1 00:00:00,360 --> 00:00:00,680 Yeah. 2 00:00:00,970 --> 00:00:03,720 The problem is this is not natural for checking accounts. 3 00:00:03,980 --> 00:00:05,580 We have a lot of residents who 4 00:00:07,000 --> 00:00:08,470 don't check their accounts. 5 00:00:08,470 --> 00:00:10,220 Depending on what account. 6 00:00:10,500 --> 00:00:14,260 Yeah, well, just because it's inaccessible to certain people. 7 00:00:14,280 --> 00:00:15,880 That's what's disturbing. I think this 8 00:00:16,940 --> 00:00:20,860 era where we get so reliant on so much 9 00:00:20,920 --> 00:00:23,860 and won't double-check, and then when we actually . 10 00:00:24,360 --> 00:00:26,880 You start it out. That's a little start. 11 00:00:27,460 --> 00:00:28,720 Again. 12 00:00:28,900 --> 00:00:29,840 Sure, it makes it easier. 13 00:00:30,100 --> 00:00:30,380 Yeah. 14 00:00:30,440 --> 00:00:34,020 So it's an offset. Sometimes you can't access the offset. 15 00:00:34,030 --> 00:00:34,180 Sure, 16 00:00:35,280 --> 00:00:37,820 but I think it's a thing. 17 00:00:37,830 --> 00:00:37,830 What? 18 00:00:37,840 --> 00:00:40,460 If it's an extension of a book or whatever you need. 19 00:00:41,320 --> 00:00:44,150 Use it lots so you're comfortable with it. 20 00:00:44,200 --> 00:00:48,170 Certainly makes it not have to stare at a book by yourself. 21 00:00:48,640 --> 00:00:51,180 Use a book. It doesn't 22 00:00:52,560 --> 00:00:52,560 . 23 00:00:52,710 --> 00:00:52,710 Yeah. 24 00:00:52,720 --> 00:00:53,750 Are we watched? Did I watch anything? 25 00:00:54,460 --> 00:00:54,710 Right. 26 00:00:55,300 --> 00:00:58,470 Well, I don't know, but they should've been talking, but especially if you're still 27 00:00:58,520 --> 00:01:08,240 writing. 28 00:01:09,220 --> 00:02:21,060 Yeah. 29 00:03:18,940 --> 00:03:29,870 No, 30 00:03:30,280 --> 00:03:30,740 if 31 00:03:31,100 --> 00:03:48,040 we're 32 00:03:51,120 --> 00:04:12,680 talking. 33 00:06:05,352 --> 00:06:06,052 So then Joe, 34 00:06:06,872 --> 00:06:10,512 she watches. So Joe sent a, 35 00:06:10,521 --> 00:06:13,952 "What was the speeding ticket?" 36 00:06:14,732 --> 00:06:17,992 For two diapers in an hour, in the one hour. 37 00:06:18,592 --> 00:06:19,152 I love it. 38 00:06:19,612 --> 00:06:22,152 So whatever. But the second one was the best one. 39 00:06:23,372 --> 00:06:25,412 Resisting arrest. 40 00:06:26,252 --> 00:06:26,752 And then she- 41 00:06:26,992 --> 00:06:27,752 Oh, get it. Ah. 42 00:06:28,952 --> 00:06:29,512 And then she 43 00:06:30,612 --> 00:06:34,112 all started to cry when she discovered. 44 00:06:34,632 --> 00:06:36,972 That is perfection. 45 00:06:37,292 --> 00:06:40,402 Yeah. I love it. I mean, it's just two ordinary nights. 46 00:06:41,092 --> 00:06:42,181 There's a busy weekend. 47 00:06:42,181 --> 00:06:42,632 Yeah, for some reason. 48 00:06:43,192 --> 00:06:43,602 14. 49 00:06:44,812 --> 00:06:50,672 All 50 00:06:50,681 --> 00:06:50,902 of you? 51 00:06:52,522 --> 00:06:54,912 Two. That's a big kid. He's tall. 52 00:06:54,932 --> 00:06:57,112 Very tall. He was as big as my two daughters. 53 00:06:57,252 --> 00:06:57,812 Good stuff. 54 00:06:58,312 --> 00:06:58,512 No, 55 00:06:59,512 --> 00:07:03,312 for a second, I want to go to the store up there, but I got to drink another sip, 56 00:07:03,392 --> 00:07:05,872 man. I need to get a lot. 57 00:07:05,912 --> 00:07:06,772 It's just me. 58 00:07:06,832 --> 00:07:10,442 This is Mom and 59 00:07:10,472 --> 00:07:10,872 Dad. 60 00:07:10,892 --> 00:07:12,132 My uncle lived there, so. 61 00:07:13,152 --> 00:07:13,622 One more. 62 00:07:13,972 --> 00:07:15,092 Super nice studio. 63 00:07:17,512 --> 00:07:21,432 It's just anywhere I go. 64 00:07:21,442 --> 00:07:22,472 Well, is it a 65 00:07:23,272 --> 00:07:27,032 bungalow? She said my niece's dad or sister is doing that. 66 00:07:29,192 --> 00:07:31,192 Nothing in 67 00:07:31,252 --> 00:07:34,652 Princeton. Both sides of the 68 00:07:34,752 --> 00:07:35,892 family. 69 00:07:36,732 --> 00:07:39,532 I said to her, "If you like this, she won't." 70 00:07:42,612 --> 00:07:43,332 She loved that. 71 00:07:54,452 --> 00:07:55,212 Okay. 72 00:07:57,492 --> 00:07:57,642 Good 73 00:07:57,912 --> 00:08:17,212 question. 74 00:08:18,032 --> 00:08:28,272 All 75 00:08:28,412 --> 00:08:29,832 sharing gen approach. 76 00:08:33,632 --> 00:08:37,432 I just love this. So cool. 77 00:08:39,732 --> 00:08:40,472 Yeah, I know. 78 00:08:40,512 --> 00:08:41,432 From here. 79 00:08:45,272 --> 00:08:48,872 As I feel like we're going to be referencing that for some years, but I wanted to 80 00:08:48,912 --> 00:08:50,492 get started talking to you all early. 81 00:08:50,672 --> 00:08:52,272 But it's not, yeah, just- 82 00:08:52,472 --> 00:08:54,622 But so Steven, yeah. Just Steven. 83 00:08:54,692 --> 00:08:55,992 Took a little while to get done, so 84 00:08:58,472 --> 00:08:58,632 here. 85 00:08:58,652 --> 00:08:59,292 I 86 00:09:00,652 --> 00:09:04,472 will tell you, I went to Arthur for a little bit on that race. 87 00:09:05,712 --> 00:09:06,152 Hated it. 88 00:09:06,372 --> 00:09:06,692 Oh, 89 00:09:07,692 --> 00:09:07,762 no. 90 00:09:07,792 --> 00:09:10,422 It was just too long, too much, too hot. Too definitely. 91 00:09:11,052 --> 00:09:11,512 Yeah. 92 00:09:11,842 --> 00:09:15,792 Their roads are very uneven, and I was behind a 93 00:09:15,872 --> 00:09:19,332 woman with just water, just like this, like, "Oh, just walk down." 94 00:09:20,352 --> 00:09:21,312 It made me nervous. 95 00:09:22,472 --> 00:09:26,132 Actually, my best friend, she loves ours, said... 96 00:09:28,952 --> 00:09:32,692 Yeah. Mine's evolved. I know they are. 97 00:09:32,812 --> 00:09:34,172 I know, I can tell you the same. 98 00:09:35,352 --> 00:09:37,232 It's longer. Ours is like- 99 00:09:37,292 --> 00:09:38,012 It's not as long. 100 00:09:38,072 --> 00:09:39,032 So all part of. 101 00:09:39,992 --> 00:09:41,092 No, limit is more. 102 00:09:41,132 --> 00:09:41,792 Limit is more. 103 00:09:42,092 --> 00:09:42,552 Yeah, by a lot. 104 00:09:42,872 --> 00:09:45,852 But it turns slightly on a straight path, so you're like, "Is this?" 105 00:09:46,652 --> 00:09:50,512 But it has some cute ones, but there was one guy, I didn't know he was at ours. 106 00:09:58,092 --> 00:10:01,992 Wow. It did. I walked very slowly 107 00:10:02,002 --> 00:10:02,872 because I was like- 108 00:10:02,912 --> 00:10:04,412 She is going to, yeah. 109 00:10:05,252 --> 00:10:05,712 Having a 110 00:10:06,572 --> 00:10:09,862 normal day, 111 00:10:10,172 --> 00:10:10,932 yeah. 112 00:10:10,982 --> 00:10:10,982 Yeah. 113 00:10:11,372 --> 00:10:18,612 Hey, 114 00:10:19,072 --> 00:10:19,082 Pete. 115 00:10:19,092 --> 00:10:19,902 Well, how are 116 00:10:21,072 --> 00:10:21,082 you? 117 00:10:21,082 --> 00:10:21,621 Good, how are you? 118 00:10:21,712 --> 00:10:22,072 We're good. 119 00:10:22,112 --> 00:10:23,672 Last night and then this morning. 120 00:10:23,752 --> 00:10:25,511 Getting ready to be an empty nester. 121 00:10:26,232 --> 00:10:27,002 If we do- 122 00:10:27,112 --> 00:10:27,352 Whoa 123 00:10:27,552 --> 00:10:28,172 ... I'm an empty nester. 