: The board survey um with in session planning is twelve hundred dollars and then the strategic [0:13:02, 0:13:08]: work plan, uh which is the bulk of what we need to do, um, is twelve hundred dollars as well. [0:13:09, 0:13:12]: We're hoping that we would be able to split these costs. [0:13:12, 0:13:13]: With um [0:13:13, 0:13:18]: The DDA between Main Street and D DA since it would be a collaborative session. [0:13:18, 0:13:22]: And then also um I would like to [0:13:22, 0:13:28]: Um, talk a little bit about the community survey. Um, we have actually conducted [0:13:29, 0:13:35]: a community survey that was downtown specific during the RSVP process. [0:13:36, 0:13:40]: That data um was collected in twenty eighteen. [0:13:40, 0:13:46]: Um, I think that that's still relatively um fresh and current. [0:13:46, 0:13:51]: However, I would like to kind of get some feedback from you all as to whether or not [0:13:51, 0:13:52]: You would [0:13:53, 0:13:58]: want to entertain an additional community survey that is downtown specific. [0:13:59, 0:14:06]: And um if that is the case, we would move forward with including that in the cost of the total um body of work. [0:14:06, 0:14:08]: Or total scope of work. [0:14:08, 0:14:11]: And if not, I can approach the um [0:14:12, 0:14:13]: Facilitator. [0:14:13, 0:14:20]: Let them see that survey that was conducted by the Carl Vinson Institute from out of UGA. [0:14:20, 0:14:22]: And the RSVP report. [0:14:22, 0:14:24]: And um [0:14:24, 0:14:28]: See if they are willing to abide by that data set. [0:14:28, 0:14:29]: As opposed to [0:14:30, 0:14:32]: collect taking the time to collect their own. [0:14:36, 0:14:43]: And that about sums up what um I wanted to discuss with regard to the strategic planning session. [0:14:44, 0:15:04]: So thank you, Kira. Any any let's let's take that last item first. So the community survey. Um uh any comments or questions related to whether we should include uh this line item or propose to the uh facilitator that we leverage the RSVP survey that was done. Um I think. [0:15:04, 0:15:08]: was three years ago in twenty eighteen. Any thoughts on that or questions? [0:15:10, 0:15:13]: А ламвіл ди води би абто то [0:15:13, 0:15:16]: The survey, the community survey completed. [0:15:16, 0:15:17]: Any enough time for the meeting? [0:15:19, 0:15:35]: If we move if we move quickly, yes. If we decide to go with them, um, it would just be a matter of us signing the contract with them and then they would immediately start working on getting the um community survey in place. So we have um just a little over a month. [0:15:36, 0:15:42]: To get two hundred re to prepare the survey and get two hundred respondents. That is also another reason why. [0:15:42, 0:15:46]: I am somewhat of an advocate for relying upon [0:15:46, 0:15:56]: the results from the RSVP community survey. But again, this is something that we would have to take to the facilitator and see if they would be willing. [0:15:56, 0:16:01]: to go with that data set, which I think, you know, is pretty accurate. [0:16:01, 0:16:11]: um with regard to our community. It's only three years old and it is pretty comprehensive. It had two hundred and thirty-six respondents. [0:16:11, 0:16:16]: Um with regard to that RSVP survey and gave us a pretty good idea. [0:16:16, 0:16:20]: Of what the community was interested in seeing downtown. [0:16:20, 0:16:22]: And that was what um [0:16:22, 0:16:28]: guided the RSVP study and report and I think that [0:16:28, 0:16:32]: um everyone on the DDA board, or at least the majority of you all have seen that. [0:16:33, 0:16:36]: particular study have had an opportunity to review. [0:16:37, 0:16:45]: That booklet that has the overview of the RSVP process and the RSVP recommendations. [0:16:48, 0:16:52]: Thank you, Art. Other questions or comments regarding that point? [0:16:57, 0:17:06]: not seeing or hearing any. Um I I I agree. I'm sorry. I I agree. I agree. I think I think it's still valid. I think it i it's still valid and and uh [0:17:06, 0:17:10]: I don't think we need to to reinvent the wheel here, so to speak. [0:17:11, 0:17:11]: Right. [0:17:12, 0:17:13]: I agree with that as well. [0:17:15, 0:17:15]: Thanks, Garbara. [0:17:17, 0:17:37]: All right. Well and and I I concur as well. I I tend to think if the facilitator would be willing to accept that survey, it was very comprehensive that that would be um should be sufficient. But I had this I share the same concern art implied, which is you know the potential time constraint that the results would be ready um in time for our meeting in June. So uh I'd say the concern. [0:17:37, 0:17:43]: It sounds like the consensus is that if we if the facilitator will be willing to omit that item then proceed without that particular item. [0:17:44, 0:18:00]: What what I would like to leave us with if we could is um you know uh done that we've done f in similar situations with the DDA where we didn't quite have a full um uh [0:18:01, 0:18:15]: uh cost of of the of what the uh event would would take what we would do is is is is get a vote on a not to exceed amount for the expenses for the DDA. Um so [0:18:16, 0:18:36]: Um by my calculation, you know the the the more immediate item is is the one that I'm showing now, which is the proposal. And I'll I'll share this with with the with the board following the meeting so you could look at uh the more of the details here. But that this here is the essential components that um Pira [0:18:36, 0:18:56]: Referred to. So omitting the$700 community service, but assuming that we move forward with the two$1,200 items, which is the board survey and the strategic work plan as deliverables, and also including some potential for the uh facilitators' uh overnight stay. [0:18:56, 0:19:16]: And and maybe some travel expenses. The the idea would be that the DDA and the Main Street would split the cost down the middle. So I'm seeing that the DDA portion of this could be maybe not to exceed. [0:19:16, 0:19:20]: [1160.3, 1167.4]: eighteen hundred and I'm just kind of throwing a number out there anticipating, you know, maybe some um [0:19:28, 0:19:45]: whatever expenses we incur for the meeting itself if we want to bring in box launch or those types of things. Um and that sounds good, Roger, because I was looking at if the um community survey, if they um if the facilitator will only um utilize their own survey [0:19:45, 0:19:51]: And then looking at the board's survey and session planning plus the strategic work plan work. [0:19:51, 0:19:57]: Um that would come to about um one thousand five hundred and fifty dollars then plus an additional [0:19:57, 0:20:05]: $100 toward lodging, that would be um$16.50. And then with another uh$100, um [0:20:06, 0:20:12]: for any sort of incidentals that came to seventeen fifty, so eighteen hundred I think would be quite appropriate. [0:20:13, 0:20:14]: Okay. [0:20:14, 0:20:34]: So with that in mind, I'd actually like to ask for the board's um approval. So I'll make a motion that we um approve the DDA's portion of the expense for the joint strategic planning session at a not to exceed$1,800 for the DA. [0:20:34, 0:20:35]: DDA portion. [0:20:36, 0:20:40]: Um so I'd like to ask for a second and any discussion on that point. A second. [0:20:41, 0:20:42]: Thank you, Art. [0:20:45, 0:20:46]: Any discussion? [0:20:52, 0:20:55]: Seeing none, hearing none, so we'll go ahead and um [0:20:56, 0:20:58]: Let me stop sharing so I can see everybody. [0:20:59, 0:21:00]: I think. [0:21:01, 0:21:12]: And um I'll um I'll raise your hand if you are in favor of uh sign allocating a budget of eighteen hundred dollars for the