DIDA to Elect New Officers & Consider Adopting "Code of Conduct"

IRONWOOD, MI - Friday, January 16, 2009 - The regular meeting of the Downtown Ironwood Development Authority (DIDA) is scheduled for Thursday, January 22, 2009, at 8:00 AM in the Women's Club Room on the second floor of the Ironwood Municipal Memorial Building.

The Authority is scheduled to hold an election of officers -- Chairperson and Vice Chairperson. Currently George Goerig is the Chairman and Joe Karius is the Vice Chairperson.

The Authority is also scheduled to discuss and consider adopting a "Code of Conduct" that each of the volunteer members of the DIDA will be expected to sign. The Code reads as follows:

The Appointed Member of the Downtown Ironwood Development Authority agree to abide by this Code of Conduct.

As a member I will:

    1. Accept responsibility to represent the Downtown Ironwood Development Authority which I am appointed to with dignity and pride by being a positive role model.
    2. Conduct myself in a businesslike manner, respecting the rights and opinions of other members and of the public. Abusive, insulting, profane or excessively argumentative language or conduct should not be tolerated.
    3. Abstain from, and not tolerate, physical or verbal abuse.
    4. Accept the responsibility to promote and support Downtown Ironwood Development Authority to develop an effective planning and zoning program.
    5. Attend the meetings of the Downtown Ironwood Development Authority on a regular basis and provide prior notification of any necessary absences.
    6. Read the plan, zoning ordinance, other ordinance, rules of procedure, bylaws, and other pertinent documents which pertain to the business of the Downtown Ironwood Development Authority and continue to gain knowledge (and understanding) through self-study, inquiries and attending appropriate training.
    7. Respect, adhere to, and help enforce the rules, policies, and guidelines established by the Downtown Ironwood Development Authority.
    8. Read meeting packet materials ahead of time and otherwise be prepared for the meetings.
    9. Refrain from deciding cases before the meeting discussion.
    10. Participate in the Downtown Ironwood Development Authority deliberation at the meetings when appropriate.
    11. Do not engage in criminal activities, and other activities including but not limited to situations of conflict of interest, incompatible office, ex parte contact, not voting on the same issue twice by virtue of serving on two different bodies, or accepting gifts as a form of influencing your vote.
    12. In public forums, after a vote by the Downtown Ironwood Development Authority has been taken, I will represent the adopted majority position of the Downtown Ironwood Development Authority when speaking on behalf of the Downtown Ironwood Development Authority.

An update on the soon to be implemented Blueprints "Cool Cities" program is also expected at next Thursday's meeting.

The Authority will also discuss and consider the purchase of an ad in the Annual Daily Globe Progress Edition. According to a letter the Globe sent to the Authority, this in an opportunity for the DIDA to let people know what progress they are making. The one time ad sells for over $400.

The DIDA will also look into the possibility of purchasing a downtown building on tax sale. The idea is for the DIDA to seek funding to rehab the building and turn it into an "incubator" for new business start-ups.