124 00:10:28,352 --> 00:10:30,132 We hit that also. 125 00:10:30,142 --> 00:10:34,092 Well, I have another one, though, but I'm sending mine first 126 00:10:34,172 --> 00:10:34,392 off. 127 00:10:35,532 --> 00:10:37,952 Oh, your first is going. You're beginning the process of 128 00:10:38,852 --> 00:10:41,082 empty nesting. Kicking them out. 129 00:10:44,852 --> 00:10:45,992 Now you get to work, Steve. 130 00:10:46,172 --> 00:10:46,572 What's that? 131 00:10:47,132 --> 00:10:49,042 We like how they said- 132 00:10:49,042 --> 00:10:52,212 College or did they move couch? So I think 133 00:10:52,492 --> 00:10:56,222 most, a lot of kids move back in with their parents after 134 00:10:56,272 --> 00:10:58,252 grad. So it could be only a short- 135 00:10:58,632 --> 00:10:59,092 For now. 136 00:10:59,372 --> 00:11:00,092 Yeah, for now. 137 00:11:00,132 --> 00:11:02,332 Empty nester for now. We get a taste of it. 138 00:11:02,532 --> 00:11:05,272 Yeah. This will be the first semester that he's going away to school. 139 00:11:05,872 --> 00:11:06,732 The others were already- 140 00:11:06,812 --> 00:11:09,512 Do you know something? It relates to something- 141 00:11:09,732 --> 00:11:09,892 Yeah. 142 00:11:10,172 --> 00:11:11,212 My cousin looked at that. 143 00:11:11,272 --> 00:11:11,592 What's that? 144 00:11:11,692 --> 00:11:13,592 And then her brother moved- 145 00:11:13,612 --> 00:11:13,872 I know 146 00:11:13,992 --> 00:11:14,562 ... over to her cousin's. 147 00:11:14,562 --> 00:11:16,652 It's amazing. It's amazing. 148 00:11:16,692 --> 00:11:18,102 So we're going to talk about future. 149 00:11:19,532 --> 00:11:20,392 So I need to know- 150 00:11:20,432 --> 00:11:22,052 I need you working, spending. 151 00:11:24,812 --> 00:11:26,812 That was our first rescue. 152 00:11:27,512 --> 00:11:30,592 NGTA. 153 00:11:30,732 --> 00:11:34,381 The son of the 154 00:11:35,072 --> 00:11:35,552 daughter. 155 00:11:38,172 --> 00:11:40,252 I don't know what's going to become check after this. 156 00:11:41,092 --> 00:11:41,982 My middle child, 157 00:11:42,972 --> 00:11:43,732 they have it. 158 00:11:44,912 --> 00:11:46,252 My 30-year-old, Linda, 159 00:11:47,332 --> 00:11:51,172 she knows she'll need to do that alone for her mental health. 160 00:11:51,232 --> 00:11:52,732 Everyone has to see. 161 00:11:53,912 --> 00:11:57,212 She's like, "I need to live alone." She actually lives with her boyfriend right 162 00:11:57,222 --> 00:12:00,772 now, and I think she's possibly going to a place on her own. 163 00:12:00,832 --> 00:12:04,512 Not because she doesn't love him or whatever. They've been together for what? 164 00:12:04,980 --> 00:12:05,640 All projects. 165 00:12:06,000 --> 00:12:07,270 Will you help at least- 166 00:12:07,700 --> 00:12:08,530 I think I know who 167 00:12:08,580 --> 00:12:10,870 ... Craig, Cindy, and Ruggieri could help you. 168 00:12:11,080 --> 00:12:14,720 Yeah. So we know that we'll have people, but we'll see who plays. 169 00:12:15,290 --> 00:12:17,090 So who knows. But what you were in the library on- 170 00:12:17,120 --> 00:12:18,920 Yeah, we will. 171 00:12:18,930 --> 00:12:22,480 I can't make sense right now. Slow down. 172 00:12:22,540 --> 00:12:23,960 Sam, are we good to go? 173 00:12:24,800 --> 00:12:26,540 I don't know. Just one at 174 00:12:27,700 --> 00:12:27,740 a 175 00:12:27,750 --> 00:12:31,740 time. 176 00:12:33,040 --> 00:12:34,520 I'm trying to. 177 00:12:34,560 --> 00:12:35,040 Yep. 178 00:12:35,080 --> 00:12:38,150 She's wiggling the camera with us. 179 00:12:38,180 --> 00:12:40,029 So we'll call to order the Plymouth Downtown Development Authority- 180 00:12:40,060 --> 00:12:41,140 Recording in progress 181 00:12:41,150 --> 00:12:44,340 ... meeting for August 10th. Sam? 182 00:12:46,360 --> 00:12:49,700 Yeah. Just a couple of reminders. To make sure you have your mics on when making 183 00:12:49,740 --> 00:12:53,600 comments, so the folks on Zoom, which I don't think there are any yet, 184 00:12:53,700 --> 00:12:55,720 but if there are any that pop in, they can hear us. 185 00:12:56,720 --> 00:12:58,100 And then for those on Zoom, 186 00:12:59,160 --> 00:13:02,900 we can get you in the panelist room to make comments at the appropriate time. 187 00:13:03,020 --> 00:13:05,580 We will do a roll call. 188 00:13:07,860 --> 00:13:09,639 Attendance. Director Saloom? 189 00:13:09,960 --> 00:13:10,139 Here. 190 00:13:10,540 --> 00:13:11,240 Director Signs? 191 00:13:11,380 --> 00:13:11,600 Here. 192 00:13:12,020 --> 00:13:13,520 Director Perry is not here. 193 00:13:14,360 --> 00:13:16,860 Director Harris is excused. Director Frye? 194 00:13:17,140 --> 00:13:17,320 Here. 195 00:13:17,520 --> 00:13:18,160 Director Elliott? 196 00:13:18,180 --> 00:13:18,379 Here. 197 00:13:18,660 --> 00:13:19,440 Director Eckley? 198 00:13:19,820 --> 00:13:20,000 Here. 199 00:13:20,400 --> 00:13:21,160 Mayor Phillips-Ack? 200 00:13:21,340 --> 00:13:21,500 Here. 201 00:13:21,780 --> 00:13:22,799 Vice Chair Matsu? 202 00:13:22,840 --> 00:13:23,060 Here. 203 00:13:23,220 --> 00:13:24,599 And Madame Chair Pollard? 204 00:13:24,640 --> 00:13:24,850 Here. 205 00:13:25,060 --> 00:13:25,580 We have a quorum. 206 00:13:26,100 --> 00:13:26,640 Thank you. 207 00:13:27,780 --> 00:13:31,450 Do we have any citizens' comments this evening for anything not on the 208 00:13:31,500 --> 00:13:31,980 agenda? 209 00:13:33,940 --> 00:13:34,780 Do we have anyone online? 210 00:13:36,180 --> 00:13:36,440 Nope. 211 00:13:37,740 --> 00:13:41,260 All right. I'll take a motion to approve the agenda with one 212 00:13:41,300 --> 00:13:43,120 addition. We did not list 213 00:13:44,240 --> 00:13:48,000 Director Eckley as being present for last month's 214 00:13:48,040 --> 00:13:48,380 meeting. 215 00:13:49,200 --> 00:13:50,120 That is actually in the minutes. 216 00:13:50,420 --> 00:13:50,980 Oh, okay. 217 00:13:53,280 --> 00:13:56,360 Okay. Sorry. Oh, that's right. I apologize. Motion to approve. I apologize. 218 00:13:56,440 --> 00:13:57,480 Motion to approve the agenda. 219 00:13:58,080 --> 00:13:58,340 Second. 220 00:13:59,600 --> 00:14:02,360 Motion made by Director Signs, seconded by Mayor Phillips-Ack. 221 00:14:03,200 --> 00:14:03,860 All in favor? 222 00:14:04,280 --> 00:14:04,540 Aye. 223 00:14:04,590 --> 00:14:04,590 Aye. 224 00:14:04,590 --> 00:14:04,590 Aye. 225 00:14:04,820 --> 00:14:05,080 Aye. 226 00:14:05,100 --> 00:14:05,750 All opposed? 227 00:14:08,540 --> 00:14:12,360 Motion carries. All right. Now I'll take a motion to approve the 228 00:14:12,480 --> 00:14:15,880 minutes with the addition of Director Eckley being present for the meeting. 229 00:14:18,600 --> 00:14:18,980 So moved. 230 00:14:19,700 --> 00:14:20,220 Second. 231 00:14:21,500 --> 00:14:21,740 Move. 232 00:14:22,320 --> 00:14:25,500 Motion made by Mayor Phillips-Ack, seconded by Director Signs. 233 00:14:26,360 --> 00:14:26,980 All in favor? 234 00:14:28,180 --> 00:14:28,640 Aye. 235 00:14:28,990 --> 00:14:28,990 Aye. 236 00:14:28,990 --> 00:14:28,990 Aye. 237 00:14:28,990 --> 00:14:28,990 Aye. 238 00:14:29,040 --> 00:14:29,730 All opposed? 239 00:14:31,400 --> 00:14:32,280 Motion carries. 