DDA portion for the joint planning session. [0:21:13, 0:21:20]: And that's uh I see Samika all in favor and all right, uh except for Maxwell, any opposed? [0:21:23, 0:21:27]: Mr. Sears, I didn't see if you are in favor or not of of the motion. [0:21:28, 0:21:33]: It had posed it it had frozen at the time. But I yeah, my hand was up but it had frozen. [0:21:33, 0:21:38]: Oh good. All right. So it looks like it was uh unanimous. So thank you all. Um [0:21:39, 0:21:52]: Kira, I think that puts us in motion so we can proceed with confirming the speaker with uh the items we discussed. Okay. Did you and I will get back to you with regard to the um status of the um survey. [0:21:53, 0:21:56]: And in addition, I will um [0:21:56, 0:22:03]: also looking to the lodging and I do need to ask, are you all in favor of um [0:22:04, 0:22:21]: hosting any type of um food. I know beverages, but you know, given the COVID situation, I don't know if you all are interested in having any type of catering, a boxed lunch or something of that nature, or if we want to just um have beverages. [0:22:21, 0:22:23]: Um and then [0:22:23, 0:22:25]: Just kind of plow through and be [0:22:26, 0:22:30]: Finished by lunchtime so that people can go on home and have lunch on their own. [0:22:31, 0:22:32]: How many hours would the [0:22:33, 0:22:34]: uh planning session. [0:22:35, 0:22:36]: What is it scheduled for? [0:22:36, 0:22:37]: Four hours. [0:22:38, 0:22:47]: So we're thinking of n starting at nine o'clock and going until twelve, um, twelve thirty at the latest, we would have, you know, a couple of fifteen minute breaks in there. [0:22:48, 0:22:48]: Um [0:22:49, 0:22:52]: So that is kind of up to you all. [0:22:52, 0:22:53]: Um, as to [0:22:54, 0:22:59]: what you all would like to do with regard to that, given the COVID situation. [0:23:03, 0:23:04]: I think having a lunch would be great. [0:23:05, 0:23:06]: Okay. [0:23:09, 0:23:11]: Other thoughts, discussion? [0:23:14, 0:23:15]: Yeah. [0:23:16, 0:23:18]: I'm okay without having any [0:23:19, 0:23:20]: Much. [0:23:22, 0:23:26]: I'm I'm also okay w with with with not having a lunch. I could feel um [0:23:28, 0:23:30]: Yeah, I can I can go without a lunch. [0:23:31, 0:23:32]: Right. [0:23:33, 0:23:35]: Mr. Sears, any thoughts on that? [0:23:36, 0:23:39]: I believe if if anyone gonna be somewhere for [0:23:39, 0:23:41]: four hours that they should be fed. [0:23:42, 0:23:46]: Uh, you know, I mean if you don't want to eat it, but I I guess that's a different. [0:23:46, 0:23:51]: But you shouldn't say it shouldn't be there. I mean you have choice'cause it's live an excuse for those who might want it. [0:23:52, 0:23:53]: They should have an option. [0:23:54, 0:23:56]: So I think if those who don't want to partaking it'd be different. [0:23:57, 0:24:00]: Those who are there for four hours should we have something to eat? [0:24:00, 0:24:03]: Well, I agree with Christian that it should have some lunch available. [0:24:06, 0:24:26]: Thank you. Um I I I it I guess my feeling is I'm I'm a bit on the fence. Um I had originally thought that it would be an all day session, more like nine AM until maybe close to four PM, in which case I would say we most definitely should have uh, you know, uh some type of boxed in lunch. Um [0:24:26, 0:24:30]: Um I my my concern would be that if we try to [0:24:31, 0:24:45]: uh keep it to four hours, it could feel rushed and I wouldn't want to, you know, you know I think it it takes a lot to bring these two groups together and I would want to get the most out of it. So if if if the lunch helps [0:24:46, 0:24:59]: ensure that we're not rushing the the content of the meeting itself, then, you know, I'm actually would lean on more in favor of uh a lunch. But that also depends on how the facilitator plans to, you know. [0:25:00, 0:25:01]: uh manage the day. [0:25:01, 0:25:09]: And will there be will there be other activities besides the speaker? You know, we're gonna use that time to have a meeting or anything else, just some other thoughts. [0:25:10, 0:25:20]: Um I will say that um the four hour session is what I had asked the speaker to kind of condense it down since he um he was um [0:25:20, 0:25:24]: Really wanting to have an in person type session. [0:25:24, 0:25:27]: I wanted to kind of condense it down, but um [0:25:27, 0:25:30]: You know, we usually plan for a full day session. [0:25:30, 0:25:37]: So um if we have the the liberty to expand it a little bit more. [0:25:37, 0:25:40]: Um, like you said, it might not be quite as brushed. [0:25:41, 0:25:42]: Um [0:25:42, 0:25:45]: But again, you know, that is up to you all. We were trying to [0:25:46, 0:25:47]: be able to accommodate [0:25:47, 0:25:50]: Make sure that everyone felt comfortable. [0:25:50, 0:25:52]: being in an indoor setting. [0:25:53, 0:25:57]: Um, there is one other wrinkle with regard to [0:25:57, 0:25:58]: They um [0:25:58, 0:25:59]: Indoor setting. [0:26:00, 0:26:02]: Uh, we had originally tried to um [0:26:03, 0:26:05]: schedule the meeting in the [0:26:06, 0:26:11]: Um Merrill Manders Conference Center Ballroom, which has a capacity of three hundred. [0:26:12, 0:26:18]: Um that room is no longer available. The city has embarked upon some [0:26:18, 0:26:24]: renovations and there are there's no guarantee that the room will be available and [0:26:25, 0:26:27]: So we are going to have to move this session. [0:26:27, 0:26:35]: To the Ted Strickland conference room, which has a capacity of 150 as opposed to 300. So I will [0:26:36, 0:26:42]: Still I still feel confident that we would be able to effectively socially distance everyone. [0:26:42, 0:26:52]: Um, with everyone having their own table and being able to space, you know, the appropriate six feet in each each direction between um participants. [0:26:52, 0:26:57]: Um, but it will be a smaller space and I did want to make sure that you all knew. [0:26:57, 0:27:01]: That the Merrill Manders ballroom is no longer available. [0:27:03, 0:27:08]: Yeah, I think it would be a great opportunity to network with perhaps some of the other board members and even [0:27:09, 0:27:12]: With um a covered area outside, perhaps. [0:27:13, 0:27:17]: tables could be set up there for people to eat outside so have more ventilation and room. [0:27:17, 0:27:27]: Yes. And weather permitting, um, that was an option. That was actually what we were planning to do with the patio um or terrace area with the ballroom. [0:27:28, 0:27:42]: So we do have a patio area outside the Ted Strickland where we would be able to stretch out a little bit, um, have as you said, um, tables out there um plus the tables inside. So I think that there will be adequate space for [0:27:42, 0:27:48]: Um taking breaks and moving around and um making sure that we are able to stay socially distant. [0:27:54, 0:27:55]: All right, any other comments or [0:27:56, 0:27:58]: Questions regarding the joint planning session? [0:28:05, 0:28:11]: All right, seeing and hearing none, we will move on to the uh next agenda item. So uh Barb, thank you. [0:28:12, 0:28:19]: Thank you, Kira. Um Barber, you're up next for the treasurer update. And uh let me know if you want me to bring up the balance sheet to uh share the screen. [0:28:20, 0:28:23]: Oh, you you can um pretty. [0:28:24, 0:28:34]: Nice and quick. Basically our facade cash balance did not change from last month. It's still at$94,972 and five cents. [0:28:35, 0:28:38]: Um also everyone has a copy of this in their email, but you [0:28:38, 0:28:40]: may not have seen it yet. Um [0:28:40, 0:28:43]: The checking account for operating [0:28:43, 0:28:52]: It did. We had a change in cash