Smith-Furgason Elected Downtown Ironwood Development Authority Chairperson
Acting-Chairperson Joe Karius Says He'll Probably Resign
IRONWOOD, MI - Thursday, January 27, 2011 - At this morning's Downtown Ironwood Development Authority (DIDA) meeting, Eva Smith-Furgason, was elected as Chairperson of the DIDA. Lee-Ann Garske was elected Vice-Chairperson.
The regular January meeting was called to order by Acting-Chairman Joe Karius at 8:00 AM. DIDA Secretary Jane Bowman recorded the roll. All members, except one, were present - Joe Karius; Rick Tippett; Eva Smith-Furgason; Gail Johnston; Matt Weber; Jim Albert; Mayor Bob Burchell and Lee-Ann Garske (via telephone). Tom Williams was absent. City Staffers present for the meeting included: Community Development Director Merritt Bussiere; City Manager Scott Erickson and DIDA Secretary Jane Bowman. Representing the press were Jon Hawley, reporter for the Daily Globe, and yours truly. Citizens attending the meeting included: Lou Bonagura and Arvo Toolanen.
After roll was recorded the Authority unanimously approved the December 2, 2010 Re-Scheduled Regular Meeting minutes and the Docket as presented. Joe Karius asked if there were any citizens in attendance who wished to address the Authority on Agenda items. There were none.
The next item on the Agenda was the election of officers. Joe Karius asked if there were any nominations for Chairperson. This reporter nominated Eva Smith Furgason. Lee-Ann Garske nominated Tom Williams and Mayor Bob Burchell nominated Lee-Ann Garske. There was a bit of confusion regarding the procedure for the election of officers so the Mayor investigated the procedure in the Robert's Rules of Order. After a brief discussion of the procedure, the Authority agreed to have a silent ballot election to determine the new Authority Chairperson. Since Lee-Ann Garske was not physically present, Merritt Bussiere wrote out her ballot. Eva Smith-Furgason won the election with four votes. Lee-Ann Garske received three votes and Tom Williams received 2 votes.
Following the election of Chairperson, Smith-Furgason took over the meeting from Joe Karius. Nominations were taken for Vice-Chairperson. Lee-Ann Garske was nominated by Mayor Burchell. This reporter asked Joe Karius if he had any interest in serving once again as Vice-Chairman. He indicated that he was not interested. No other nominations were made. The Authority voted unanimously to appoint Garske as Vice-Chairperson.
The Authority then established the following goals and objectives for the year 2011: (1) A concentrated, methodical effort to implement the seven priority projects involved in the Blueprint Program; (2) to revive and amend Downtown Ironwood's TIF District (currently the City's TIF District is dormant); (3) establish policies and guidelines to insure that the DIDA treats all requests for assistance (monetary or other) equally and fairly.
Before a vote was taken on the goals and objectives, Joe Karius told the Authority that he felt the policies and guidelines would do nothing to help the Authority make decisions. He said in the past such decisions were made based on common sense, and he felt that establishing policies and guidelines was a wasted effort by the DIDA. The vote was taken to approve the goals and objectives, there were seven votes to approve and one not to approve. Karius was the only no vote.
Lee-Ann Garske then gave her monthly update on the Chamber of Commerce. She presented the update in a written form that CD Director Bussiere distributed to the DIDA members. Here is what the update stated:
The awards banquet was held at the Caribou Lodge on January 19th.
The Chamber is looking for new office space. There are three different sites they are exploring the feasibility of leasing one of them.
The web site is being worked on -- they are designing the site to have easier access for members to hook up on the site and that of the City of Ironwood.
They are focusing on another fundraiser and are open to suggestions. Would welcome ideas from the DIDA.
Business after five will be held the third Thursday hosted by Old World Meats.
Merritt Bussiere then presented a progress report on the seven priority projects relating to the Blueprint implementation process:
1. DIDA Provides Input on Specific Implementation of Phase I Grant for Downtown. PROJECT DRIVER: DIDA Board. CURRENT STATUS: Waiting for the Grant. Scott Erickson indicated that the Grant has been approved and an Environmental Review has been submitted. A response is expected within 30 days. A workshop has been scheduled for Thursday, February 10, 2011 at 8:00 AM.
