Minutes and Agendas

Standale DDA Minutes

City of Walker
Downtown Development Authority
Minutes
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Fire Station #2 – 4101 Lake Michigan Drive N.W.
1:00PM – DDA Conference Room

1. The meeting was called to order at 1:00PM by Chairman McIsaac.

Members Present: J. Cornell, P. Goodale, A. Hartzler, J. DiLeonardo, L. Rios, C. Vander Meulen, M. Neal

Members Absent: G. Hicks, D. Felton, J. Veldheer

Also Present: Mark Koning, Director of Public Works, Scott Conners, City of Walker Engineer, and Darrel Schmalzel, City of Walker Assistant City Manager

2. Approval of Minutes – On a motion by J. Cornell, with support by P. Goodale, the Minutes of the February 19, 2008 DDA meeting were approved. Motion Carried.

3. Discussion of Mast Arm Signal for Lake Michigan Drive – Vander Meulen began the discussion by stating that MDOT will be upgrading the signal at the corner of Lake Michigan Drive and Kinney. They are also working with the Walker Fire Department to provide a signal that works in conjunction with the Fire Department calls, to provide safer access onto Lake Michigan Drive. In 2004, part of the "improvements list" items in the DDA plan included investing TIF to install mast arm signals as intersections are upgraded.

Engineer Conners stated that traffic engineers for MDOT have been installing box span type signals in many areas. However, that type of signal involves many wires, is aesthetically much less appealing and is less safe. In discussions with MDOT, Conners stated that MDOT would likely approve of the installation of a mast arm type signal if we paid the difference in cost, which could be up to $60,000. Conners also distributed pictures of the different types of signal, which included the diagonal span, box signal, and the mast arm type. Cornell asked about the timing of the installation, and if we would have the funds available next year to do this. Vander Meulen responded that it would be included in next year’s DDA budget and that a separate agreement would be created for the installation. Cornell also asked if it was possible to include a left turn light with the new signal installation. Conners responded that the traffic numbers are not high enough yet to warrant a left turn signal. The numbers will be monitored every two years for changes in volumes. Colors of the mast arm signal were also discussed. Conners will check MDOT to see if the dark green color (which would match the DDA light posts) would be an option.

A motion was made by Cornell with support by Vander Meulen to approve the installation of the mast arm type signal up to the cost of $60,000 at Lake Michigan Drive and Kinney Avenue. Motion Carried.

4. Discussion of Streetscape Bids – DPW Director Koning prepared information for potential bidders for the DDA Streetscape contract. The bid package was sent to 9 companies, 4 bids were received, which included:

Landscape Specialties $72,239.00

DJ’s Lawn Service $36,720.00

Carefree Lawn Service $42,080.00

Everett’s Landscaping $36,900.00.

All of the bidders put a great deal of time and effort into their bid proposals, and attended a pre-bid meeting to discuss the contract in detail with Director Koning.

The DDA discussed the fact that Everett’s has taken care of the streetscape for over 15 years without problems. We have been pleased with the quality of work. The DDA reviewed the list of references provided. Member Cornell commented that both Everett’s and DJ’s were qualified to perform the work, but questioned why we should change given the good working relationship and quality work of Everett’s. Other DDA members concurred. There is only a $180.00 cost difference between Everett’s and DJ’s, and does it make sense to change vendors for $180.00?

Following review of the bids, a motion was made by L. Rios with support by J. Cornell to recommend that Everett’s Landscaping be awarded the DDA Streetscape Maintenance bid. Motion Carried. The information will be presented to the Walker City Commission on April 21, 2008.

5. Any Other Business –

Vander Meulen stated that there has been no additional movement on the property that is listed with Grubb & Ellis.

Two different consulting firms were interviewed by DDA Subcommittee members regarding the Standale Corners project. The DDA Subcommittee will be meeting on April 30, 2008 at 5:00PM (at Fire Station #2) to discuss the scoring of the presentation and the project.

The DDA is stable from a financial standpoint.

1st reading for the rezoning of the Goodwill property (next to the Rosedale Cemetery) from Agricultural to Commercial was read at the City Commission meeting last Monday.

6. Next meeting date and time – May 20, 2008 at 1:00PM.

7. Adjournment – A motion was made by A. Hartzler with support by J. Cornell to adjourn the meeting at 1:45PM. Motion Carried.

Respectfully Submitted to City Manager Vander Meulen

Julia Kozminski, Recording Secretary

The City of Walker, Michigan
4243 Remembrance Rd. NW
Walker, MI 49534
(616)453-6311
City Hall hours: Mon-Thursday from 7:30am to 5:30pm. Closed Fridays
All information © 2012 City of Walker

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