of$1,426. And that was just some of the invoices that we had outstanding on February's report. [0:28:53, 0:29:07]: So the operating checking balance is$45,978.61. And again, that's a change in cash, uh basically a reduction in cash of$1,426 compared to February. [0:29:08, 0:29:18]: And those were invoices that had carried over from 2020 for TSW and reimbursing the city of Southbridge for expenses they incurred on our behalf. [0:29:18, 0:29:19]: Um [0:29:20, 0:29:25]: I would like to draw your attention to, well, there's still one outstanding invoice in the liability section. [0:29:25, 0:29:37]: $402. Again, that's just another invoice that um still carrying over. It's already been paid. It just didn't clear the bank by March thirty-first by the time of the statement. And that was to uh [0:29:37, 0:29:43]: reimbursing the city for expenses they incurred on our behalf for um victory trophies. [0:29:44, 0:29:48]: I do want to bring your attention to the equity section. [0:29:48, 0:29:55]: Um last month we did not have a retain earnings number. We just basically had an equity balance. [0:29:55, 0:30:11]: What this retain earnings is, as Roger stated earlier, in order to uh submit our insurance, a complete insurance renewal application this year, we had to go back and complete 2020 financials. Well, in doing so, in 2020, they did there were expenses that totaled [0:30:11, 0:30:18]: $12,424 and 72 cents. So in hindsight, if we were doing a PL. [0:30:18, 0:30:33]: For 2020, you would see that the uh DDA basically had a net loss of twelve thousand four hundred twenty-four dollars and seventy-two cents. And that was expenses for the majority of it was the TSW. And then there was [0:30:33, 0:30:43]: a small invoice to the city and then sixteen dollars to the bank for service charges. So that$12,000 number there is basic it's just the expenses for 2020. [0:30:44, 0:30:45]: Which I had to go back and [0:30:46, 0:30:48]: complete the twenty twenty income statement so that we can [0:30:49, 0:30:50]: Apply for the insurance. [0:30:51, 0:30:51]: Um [0:30:52, 0:30:58]: So at the end of the day, the total equity number doesn't change. It just breaking it out between what the uh [0:30:59, 0:31:02]: in what the retain earnings was for twenty twenty. [0:31:02, 0:31:04]: and what the equity balance is. [0:31:04, 0:31:08]: what it's you know, what it is as of January one, twenty twenty one. [0:31:09, 0:31:10]: Um [0:31:11, 0:31:25]: As of March 31st, the DDA has not incurred any expenses. So that's why there's no PL, there's been no revenue, there's been no expenses. So everything has just been cash transactions, which has been satisfying outstanding invoices. [0:31:25, 0:31:27]: Um that will change. [0:31:27, 0:31:35]: If you scroll down a little bit, this upcoming expenses, these are just you know things that we know either we've already paid in the month of April or we anticipate paying. [0:31:35, 0:31:47]: They're not firm numbers, but um we did we anticipate a legal fee for um attorney McCrae of$1,017. The invoice has come in, but it came in in April. [0:31:47, 0:32:01]: Um and then also that's just an estimate, you know, we gotta renew our insurance and we will also probably incur the expense for the responsibility for the joint meeting with Main Street. [0:32:02, 0:32:02]: But [0:32:03, 0:32:05]: If there are no questions [0:32:07, 0:32:10]: That's that wraps up my report. [0:32:13, 0:32:14]: All right. Thank you, Barber. [0:32:15, 0:32:16]: And stop sharing here. [0:32:16, 0:32:17]: Okay. [0:32:17, 0:32:20]: All right. And um [0:32:20, 0:32:23]: There were a couple of the items on the agenda. I don't know if you wanted to [0:32:24, 0:32:31]: I think you've spoken to item number two and um I think zero setup may have been a copy from the last month's report. You wanna speak to e either of those? [0:32:33, 0:32:34]: Zero setup? [0:32:35, 0:32:37]: For the financial accounting system. [0:32:37, 0:32:40]: Oh, it's set up. That's why I'm producing these podcasts. [0:32:41, 0:32:46]: Yeah, I saw that on the agenda. I don't know why that's there, but yeah, we're we're good to go. We are having a um [0:32:47, 0:32:50]: might be having a little bit of issue getting Roger access, but as far as [0:32:50, 0:32:59]: Uh, the DDA is concerned, the books are in there, um, you know, the banking information, it's where I'm generating the reports and recording the activity. So it's all set up. [0:33:00, 0:33:00]: Great. [0:33:01, 0:33:03]: All right, any questions for Barber before we move on? [0:33:06, 0:33:12]: All right, seeing and hearing none, we'll move on to uh next item is the secretary updates. Uh Bob, do you have anything for the group? [0:33:13, 0:33:18]: Uh just that I I I I think we I think we really have completed the um [0:33:19, 0:33:25]: the the a restaurant deal with the Mr. Sylvain that there was some there was some delays in getting some [0:33:25, 0:33:26]: Um [0:33:26, 0:33:28]: Last minute document signed. [0:33:28, 0:33:32]: But um Roger and I signed them and I think uh [0:33:33, 0:33:35]: To the best of my knowledge, we are completely um [0:33:36, 0:33:38]: Uh everything signed that needs to be signed and um [0:33:39, 0:33:41]: Uh you can move forward. [0:33:43, 0:33:43]: Um [0:33:44, 0:33:45]: So that's a victory. [0:33:46, 0:33:47]: Sorry. [0:33:47, 0:34:02]: And thank you for your efforts on that and everyone else who is involved. Um all right. Uh so we'll move on to the next item, the Main Street Advisory Board updates. So um Barber, you tell me whether you wanna speak to that first or turn it over to Kira. I'll turn it over to you first. [0:34:06, 0:34:06]: Kira. [0:34:08, 0:34:08]: Okay. [0:34:09, 0:34:10]: Very good. [0:34:12, 0:34:13]: Yeah. [0:34:19, 0:34:20]: You're muted, Kira. [0:34:23, 0:34:25]: Sorry about that. I'm just talking away. [0:34:25, 0:34:45]: Um we are moving forward with the um renovations of the um Ted Strickland Um Conference Center where we will be meeting. Um we have met with the city's architects, TSW, who have also um designed, you're familiar with them because they designed the amphitheater. [0:34:46, 0:35:06]: They are working with us to convert that space into a welcome center, office spaces, and conference community conference room. Of course, it will not accommodate the 150 capacity that it does now as far as community meeting space, but we are hoping to have a conference. [0:35:06, 0:35:08]: [2108.9, 2114.8]: for the community to use for um small um community meetings. [0:35:15, 0:35:25]: In addition, we have continued um working with the city's engineers on the space at 114. [0:35:25, 0:35:28]: Martin Luther King Senior Heritage Trail. [0:35:28, 0:35:33]: Um that needs extensive work to be done, and right now they are trying to [0:35:33, 0:35:45]: Um decide whether or not the entire roof structure is going to need to be removed and replaced, or if there is an option to replace the roof using the existing. [0:35:45, 0:35:53]: um roof. They're basically, I guess, sealing the existing roof and um doing whatever needs to be done to make it a viable roof. [0:35:54, 0:35:56]: Um, as far as [0:35:56, 0:36:01]: That is concerned. Um, we're not sure. I'm waiting for a report from the engineers. [0:36:01, 0:36:09]: Um, from Mr. Knight and and he will forward that to me. Um, and then I'll be able to give some better information with regard to that at a later time. [0:36:10, 0:36:12]: Um the Alleyway project is also. [0:36:12, 0:36:16]: In the hands of um the city's engineers, Falcon Design. [0:36:16, 0:36:21]: Um we kind of hit a snag with regard to a um [0:36:21, 0:36:23]: structure a um [0:36:23, 0:36:38]: Grease trap