DIDA Endorses SISU Ski Fest But Refuses to Hear Update on MMHP

IRONWOOD, MI - Sunday, March 29, 2009 - It didn't take long for the sparks to fly when the Downtown Ironwood Development Authority met on Thursday morning. The Authority's regular monthly meeting was called to order by DIDA Chairman George Goerig at 8:00 AM. Roll was called and recorded by Authority Secretary Jane Bowman. All nine Authority members were present: Eva-Smith Furgason; Jackie Powers; Louise Demasi; Steve Frank; Corey Gresham; Wayne Ozark; Mayor Bruce Noren (ex officio member); George Goerig (Chairman); and Joe Karius (Vice Chairman). Also present at the meeting were City Staff members Dan Petersen, Community Development Director; and Scott Erickson, City Manager. Representing the press were Eric Hjerstedt Sharp from Ironwood Daily Globe and yours truly.

APPROVING THE AGENDA

After roll was taken the Authority unanimously approved the February 26, 2009 Regular Meeting Minutes. The next seemingly routine item on the agenda was the Approval of the Docket, and it was this item that garnered controversy. When Chairman Goerig suggested that the Agenda be approved, Louise Demasi spoke up.

"Well I'm gonna disapprove it! How's that sound?" Demasi responded. "My question is number 9." Demasi said referring to item 9, 'Discuss Miner's Memorial Heritage Park.' " I guess this is my point. I don't know who put in on or why it's on. This is not a DIDA problem. This is a Parks and City Commission problem. If we want to voice our opinions... I've got a big enough mouth... Steve's joined me at the meetings... Jim's joined me at the meetings...  and anyone else what wants to go to the City Commission meetings should! They can say what they want to say there! This does not belong to the DIDA! If you put in on (pointing to Scott Erickson), shame on you! And if Dan (Petersen) put it on then he should know better! Okay?! We're here for the Downtown Development. If Eva's got a problem with her place, we may not want to listen to her, but guess what?! She's Downtown Development!  So keep the stuff of the agenda that does not pertain. The ski thing we're looking at, that does pertain because, according to the last City Commission meeting, they wanted to ski into the area. Is that correct? That's part of our headache! The rest of this stuff doesn't pertain! If we can't start to focus on the downtown area, if we're going to go out on the perimeters to the C2 Districts, George, then my recommendation at the next City Commission meeting is to dissolve this board. It absolutely does nothing! Let's stick with the downtown and let's get our P's and Q's in order!"

Demasi made a motion to have the item removed from the agenda.

"We'll scratch it from the docket," Goerig responded.

Demasi then stated that a second to her motion was necessary to remove it from the agenda. Joe Karius seconded the motion.  Goerig asked the Authority if there was any further discussion before a vote was taken.

"Shame on you Louise!" Jackie Powers volunteered.

"For what?" Demasi snapped back.

"For being small-minded and not wanting to even know the issue," Powers responded. "To hear how it could impact the downtown. It belongs on the docket!"

"Well, that's your opinion! Am I against it? No, I'm not! But, does it belong here? No, it doesn't!"

"It's on here to inform you about it so you can decide..." Powers started.

"I'll tell you what, Jackie," Demasi interrupted. "If you don't attend some of the meetings, which I do, and you do, to hear about it, and to hear Jim's output on it, that shame on you! It's been said and said and said again! You're going to burn it out, is what's gonna happen! And that's unfair to the people who want it!"

Oddly, Powers has not only attended all of the meetings where the Miners Memorial Heritage Park has been discussed, she is part of the subcommittee that created the concept and developed the presentation.

Demasi continued, "You can't keep beating a dead horse! We all know where it is! A lot of us support it! A lot of us have questions on it! Okay?! And I guess it's not our thing! It's the City Commission's problem and the Parks and Recreation's problem! Now, if you support the Parks and Recreation they you need to say that as an individual. The DIDA has nothing to do with it!  Nothing! I don't know! I mean, it's out of our jurisdiction!"

There has been an ongoing controversy within the DIDA as to what constitutes the "Downtown District."  According to the City Ordinance that established the Authority, the district is clearly defined. Businesses within the "Downtown Business District" pay a special TIF tax that supports the efforts of the DIDA. Demasi's business is not part of the district, according to that document. Recently Demasi apply for and received from MSHDA a facade grant to improve her business. Although her business is not located within the district, the Authority agreed that improving the appearance of the "lower block" businesses could impact the downtown. If visitors to Hurley see well maintained, attractive businesses beyond the bridge, they may venture into the City and patronize other businesses downtown.