240 00:14:33,100 --> 00:14:34,780 Do we have any board comments this evening? 241 00:14:39,360 --> 00:14:39,800 Sure. 242 00:14:39,840 --> 00:14:42,260 I have board comments. I always have board comments. 243 00:14:42,680 --> 00:14:46,620 So we didn't have a meeting in July, so it's kind of funny all 244 00:14:46,640 --> 00:14:48,920 the stuff we missed, but Fourth of July parade was great. 245 00:14:49,780 --> 00:14:52,600 Hopefully people were there. I was there. It was great. 246 00:14:53,880 --> 00:14:56,100 I think the concerts are going really well. 247 00:14:57,400 --> 00:15:01,280 James is doing a great job. Rico, you and Sam are just doing a really good 248 00:15:01,320 --> 00:15:05,260 job at... Really good comments from people about the vendors 249 00:15:05,300 --> 00:15:08,060 and the music and everything's really, really good. 250 00:15:08,180 --> 00:15:08,360 So, 251 00:15:09,240 --> 00:15:10,200 as to be expected. 252 00:15:11,400 --> 00:15:14,920 And also, I want to let everybody know at The Pen next month, so it'll be before 253 00:15:14,960 --> 00:15:18,480 our next meeting, on September 10th, we have a collaboration we're doing with 254 00:15:18,520 --> 00:15:19,800 Michigan Environmental Council. 255 00:15:22,400 --> 00:15:25,480 We're showing a documentary film called "Troubled Waters," and 256 00:15:26,460 --> 00:15:29,480 we're going to have a panel discussion with the Michigan Environmental Council 257 00:15:31,420 --> 00:15:35,120 organizational members there. And I think it'll be a very 258 00:15:35,140 --> 00:15:38,320 engaging conversation because when you think about it, we are so 259 00:15:38,380 --> 00:15:42,340 fortunate. We have 20% of the world's fresh 260 00:15:42,380 --> 00:15:45,760 water supply that we have surrounding us, and so our 261 00:15:45,780 --> 00:15:49,480 responsibility is great. So I think it'll be a really good conversation, and it's 262 00:15:50,060 --> 00:15:53,860 a free program, and I invite everybody to hopefully come and 263 00:15:53,920 --> 00:15:55,560 check it out. That's all I got. 264 00:15:56,060 --> 00:15:57,220 Thank you, Commissioner. Thank you. 265 00:15:58,800 --> 00:15:59,520 Anyone else? 266 00:16:00,000 --> 00:16:03,880 I have something to add. Not this past weekend, the weekend before, 267 00:16:04,300 --> 00:16:07,760 Joe and Ellen and I were standing around and talking to our permits 268 00:16:08,060 --> 00:16:11,180 colleagues, and a young man or old man, I don't know which, 269 00:16:12,240 --> 00:16:15,860 came up to her and told her what a fabulous city we live in. 270 00:16:15,900 --> 00:16:19,410 And this is a credit to our DDA because he said, 271 00:16:19,500 --> 00:16:23,460 "You cannot get bored. There is something to do every night of the 272 00:16:23,480 --> 00:16:25,940 week here," and it's the best city he's ever seen. 273 00:16:26,029 --> 00:16:29,140 And that's all I keep hearing, is everybody loving our city, so thanks for all the 274 00:16:29,180 --> 00:16:30,320 hard work everyone's doing. 275 00:16:32,840 --> 00:16:33,220 Thank you. 276 00:16:36,040 --> 00:16:39,720 I just wanted to add my thanks to Municipal Services, that the 277 00:16:39,780 --> 00:16:43,550 morning after Art in the Park, I could not tell that Art in the Park had happened 278 00:16:43,600 --> 00:16:47,100 over the weekend. And I know that that's something that they always accomplish, but 279 00:16:47,140 --> 00:16:51,060 it always amazes me how we can come in on a Monday morning, and they've done such 280 00:16:51,080 --> 00:16:53,360 an incredible job overnight to clean up. 281 00:16:53,420 --> 00:16:57,220 I'm not implying that Art in the Park leaves the city a mess at all, but it is a 282 00:16:57,300 --> 00:17:00,600 lot of work to kind of rearrange and put everything back together. 283 00:17:00,660 --> 00:17:03,420 And I always appreciate when they make that happen. 284 00:17:03,480 --> 00:17:06,200 Even by the end of night, it's spotless. 285 00:17:06,300 --> 00:17:06,381 Yeah. 286 00:17:06,421 --> 00:17:09,881 It's pretty impressive. DMS just plows out and takes care of it. 287 00:17:09,921 --> 00:17:13,661 Yeah. And I feel like Art in the Park went pretty smoothly this year. 288 00:17:14,641 --> 00:17:18,570 There were a few parking issues, but not any more than we normally have, 289 00:17:18,620 --> 00:17:20,720 and they were resolved relatively quickly. 290 00:17:20,760 --> 00:17:21,100 So 291 00:17:22,421 --> 00:17:23,560 yeah, it was a good event this year. 292 00:17:25,600 --> 00:17:27,220 Shannon, do you have any board comments? 293 00:17:27,810 --> 00:17:29,729 No. Thank you. 294 00:17:29,960 --> 00:17:33,600 All right. Then we will move on to 6A, strategic plan 295 00:17:33,720 --> 00:17:34,520 update. Sam? 296 00:17:35,360 --> 00:17:37,100 Yeah, just a few updates this month. 297 00:17:38,300 --> 00:17:41,700 If you remember back in June, the DDA board accepted the 298 00:17:41,710 --> 00:17:44,130 deliverables from SmithGroup on DTP Forward. 299 00:17:45,200 --> 00:17:48,920 Staff has started exploring some of the implementation and funding 300 00:17:49,000 --> 00:17:52,780 options. It looks as though we're going to be beginning 301 00:17:52,800 --> 00:17:55,240 with project set two, which is the 302 00:17:56,560 --> 00:17:58,260 area around Harvey and Wang. 303 00:17:59,260 --> 00:18:02,060 There's potential for maybe something to happen before then. 304 00:18:02,860 --> 00:18:06,820 In early 2027, there's a water main that may be 305 00:18:06,840 --> 00:18:09,940 addressed in another section of town, but that's to be determined at this time. 306 00:18:13,244 --> 00:18:17,124 City staff met with the DDA a few weeks 307 00:18:17,244 --> 00:18:20,584 back. We're working on a plan for some upgrades on the north side of the parking 308 00:18:20,604 --> 00:18:24,064 deck. You remember that garage that housed the old 309 00:18:24,504 --> 00:18:26,844 sweeper there was removed last year. 310 00:18:26,884 --> 00:18:30,704 So we're looking at cleaning up the pavement there, it's in pretty 311 00:18:30,744 --> 00:18:33,924 rough shape, adding some bike racks in that area. 312 00:18:33,934 --> 00:18:37,664 And we're also looking at cleaning up the area, the walkway between the 313 00:18:37,704 --> 00:18:39,474 parking deck and Main Street, the lower 314 00:18:40,844 --> 00:18:44,164 portion that is right behind Campari's there. 315 00:18:44,304 --> 00:18:46,504 So, there's some painting that needs to be done. 316 00:18:46,564 --> 00:18:50,204 We want to update the planters, and 317 00:18:50,584 --> 00:18:52,484 improve pedestrian flow, 318 00:18:53,494 --> 00:18:56,844 and potentially some decorative lighting in that location that's been similar to 319 00:18:56,884 --> 00:18:58,764 what's been done in a couple of the other walkways. 