ScioTownshipDDA Minutes
January 12, 2009
Scio Township Hall
827 North Zeeb Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Chair Upton called the meeting to order at 12:07 PM
Members Present: Arbour, Clark, Cornish, Holland, Mayo, Rae, and Upton
Members Absent: Fox and Weaver
Others Present: Del Vecchio, Egeler, Fecho, Hedberg and Siddall; Parks and Irwin of OHM.
The Minutes of 12-8-08 had not been distributed in advance and will be held until next month.
The notes from the Road Committee meeting of 12/4/08 were distributed.
Matt Parks and Troy Irwin of OHM presented the Parkland Plaza Pedestrian Facility Feasibility Study prepared by OHM with regard to sidewalk alternatives. The purpose of the sidewalks would be to serve the residential uses in Parkland Plaza as opposed to the business interests. There was a discussion of the possibility of receiving CDBG funding of at least $70,000, if the project benefits moderate and lower income families. Asphalt sidewalks were suggested as being more cost effective. It was estimated that if the project were to proceed, it would require 6 to 8 months, though the likelihood would be a shorter period. Discussion then turned to funding, and who would pay for the differential in funding were a grant to be received, who would pay the replacement costs, and who would pay the on-going maintenance needs. It was suggested that the property owners would not support the project, as it would serve primarily the residential uses in the area, and not their business or customer base. It was suggested that the DDA pay the differential costs over and above any grant received. Discussions also centered around the need for and desirability of holding an informational meeting for the landowners in the area.
Jay Holland moved, supported by Dave Cornish, to hold a public meeting to evaluate interest in having public sidewalks in Parkland Plaza. On a roll call vote, Arbour, Clark, Cornish, Holland, Mayo, Rae and Upton voted yes. Fox and Weaver were absent. The motion carried.
Washtenaw County Road Commission Report:
Frank Del Vecchio advised that three properties remain in condemnation litigation. One of the issues on parcel 32 remains the retention basin, and an updated appraisal is being prepared for an exchange date of Jan. 30, 2009. On parcel 38 one of the issues is the business interruption claim based upon construction vibration and other factors, a number of appraisals are being prepared for an exchange date of January 23, 2009. Relative to parcel 178 an updated appraisal is been prepared with an exchange date of Jan. 30, 2009. This date might have to be extended due to lack of cooperation from the owner to the appraiser in granting access to the building to perform a property inspection.
Sheryl Siddall advised that construction has concluded for the winter, and the road had been winterized.
Landscape Consultant’s Report:
Nancy Hedberg advised that Tee to Green had again been contracted to provide 2009 seasonal maintenance for the Jackson Road boulevard.
Chair’s Report:
There was no report.
Township Manager’s Report:
Darrell Fecho discussed a celebratory event, being a dream cruise being planned for May 16th in association with an event planned by Varsity Ford. The Scio EDC has provided initial funding, and a website is up and running. Volunteers are now needed for the project.
Financial Report:
Sandy Egeler presented the financial report and associated documents. She noted that Plante Moran has completed the interim audit following the change in financial personnel, and she understands that the report evidences no problems. There was a discussion of how to invest the recently received bond proceeds, as well as the maturing CDs, and
Arbour moved seconded by Cornish, that the DDA allocate monies in various financial institutions to attempt to insure 100% of the DDA’s funds, and to do so on a timely basis. On a roll call vote, Arbour, Clark, Cornish, Holland, Mayo, Rae and Upton voted yes. Fox and Weaver were absent. The motion carried.
New Business:
Invoices:
Bendzinski & Co $16,959.03
Grand Traverse Pie Company $ 153.60
Sandra J. Egeler $ 400.00
I-Deal $ 1,000.00
Scio Township $ 250.00
Source Media $ 1,433.00
Total $20,195.63
Arbour moved seconded by Mayo, to authorize the DDA to pay the foregoing invoices. On a roll call vote, Arbour, Clark, Cornish, Holland, Mayo, Rae and Upton voted yes. Fox and Weaver were absent. The motion carried.
Discussion and audience participation: There was a brief discussion regarding the Anderson Economic Study and its presentation to the Township Board on 1/13/09.
Adjournment:
Cornish moved and Holland seconded a motion to adjourn at 2:27 PM. The motion passed by a yes vote of all members present.