2. Augment Wayfinding System. PROJECT DRIVERS: Matt Weber, Jim Albert. CURRENT STATUS: First meeting held to hammer out detailed work plan and calendar.
3. Create Support Program for Existing Downtown Businesses. PROJECT DRIVERS: Eva Smith-Furgason and Merritt Bussiere. CURRENT STATUS: First meeting held to hammer out detailed work plan and calendar.
4. Enhance Downtown Entrances. PROJECT DRIVERS: (NONE). CURRENT STATUS: (NOTHING)
5. Create Incentive Toolbox for New Businesses. PROJECT DRIVERS: Eva Smith-Furgason, Donna Scorse and Merritt Bussiere. CURRENT STATUS: First meeting held to hammer out detailed work plan and calendar.
6. Create Expanded Pocket Park. PROJECT DIVERS: Lee-Ann Garske. CURRENT STATUS: First meeting held to hammer out detailed work plan and calendar.
7. Help Create New Downtown Events. PROJECT DRIVERS: DIDA, Ironwood Business Merchants Association, Rick Tippett and Donna Scorse. CURRENT STATUS: First meeting held to hammer out detailed work plan and calendar.
Bussiere explained to the Authority that there was no specific project driver for Project #4. He said the Kiwanis Club was listed, but he indicated that the Club doesn't get involved in that sort of thing. He handed out a paper that provided more detail on the project. He urged the Authority to seek a person to drive this project. The paper stated:
What are the basic Next Steps?
What Resources and Partners are needed to move this project forward?
- Michigan State Housing Development Authority
- Master Gardeners
- Civic Groups - including Kiwanis Beautification Committee
- Strengthening Your Niche/Next Generation Group
- Young Volunteers
- City of Ironwood
- Michigan Department of Transportation
- Adjacent Property Owners - Business and Residential
- City Residents
Estimated Date of Completion?
July 15, 2011
Mayor Bob Burchell gave a quick report on the SISU and the Shop SISU Saturday events. According to Burchell, 670 skiers participated in the three SISU race events compared to 397 skiers last year. He noted that there was a scheduling conflict with a Cable/Hayward race this year and that could have affected the total number of participants. He presented a handout to the Authority that outlined the overall success of the Shop SISU Saturday event. It read:
Shop Sisu Saturday
Lee-Ann Garske, Bob Burchell and Donna Scorse met to decide if it was feasible to pursue the shopping campaign with the monies donated by the Sisu committee.
It was decided that we would divide the downtown businesses among us and visit each one to describe the event.
Merritt Bussiere provide us with the retail and restaurant businesses in downtown Ironwood. Eric Fitting, Lee-Ann Garske, Bob Burchell and Donna Scorse then visited each site -- over 45 to be exact.
We provided them with a detail map of the downtown access route, the SISU agenda, a poster for the store front and index cards for the customer to fill out.
Ads were placed on the radio stations and in the Daily Globe, paid for by the SISU committee. The Superior Chronicle also ran several articles on the event.
The response we received was very positive. All merchants were responsible for informing the customer about the event. At the end of the day they brought the entries to Mary Hitt. She brought all of them to the theatre for the award ceremony and the winners were drawn. More than 100 cards were turned in, the first place winner donated his money back to the SISU and the 2nd and 3rd place winners donated $25 back.
For the first year and working such a short time frame it was a good event. The DIDA, Chamber and Merchants worked together and the communication between everyone was much better this year.
Eva Smith-Furgason expressed some concerns about the Shop Sisu Saturday, and offered suggestions to improve the event. A brief discussion took place and Burchell said he would forward her concerns and ideas to the SISU committee.
Project Updates - Community Development Director Merritt Bussiere handed out the same information he presented to the City Commission regarding the proprosed Penokee Mining facility (Read related article). He reminded the members of the Authority about the potential positive impact the operation could have on Ironwood and other neighboring communities. He also pointed out that having such a quality employer in the area would lead to future business start-ups, etc.
City Manager Scott Erickson added a couple more updates. The City is exploring the possibility of building a bike Pump Track near the Skate Park. Brian Pisani is the gentleman who is behind the effort. Erickson told the Authority that the Chamber was considering a move and one of the locations they are eyeing is the Velin Building adjacent to the Theatre.