320 00:18:59,004 --> 00:18:59,264 So, 321 00:19:00,204 --> 00:19:02,224 we're developing that plan, and 322 00:19:03,104 --> 00:19:06,784 hopefully in the next month or two, this board will see what we're looking to do. 323 00:19:08,884 --> 00:19:12,284 With the Main Street median trees being removed, we're looking at 324 00:19:12,354 --> 00:19:16,284 options to light the median for the holiday season, so we're 325 00:19:16,524 --> 00:19:20,244 looking into some options there. We're meeting with the chamber 326 00:19:21,024 --> 00:19:24,984 next month to talk about, or actually next week, to talk about holiday 327 00:19:25,044 --> 00:19:28,404 decorations. Outdoor dining season ends October 328 00:19:28,604 --> 00:19:29,364 31st. 329 00:19:30,704 --> 00:19:34,584 The renovation project, the parking deck, that actually wrapped up a while 330 00:19:34,644 --> 00:19:37,244 ago, but we haven't had a meeting since it was finalized. 331 00:19:38,284 --> 00:19:41,264 And we also had, when the city contractor, many of you might have noticed right 332 00:19:41,304 --> 00:19:44,584 before Art in the Park, we had a contractor in doing some 333 00:19:44,904 --> 00:19:48,224 spots around downtown patch work. 334 00:19:48,924 --> 00:19:52,284 We had some issues in the park, lower level of the parking deck that 335 00:19:52,304 --> 00:19:56,224 needed to be addressed in the near term, so that was done at that point. 336 00:19:58,004 --> 00:19:59,774 Appreciate that. 337 00:19:59,804 --> 00:20:02,994 Yeah. It was great. With people walking on the streets, it was important to get 338 00:20:03,044 --> 00:20:06,954 that fixed up. So, the only other update I have is our 339 00:20:07,064 --> 00:20:10,824 contractor did come in, 340 00:20:10,884 --> 00:20:14,504 again, right before Art in the Park, and shaved and smoothed some additional 341 00:20:14,564 --> 00:20:16,264 areas of sidewalks as well. So, 342 00:20:17,244 --> 00:20:18,684 any questions or comments? 343 00:20:21,304 --> 00:20:23,114 Sam, do you know if 344 00:20:24,284 --> 00:20:24,724 the 345 00:20:26,244 --> 00:20:28,964 valet parking's coming back for the fall? 346 00:20:30,704 --> 00:20:33,964 I do not at this point. It's open for people to apply. 347 00:20:34,404 --> 00:20:36,504 There hasn't been any applications as of yet. 348 00:20:36,644 --> 00:20:40,504 I would assume The Ledger would return again, as the 349 00:20:40,524 --> 00:20:42,233 first couple of years have been successful. 350 00:20:42,484 --> 00:20:45,004 But that's entirely up to them if they want to apply. 351 00:20:45,564 --> 00:20:47,453 And I haven't had any conversations with Stefan or 352 00:20:48,404 --> 00:20:50,164 anybody else from The Ledger at this point about that. 353 00:20:51,544 --> 00:20:54,484 Sam, is that open for people to apply right now, or...? 354 00:20:55,204 --> 00:20:56,804 It's a good question. I don't know if it 355 00:20:59,004 --> 00:21:02,284 stipulates in the policy of when applications can start. 356 00:21:02,394 --> 00:21:05,464 I'd have to check on that. But yeah, probably within the next month. 357 00:21:06,684 --> 00:21:10,424 If you want to pass that along to Stefan that he needs to get a jump on it, that 358 00:21:10,464 --> 00:21:12,694 would be helpful. Yeah. That's the reason I was asking. I didn't know- Yeah. ... 359 00:21:12,694 --> 00:21:14,284 if they already started, so yeah. 360 00:21:15,484 --> 00:21:19,354 Yeah. Yeah. It's always better to be early on that, because it does 361 00:21:19,384 --> 00:21:22,384 take a few weeks for administration to process everything. 362 00:21:23,344 --> 00:21:23,504 Yeah. 363 00:21:26,724 --> 00:21:28,284 Sam, I don't know if I missed it or not. 364 00:21:28,364 --> 00:21:29,884 When is the tree light contractor 365 00:21:31,664 --> 00:21:32,724 coming through? 366 00:21:32,964 --> 00:21:34,483 Oh, well, he actually started today. 367 00:21:34,544 --> 00:21:35,513 Oh, good. Okay. Good. 368 00:21:35,524 --> 00:21:36,964 He was on Forest today. 369 00:21:38,324 --> 00:21:41,104 Got a big chunk of Forest done today. 370 00:21:41,144 --> 00:21:44,704 He'll be returning in the next two or three days, before completing. 371 00:21:45,984 --> 00:21:49,464 We will probably have him back again in November, as 372 00:21:49,804 --> 00:21:52,624 DMS crews are planning doing significant tree trimming 373 00:21:52,744 --> 00:21:56,733 on Ann Arbor Trail and then on Main, and that can cause some 374 00:21:56,944 --> 00:21:59,104 issues where we're gonna have to clean some stuff up. 375 00:21:59,144 --> 00:22:01,384 But we usually do that anyway before 376 00:22:02,224 --> 00:22:03,944 our event, the holiday event. So, 377 00:22:05,044 --> 00:22:08,844 I would anticipate when he has to come in in November, it's just a few hours to 378 00:22:08,864 --> 00:22:11,904 clean a couple things up. But yeah, the majority should be done by the end of the 379 00:22:11,944 --> 00:22:12,144 week. 380 00:22:12,304 --> 00:22:13,504 Great. Thank you. 381 00:22:13,544 --> 00:22:13,644 Yep. 382 00:22:13,684 --> 00:22:16,624 It makes our city look so special with the sparkle lights. 383 00:22:20,024 --> 00:22:23,974 Yeah, they had a good setup. We were walking by on Forest this 384 00:22:24,004 --> 00:22:27,494 morning, when they were... And it was interesting how they 385 00:22:28,564 --> 00:22:32,113 didn't take up more space than what they needed to for the parking, and so they had 386 00:22:32,384 --> 00:22:35,624 it blocked off and had their hi-lo just 387 00:22:35,704 --> 00:22:39,244 moving along. But then they would put the 388 00:22:39,264 --> 00:22:41,184 spaces back in use as soon as they could. 389 00:22:41,244 --> 00:22:44,584 So I thought that was good that they seemed to be conscious of the need for the 390 00:22:44,624 --> 00:22:45,114 parking spaces as well. 391 00:22:45,224 --> 00:22:48,444 Yeah, and the new contractor's been really good about meeting and discussing those 392 00:22:48,484 --> 00:22:50,464 potential impacts. We don't want to 393 00:22:52,484 --> 00:22:54,564 put no parking in half the downtown. 394 00:22:54,744 --> 00:22:58,624 We're taking 15 to 20 spaces at a time, so then he can work, move 395 00:22:58,644 --> 00:23:01,664 the spaces as he goes. And then really, 396 00:23:02,004 --> 00:23:05,844 the early morning is the best time, because there's not as much 397 00:23:06,384 --> 00:23:09,964 impact on the park. There's not as many activities downtown. 398 00:23:10,444 --> 00:23:10,454 Mm-hmm. 399 00:23:10,504 --> 00:23:13,364 So yeah, moving forward, he's gonna be starting on Mondays. 400 00:23:13,584 --> 00:23:15,394 We have a lot of the retailers are closed on Mondays. 401 00:23:15,424 --> 00:23:15,584 Awesome. 402 00:23:15,624 --> 00:23:17,354 It's a really good day to get a big chunk done. 403 00:23:17,404 --> 00:23:20,784 So, he's very cognizant of those issues, so... 404 00:23:23,744 --> 00:23:24,684 Any other questions? 405 00:23:26,464 --> 00:23:26,544 Nope. 406 00:23:27,784 --> 00:23:28,324 Thanks, Sam. 407 00:23:30,464 --> 00:23:31,144 Moving on. 408 00:23:33,084 --> 00:23:34,264 Seven, new business. 409 00:23:37,764 --> 00:23:41,433 So back in June of 2026, the DDA board accepted and approved the final 410 00:23:41,504 --> 00:23:44,864 deliverables for DTP4ward, our streetscape upgrade 411 00:23:45,044 --> 00:23:45,614 project, 412 00:23:47,344 --> 00:23:48,914 from the consultants at Smith Group. 