"The Downtown depends on the people of Ironwood who live here, " Powers explained, "Who visit here, and who recreate here..."

"And if we have no stores down there what are you going to do downtown, play cards?!" Demasi interrupted.

"If you have no customers..." Steve Frank attempted to interject.

"If you have no people how are you going to get more stores?" Powers asked.

"I'll tell you what, I don't believe that in a heartbeat, that this Park is going to do that!" Demasi declared.

"Well, that's fine," Powers said, "So the group can decide if they want to hear more about it!"

"Absolutely!" Demasi agreed.

Vice-Chairman Karius voiced his objections to the "Shame on you!" bantering. He asked the Authority members please stick to the issues. Goerig then asked for a roll call vote to determine if the Authority was going to discuss the Miners Memorial Heritage Park -- to remove item number nine from the agenda. The Authority voted 6-3 to have the item removed from the docket. The roll call voting went as follows: Smith-Furgason (NO); Powers (NO); Karius (YES); Gresham (YES); Ozark (YES); Demasi (YES); Frank (NO); Noren (YES); Goerig (YES).

Before the agenda was approved, Goerig told the Authority that the Pocket Park needed to be added under "Other Business."

"Then, in the interest of fairness," Frank spoke out, " I object to that! That's also part of the City Commission and the Parks and Recreation Committee..."

"It's also down in the City of Ironwood," Demasi interrupted, "It's smack in the middle of it! Smack in the middle of it!"

George Goering went on to say the at DIDA is responsible for the maintaining the Pocket Park, so it is a DIDA issue.  Months ago, it was agreed that the Pocket Park was a park and that costs for maintaining the park should be taken from the parks and recreation budget, not from the very limited DIDA budget that is supported by downtown businesses only. Frank asked why it still remains as part of the DIDA. Dan Petersen agreed that there was discussion about doing that, but nothing was ever done to make that happen.

Goerig called for a motion to approve the docket as amended. A motion was made and seconded, and a vote was taken. By a vote of 8-1 the docket was approved as amended. Steve Frank voted not to approve the amended agenda.

CITIZENS WISHING TO SPEAK ON AGENDA ITEMS

Ken Hazel who was at the DIDA meeting to discuss the Miners Memorial Heritage Park stated that he would now address the Authority under "Citizens wishing to address the Authority on  items not on the Agenda" since item nine was censored from the docket.

SISU SKI MARATHON

Being from Texas, and not being familiar with Finnish names, George Goerig attempted to introduce Pam Kauppila (pronounced COW-pill-a) to the Authority. Ms. Kaupilla is the director of the proposed SISU Ski Marathon to be held in January of next year.

"Thank-you for having me," Kaupilla began. "My name is Pam Kaupilla. I was born and raised here. I was born in Wakefield. I graduated from the Ironwood High School. My father was the State Farm agent for 40 years in Ironwood, so I have a strong foundation here in Ironwood. I've been out of the area for maybe about 10 years or so... out of the U.P., that is! I moved here from Marquette in 2007, and I took over the State Farm agency here. I have been a State Farm agent in Marquette. I've been with the company for over 10 years."

"Where I come from, in Marquette County, isn't a whole lot different from what we have here as far as terrain and people and 'Yoopers' and that whole culture. And I have been asked to be the race director of a ski race that apparently people up here have been trying to get going for over two years."

"I'm a very busy person," Kaupilla said, "I don't have time for politics or things like that. I'm here simply to help the Ironwood area move forward, and bring some outside people in to see what a beautiful area that we have."

"One of the reasons that I came back here, because I could have chosen many different opportunities with State Farm, in my career. I chose to come to Ironwood. I like to ski. I know where the grocery store is. I feel safe walking in the neighborhoods. So I just wanted you all to know that! I didn't have to come here. I chose to come here. And I think that there's more people that would choose to come here if we have an open mind and work to move forward in our area."

"I'm very disappointed to hear some of the fighting  that just occurred. Like I said, I'm not a political person, but the Ski Fest is something that is completely separate from the parks. However the parks would certainly enhance the type of people that would come to the Ski Fest. The Ski Fest is going to attract a crowd that is typically not from Ironwood. These are the people that are coming into our towns on weekends, spending weeks, some of them spend the entire winter here. These are people that are professionals; love to ski; love silent sports."