structure that is in the back alleyway, we're trying to decide whether or not it will be feasible to remove this um current grease trap that is not really being used by any business along that row if we [0:36:39, 0:36:44]: need to remove that or keep it there and somehow connect it to um one fourteen or [0:36:45, 0:36:45]: Right. [0:36:45, 0:36:47]: For so that that [0:36:47, 0:36:49]: particular building can be used. [0:36:49, 0:36:52]: As a restaurant, there are other options for. [0:36:52, 0:36:59]: um interior grease traps that are available. So that is something that has to be kind of addressed with [0:36:59, 0:37:14]: our wastewater department. And so it just needs a little further study as to whether or not we're going to um remove that particular apparatus because it's huge. It's actually the size of um that one would need for [0:37:15, 0:37:19]: Um a very, very large um restaurant that does a lot of frying. [0:37:20, 0:37:21]: And um [0:37:21, 0:37:36]: That is not what's there and we don't anticipate that type of establishment being there. So there are some options that wouldn't require such a large apparatus in the um alleyway and it does cause some obstruction that [0:37:36, 0:37:44]: we would like to be able to mitigate. So I'm hoping that we can have some resolution with regard to that very soon. [0:37:44, 0:37:50]: As far as the um amphitheater is concerned, I don't know if that's something that um [0:37:51, 0:37:57]: Alan would want to address. We did have a bit of an update that was provided to the Main Street Advisory Board. [0:37:57, 0:38:03]: Um at our last meeting. So Alan, is that something you would like to address or would you like me to [0:38:03, 0:38:05]: Give that update, I'm not sure. [0:38:07, 0:38:25]: Okay, you can go ahead and give that update. Um, I do want to add, and I was gonna mention this during my portion, that we will have a town, well, not we, but council member Alexander has called a town hall meeting for the 22nd um of this month. I think that's Thursday, Thursday. [0:38:25, 0:38:28]: And Mr. Nyaton is going to give a detailed amphitheater. [0:38:28, 0:38:30]: update during that meeting. [0:38:31, 0:38:32]: Okay. [0:38:32, 0:38:41]: So um you all can get the the real deal there, but I'll just give a a brief overview. Um they are at the point of doing um [0:38:41, 0:38:45]: Architectural punch out now so um the structure. [0:38:45, 0:38:59]: has pretty much been completed. They're fine-tuning different details on the interior of the buildings, painting, making sure that everything, equipment has been installed. [0:39:00, 0:39:00]: Um [0:39:01, 0:39:12]: And the anticipated um completion date is at the um mid to late June with regard to the actual amphitheater. And then we are um told that [0:39:13, 0:39:13]: Um [0:39:14, 0:39:18]: Toward the end of July, the um adjacent [0:39:18, 0:39:19]: Um [0:39:19, 0:39:23]: walking trail and nature area with water features and overlook. [0:39:24, 0:39:26]: should be completed um by [0:39:27, 0:39:33]: um the end of July. So we're um hoping for um an opening um in [0:39:34, 0:39:36]: Лайт сумер, фал фронт. [0:39:37, 0:39:42]: Um what I understand. And that opening will of course be something that [0:39:42, 0:39:44]: Um the city will um [0:39:45, 0:39:50]: let us know about with regard to capacity, um, how many people will be allowed. [0:39:51, 0:39:54]: To attend that and what type of um opening that [0:39:54, 0:40:04]: particular event, what shape that will take. So that is, I think, kind of in the works right now. So um that's something that's more details to come at a later date. [0:40:04, 0:40:07]: Um we are also um working to [0:40:08, 0:40:08]: Um [0:40:10, 0:40:19]: kind of determine whether or not we're going to go forward with um the d downtown design guidelines. That's something that we are starting to consider. [0:40:19, 0:40:20]: In light of the fact that [0:40:21, 0:40:28]: Um we are um going to be attracting some interest from developers and in new businesses in the downtown. [0:40:28, 0:40:32]: А we need to have some uniformity with regard to. [0:40:32, 0:40:34]: Infield construction. [0:40:34, 0:40:40]: And that is something that um the Main Street program um has been looking into um with [0:40:41, 0:40:43]: In partnership with Economic Development. [0:40:43, 0:40:46]: Ту д то детер оно це сам. [0:40:47, 0:40:48]: We might be able to pursue. [0:40:49, 0:40:53]: Um while we have a consultant working with the city on the um [0:40:53, 0:40:56]: Uniform development code. So [0:40:56, 0:40:59]: Um, that's something that is in the works as well. [0:40:59, 0:41:02]: And something that will probably also be um [0:41:03, 0:41:06]: giving some attention to with regard to [0:41:06, 0:41:10]: the um strategic um work planning session that we have planned for June. [0:41:11, 0:41:16]: And I think that's all with re oh, one more thing. Um we are working with [0:41:16, 0:41:20]: An artist I reported at our last meeting, I think, with regard to [0:41:20, 0:41:22]: The downtown um [0:41:22, 0:41:27]: Beautification and public art program that the Main Street program has established. [0:41:27, 0:41:32]: Uh we are working with an artist on our first mural for the downtown area. [0:41:32, 0:41:37]: We have received permission to move forward by um mayor and council. [0:41:37, 0:41:45]: For placing this particular mural at the corner of um 138 North Henry Boulevard and Harrell Street. So that's the [0:41:46, 0:41:50]: Retaining wall that is right there at Stockbridge Elementary School. [0:41:50, 0:41:53]: Um we have been um working with [0:41:53, 0:42:03]: the um mural artist, um John Christian, he is based out of Hapeville, Georgia. And um if you all are familiar with Hapeville, [0:42:03, 0:42:07]: Is a city that has um quite a few murals in their downtown. [0:42:08, 0:42:18]: And um we have been um working diligently with Mr. Christian on coming up with a design that would be suitable for our city and has a theme that um [0:42:19, 0:42:20]: Is um [0:42:20, 0:42:23]: In conjunction with our where community connects. [0:42:24, 0:42:28]: And we are looking forward to that mural being completed. [0:42:28, 0:42:29]: Um [0:42:29, 0:42:34]: by the end of June. So we've got a lot of stuff happening in the downtown area. [0:42:34, 0:42:36]: that um is gonna culminate [0:42:36, 0:42:40]: This summer, so um, I'm looking forward to [0:42:40, 0:42:49]: Um, an end of these COVID restrictions and some very exciting things happening in our downtown area. [0:42:50, 0:42:52]: And that concludes my report. [0:42:53, 0:42:54]: Are there any questions? [0:43:00, 0:43:00]: Hey. [0:43:00, 0:43:02]: Thank you very much. [0:43:02, 0:43:22]: Thank you, Kira. I appreciate that. I actually do have a question. The design guidelines, did you need any input from the DDA on that? Or is that strictly on the Main Street side? Yes, what is going to happen with that? We are going to work with a consultant to create these design downtown design guidelines. [0:43:22, 0:43:25]: and there will be a steering committee created. [0:43:26, 0:43:38]: And the steering committee will um consist of Main Street advisory board members and DDA members. Um once the consultant is selected, then um it'll be um [0:43:38, 0:43:43]: up to the consultant to give us more details on how that particular steering committee is going to be [0:43:43, 0:43:45]: Пуга а [0:43:45, 0:43:48]: If it's similar to the RSVP. [0:43:48, 0:44:08]: The steering committee basically consisted of the Main Street Advisory Board and DDA members who were interested in participating. And that gives us a good cross-section of business