ScioTownshipDDA Minutes
March 9, 2009
Scio Township Hall
827 North Zeeb Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Chair Upton called the meeting to order at 12:10 PM
Members Present: Clark, Cornish, Holland, Mayo, Rae, and Upton
Members Absent: Arbour, Fox and Weaver
Others Present: Egeler, Fecho, Mark Smith and Siddall.
Public Comment: there was none
Minutes:
Mayo moved and Cornish seconded a motion to accept the corrected minutes of 2-9-09. The motion passed by a yes vote by all members present.
The notes from the Road Committee meeting of 1-29-09 were distributed.
Washtenaw County Road Commission Report:
Sheryl Siddall advised that the WCRC has met with Dan’s and Ajax regarding the spring road work on Jackson, and their start date is April 1st. An asphalt processing plant was brought in last fall, so work should begin on time given an aggressive schedule.
Landscape Consultant’s Report:
No report was given, and it was reported that Nancy Hedberg was working on an estimated budget of $17,000.
Chair’s Report: Bill Upton reported that he had prepared an analysis as to what point in time we might have to be concerned that the DDA’s fund balances might drop into the red. His analysis concluded that the Township’s tax values would have to drop some 16% before the funds would drop into the red, and that would occur some 9 years in the future and would only be for a single year.
There was also a discussion regarding the encouragement of economic development in the Township and what might be done in that regard. Spaulding Clark reported that it had been suggested by Allison Arscott, Planning Commission Chair, that the Township establish a committee to encourage economic development and implement the Anderson economic study, by doing our own marketing and recruiting. Spaulding indicated that he intended to pass that suggestion on to the Board of Trustees for action.
Township Manager’s Report:
Darrell Fecho followed the previous discussion nothing that Terumo has expanded and has requested IFT funding for an $8M expansion and adding 50 jobs. Also he discussed the Honey Creek Development proposal and what that mixed use development might eventually mean economically.
NEW BUSINESS
Parkland Plaza sidewalks:
An extended discussion took place regarding the proposal to provide sidewalks on the west side of Parkland Plaza Drive. A revised cost estimate had been received from OHM for concrete sidewalks. Darrell Fecho again noted that $60T had been set aside in CDBG funds for the project, and that he was in the process of seeking information from the Lakestone Apartment complex as to their residents’ incomes so as to qualify for the funding. He also noted that any funding would not be available until July 1st. Mark Smith, a property owner in Parkland Plaza, indicated that a loose collection of property owners would support the project, though he doesn’t speak for everyone. He and others would also like to explore repair and resurfacing of the roads themselves. Given the approximately $25T difference between concrete and asphalt sidewalks, it was felt that a decision could be postpones until we receive a determination on the precise amount of any CDBG funding, as it was decided to request $115T in funding for concrete sidewalks. Once that information has been received and a decision to proceed made, a public hearing for landowners in the Parkland Plaza area would be scheduled to answer questions, anticipating a late summer or fall project.
Bus Service:
The discussion about sidewalks led into a discussion regarding bus service, and the apparent fact the bus ridership doesn’t seem to justify the need for the service nor the costs of funding the service. It would appear that each rider costs approximately $7.50. Additional information was desired by all, and specifically more detail on ridership. That latter was particularly absent from the WAVE reports. A subgroup led by Marty Mayo will meet to review the issues and data further.
WCRC services agreement:
The proposed agreement is similar to ones previously executed, providing for the services of Frank Del Vecchio dealing with right-of-way acquisition, as well as services of WCRC personnel regarding their time. It represents an estimate of the personnel costs in completing right-of-way matters for the three remaining parcels for which condemnation has not been completed
Clark moved seconded by Holland, to recommend to the Scio Township Board of Trustees that the proposed WCRC Agreement for Right-of-Way services be executed, upon the understanding that the financial obligation will be that of the DDA. On a roll call vote, Clark, Cornish, Holland, Mayo, Rae and Upton voted yes. Arbour, Fox and Weaver were absent. The motion carried.
Financial Report:
Sandy Egeler presented the current financial report and associated documents.
There followed an extended discussion with regard to the proposed 2009-2010 DDA Budget, which needs to be presented to the Scio Township Board of Trustees this month for approval. There was some concern on Sandy’s part that the numbers might be wrong with regard to the anticipated road construction expense. Upon discussion, it appears that the road construction cost is closer to $2.2M, not $7M, as there is federal funding for 50% of the total cost, and additional offsets.
Cornish moved seconded by Clark, to recommend to the Scio Township Board of Trustees that the proposed DDA Budget for the fiscal year 2009-2010, subject to revision of the line item for road construction to approximately $2.2M. Sandy will review the actual numbers with information provided by Bill Upton and the WCRC. On a roll call vote, Clark, Cornish, Holland, Mayo, Rae and Upton voted yes. Arbour, Fox and Weaver were absent. The motion carried.
The following invoices were presented for payment:
Anderson Financial Group $ 1,147.68
Grand Traverse Pie Company $ 153.60
Sandra J. Egeler $ 400.00
Peoples Express $ 7,200.00
Plante & Moran $ 4,000.00
Scio Twp. (bond payment) $ 513,325.00
Scio Twp. (reimburse erroneous payment) $ 94,400.00
Scio Twp. (annual administrative support) $ 4,500.00
Total $ 621,408.28
Holland moved seconded by Mayo, to authorize the DDA to pay the foregoing invoices. Further, the Treasurer was authorized to reimburse the taxing units for the (50%) tax collection split-backs in the approximate amount of ($2,582,691.13). On a roll call vote Clark, Cornish, Holland, Mayo, Rae and Upton voted yes. Arbour, Fox and Weaver were absent. The motions carried.
Adjournment:
Mayo moved and Holland seconded a motion to adjourn at 2:20 PM. The motion passed by a yes vote of all members present.
