“The new parking lot looks awesome, except for the grass that isn’t taking,” said Downtown Development Authority member Ken Voigt at the DDA’s regular meeting Aug. 19.
He referred to the small patches of green grass that have turned yellow in the new Liberty Street Parking Lot
Voigt said the DDA could look at irrigation for the grass, but the water rates are high in the city and the cost would be high. He suggested a low-maintenance replacement for the grassy areas, such as brick pavers, woods chips or stamped concrete.
“The lot looks so nice, it’s a shame to have the grass … for lack of a better way to say it, look like crap,” Voigt said, asking the DDA to look into what an irrigation system would cost.
He also noted the decorative fence comes so low to the grass that the fence will get beat up with weed whipping to trim the grass.
Voigt said the parking lot does not look as good as it should because of the little detail of the grass.
The discussion on an irrigation system was added to the agenda at the request of Voigt, after some resistance from chairman Rosemary Loria.
She said there was no new information to rate a place on the agenda and Voigt can talk about it during his comments at the end of the meeting.
However, Mayor Richard Smith, who had made the motion to approve the agenda as presented, agreed to change his motion to approve the agenda with the addition of “Irrigation System” as item F.
But, Sabrina Richardson-Williams refused to keep her second to the mayor’s original motion with item F added, so Voigt seconded Smith’s amended motion. The amended agenda passed with some members not voting yes or no.
When the DDA got to item F, Jim Higgerson asked if the grass was dead or just dormant, noting, “It still looks bad when it’s brown.”
Voigt pointed out that the new sod at Horizon Park was irrigated and the grass “took.”
“It wouldn’t hurt to install irrigation” at the parking lot, but there would be long-term cost of blowing lines and the water expense, Voigt said.
“I’d like us to look at other options,” Voigt said.
“This board voted NOT to put in irrigation at this time,” chairman Loria stated. “I think the grass is dormant … This board voted not to irrigate.”
DDA coordinator Carol Thompson said Davenport Brothers, who constructed the parking lot, is watering the new sod until October and Davenport will replace what’s dead.
“We should have Ken talk to them because obviously they’re not doing a very good job,” joked DDA member Gary Snarski.
Snarksi noted if the grass is dead and weeds are growing, the DDA should have Davenport redo it.
“I think we should review it later in the season,” Higgerson said.
Loria said the item would be placed on the follow-up list.
In other business at the Aug. 19 meeting, the DDA:
* Approved buying park signs for a total cost of $12,587 from Wausau Tile, the company that did the Horizon Park signs. The new signs include a two-sided sign at Doane’s Landing (pedestal already in place), $4,350; two sided/two logo sign at Village Park, Home of Belleville Skatepark, $4,450; one-sided sign at Victory Park, $3,367; and freight for the three signs, $420. Professional artwork needs to be produced before the order can be completed;
* Approved buying 30 street banners at $38.50 each for a total of $1,540 from American Heritage, St. Louis, Missouri, the company with the lowest quote out of four. The material is “Sunbrella,” and the banners are dark blue with white letters saying: “Welcome, Belleville, Downtown on the Lake” with a logo;
* Approved planning consultant Birchler Arroyo’s proposals to research an LED Community Events sign, at a cost of $1,200, and to write an article on roadway character for the DDA newsletter, at a cost of $200. Higgerson said if the DDA plans to spend $30,000 on a Community Events sign, spending 3% to research it is a good idea. The DDA plans to work parallel to the planning commission to make sure the sign complies with city ordinances. “Sign ordinances are a real sensitive matter in our town right now,” said merchant Mike Windiate. “We will not proceed to purchase until we get this settled,” Loria said;
* Tabled a $3,800 proposal by Birchler Arroyo to review the façade improvement grant program and provide a brochure that illustrates design concepts. The DDA has yet to get anyone to participate in the façade program. There was some discussion over whether it was the economy or that people don’t understand the program. Richardson-Williams suggested re-forming the façade committee to rework it. Merchant Ron Vesche agreed, saying the program should be changed to make it more appealing to shop owners;
* Heard Van Buren Township resident Jackie Berg give a brief statement about “Lake Living,” the slick magazine she is starting in September to promote local businesses. She said she plans to publish 25,000 copies monthly and would like a full page ad from the DDA each issue, at a cost of from $1,100 to $1,300. She also would like to have financial support for an online version;
* Heard Windiate say that merchants expected another meeting to finalize the “Buy it in Belleville” program, but 300 cards were passed in at the Taste of Belleville. People come into the businesses with the cards asking for discounts, “And it really wasn’t a discount card,” he said. Thompson disagreed, saying the program has “rolled out” and 3,000 cards are going out inserted in the newsletter. “It’s out there and they’re doing it.” Windiate said that four businesses were at the meeting, but he was told 20 businesses are now on the list. Thompson said she would pass on Windiate’s request for a meeting to Linda Davis Kirksey, the consultant who set up the program; and
* Went into closed session pursuant to MCL 15.268(h) to “consider material exempt from discussion or disclosure by state or federal statute.” After a half hour, the DDA went back into regular session and voted to sign the agreement as presented by the attorney. Members took a roll call vote because they were spending money. It turned out to be the $2,500 for the agreement with Rae and Bev Thom.