owners, community members, and business owners that live outside of the district, downtown district, as well as inside. [0:44:08, 0:44:09]: Uh [0:44:09, 0:44:12]: the district live or work within those areas. [0:44:12, 0:44:14]: And we also had um [0:44:15, 0:44:19]: Council participation and community leader participation so [0:44:19, 0:44:26]: I think that um by utilizing both boards as the steering committee, I think that we'll get a pretty good cross section. [0:44:26, 0:44:27]: Of um [0:44:28, 0:44:33]: people who um have a vested interest in the design in the downtown. [0:44:35, 0:44:38]: Great. Thank you for that. Anyone else comments or questions for Kira? [0:44:41, 0:44:52]: All right, we will move on. Uh next item on the agenda is the I'm sorry. I just said thank you. Sure. Uh is the facade grant update. Uh Christian or Art, we'll turn it over to you. [0:44:53, 0:44:54]: Yes. [0:44:55, 0:44:57]: Yes. Council McGain? [0:44:57, 0:44:58]: Yes, I [0:44:58, 0:44:59]: Thank you. [0:44:59, 0:45:02]: Am I on the agenda to give an update real quick? [0:45:03, 0:45:08]: Uh you are? It would be following the city staff updates. Did you want to um [0:45:08, 0:45:09]: Speak now. [0:45:10, 0:45:13]: I do. Is that the city staff updates? I just want to make sure. [0:45:14, 0:45:22]: Um well city staff updates is uh as Mr. Peterson and then following that would be Councilwoman Gantton for the uh city council updates. [0:45:23, 0:45:26]: Well, I have a update for ya. Um [0:45:26, 0:45:34]: The DDA tour of the amphitheater. Is everyone okay if we reverse the order of the agenda to Oh I'm sorry? [0:45:34, 0:45:44]: I'm sorry, I thought it was already I thought that the staff had already did their update. No? Um no, we're we're at item E, facade grant update, uh with Mr. Christie. [0:45:44, 0:45:52]: No, no. Well keep going. I'm sorry. I'm driving and having to just keep going. I thought it was I was after uh Main Street. That's all. [0:45:52, 0:45:59]: Ah, very good. Okay. Well thank you. All right, Mr. Christian. Well sure, mine is really short. [0:45:59, 0:46:06]: had a busy uh few weeks so I I haven't been able to had the opportunity to contact everyone interested in [0:46:07, 0:46:11]: being on the facade grant committee. So I'll be we'll be doing that in the next week. [0:46:11, 0:46:13]: So that we can get together and [0:46:13, 0:46:16]: Uh, talk about what needs to be done and then coming together formally to [0:46:17, 0:46:18]: really get that moving. [0:46:19, 0:46:20]: That's all I have on. [0:46:21, 0:46:36]: All right, great. Uh thank you, Art. Um on that topic though, uh Councilman Gann, I I there was a follow up item that that you had sent me following last week's meeting about um I think you were gonna present to the city council [0:46:37, 0:46:46]: um a a proposal to waive the fee for uh Mr. Fletcher. And I was just checking to see if there was any further update on that item. [0:46:46, 0:46:49]: We confirmed that we agreed to weigh back bee. [0:46:49, 0:46:50]: Great. [0:46:50, 0:46:51]: All right. [0:46:52, 0:46:53]: Thank you for your help with that. [0:46:55, 0:46:55]: Not probably [0:46:56, 0:47:00]: All right. Uh next up is uh city staff updates. Uh Mr. Peterson. [0:47:04, 0:47:24]: Yes, uh good evening, everyone. I have a a short update. Uh Ms. Kira updated everyone about the design guidelines. Uh I spoke with Mr. Knighton about the TSW master plan. As many of you all know, the master plan was discontinued in 2020. Uh Mr. Knight and I spoke about it. We want to make sure that. [0:47:24, 0:47:30]: If the master plan is continued, it is in fact in line with what the city is doing. [0:47:30, 0:47:41]: So we would have to review the scope of work. Uh Mr. Knighton is out of town right now, but when he gets back, we are going to have another meeting strictly about this TSW master plan. [0:47:41, 0:47:51]: Uh, just so we can go in detail and just to make sure that it's in line with what we're doing. As you all know, the city has a lot of projects going on from the amphitheater, uh, the [0:47:52, 0:47:59]: the uh the udc and um the other the other projects uh with ted strickland and things of that nature um [0:48:00, 0:48:04]: railroad, uh all that good stuff. We just want to make sure it's in line. So um [0:48:05, 0:48:08]: Um I'm making sure that that you know the the DDA is still in [0:48:09, 0:48:29]: in sight uh with the city and for that master plan. And finally, as I mentioned earlier, Council will Mayor Mayor Pro Tem Alexander is having a town hall meeting on April 22nd. I'll be giving a short presentation. Brecka Johnson is our new community development director. She'll give she'll be giving a short presentation. [0:48:29, 0:48:44]: And Mr. Knighton would be giving a presentation as well. I do know that Mr. Knighton will speak in detail on the amphitheater. So if you all um want to tune in, you will get some good information on the amphitheater. He has a great presentation with pictures and um. [0:48:45, 0:48:47]: And I think Kira mentioned a tour. [0:48:47, 0:48:49]: Our council member Gantt mentioned a tour. [0:48:50, 0:48:51]: Uh with with the D D A. [0:48:52, 0:48:58]: Uh Mr. Knight and Councilwoman Gantt. Okay. Okay. Well I'm going to talk about that a little bit more in a minute. [0:48:58, 0:49:00]: Okay, wonderful. All right. I'm uh [0:49:00, 0:49:02]: Does anyone have any questions? [0:49:02, 0:49:04]: Are any concerns? Yes, ma'am. [0:49:04, 0:49:05]: What time is the town hall? [0:49:06, 0:49:07]: Seven o'clock. [0:49:08, 0:49:09]: Seven o'clock. [0:49:11, 0:49:14]: All right. And if you all have any other questions or concerns, feel free to call me. [0:49:15, 0:49:19]: Or email me uh particularly if if you have concerns about the master plan. [0:49:21, 0:49:37]: Um I'll I'll mention if um you know since I was involved with the master plan, I'm happy to participate in a meeting if you want to bring me in to you know with your meeting with uh Mr. Knight and happy to try to arrange that with my schedule if um if you like. I'll I'll let it I'll I'll let him know. [0:49:37, 0:49:38]: For good. [0:49:39, 0:49:42]: All right, anything else for uh Mr. Peterson? City staff updates? [0:49:44, 0:49:58]: All right. Uh Councilman Gantt, uh you're corrupting the agenda for city council updates. Okay. I'm sorry guys. I was I apologize. But after Mr. Peterson did the he was I'm on the phone. After Mr. Peterson did the um [0:49:59, 0:50:09]: He was talking earlier and I just thought it was the staff update. So my apologies, but um I asked Mr. Knighton about a tour for the DDA in the amphitheater. [0:50:09, 0:50:12]: Um and his response was [0:50:12, 0:50:20]: That we can do a tour with the DDA between the hours of 10, preferably between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. [0:50:21, 0:50:27]: It would be it would take about an hour to tour and it's limited to DDA members only, no guests. [0:50:32, 0:50:33]: Okay. [0:50:34, 0:50:35]: Because of the amount of [0:50:36, 0:50:40]: Usually we can have like eight to ten people and then they have people going with us. [0:50:41, 0:50:44]: Um so only the DDA members can attend. [0:50:47, 0:50:56]: Uh Mr. Sears, I know you had um you had um made that request to me uh earlier, so any any thoughts or questions uh regarding that? [0:50:56, 0:51:01]: Yeah, it's the same thing with uh Councilman Gandhi said. It's just that we as [0:51:01, 0:51:07]: I was told that the whole board had to vote on it and give them a date and a time that we'll be able to talk. [0:51:07, 0:51:08]: We'd be um. [0:51:08, 0:51:12]: We can hardly hear you, Maxwell. Yeah, it's har it's a little hard to