"I know that the Noquemanon Ski Fest has been very popular and has been very beneficial to Marquette only because I'm from there." Kaupilla said, "And when we first moved to Marquette in 1997, there was no such thing as the Noquemanon network. It was good, hard-working people like me that don't have time in the day to do stuff like this. And I know that you are all busy too, and I'm not trying to say that you're not. But, the people that are on this race committee all have a vision, and I'm asking you all to share in my vision which is going to be beneficial for our community."

"What we picture the first year, is hundreds of people coming into Ironwood. They're going to rent hotel rooms for the weekend. They're going to bring their kids. They're going to pack up their bags and their going to take time to take a slice of Ironwood, maybe for the first time tasting what is Ironwood all about. The way that I picture this, my role, I'm a mother; I'm a wife -- I have a bunch of company that is going to be coming to Ironwood that second weekend in January 2010. When I'm looking at that it's like okay, we have some things that need to be cleaned up. Company is coming! Company is coming to the City of Ironwood!  We want to roll out a red carpet to make them feel welcome. We want to show our best face."

"I don't want people, because all these people that come to the SISU Ski Fest, they're on the Internet. I'd be ashamed for them to go on the Internet to read a media report about us fighting about all of the stuff that they want to do, because they could just as well go into Wisconsin; they can go into Marquette; they can go into the Copper Country; so let's be careful about our own personal emotions."

"With this SISU Ski Fest, it starts out at ABR; and it's going to come through Norrie Park; and it's going to follow the railroad grade; circle around the town; and then have a main street ending -- ending up by where the Carnegie Library is."

"It's a time to showcase our downtown," Kaupilla said, "Again, I ask you, what can we do to capitalize on all of these people that are coming into our community?"

Kaupilla reminded the Authority that most of the people in the event will not be from Ironwood. She said she will be contacting local businesses to get them onboard and make them aware that there will be opportunities for them to capitalize on the influx of people to the downtown district.

Kaupilla pointed out that the people who participate in such events typically have disposable income and they will be looking for ways to spend their money in the area. She urged the Authority to focus on ways the area could be made more attractive so that people feel comfortable here.

She said that the organizers of the Noquemanon Ski Marathon in Marquette initially counted on 200 to 300 racers. When the race was publically announced, they were overwhelmed and had to put a cap of 750 entrants to the race. Currently the race hosts approximately 1400 entrants per year.

Kaupilla said the economic impact to the Marquette area from the 1400 skiers and their families is amazing. Houses in the area are continually being sold to ski enthusiasts. The yearly event has impacted the Marquette area both during the race and throughout the year.

Kaupilla told the Authority that the Committee in charge of the SISU Ski Fest is extremely dedicated to the event and that they are extremely knowledgeable about organizing and running successful races. She pointed out that she has never directed a race before, but, her support team will make her job considerably easier.

Having huge numbers of people traveling through our City will never be a bad thing, Kaupilla reminded the Authority. According to her, you never know who will be passing through. Perhaps people with money might consider opening a business or two downtown -- realizing the potential of the City. She told the Authority that she believes in Ironwood, and she loves the area.

Following her address to the Authority, Kaupilla asked the members if they had any questions. Louise Demasi asked if the Race Committee could guarantee that 700 racers would be participating in the event -- considering the high price of gasoline and the current economic condition in this country.

Kaupilla pointed out that there are no guarantees. Demasi warned that all of the hype might be setting the community up for a big let down. She pointed out that many local businesses are currently struggling. She briefly surveyed the businesspeople within the Authority and present at the meeting to see how business has been for them. She said she fully supports the idea of the race; the parks and the trails; but she doubts they will have the impact that people have been predicting.

Kaupilla pointed out that the people who seek out such races will continue to do so no matter what the economy is like. She noted that much of the U.P. is in a depressed economy. She also pointed out that the people traveling to similar races are from areas where the economy isn't as deeply impacted by the economy. Many of them have careers that aren't greatly affected by the economy as well. She said that we need to recognize that, for most of the people coming to town -- this will be a very cheap weekend for them. Our prices are low and our service is exceptional.

Steve Frank pointed out that Copper Peak had a record year last year. There were more visitors to the landmark than ever before, and gas prices last summer were higher than ever as well.

Louise Demasi used the Sled Fest as an example of how things are over-estimated. She said everybody was supposed to make tons of money for that event and it never happened. She said the estimates of the numbers of people to come to the events were way off, and that all of the hype lead to a big let-down.

Steve Frank urged the Authority to start taking action to dress up the downtown district to prepare for the upcoming race. He said we need to do whatever we can to make Ironwood look inviting and to make people fell welcome. He noted that this a golden opportunity that should not be allowed to pass through our fingers.

