Minutes of DDA meeting August 19

CITY OF CHELSEA

DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

7:30 A.M., THURSDAY, AUGUST 19, 2010


DRAFT


Present:


Jackson, Cleary, Frisinger, Heydlauff, Holman, Lindauer, Morrel-Samuels, Myles Pierce, Schwarz, Winans, Hanifan

Absent:


Flintoft

Others Present:


Ann Feeney, Cheri Albertson, City Council; Bill Harmer, Chelsea District Library;Tom Girard, Tom Knox, Scott McElrath, Carey Church, Jane Cresswell, Mark Cresswell, Jim Drolett, Ric Detroyer, Diane Good, Elsie Swanberg


President Jackson opened the meeting at 7:30 a.m. and asked the Board and guests to pause for a moment to remember Jeff Flintoft who passed away last week.


1.

Motion by Bob Pierce, second by Jason Lindauer to approve the minutes of the July 1, 2010 Board of Directors meeting. Motion carried
2.

Longworth Project process – Jackson noted that the RFP for the property had been extended in February. There has been one response from Chelsea Connection. Comments by Mark Heydlauff: There were good points in the proposal, looking to outside investor for funding, but those who looked at it concluded that it was not financially possible. Heydlauff asked that the project be looked at as a whole and not just a building. Motion by Morrel-Samuels, second by Myles to accept the proposal put forth by Chelsea Connection LLC to restore and develop the Longworth property. In a roll call vote, 10 “No”, 1 “Yes” (Morrel-Samuels) absent Flintoft. Discussion continued: Heydlauff: “I did not want to accept a proposal which would be voted down because there is not financial support. Let's look at the whole downtown. I want to work together with Historical Society, Preservation Chelsea and Chelsea Connection and not have them fighting us. The DDA funds must be spent as budgeted.” Myles suggested that a committee recommendation could have shortened the process when it was evident the DDA Board was not in support. Motion by Winans, second by Frisinger to begin demolition of the west showroom addition & the east concrete building of the Longworth property, leaving the center two-story building. The remaining building to be structurally secured for further study. The site is to be fenced and graded. Discussion: Frisinger: Once it is down, it can be studied and get ready for work in the spring. Drolett: Get a demolition permit with a stability plan and how will deal with rain water. Morrel-Samuels: Noted the presence of pollution on the site. Hanifan: The original bid by the contractor included dealing with the environmental requirements. They are obliged to not exacerbate environmental issues. Roll call Vote: “Yes – 9; “No” - 2, Morrel-Samuels, Myles, absent Flintoft.
3.

Motion by Frisinger, second by Pierce to solicit a professional service proposal from architectural firms for historic design and redevelopment concepts of the remaining two story structure. Proposal will address historic facade design and temporary front sidewalk to be designed & completed in the fall of 2010. The scope of the proposal to be determined following a meeting between representatives from the DDA. There will be a time line of 30 days included in the proposal. Motion carried “Yes” - 11; “no”, 0. Flintoft absent.
4.

Motion Heydllauff, second by Pierce to proceed with a proposal for professional services to continue planning and design concepts for the development of the area in and around the Longworth property, depot, alley behind Main Street businesses and the Congregational Church. The proposal will include a 30 day time line. Motion carried unanimously.