413 00:23:49,724 --> 00:23:52,624 Over the past month, DDA and city administration met to discuss project 414 00:23:52,704 --> 00:23:55,284 implementation, phasing, and funding strategies. 415 00:23:55,864 --> 00:23:59,294 Preliminary discussions focused on engineering and construction projects for 416 00:23:59,444 --> 00:24:03,324 2027. Again, what I mentioned before, project 417 00:24:03,364 --> 00:24:07,144 set two, or the area near Harvey and Froehlich, where underground 418 00:24:07,164 --> 00:24:07,894 work is needed. 419 00:24:09,084 --> 00:24:13,064 While specific allocation of funds for the 2027 infrastructure project has 420 00:24:13,164 --> 00:24:16,424 not been determined at this time, it's believed that most of that portion of the 421 00:24:16,444 --> 00:24:18,704 project can be funded through DDA and city funding 422 00:24:19,576 --> 00:24:23,556 While work on DTP4 is expected to begin in 2027 with DDA and city 423 00:24:23,596 --> 00:24:27,246 funding, significant funding from outside sources such as state and federal 424 00:24:27,276 --> 00:24:30,486 grants will be necessary to continue future work. 425 00:24:30,966 --> 00:24:34,876 Project set one, the Main Street corridor and around Kellogg Park, is estimated to 426 00:24:34,916 --> 00:24:38,866 cost around $20 million, and project set four, Ann Arbor 427 00:24:38,916 --> 00:24:42,176 Trail and Forest, is estimated to cost approximately $8 million. 428 00:24:42,566 --> 00:24:45,966 Though construction on those sets is not expected for several years, 429 00:24:46,496 --> 00:24:49,916 the timeline to apply for grants that can address such costs 430 00:24:50,036 --> 00:24:52,756 dictates near-term preparation. 431 00:24:53,836 --> 00:24:57,145 DDA Deputy Director Rakow is participating in 432 00:24:57,316 --> 00:25:01,156 SEMCOG and Grant Writing 433 00:25:01,196 --> 00:25:04,746 USA's administered workshops to grasp the fundamentals of grant writing 434 00:25:04,776 --> 00:25:08,196 and administration. DDA staff met with SEMCOG 435 00:25:08,236 --> 00:25:12,196 representatives to explore funding sources that match the DTP4 project. 436 00:25:12,916 --> 00:25:16,656 We'll be hosting SEMCOG in a couple of weeks as well. 437 00:25:17,556 --> 00:25:21,486 But based on many exploratory discussions with SEMCOG, city administration, and 438 00:25:21,516 --> 00:25:25,386 leaders from other communities with experience in similar projects, DDA staff has 439 00:25:25,456 --> 00:25:28,926 identified the need for professional grant writing assistance, 440 00:25:29,056 --> 00:25:32,436 especially for the state and especially for the federal-based 441 00:25:32,476 --> 00:25:35,566 grants that have complex technical requirements and are 442 00:25:35,576 --> 00:25:37,966 resource-intensive and very competitive. 443 00:25:38,676 --> 00:25:42,276 Smith Group's proposal for the Streetscape Upgrade Design project listed 444 00:25:42,316 --> 00:25:45,596 professional grant writing assistance as an add-on service at a cost of $10,000 to 445 00:25:45,656 --> 00:25:49,576 $20,000. While Smith Group's exemplary work thus far 446 00:25:49,616 --> 00:25:53,376 indicates probable high-quality services, DDA staff believes that it's 447 00:25:53,456 --> 00:25:57,226 best to practice due diligence to ensure the best possible professional 448 00:25:57,256 --> 00:25:58,406 grant writing assistance. 449 00:25:59,296 --> 00:26:03,276 The RFP process to hire Smith Group for the design phase of DTP4 took more 450 00:26:03,316 --> 00:26:06,646 than six months to complete, with many dedicated DDA staff hours. 451 00:26:07,416 --> 00:26:10,716 As there is some urgency in beginning the grant writing process, a federal grant 452 00:26:10,796 --> 00:26:14,576 application may take up to and potentially more than a year to be 453 00:26:14,596 --> 00:26:17,566 prepared and finalized, a more streamlined process is 454 00:26:17,616 --> 00:26:21,596 recommended. Instead of a comprehensive RFP, it may be best for DDA staff 455 00:26:21,636 --> 00:26:25,496 to gather cost quotes and qualifications over the next month or so to 456 00:26:25,556 --> 00:26:28,946 allow work on grant writing to begin before the end of 2026. 457 00:26:29,496 --> 00:26:33,096 DDA staff would like the DDA board to discuss and give direction before proceeding. 458 00:26:33,716 --> 00:26:37,676 Just to note, under Section 2-126 of City Code 459 00:26:37,696 --> 00:26:41,236 of Ordinances, professional grant writing services would be considered a 460 00:26:41,256 --> 00:26:45,036 professional service, not a traditional contractual service, so a formal 461 00:26:45,056 --> 00:26:48,396 bidding process is not required for professional services. 462 00:26:49,256 --> 00:26:53,196 DDA staff recommends reaching out directly to two 463 00:26:53,216 --> 00:26:56,645 to four reputable providers of professional grant writing assistance, in addition 464 00:26:56,676 --> 00:27:00,616 to the Smith Group, to obtain quotes and qualification references. 465 00:27:00,846 --> 00:27:04,116 Submitted quotes will be reviewed, and DDA staff will make a recommendation to the 466 00:27:04,136 --> 00:27:05,816 DDA board in the next month or two. 467 00:27:06,756 --> 00:27:10,736 Although the resolution is attached for consideration, DDA staff requests that the 468 00:27:10,776 --> 00:27:14,356 DDA board discuss the issue and give direction to the DDA 469 00:27:14,436 --> 00:27:15,376 staff 470 00:27:16,316 --> 00:27:19,936 prior to the DDA staff proceeding with seeking 471 00:27:19,996 --> 00:27:21,756 professional grant writing assistance. 472 00:27:23,156 --> 00:27:24,296 I move the resolution. 473 00:27:24,756 --> 00:27:25,136 Second. 474 00:27:26,876 --> 00:27:27,736 I'm sorry, who was the second? 475 00:27:27,976 --> 00:27:28,456 Second. Me. 476 00:27:28,936 --> 00:27:32,436 Oh. So motion made by Director Elliott, seconded by Mayor 477 00:27:33,336 --> 00:27:33,596 Phillips. 478 00:27:34,656 --> 00:27:34,666 Yeah. 479 00:27:34,696 --> 00:27:37,156 Anybody have questions, discussion? 480 00:27:38,416 --> 00:27:38,626 Mitch? 481 00:27:40,216 --> 00:27:43,976 So the idea of not doing the full-blown RFP over the next six 482 00:27:43,996 --> 00:27:46,846 months sounds like a good idea, because that sounds like more work than is 483 00:27:46,876 --> 00:27:50,716 necessary. But is there an idea of doing some 484 00:27:53,076 --> 00:27:56,276 preparation to make it as good evaluation process as 485 00:27:56,316 --> 00:27:58,656 possible? I would suggest that's a good idea. 486 00:27:58,676 --> 00:28:00,696 I'm curious to hear what you think. 487 00:28:00,776 --> 00:28:02,296 Yeah. We've had some discussions. 488 00:28:02,356 --> 00:28:05,846 I'm not exactly sure what that's going to look like at this point, but we have 489 00:28:05,896 --> 00:28:09,876 about five or six bullet points that we're going to include when we reach 490 00:28:09,976 --> 00:28:11,796 out to these organizations directly. 491 00:28:12,656 --> 00:28:16,636 That will include some of the... This may sound kind of obvious, 492 00:28:16,716 --> 00:28:19,226 but obviously, qualifications, 493 00:28:20,376 --> 00:28:24,096 grants that they've gotten, what 494 00:28:24,136 --> 00:28:27,676 communities they've worked with, and which grants they've obtained. 