Eva Smith-Furgason asked if every entrant to the race pre-registers. Kaupilla told Smith-Furgason that there are already registrations that are bought and paid for. She was quick to point out, that these are still the beginning stages of the organization. The Committee has been meeting weekly; they have a website; and they are organizing as a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization. Smith-Furgason was trying to find out when the final cut-off date to register was so that the DIDA could know approximately how many people would be attending the event. She asked if it would be possible to let Dan Petersen know how many people have registered each month so that the DIDA was aware of the numbers. Kaupilla informed Smith-Furgason that Dan was on their board so that would be very easy.

The Smith-Furgason asked how the skiers would able to ski on the City streets. Kaupilla informed her that they would need to snow-in the streets. She said cars would not be able to travel on the snowed-in streets, but she pointed out that doing so creates a very interesting environment for the downtown district. Smith-Furgason proved that she was onboard with the idea by making several suggestions that will make the event a success. She said that logistics needed to be worked out, but the she feels the end result would prove to be worth it.

As Smith-Furgason was listing off things she felt needed to be addressed, such as parking, she paused and said, "I see George shaking his head!"

"That's not a concern of the DIDA. That is a concern of the race organizers!" Goerig said.

Smith-Furgason disagreed, stating that the DIDA's main goal is to help the downtown develop. She said assisting the race organizers was precisely the thing the DIDA should be doing. She said that the event could potentially bring a lot of new money to the area economy and the DIDA's assistance could help insure that the event would be successful.

Smith-Furgason, who manages the Northwind Natural Food Co-op, said that she has seen very few, if any, snowmobilers or ATV riders in her store in the seven years she has worked there. She feels that the silent sports enthusiasts are exactly the demographic her business targets. She said it would be good to have a performance at the Theatre during the event. She said every attempt should be made to make the visitors to our area feel welcome. She said she wholeheartedly supports the idea, and she suggested that the DIDA sponsor a welcome tent that served free hot chocolate.

Louise Demasi shocked the Authority by doing something she said she has never done. She agreed with Eva Smith-Furgason.

Kaupilla informed the Authority that details still need to be worked out, but Jim Mildren from the county's "Little Blue Bus" has been contacted. She said the SISU Race would be the first big race of the season.

A motion was made by Louise Demasi to support the concept of the SISU Race. Steve Frank suggested that the DIDA's role in the race is to make certain that the downtown look its very best for the event. He said he thinks it's important that people leave the area -- no matter how successful the race is -- with the thought in their heads that the downtown looked pretty good.

Frank said he agreed that making a motion to "support the concept" would be okay, but the real task before the DIDA is to work to make the City look it's best. Demasi then proceeded to amend her motion to say that the DIDA "supported the concept" of the race.

Upon hearing Louise's motion, Steve Frank evidently had flashbacks to the City Commission meeting where the Commission refused to endorse the Miners Memorial Heritage Park, and instead opted to "support the concept." He quickly requested that Louise reword her motion to say "endorse the ski fest" rather than "support the concept" of the race. Demasi agreed.

Mayor Noren thanked Ms. Kaupilla for her presentation and for taking on the responsibility of the race. The DIDA then acted on Demasi's motion. Goerig asked for a roll call vote on the motion. The DIDA voted 8-1 in favor of endorsing the SISU Ski Fest. The vote results were as follows: Powers (YES); Karius (YES); Gresham (YES); Ozark (YES); Demasi (YES); Frank (YES); Noren (YES); Smith-Furgason (YES) and Goerig (NO). Goerig told the Chronicle after the meeting that he didn't like the term "endorse" and that was the reason for his "no" vote.

After the vote was completed, Chairman Goerig allowed this reporter to speak on the matter.

"As a downtown businessman who pays the TIF tax, and is in the TIF zone -- the downtown development zone -- I can safely say that this has been one of my worst years in business. The few highlights of my business have been from the very same people that Pam was talking about. I've had several occasions when a cross country ski crowd has come into my business. They spend money. They're polite. They treat the place with respect. To compare cross country skiers with snowmobilers is comparing apples to oranges. I can count on one hand how many snowmobilers have patronized my business. If these people are in the downtown, I can guarantee I'll get business from them. I'll be very happy to see that. The same with the Park. Whether you agree with it or not, it's going to be bringing people into this area, and we need to do everything we can; we can't have blinders on. Sure we want to focus on the downtown, but we have to see other things that affect downtown businesses. They might not necessarily be right in the downtown." I said.