hear you maybe get close to the microphone. [0:51:13, 0:51:16]: Oh uh let me just turn up the volume and the volume is up so uh [0:51:17, 0:51:21]: But but but I think what you said was um that you had thought that the vote [0:51:22, 0:51:31]: Can you hear me now? Still sound distant. We can hear you, but it's it's just hard to hear. I g I guess the computer I think on my computer's having a a little problem. So that's why A little better now, yes. Thank you. [0:51:32, 0:51:32]: Hear me now? [0:51:33, 0:51:33]: Yes. [0:51:34, 0:51:50]: Okay. Now I was saying the same thing as uh Councilman Gannett Gantt said. Uh I did spoke to somebody and they said that the whole board had to vote on it, on the time and date, and then give it to the city council in terms of letting them know what day that we'll visit uh the appetite. [0:51:50, 0:52:00]: So it's the same information, it's just that it's a board that everybody vote on what date and time and then give it to the city council uh to make a you know, the so that they can secure [0:52:00, 0:52:03]: Or that the day of us coming to see [0:52:04, 0:52:05]: So [0:52:05, 0:52:06]: Right. [0:52:06, 0:52:07]: Yeah. [0:52:08, 0:52:15]: All right. Councilman McGann, did you want to respond to that? Do you d do you do we need a vote from the D DA at the time? [0:52:15, 0:52:28]: I think we just need to come up with a date and time. I don't know if you want to make it a vote necessarily or if you just want to see when everybody's available to go on a tour. But of course we, you know, we have to make sure that um [0:52:28, 0:52:41]: we go when everyone you know can get together preferably between just between the hours of 10 and 4 and I have to give them some advanced notice, give them a day maybe a day or two notice. [0:52:41, 0:52:42]: Um [0:52:42, 0:52:48]: earlier and we can everybody can meet over at the front of the entrance there and go on a tour. [0:52:52, 0:53:04]: Um Mr. Sears, did you want to bring some safe shoes? I forgot about that too. But just wear like some tennis shoes or something to I mean it's a construction site. So, you know, you have to have c enclosed tote enclosed shoes. [0:53:05, 0:53:20]: No open sandals. All right. There you go. Did you want to propose a date um for the tour and then see if that uh meets everyone's in everyone who's interested in attending? Um is there a date that would work for you? Because I know you were interested. [0:53:21, 0:53:25]: No, that's why that's why we have uh you know, in terms of come together as a group to say what date [0:53:26, 0:53:29]: Because I would know, like she said, what day it is available for everybody. [0:53:30, 0:53:32]: And that would be not a problem in terms of [0:53:32, 0:53:38]: what day would be pro uh you know a a good tour date. I should give us the time between ten and four. [0:53:39, 0:53:47]: Uh just in terms of if that included the weekend or is that from Monday to Friday? So we'll have to find out what their schedule is and then [0:53:47, 0:53:49]: It's during the week. [0:53:49, 0:53:54]: During the weekday. During the week. Okay. Monday to Monday to Friday. Yes. All right. [0:53:54, 0:53:56]: So, you know, and I'd have to sit down and [0:53:56, 0:54:00]: see what data and then offer it to the whole group to see what it what works for them. [0:54:00, 0:54:01]: So [0:54:02, 0:54:04]: That's the whole thing w about getting grouped together. [0:54:05, 0:54:06]: Uh [0:54:06, 0:54:14]: So just making it available for what day that everybody, you know, just open. And then if everybody showed up, they show up, you know. If we're gonna go on May the fifth. [0:54:14, 0:54:18]: Uh then whoever's available that day would show up and those who can wouldn't show up. [0:54:19, 0:54:22]: Right. So is there a a a date that would work for you, Mr. Sears? [0:54:23, 0:54:36]: And and we can start there and if everyone if that works for those who are interested, then we'll we'll hop along. If if if not, then we'll I'll have you know, I wouldn't do anything I wouldn't do everything over my head because I was just giving you what the what the procedure was. [0:54:36, 0:54:40]: You know, so I'll have to look at my calendar and then give a date. [0:54:40, 0:54:42]: And then bring it back to the to the board. [0:54:43, 0:54:45]: Or bring send it to you and then you send it out to everybody. [0:54:46, 0:55:06]: Okay, that's fine. So why don't we uh just to kind of bring it to a conclusion, if it's all right with you, Mr. Sears, why don't you propose, I would say, one or two or three dates that would work with you your schedule, and then uh we'll send it out to the rest of the uh board and for those who respond favorably to one or more dates, then that should give us enough information. [0:55:06, 0:55:07]: Yeah. [0:55:07, 0:55:15]: Right. Yeah, I work with counsel and uh uh counsel ga uh can work together on this'cause she since she already have that and I I just have to do is give it a date and she [0:55:15, 0:55:23]: Uh, you know,'cause I was told that we had to vote on it and give it to the council people and they'll do it. But since we have to bypass that, then we just give her the date. [0:55:23, 0:55:24]: Um [0:55:25, 0:55:25]: Go for that. [0:55:26, 0:55:27]: May I ask one thing? [0:55:27, 0:55:30]: Uh, the board members for D DA [0:55:30, 0:55:33]: Із there any preference between morning? [0:55:34, 0:55:35]: Afternoon or evening? [0:55:36, 0:55:38]: Or a morning or afternoon. [0:55:42, 0:55:43]: Not for me. [0:55:45, 0:55:46]: No. [0:55:46, 0:55:46]: That's [0:55:48, 0:55:49]: Yeah, I'm also neutral. [0:55:51, 0:55:53]: Let me go ahead and I'm sorry I'm flexible. [0:55:54, 0:55:55]: I'm sorry. I'm sorry, Art. [0:55:56, 0:55:58]: Let me go. I was just saying I was inflexible also. [0:55:59, 0:56:00]: Okay. I'm sorry. [0:56:01, 0:56:06]: Sorry, Art. Yeah, I just wanted to tell everybody I'm gonna be on vacation from May the fifteenth. [0:56:07, 0:56:10]: Until June the seventh, about three weeks. [0:56:10, 0:56:12]: So if it's if it's [0:56:12, 0:56:14]: After May the fifteenth and [0:56:15, 0:56:15]: And [0:56:16, 0:56:20]: Or June the seventh, uh I wouldn't be able to come. But I but I would like to come. [0:56:20, 0:56:21]: Yeah, mercy. [0:56:21, 0:56:23]: May I make a suggestion? [0:56:24, 0:56:28]: I'm just gonna throw a date out there. Next Wednesday [0:56:28, 0:56:29]: Eleven o'clock. [0:56:31, 0:56:33]: That's the twenty eighth of April. [0:56:33, 0:56:34]: At eleven o'clock. [0:56:36, 0:56:36]: Mm-hmm. [0:56:37, 0:56:39]: All right. Works for me. [0:56:44, 0:57:00]: Okay, I like that. We'll go with uh that as the uh um uh uh Ma Maxwell, does that work for you as far as just uh we'll we'll work from there and if if if there's too much objection then we'll look at a different date. That way I think we'll get us closer to a realization. [0:57:01, 0:57:04]: Well, that's no problem. Like I said, you know, uh that's the date. [0:57:04, 0:57:05]: Going for it, yeah. [0:57:06, 0:57:08]: All right, so we have a proposed date. [0:57:08, 0:57:16]: for April twenty eighth at eleven AM and and I think what we'll need is um uh yeah just a list of who all is interested in attending. [0:57:17, 0:57:18]: Um [0:57:18, 0:57:30]: Uh if you i if you'll send that to uh myself and Mr. Sears, then um we'll go from there and submit that to uh Councilwoman Gantt. Um so councilwoman, do you have any uh any other updates? [0:57:31, 0:57:32]: From City Council. [0:57:34, 0:57:41]: No, I can't think of any right now. Not none that I can think of. I'm I hope I'm not missing anything, but no. [0:57:41, 0:57:42]: Nothing I can think of. [0:57:43, 0:57:47]: Okay. We did include, I forgot, we did include um [0:57:47, 0:57:55]: as part of our discussion recently to what we used to what we have is an LCI and we discussed adding on a um [0:57:56, 0:57:57]: Oh God. [0:57:59, 0:58:00]: I I can't even think of it right now. [0:58:01, 0:58:03]: The little water park thingy, you know, a splash pad. [0:58:04, 0:58:08]: As a a part of the um downtown area near the amphitheater. [0:58:09, 0:58:11]: And that may be a part of the project. [0:58:11, 0:58:13]: You know, since it's already [0:58:14, 0:58:15]: And process. [0:58:15, 0:58:17]: And we're working on the numbers with that right now. [0:58:19, 0:58:22]: That's about it for now, I think. [0:58:24, 0:58:24]: Thank you. [0:58:24, 0:58:27]: Any questions or comments for Councilwoman McGann? [0:58:30, 0:58:50]: Okay, seeing here none. Uh next item on the agenda: new business. Uh I think we've covered that one already, the request for a tour of the amphitheater. So I'll move on to item 3b, which is the uh annual authority registration and financials. Um as part of the closing for the Sylvain transaction, I learned that uh the [0:58:50, 0:59:10]: The DDA is required to submit an annual report to the Department of Community Affairs each year. I also learned that the DDA had not that this DDA had not done that since 2017 or 2018, I think. Either 2017 or 18 was the last report. So we need to um uh get that true up. Um [0:59:10, 0:59:24]: Barber, I do want to mention there may be some financial information that we need to submit, but I've not taken a close look at that. So I'll initiate that report submission, and if I need anything from anyone, I will let you know. [0:59:25, 0:59:26]: Um any questions on that point? [0:59:28, 0:59:35]: All right, seeing and hearing none, we'll move on. Um so under old business, uh the Sylvain transaction. [0:59:35, 0:59:47]: So as uh Bob mentioned earlier, um it uh the the step that uh I can confirm uh was concluded is that everything that was uh asked the DA was asked to sign and complete. [0:59:48, 0:59:53]: was uh completed and turned over to the buyer's lending [0:59:53, 0:59:55]: attorney, buyer's lenders attorney. [0:59:56, 1:00:05]: Uh I've not received an update since then, so I don't know whether I've not received uh the final executed documents or any other notice since we completed those steps. [1:00:05, 1:00:06]: Um [1:00:06, 1:00:15]: I do want to mention though, um I've now worked with um many of you for enough time for you to know that um I personally like to be prepared. [1:00:16, 1:00:19]: and organized um I as a um I [1:00:19, 1:00:38]: I don't like when people are waiting on me to complete something. And as a project manager, it's a standard practice to examine any project at closing for any lessons learned. And so I'd like to share a few details with you. [1:00:39, 1:00:43]: In hopes that we can improve our next experience'cause um [1:00:44, 1:00:48]: Um I think there was some room for improvement with this particular um transaction. [1:00:49, 1:00:53]: So um after weeks of silence about the transaction [1:00:54, 1:00:58]: Um I sent a note March thirty first asking um [1:00:59, 1:01:00]: The um [1:01:01, 1:01:21]: the city's attorney uh where we were with um this particular transaction because I heard nothing. Uh from my view that appeared to spawn some activity um because the and the next thing I know there's a request from the buyer's team to extend the deadline of the due diligence period. [1:01:21, 1:01:26]: Um so that caused an amendment request which was quickly resolved by the D DA. [1:01:27, 1:01:29]: Um, but then silence again until an email. [1:01:30, 1:01:47]: uh late Tuesday afternoon of uh believe it was April the uh seventh and or set seven the sixth um with a request to close the transaction the next day okay [1:01:48, 1:01:55]: And this erupted in a flurry of emails and phone calls and text messages. [1:01:56, 1:01:59]: demanding all sorts of things [1:01:59, 1:02:09]: Uh items that were needed for this closing included uh advance notice uh to extend and advance notice of the closing. [1:02:09, 1:02:16]: uh the DDA requiring a signature seal for the documents to needing to be present for the signatures. [1:02:17, 1:02:21]: uh this AARF filing which I just spoke about with Department of Community Affairs. [1:02:22, 1:02:25]: Синітур вitnesses, tax айді. [1:02:25, 1:02:26]: Um [1:02:26, 1:02:31]: Had it not been for the dedicated service of the volunteers of this DDA board. [1:02:31, 1:02:36]: And a few staff members, including uh Mister John Wiggins and Vanessa Holliday. [1:02:36, 1:02:42]: And the extraordinary professional team of our uh Dan McCrae's attorney's office. [1:02:43, 1:02:44]: Oh, who filled the gap? [1:02:45, 1:02:51]: If it had not been for these uh for the work of these individuals, this transaction would not have occurred. [1:02:52, 1:02:53]: It would have fallen flat. [1:02:55, 1:02:57]: And it didn't need to be this way. [1:02:58, 1:03:00]: We're here to partner with the city. [1:03:01, 1:03:03]: And I want to mention that um [1:03:05, 1:03:15]: You know, there uh there are people in the city, uh city council specifically, who are real estate professionals who have gone through this many times before. [1:03:16, 1:03:30]: I'm an IT project manager. I have not been through a commercial closing before, but I've been through several uh personal closings. And um a little bit of preparation would have gone a long way to avoid the expenses that we incurred. [1:03:31, 1:03:35]: Um with our attorney's office to close this deal. [1:03:36, 1:03:41]: So I I think you hear the frustration in my voice because it didn't need to be an extraordinary effort. [1:03:41, 1:03:46]: The only thing we really need in and this is the one thing I'm asking for in the future. [1:03:47, 1:03:51]: is to communicate and to plan. That's all. [1:03:52, 1:03:58]: You plan, you communicate, you say, Hey, D D A, you're gonna need these things in order to close this transaction. Make sure you're ready. [1:03:59, 1:04:00]: And we'll do it. [1:04:01, 1:04:06]: That's really all we need in order to avoid um this what really was chaos. [1:04:07, 1:04:09]: So I just wanted to share that with everyone. [1:04:10, 1:04:15]: I'll open it up for any questions or comments. Uh that's uh one I don't want to share with you. [1:04:22, 1:04:25]: Okay. Go ahead, Bob. We got it done. Yeah. [1:04:26, 1:04:29]: Yeah. Go ahead. Sorry, go ahead. Yeah. [1:04:30, 1:04:34]: Um but y but yeah, I I I I think uh uh and I don't know where the the [1:04:35, 1:04:43]: blame lies may maybe with mister um Sylvain's attorneys or whatever, but you know, but not here to point fingers at people, but um [1:04:44, 1:04:47]: But to your point, Roger, yeah. W with you know [1:04:47, 1:04:48]: I mean [1:04:48, 1:04:50]: We're all in favor of this transaction. [1:04:51, 1:04:55]: And so it wasn't like to to my knowledge, it wasn't like there was any opposition to to doing the deal. [1:04:56, 1:04:59]: Um, and it shouldn't have been this chaotic. [1:05:02, 1:05:07]: And and yes, to your point I think, you know, b uh better communication uh from all parties involved. [1:05:08, 1:05:09]: The future. [1:05:13, 1:05:13]: Thank you. [1:05:14, 1:05:15]: Anyone else? [1:05:19, 1:05:25]: Okay, hearing none, we'll move to the next item, uh final item on the agenda, which is the um [1:05:26, 1:05:35]: Uh the committee to update the D D A bylaws and intergovernmental agreement with the city. So um I'm sorry, Roger. Oh go ahead, Art. On the [1:05:36, 1:05:38]: On the transaction [1:05:38, 1:05:39]: uh for the old firehouse. [1:05:40, 1:05:45]: Uh