495 00:28:28,476 --> 00:28:29,436 Obviously, cost, 496 00:28:30,296 --> 00:28:33,116 and there's I think two or three other bullet points- 497 00:28:33,696 --> 00:28:34,056 One- 498 00:28:34,096 --> 00:28:34,976 ... that were on the top of my head- 499 00:28:35,016 --> 00:28:35,026 ... run-on thought is- 500 00:28:35,026 --> 00:28:36,285 ... that we were talking about. Yeah 501 00:28:36,316 --> 00:28:37,205 ... that Smith Group probably has 502 00:28:38,056 --> 00:28:39,835 a deeper understanding than others about 503 00:28:41,436 --> 00:28:45,186 what's been done so far. Maybe it's a good idea to somehow level the 504 00:28:45,186 --> 00:28:49,146 playing field a little bit so that it sounds like they could be a good candidate, 505 00:28:49,236 --> 00:28:52,236 but so that it's a fair evaluation. 506 00:28:52,276 --> 00:28:56,136 So it's about getting the other participants a little bit up to speed on what has 507 00:28:56,146 --> 00:28:56,356 been done. 508 00:28:56,396 --> 00:28:58,636 Yeah. We plan on including all of that information. 509 00:28:58,676 --> 00:29:02,336 We have all that stuff listed on our website, the plan, 510 00:29:02,656 --> 00:29:05,076 the whole process, and all of those things. 511 00:29:05,656 --> 00:29:09,176 I've also met with Oliver from Smith Group in recent times just to 512 00:29:09,416 --> 00:29:10,476 discuss 513 00:29:11,896 --> 00:29:14,456 some of the things that they've done with other communities to get a little bit of 514 00:29:14,496 --> 00:29:17,836 better understanding from our perspective of what we need to seek out. 515 00:29:17,896 --> 00:29:18,716 So, 516 00:29:19,556 --> 00:29:20,566 yep. That's- 517 00:29:21,736 --> 00:29:25,456 From your discussion with SEMCOG, could you get some referrals from them as 518 00:29:25,496 --> 00:29:27,316 well from working with the different mayors? 519 00:29:27,576 --> 00:29:28,136 Are they trying- 520 00:29:28,176 --> 00:29:29,686 They shy away from- 521 00:29:29,906 --> 00:29:31,166 Okay, because they don't want to be liable? Okay. Fair enough. 522 00:29:31,166 --> 00:29:34,056 Well, they don't want to play favorites, I don't think- 523 00:29:34,126 --> 00:29:34,126 Okay 524 00:29:34,126 --> 00:29:34,226 ... with that. 525 00:29:34,256 --> 00:29:35,616 I didn't know if they had a list they could share. 526 00:29:36,216 --> 00:29:36,306 Yeah. 527 00:29:36,436 --> 00:29:36,586 That's okay. 528 00:29:36,586 --> 00:29:37,406 That was the conversation- 529 00:29:37,836 --> 00:29:37,866 Okay. Figured. 530 00:29:37,966 --> 00:29:39,606 ... that we had, and that was their response. 531 00:29:39,606 --> 00:29:40,326 That was actually my question. 532 00:29:40,356 --> 00:29:40,976 Which makes sense. 533 00:29:41,116 --> 00:29:43,376 That was my like, "How do I phrase that without it seeming..." 534 00:29:43,976 --> 00:29:47,796 No, I think once you start evaluating and you see the success rate, 535 00:29:49,176 --> 00:29:49,336 you're 536 00:29:51,116 --> 00:29:53,596 looking at the right metrics, you're looking at the right things. 537 00:29:53,756 --> 00:29:57,656 And I appreciate the fact that you're not going for an RFP, because that 538 00:29:57,856 --> 00:29:59,176 I don't think is necessary at all. 539 00:30:01,056 --> 00:30:04,736 The grant writing now is much different than it used to be. 540 00:30:04,956 --> 00:30:05,176 You're right. 541 00:30:05,196 --> 00:30:06,416 For sure. Things have streamlined. 542 00:30:06,476 --> 00:30:09,876 But I've written federal grants before, not for this much, 543 00:30:10,476 --> 00:30:13,586 but if you don't have it done the right way, it's a 544 00:30:13,656 --> 00:30:16,336 technicality that throws your application out. 545 00:30:16,376 --> 00:30:20,122 So to have people who have seen success- And 546 00:30:20,122 --> 00:30:23,552 understand the system. I have no doubt you're going to find the right 547 00:30:23,592 --> 00:30:27,532 person. And I appreciate the fact that you acknowledge the fact that you 548 00:30:27,592 --> 00:30:31,172 need to find someone to help with this because of the complexities there. 549 00:30:31,192 --> 00:30:32,342 And Reiko, at some point, 550 00:30:33,272 --> 00:30:35,362 you will be able to do it. It's just- 551 00:30:35,991 --> 00:30:36,552 You will. 552 00:30:37,072 --> 00:30:37,252 Trust me. 553 00:30:37,292 --> 00:30:37,952 You will. 554 00:30:37,962 --> 00:30:37,962 You will. 555 00:30:38,012 --> 00:30:39,042 Once you see it, you'll go, "I could do that." 556 00:30:39,042 --> 00:30:40,032 But right now, 557 00:30:41,272 --> 00:30:44,752 this is a perfect setup for you to be able to take the SEMCOG 558 00:30:44,832 --> 00:30:48,752 training and watch the process of what a professional does, and that 559 00:30:48,812 --> 00:30:50,012 eventually will save us money 560 00:30:51,432 --> 00:30:52,932 when we've got someone on staff who 561 00:30:54,092 --> 00:30:57,032 has experience, which you will get experience once you go through the process. 562 00:30:57,092 --> 00:31:00,832 So, I really appreciate the fact that you're doing this, because 563 00:31:00,912 --> 00:31:04,552 the money is there. You just have to have the right 564 00:31:04,612 --> 00:31:08,602 person to find it, and you can mess it up really easy if you 565 00:31:08,612 --> 00:31:11,702 don't have the right person. So, I really appreciate the fact that you guys 566 00:31:11,752 --> 00:31:14,712 are doing this in really a thoughtful, 567 00:31:16,032 --> 00:31:19,392 very precise way. So, thank you for doing that. 568 00:31:19,612 --> 00:31:22,952 I wanted to add that to address Director Matu's 569 00:31:23,052 --> 00:31:23,672 question. 570 00:31:23,952 --> 00:31:24,811 I'm sorry, can't hear you. 571 00:31:25,192 --> 00:31:28,552 Oh. To address Director Matu's 572 00:31:29,732 --> 00:31:33,722 question, I think the upcoming meeting with SEMCOG and 573 00:31:33,752 --> 00:31:35,362 the conversations that will- 574 00:31:35,372 --> 00:31:35,632 Yeah 575 00:31:35,642 --> 00:31:39,352 ... continue is going to really help us in shaping the evaluation process as well. 576 00:31:39,412 --> 00:31:43,372 That's what they do. They're experts, so they are a really good resource, and 577 00:31:43,392 --> 00:31:47,152 they seemed very open to keeping the communication channels 578 00:31:47,232 --> 00:31:50,552 open and for us to lean on them as that kind of resource. 