BLUEPRINT PROCESS

Community Development Director Dan Petersen addressed the Authority about the ongoing Blueprint Process that is part of MSHDA's Michigan Blueprints for Downtowns initiative.

According to MSHDA, "This program takes a comprehensive, market-driven approach toward developing an action-oriented, downtown enhancement strategy. The prime objective is to develop an action strategy that will, over a five-year period of implementation time, move forward your community's traditional downtown toward economic enhancement. Measurable results that will be tracked include the creation of new private jobs and private investment in the downtown. The process of the 'Blueprints' program will be highly inclusive, will take approximately five months to complete, and will result in the issuance of an action strategy."

According to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, "The Blueprints for Michigan's Downtowns takes a comprehensive, market-driven approach toward developing an action-oriented, downtown economic enhancement strategy. The Cool Cities Blueprints for Michigan’s Downtowns is designed to develop an action strategy that will, over a five-year period of implementation, move your community’s traditional downtown toward economic enhancement. Measurable results that will be tracked include the creation of new private jobs and private investment in the downtown. Process for the Cool Cities Blueprints for Michigan’s Downtowns program will be highly inclusive utilizing local volunteers and town hall meeting formats, will take approximately three months to complete, and will result in the issuance of an action strategy." Sound familiar?

The MEDC and MSHDA has contracted with a nationally recognized consulting firm, Hyett-Palma,  to create downtown action strategies for selected Michigan communities. This consulting firm specializes in the economic enhancement of downtowns and older business districts.

In addition to the intense process facilitated by nationally known experts in downtown revitalization and the issuance of an action strategy, the selected communities will also realize special consideration under some MEDC and MSHDA programs targeted at neighborhood and downtown revitalization. The goal is to make Michigan's downtowns wonderful places to live, work, and play. This will be accomplished by developing an action strategy that will, over a five-year period of implementation, move your community’s traditional downtown toward economic enhancement.

According to Petersen, George and Jackie have been going from business to business dropping off surveys for the program. He said the program is "moving forward." Petersen told the Authority that the next step in the process was to get the land use information entered into the computer in order to create a map.

Petersen told the DIDA that a telephone survey was conducted last Tuesday with the help of volunteers; the Daily Globe; Coleman Engineering; the Chamber of Commerce; the Gogebic County EDC; and the City of Ironwood. According to Petersen, there were very few hang-ups and the people were surprisingly cooperative. He said he was encouraged by the way people seemed to be so willing to help.

Petersen said the next big thing with the program is to meet with the consultants. He said the various meetings that are required are in the process of being set up. He said his main concern is setting up the Community Vision Session (see ad on the lower right hand corner of the front page). This meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 21, 2009, at 7:00 PM in the Auditorium of the Ironwood Memorial Building.

According to a flyer Petersen handed out, "The City of Ironwood will welcome HyettePalma to facilitate a discussion on the future of Downtown Ironwood. What do you want your downtown to look like? Come give us your thoughts; your input is critical! If you have any questions, please contact Community Development Director Dan Petersen at (906) 932-5050 or petersend@cityofironwood.org."

The topic of marketing the Community Vision Session was then brought up. Petersen suggested placing an ad in the Globe and doing mailings to promote the event. Authority members came up with many alternatives to paying for advertising on any level. Hand-outs; press releases; radio interviews with Chuck Gervasio and Sam Erspamer; email messages; supermarket bulletin boards; downtown banners; coffee shop postings; City employees verbally promoting the event when people pay their water bills;  posting information on the City website; use of the Chronicle and IronwoodInfo.com who both offer free community public service announcements; free listings in local papers under "Events" were all mentioned.

George Goeig suggested that paid ads would needed and asked that money be allocated in the budget to allow Dan Petersen the ability to use the funds for paid advertisements if needed.

2009/2010 BUDGET

The total budget for the DIDA for 2009/2010 is $11,500 for the year. The $3,000 costs for the billboard are no longer needed. Dan Petersen suggested that the funds be moved to the Miscellaneous Expense.

Bruce Noren excused himself from the meeting to tend to other business.

Eva Smith-Furgason suggested that the funds stay where they are, recommending that they can be changed later. Jackie Powers suggested they be moved to Downtown Enhancements.

Goerig suggested the funds stay as is until word is received from the Blueprints Program. The Authority agreed.

STAFF UPDATES

Flower basket letters were sent and the same person was rehired to water the baskets this year as last.