Councilwoman Gantt, have you heard anything in terms of the final documents being [1:05:45, 1:05:46]: Signed. [1:05:48, 1:05:52]: Well, I thought everything had been signed and closed. Um [1:05:52, 1:05:55]: is from my understanding, I did hear about the headaches. [1:05:56, 1:06:03]: of it. Um, you know, I heard complaints um from both sides basically, but I [1:06:03, 1:06:04]: We know. [1:06:05, 1:06:05]: I don't know. [1:06:06, 1:06:11]: I from my understanding that everything has um [1:06:13, 1:06:15]: Everything has been finalized. Is that not correct? [1:06:16, 1:06:17]: Roger, Mr. Custon? [1:06:18, 1:06:36]: Um what I know is what I reported, which is we everything the DDA was asked to sign and complete was done and turned over to the buyer's, lender's attorney. Okay. And I So yes, it was closed then. [1:06:37, 1:06:46]: Well, it was closed then. And if you get copies of um the documents, you should receive those copies. If not, pro I would just email um [1:06:47, 1:06:53]: the attorney of record who did the closing and asked for a copy of the documents, but it is closed. [1:06:54, 1:06:55]: Yeah, well. [1:06:55, 1:06:58]: Vanessa, tell me, did you um receive [1:06:59, 1:07:03]: Do you know if this r county received the final execute fully executed documents? [1:07:03, 1:07:06]: No, not we have not received those back yet. [1:07:09, 1:07:11]: When did it close? [1:07:12, 1:07:20]: Um that's see the deed was signed on the fifth. So was it of April? A couple of days. Yes. So I think it was a couple of days after that. [1:07:21, 1:07:23]: Okay, so it takes about fourteen days to get back. [1:07:24, 1:07:30]: But I this is the D, I'm talking this is the D from the fire station to the D D A. [1:07:31, 1:07:33]: That was done on April fifth. [1:07:34, 1:07:36]: The deed from the fire station to the DDA. [1:07:37, 1:07:39]: From the city to the D D A. [1:07:41, 1:07:49]: Yeah, that's what I'm saying. Is that what you're talking about? Okay. That should be on that should be if it was done on the you said the fifth. [1:07:50, 1:07:55]: That was a Monday, right? That was when Mayor Mayor Ford and I signed that on it was a Monday, I believe that was. [1:07:55, 1:07:57]: What day is that, do you know? [1:07:58, 1:08:02]: think that was a Monday. I thought that was a Monday. The Monday is the fifth, April fifth. [1:08:03, 1:08:04]: Right. That's when we signed in. [1:08:05, 1:08:07]: Okay, it probably it should have been back. [1:08:08, 1:08:09]: Yesterday. [1:08:09, 1:08:10]: Probably. [1:08:11, 1:08:16]: And it could have been even earlier, it depending on when they um mailed it in to be filed. [1:08:17, 1:08:18]: The actual deed. [1:08:20, 1:08:34]: But we can go look on GSC if if when I get a chance, guys, and I'm sorry, I'm having to go to a family, um, I have a family matter I have to deal with right now, but when um I can go look on G S C C A and see if it's been recorded. [1:08:34, 1:08:37]: Who's responsible for the recording? The closing attorney, correct? [1:08:38, 1:08:41]: Or is it our attorney that recorded it, our deed? [1:08:45, 1:08:51]: This is not the deed from the D D A to the b uh Mr. Silvaying. This was the one [1:08:52, 1:08:52]: Um [1:08:54, 1:08:58]: Okay, I gotcha. So City Attorney had to record that maybe, I guess. [1:08:59, 1:09:03]: Um so let me look because they both [1:09:04, 1:09:10]: No, you know what? The attorney who did the closing more than likely uh recorded both of them at the same time. [1:09:11, 1:09:12]: To be honest with you. [1:09:14, 1:09:16]: Because what they want to make sure is is that [1:09:17, 1:09:19]: the deeds are recorded in order. [1:09:22, 1:09:29]: So let's start with um I guess speaking to our city attorney and then speaking also to the closing attorney. [1:09:34, 1:09:37]: But I'm pretty sure the closing attorney probably recorded them. [1:09:38, 1:09:45]: unless they brought a copy of the recorded doc to the closing, they would have closed, they would have um close they would have [1:09:45, 1:09:47]: Both been filed at the same time. [1:09:50, 1:09:52]: And who do you think has the [1:09:53, 1:09:57]: Who has the right to speak to the closing attorney on [1:09:58, 1:09:59]: On the D DA. [1:10:00, 1:10:04]: Um, Mr. Custin should be able to speak with the closing attorney on the DEA. [1:10:04, 1:10:09]: Or I well, you know what? Mr. McCrae, he was the our attorney, right? [1:10:10, 1:10:15]: Yeah. Mr. We had an attorney, so Mr. McCrae would be the one who would speak to the to the um [1:10:15, 1:10:16]: To get it. [1:10:16, 1:10:18]: Just let Mr. McCrae know. [1:10:18, 1:10:21]: that we haven't received a copy of our deed back. [1:10:22, 1:10:23]: A copy of the deed. [1:10:26, 1:10:28]: And then I'm gonna go home and do some digging myself. [1:10:29, 1:10:29]: If I [1:10:30, 1:10:31]: Okay. [1:10:32, 1:10:34]: I'll look to see if it's actually been recorded. [1:10:36, 1:10:36]: All right, thank you. [1:10:37, 1:10:49]: Yeah, th th i i it was a it would you know, um it was expressly written that we would get a copy s of the of the of the final paperwork once it was completed. So that that that request has already been [1:10:49, 1:10:51]: Address. [1:10:52, 1:11:03]: So but Roger, before you do that, if the DDA doesn't mind just to save costs, I don't want us paying for just certain things that we can do on our own. I will see if we can get a copy. I'll do that personally myself. [1:11:04, 1:11:07]: before we have to go to Mr. McCrae and get bail for it. [1:11:08, 1:11:10]: All right, well the I [1:11:10, 1:11:12]: All right. Thank you. Appreciate that. [1:11:13, 1:11:13]: Yeah. [1:11:14, 1:11:18]: Any other items, any any other questions or comments on the uh Sylvain transaction? [1:11:22, 1:11:42]: Okay. Final item on the agenda: uh the committee to update the DDA bylaws and intergovernmental agreement, the IGA. Um uh thank you to uh Bob and to Sumequa. Uh we met a couple of weeks ago to uh review our draft of uh both of those items. Um that has been turned over to uh attorney McRae for review. [1:11:42, 1:12:02]: He did send me a response saying he's uh he hasn't had a chance to look at it and uh draft a response. So I think a next step would be for him to review our comments and feedback, and we had a lot of questions, um, and then we'll probably schedule a follow-up um meeting with the with the committee, with Bob and Sameigwa, finalize our recommendations. [1:12:02, 1:12:07]: recommendations and then we'll bring it to the board probably by our uh our next month's meeting. [1:12:07, 1:12:11]: So um that's the update. Any any questions or comments on that? [1:12:17, 1:12:28]: Seeing none, hearing none. So that is the last item on the agenda. Um we'll open it up for any um any any comments or questions, closing remarks before we close the meeting. [1:12:37, 1:12:42]: All right. I'm seeing and hearing none, so I'll I guess that leaves us with a motion to close. [1:12:43, 1:12:44]: Or done, rather. [1:12:45, 1:12:46]: So moved. [1:12:48, 1:12:53]: Thank you, Councilwoman Gann. Anyone. Thank you, Art. Um [1:12:54, 1:12:56]: Any uh any discussion to adjourn the meeting? [1:12:59, 1:13:01]: All right, very good. All those in favor to adjourn? [1:13:02, 1:13:04]: Raise your hand to affirm. Aye. [1:13:04, 1:13:05]: All right, see. [1:13:06, 1:13:09]: All right. And I heard you, Councilman McGann. Very good. [1:13:09, 1:13:16]: All right, I think that's unanimous. Thank you everyone for your service to the board and to the city of Stockbridge. Have a good evening. [1:13:16, 1:13:18]: Good night, everybody. Good night. Good night. [1:13:18, 1:13:19]: Thank you. [1:13:20, 1:13:20]: Good night.