579 00:31:51,132 --> 00:31:55,032 And thank you for being proactive as opposed to having to be 580 00:31:55,092 --> 00:31:58,392 reactive. You guys are so far ahead of the game, which is a great thing for 581 00:31:58,452 --> 00:32:01,612 everyone because it'll allow you to gather all that data. 582 00:32:01,672 --> 00:32:05,612 I've seen, and I'm sure you guys have as well, when you have some grant writers 583 00:32:05,652 --> 00:32:09,572 that come in and say they can do grants, and then you go, "No, 584 00:32:09,872 --> 00:32:10,292 not so much." 585 00:32:10,312 --> 00:32:12,022 Well, and then you don't want to be scrambling at the last second- 586 00:32:12,052 --> 00:32:12,142 Yes 587 00:32:12,272 --> 00:32:12,862 ... trying to get your- 588 00:32:13,072 --> 00:32:13,152 No 589 00:32:13,192 --> 00:32:14,602 ... phrases correct and things done- 590 00:32:14,702 --> 00:32:14,702 No 591 00:32:14,872 --> 00:32:16,082 ... clinically correct and then- 592 00:32:16,212 --> 00:32:16,512 Right 593 00:32:16,552 --> 00:32:16,952 ... mess it up. 594 00:32:17,492 --> 00:32:21,212 And the federal government requires some of-- The one grant I wrote, 595 00:32:21,552 --> 00:32:23,812 and we got it, it was almost $200,000. 596 00:32:24,232 --> 00:32:28,202 But the paperwork, it was three-inch thick stack of paperwork, and you had 597 00:32:28,212 --> 00:32:32,182 to make sure that everything was done exactly right or it was out the 598 00:32:32,212 --> 00:32:33,282 window. But 599 00:32:34,832 --> 00:32:38,432 yeah. So, I think it's interesting. Now, Sam, do you know if... 600 00:32:39,292 --> 00:32:42,992 And I don't even, Redevelopment Ready Communities program, 601 00:32:43,652 --> 00:32:45,332 is there anything within that 602 00:32:46,392 --> 00:32:49,612 with how far we have our certification that can help 603 00:32:49,672 --> 00:32:53,312 with funding any of these little 604 00:32:53,352 --> 00:32:53,872 things? 605 00:32:55,192 --> 00:32:55,622 Or do you know? 606 00:32:55,692 --> 00:32:59,592 That, I don't know off the top of my head exactly, but I do know 607 00:32:59,632 --> 00:33:03,601 there's opportunities. I know at the Michigan Downtown Association conferences, 608 00:33:04,112 --> 00:33:07,252 they've mentioned opportunities. 609 00:33:07,272 --> 00:33:10,512 There's usually a representative from MEDC that does a presentation at those. 610 00:33:11,332 --> 00:33:11,812 And 611 00:33:12,712 --> 00:33:12,732 I 612 00:33:13,932 --> 00:33:17,012 don't know exactly where we're at in the certification process, and that kind of 613 00:33:17,112 --> 00:33:17,772 does dictate- 614 00:33:17,832 --> 00:33:17,842 Yeah 615 00:33:17,842 --> 00:33:19,012 ... what you're eligible for. 616 00:33:19,041 --> 00:33:19,172 Right. 617 00:33:19,272 --> 00:33:21,532 I have an idea, but I don't know exactly. 618 00:33:21,712 --> 00:33:25,352 So, if you have the full certification, that does open a lot more 619 00:33:25,712 --> 00:33:26,632 funding opportunities. 620 00:33:26,742 --> 00:33:26,742 Yeah. 621 00:33:26,742 --> 00:33:28,812 So, I don't think we're quite there yet. 622 00:33:29,092 --> 00:33:29,802 We're working toward that, but- 623 00:33:29,802 --> 00:33:31,832 But I think we still, we're far enough along that we do- 624 00:33:31,842 --> 00:33:31,942 Yeah 625 00:33:31,942 --> 00:33:34,052 ... have some resources that we could use. 626 00:33:34,122 --> 00:33:34,252 Yeah, 100%. Yes. 627 00:33:34,292 --> 00:33:34,412 Yeah. 628 00:33:34,541 --> 00:33:34,541 Yes. 629 00:33:34,552 --> 00:33:37,472 Because I don't want to forget those things, because that took a lot of time to get 630 00:33:37,592 --> 00:33:37,662 the- 631 00:33:37,812 --> 00:33:38,092 So- 632 00:33:38,492 --> 00:33:38,722 ... process done 633 00:33:38,722 --> 00:33:41,332 ... between SEMCOG and the MEDC, I think, 634 00:33:42,772 --> 00:33:44,212 I don't want to say all of that work, but I think- 635 00:33:45,202 --> 00:33:45,202 Yeah 636 00:33:45,202 --> 00:33:48,252 ... we can explore kind of what the 637 00:33:48,352 --> 00:33:50,162 obvious opportunities are. 638 00:33:50,242 --> 00:33:50,242 Yeah. 639 00:33:50,252 --> 00:33:52,662 Because there are some that are relatively obvious. 640 00:33:53,172 --> 00:33:57,112 TAP Grant being one from SEMCOG. In the plan that y'all have, 641 00:33:59,032 --> 00:34:02,482 Oliver and Smith Group listed quite a few that 642 00:34:03,172 --> 00:34:06,692 would be probably in the wheelhouse that we can kind of look at ourselves. 643 00:34:06,712 --> 00:34:10,392 But the bigger federal ones are just so complex. 644 00:34:10,493 --> 00:34:10,502 Yeah. 645 00:34:10,553 --> 00:34:14,283 So, we may be able to get the ball rolling on some of 646 00:34:14,292 --> 00:34:18,212 the, whether at the MEDC and the SEMCOG level, because there is support 647 00:34:18,252 --> 00:34:22,192 within those organizations to help you with the application process. 648 00:34:22,212 --> 00:34:24,642 But the federal ones are just a completely different level. 649 00:34:24,652 --> 00:34:26,612 Yes, they are. Absolutely. Okay. 650 00:34:26,973 --> 00:34:29,912 One more. So, once you get your hands around 651 00:34:30,832 --> 00:34:34,332 the different options and their strengths and weaknesses, will we get a chance to 652 00:34:34,652 --> 00:34:35,292 take a look at- 653 00:34:35,392 --> 00:34:36,432 100%, yeah. 654 00:34:36,553 --> 00:34:37,652 If that's the next good event- 655 00:34:37,993 --> 00:34:38,312 Yeah 656 00:34:38,332 --> 00:34:38,732 ... for 657 00:34:39,612 --> 00:34:39,801 us. Yeah. 658 00:34:39,801 --> 00:34:40,392 I didn't want to 659 00:34:43,033 --> 00:34:46,513 just jump right into that. I wanted this board to have the opportunity to give 660 00:34:46,553 --> 00:34:49,352 direction about how we attack that first. 661 00:34:49,453 --> 00:34:53,232 So, if this resolution is approved tonight, that'll give 662 00:34:53,292 --> 00:34:57,072 us the direction, and then we'll be coming back to the board either 663 00:34:57,152 --> 00:35:00,712 at no later than October, unless something strange happens with the 664 00:35:00,752 --> 00:35:03,372 process where we're having trouble contacting people or something. 665 00:35:03,392 --> 00:35:03,562 But 666 00:35:04,632 --> 00:35:05,972 I would like to have it on the next agenda. 667 00:35:06,072 --> 00:35:09,332 That may be a little bit optimistic, but for sure by October. 668 00:35:09,372 --> 00:35:12,002 And then you'd get the opportunity to see what 669 00:35:13,752 --> 00:35:17,462 the qualifications to different companies that we've looked at, and we'll 670 00:35:17,492 --> 00:35:19,192 likely have a recommendation at that point. 671 00:35:20,342 --> 00:35:21,132 Awesome. 672 00:35:22,932 --> 00:35:24,752 Any other questions for Sam and Reiko? 673 00:35:26,792 --> 00:35:26,912 No? 674 00:35:28,092 --> 00:35:29,372 All in favor of the resolution? 675 00:35:30,092 --> 00:35:30,732 Aye. 676 00:35:31,412 --> 00:35:32,172 All opposed? 677 00:35:34,132 --> 00:35:35,012 Motion carries. 678 00:35:37,512 --> 00:35:37,932 Yay. 679 00:35:39,892 --> 00:35:41,612 Sam, reports and correspondence? 680 00:35:44,172 --> 00:35:48,052 Yep. We have one Downtown Day in Michigan 2026, and I'm going to 681 00:35:48,092 --> 00:35:49,972 let Reiko handle this one. 682 00:35:52,732 --> 00:35:56,672 We've been celebrating Downtown Day in Downtown Plymouth for several years now. 683 00:35:56,712 --> 00:35:59,552 It is usually the fourth Saturday in September. 684 00:36:00,232 --> 00:36:04,092 It's usually declared through a proclamation by the 685 00:36:04,132 --> 00:36:05,142 Governor of Michigan. 