CITIZENS WISHING TO ADDRESS THE DIDA ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS

Ken Hazel told the Authority that he originally came to the meeting to discuss the Miners Memorial Heritage Park, but since it was omitted from the agenda he was going to address the DIDA on a slightly different level.

"I'm not from here," Hazel stated, "And I'm not Finnish! And that's the beauty of it. We're all from a diverse group. That's the kind of things that makes this country a strong thing. In America we have the ability to pursue an idea. That's what makes it great because other people come here from other countries just for that reason."

Hazel went on to say that sharing ideas and discussing them make good ideas even better and they make great ideas even greater.

"I have to admit I'm really disappointed in Ironwood politics since I've been here. You know, you voted for the ski race, and I'm happy to hear that, but I'm going to give you all a little history lesson here."

He continued by explaining that the ski race ideas wasn't two years old, it was three. It started out as ABR going to Wolverine. Then it shifted to maybe Powderhorn. Then, through much discussion and brainstorming and the desire to help out the struggling downtown, it was decided that the best option was to have part of the race take place downtown. He said that everybody has a vision. He used the Mayor's current quest to purchase Powderhorn as an example. He said the downhill ski industry is in a current decline. He told the Authority that Noren must have a vision -- he must see something that many of us don't. He believes he can make it work.

"Sometimes you need to approach a drowning victim from behind," Hazel said, referring to the City of Ironwood, "You might actually have to try to bop him on the head to knock him out because they'd be so reluctant -- even though you are trying to save them -- that they'll take you down with them."

Hazel said he was really disappointed that people weren't, at the very least, willing to hear what the Miners Memorial Heritage Park was all about. He said the sad thing is that the race and the Park were born together and they were split because the Park was deemed to be "too controversial."

"It's a sad thing," said Hazel.

Events won't save the town. They won't make it rich. They can help, Hazel said, but the main reason cities hold events is to bring new people to their communities to show them what you have.

"The ski race brings people to the area!" Hazel said. Ultimately the unique things like the area's parks, shops, businesses, and trails keep them here. Hazel mentioned that many people currently leave in Ironwood for the entire winter season. These people, Hazel said, bring money with them and the money they spend greatly impacts the area economy.

"They buy pizza. They play pool. Their in the co-op." Hazel said. The demographics of the "silent sport" enthusiasts show that they average incomes in the $75,000 range. He said many people don't notice these people, but they are there and they are spending the money helping out the local economy.

Hazel pointed out that the town is dying. The MMHP will cost the City nothing. Many people put a great deal of time and energy into the plan, and what is lost by simply listening to those people? What is hurt by trying something new that doesn't cost anything? Hazel continue to explain that the DIDA should be very interested in the Park. The Park was designed to draw people to the downtown.

Hazel ended by saying, "You accomplish in proportion to what you attempt. You attempt nothing and nothing is what you'll get."

The reporter spoke in favor of the MMHP. I explained that the presentations were exceptional and very professional. I mentioned a comment that was sent to the Chronicle by a man from Ely, Minnesota who said, "I've been reading about the walking trails and park system you want throughout Ironwood. I travel to many pool tournaments and I see many areas throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin have been adding bike, hike, and x-county ski trails. They seem to be pretty big events and from I have gathered from local bar owners they bring in a lot of money to their towns. One bar/supper club owner I talked to this summer told me he'd much rather have skiers in his place than snowmobilers because skiers spend more money and don't damage his property."

OTHER BUSINESS

Pocket Park - Lou Bonagura spoke to the Authority requesting that they pay $200 this year for flowers. Last year the Master Gardners paid for all of the flowers, but this year they would like the City to pitch in $200. The DIDA unanimously approved the expenditure.

Bonagura explained that he was rather upset that the lights were removed from the park. Petersen explained that many of the lights were on the ground and in very poor shape.

Sharon's Place - County Treasurer Sue Pertile said the City could examine the property to view the property after March 31st. Steve Frank, Goerig, and Gresham will be examining the building at that time.

City Lights - Steve Frank told the Authority that the lights on West Aurora Street still turn off extremely early at night and the lights on Suffolk Street are on at 9:00 AM. Petersen said he would check on that issue.

Blueprint Process and the Park  - It's a community vision, Frank said, he wanted to reopen the Park issue. and several of the members tried to prevent the discussion.

Blight at Woodtech - Eva Smith-Furgason expressed her disappointment that nothing has been done about the blight at Woodtech even though there have been numerous complaints involving the stacks of lumber behind their building and the board up windows on the building. Petersen said he will talk to the owners of the business.

With that said and done, the meeting was abruptly adjourned.