The new Economic Development Director for the Gogebic/Ontonagon Community Action Agency (GOCAA), Velda Sclafani, introduced herself to the Authority during the "Citizen's Comments" section of the Agenda. She previously lived in the Ironwood area before moving to Florida. While here previously, she sold real estate. She also sold real estate in Florida. She volunteered to be the Project Driver for the Downtown Entrance Enhancements.
She went on to suggest ideas she had to improve the Downtown. One of her suggestions was to install public bathrooms. Merritt explained to her that the issue had been extensively discussed in the past.
Other Business - The Authority was presented with a request by the Daily Globe to support the publication of their 2011 Progress Editions. Eleven sections are planned for the Editions - (1) Orvana Minerals; (2) GCC; (3) Aspirus Grand View; (4) Health & Wellness; (5) Norther Highland; (6) Ontonagon; (7) Gogebic; (8) Bessemer; (9) Wakefield; (10) Ironwood Industrial and (11) Ironwood Community. Avertising costs for the ad: 1st Section - $8 column inch; 2nd Section - 25% discount; 3rd through 8th Section - 50% discount. Premium advertising costs are: 5 column x 13" Back Page - $496; Front inside cover/back inside cover - $295; and Inside 5 column x 13" Full Page black & white - $245.
Chairperson Smith-Furgason asked Joe Karius if he wanted to address the matter.
Karius told the Authority that they traditionally (except for last year) purchased ads for this Edition in the range of $300 to $400. He told the members that it was a good opportunity to let the people know what progress is being made by the DIDA in downtown development.
This reporter spoke up. I pointed out that the newspaper should already by letting the people know what progress is being made through their articles. I said that I didn't believe the DIDA should be wasting their limited funds telling people what should already be known through reporting. I also said, when the DIDA accomplishes something, it will be visible and people visiting the downtown will see the results of our efforts. I jokingly said, "When I finally decide to give my tenants heat... I won't have to write them a letter... they'll know it."
Smith-Furgason asked if there was any other discussion. No one on the Authority said a word.
She then asked if anyone wanted to make a proposal. I asked the Chairperson if we were allowed to make any decision on the matter, even if we wanted to, because it involves the expenditure of funds and it wasn't an official agenda item.
Smith-Furgason then said, "By default, we really cannot take this into consideration." She went on to say that the DIDA should look at issues like this when they examine guidelines and policies. She said one of the improvements that have occurred in the downtown is that several stores are now staying open later. She said there are a lot of things to "crow about."
No action was taken.
This reporter passed along some information I got from IVFD Chief Ken Jacobson. In July of 2012, the U.P. Volunteer Firefighters Association will be holding the 118th tournament and convention in Downtown Ironwood. In previous years over 1500 tournament packets have been sent out, and hosting the event has proven to be a big draw for downtown businesses. Ironwood has been the most requested location for the event and many of the participants wanted to return here. The IVFD and the ITVFD will be c0-hosting the event, and they are seeking assistance from the DIDA and the Ironwood Business Merchants Assocation. No real details of the request were given, but the DIDA agreed to place the matter on the agenda for the next meeting and will make attempts to either have a representative appear before the Authority or the Authority will make efforts to find out how the DIDA can assist in the event.
Smith-Furgason asked if anyone else had any other business.
"I have one item." Karius said, "I’ve been on this board for more than nine years and a lot of things have happened. And I was, I think, a big part of working on the Blueprint grant, to get it here, so I think it’s been a good time. In view of the election today, I will be likely resigning – I just want people to know. I don’t have the same approach or some of the same philosophies as the Chairperson and I think it would be difficult for me to continue. Also, I would hope the Chairperson would be more respectful being on time for meetings and attending meetings. I think that’s pretty important. And speed up on understanding on how meetings are operated. But, I want to think it over, but I’m pretty sure what I’m going to do -- that would be to resign. So I want to wish you all the best going forward with the Blueprint Plan and hope that it works out. That’s all I have to say."
Following Karius' address, the Chairperson thanked him and moved on with the meeting.
Smith-Furgason gave a brief report on the success of the Christmas Bucks program that she initiated a few years ago. She explained that more and more customers are shopping downtown for Christmas because of the promotion. She said she plans on expanding the program next year to include more highway businesses as well.
Following Smith-Furgason's report on the Christmas Bucks, a motion was made, to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded, and the Authority unanimously voted to adjourn.