686 00:36:06,392 --> 00:36:10,332 Downtowns across the street are celebrated as unique commercial and social 687 00:36:10,432 --> 00:36:14,372 cores of their community. The City Commission approved this 688 00:36:14,432 --> 00:36:17,862 year's DDA run Downtown Day event at its July 20th, 689 00:36:18,512 --> 00:36:22,372 2026 regular meeting. And so we are planning for Downtown 690 00:36:22,432 --> 00:36:26,431 Day on Saturday, September 26th from noon to 7:00. 691 00:36:28,820 --> 00:36:31,900 There will be live music, family-friendly entertainment. 692 00:36:32,420 --> 00:36:36,400 We will also be giving some information regarding DTP 693 00:36:36,560 --> 00:36:40,320 Forward, and DTP businesses will participate in several 694 00:36:40,380 --> 00:36:41,040 options. 695 00:36:42,620 --> 00:36:46,320 The bulk of our activity will be in Kellogg Park. 696 00:36:46,360 --> 00:36:50,000 We're currently booking music and entertainment, and we've reached out to 697 00:36:50,080 --> 00:36:54,040 businesses regarding event sponsorship and participation options, and 698 00:36:54,100 --> 00:36:56,760 we are creating marketing materials to promote the event. 699 00:36:58,000 --> 00:37:01,760 One of our new fun ideas we had, a little twist on the 700 00:37:01,780 --> 00:37:03,780 scavenger hunt that we've done for several years. 701 00:37:03,820 --> 00:37:06,370 We're calling it the DTP Token Scavenger Hunt. 702 00:37:06,920 --> 00:37:10,460 Businesses that donate gift cards towards prizes will be listed 703 00:37:10,580 --> 00:37:14,280 as scavenger hunt participants, and they'll receive DTP 704 00:37:14,340 --> 00:37:17,920 tokens, which are customized coins, to hide at their 705 00:37:17,960 --> 00:37:21,590 locations. Visitors will visit participating businesses, 706 00:37:21,700 --> 00:37:25,640 explore, hunt, and hopefully shop for a token, and find 707 00:37:25,680 --> 00:37:29,620 the tokens and shop at the locations and claim prizes at the DDA 708 00:37:29,820 --> 00:37:30,920 tent in Kellogg Park. 709 00:37:32,820 --> 00:37:36,760 Last year, during our Downtown Day, we worked with consultant Smith Group 710 00:37:36,800 --> 00:37:39,780 to have a community engagement pop-up for DTP Forward. 711 00:37:40,860 --> 00:37:41,260 This year, 712 00:37:42,100 --> 00:37:46,020 we are finalizing an informational video highlighting the major 713 00:37:46,040 --> 00:37:48,160 themes from those final designs. 714 00:37:49,040 --> 00:37:52,740 The video is expected to be available for public viewing at the DDA tent in 715 00:37:52,780 --> 00:37:56,360 Kellogg Park on Downtown Day, and we hope to continue informing the 716 00:37:56,400 --> 00:37:59,700 community and maintaining momentum for the DTP Forward project. 717 00:38:02,280 --> 00:38:02,680 Thank you. 718 00:38:03,320 --> 00:38:04,920 Any questions about Downtown Day? 719 00:38:05,800 --> 00:38:06,460 That's awesome. 720 00:38:07,730 --> 00:38:07,730 Any last- 721 00:38:07,840 --> 00:38:11,640 You'll probably see us out, Julie and I will be out doing some recording for that 722 00:38:11,720 --> 00:38:12,460 video this week. 723 00:38:13,390 --> 00:38:13,440 Yes. 724 00:38:13,460 --> 00:38:15,730 As long as the weather's nice on Wednesday, we'll- 725 00:38:15,730 --> 00:38:15,760 Hopefully. 726 00:38:15,800 --> 00:38:17,140 Yeah, we got 727 00:38:18,000 --> 00:38:20,180 the voiceover and if you see me out on the 728 00:38:21,240 --> 00:38:24,720 Main Street median or right there along Kellogg Park, that's what I'll be doing on 729 00:38:24,760 --> 00:38:25,900 Wednesday if the weather's nice. 730 00:38:26,140 --> 00:38:29,700 Well, the videos for the Michigan Downtown Association were 731 00:38:30,300 --> 00:38:32,400 good. They were very cute and nicely done, and... 732 00:38:33,120 --> 00:38:35,800 Yeah, that's something that we forgot to mention during the update. 733 00:38:35,880 --> 00:38:36,020 We 734 00:38:38,360 --> 00:38:41,360 took over the Michigan Downtown Association social media on Friday. 735 00:38:41,440 --> 00:38:45,300 They allow for communities to take over their social media during the 736 00:38:45,340 --> 00:38:49,289 month of August. So, Reiko and Alex did a great job with that, 737 00:38:49,780 --> 00:38:53,420 making videos and talking about some of the historic and the landmarks 738 00:38:53,460 --> 00:38:56,940 and showing the activities of the concert, so I thought they did a really good job. 739 00:38:57,220 --> 00:39:01,120 Yeah, I would say it was 90% Alex, our PR assistant. She does a great job. 740 00:39:02,110 --> 00:39:05,420 And y'all know Sam Scanell. Yeah. 741 00:39:06,760 --> 00:39:09,229 I thought he was going to go under, like you go under the stairs and do it. 742 00:39:10,060 --> 00:39:11,560 That's one take. 743 00:39:17,640 --> 00:39:19,700 Any other questions for Downtown Day? 744 00:39:20,780 --> 00:39:21,639 Last year was fun. 745 00:39:22,960 --> 00:39:25,610 I know you'll send out a note for volunteers as well, but if- 746 00:39:25,610 --> 00:39:28,480 Yeah, well, we're looking for volunteers, so if anybody wants to help out, we 747 00:39:28,540 --> 00:39:31,180 usually need some volunteers just to help man the tent. 748 00:39:31,240 --> 00:39:34,990 So, when we do the scavenger hunt, staff's got to run around, and 749 00:39:35,020 --> 00:39:38,920 so we give the tokens to the business, but we'll also be hiding many around just 750 00:39:38,940 --> 00:39:42,650 the outside of downtown. So, if anybody's interested in helping out just manning 751 00:39:42,680 --> 00:39:46,320 the tent, we have a... What do you call the bingo? 752 00:39:47,560 --> 00:39:47,700 Uh- 753 00:39:47,750 --> 00:39:48,000 Like a- 754 00:39:48,400 --> 00:39:49,640 Little bingo ball- 755 00:39:49,720 --> 00:39:50,300 Got a bingo cage 756 00:39:50,310 --> 00:39:50,410 ... cage. Yeah, thank you. 757 00:39:50,410 --> 00:39:51,180 The cage, and- 758 00:39:51,330 --> 00:39:51,330 Little bit. Small cage 759 00:39:51,330 --> 00:39:54,520 ... so people will come, and they'll get to choose. 760 00:39:54,560 --> 00:39:56,400 The ball will have a corresponding prize. 761 00:39:56,440 --> 00:40:00,120 So, that will be the main thing, maybe a little bit of set up and breakdown, so 762 00:40:00,160 --> 00:40:03,360 we'll be looking for volunteers. So, if you or anyone you know is 763 00:40:03,420 --> 00:40:07,410 interested and, or have any kids in the eight hours or anything like 764 00:40:07,460 --> 00:40:10,420 that, we're happy to have them. 765 00:40:11,820 --> 00:40:13,220 It is always a fun day, so... 766 00:40:19,100 --> 00:40:19,860 All right. 767 00:40:20,960 --> 00:40:22,420 We will take a motion to adjourn. 768 00:40:23,340 --> 00:40:24,000 Motion to adjourn. 769 00:40:25,520 --> 00:40:25,880 Support. 770 00:40:26,720 --> 00:40:29,220 Motion made by Director Sign, second by Director Fry. 771 00:40:32,960 --> 00:40:35,860 Yep. All in favor? 772 00:40:36,020 --> 00:40:36,400 I. 773 00:40:36,720 --> 00:40:36,780 I. 774 00:40:36,789 --> 00:40:36,789 I. 775 00:40:36,789 --> 00:40:36,789 I. 776 00:40:36,930 --> 00:40:37,480 All opposed? 777 00:40:38,440 --> 00:40:41,100 Motion carries. Thank you, everyone. Have a good evening. 778 00:40:47,680 --> 00:40:48,120 Record-