Members Present: Biermacher, Clark, James, Johnson, Julien,
Kingsland and Wallace.
Members Absent: Woodrick (with notice)
Others Present: John Elliott, project engineer from FTC&H, Patricia
Cornelisse, landscape architect from Cornelisse Design Associates and
Jay Cravens, Township Manager.
ARTICLE 1. Call the Meeting to Order
Chairman Wallace called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.
ARTICLE 2. Approval of the Agenda
Supervisor Julien made a motion to approve the
agenda submitted by staff. Member James seconded the motion. The
motion passed unanimously.
ARTICLE 3. Approval of the Minutes of January 16, 2001
Supervisor Julien made a motion to approve the
minutes of the January 16, 2001 meeting, as submitted by staff. Member
Biermacher seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
ARTICLE 4. Progress Report on Old 28th St.
Streetscape Construction
John Elliott stated that the reconstruction of Old 28th
Street was now substantially completed. There are a few punch list
items that need to be completed. At this point it appears that the
project will come in $3,000 to $4,000 less than bid price. This
project is scheduled to close out in early April. With regards to the
streetscape project John indicated the decorative stonewall was
proceeding very well. Substantial completion of the Streetscape
project in June 1st, with final completion scheduled for
June 30th.
Member Clark if the construction contract included any penalty
clauses in case the projects were not completed on time? John replied
that there would be a few days of damage costs assessed against the
contract. Member James asked how many days would be assessed and the
cost. John replied the contractor would be assessed for at least 3
days at $700 a day.
Supervisor Julien asked if there was a way to soften the appearance
and impact of the turnaround on 28th Street.
Pat Cornelisse responded that 6 – 8 pine tree could be clustered to
help soften the turnaround’s appearance. John commented trucks were
not using the turnaround to the extent that the Road Commission
anticipated.
Member James asked about the status of purchase of the Westdale
property (for the turnaround). John indicated that progress had slowed
down because of issues related to ownership and a clear chain of
title.
Member Johnson asked about the possibility of planting trees on the
future fire station property. Manager Cravens explained the site
characteristics and potential problems of placing trees on the
property. Supervisor Julien said he was in favor of trees on the
property as long as they did not interfere with future plans for the
property.
Chairman Wallace about the sidewalk along the south side of 28th
Street. John stated that the construction equipment for the sidewalk
was left on the Walgreen’s property through the winter and the
sidewalk would be installed this spring as part of the 28th
Street Streetscape project.
ARTICLE 5. Progress Report on Tassell Riverfront Park
Construction
Pat Cornelisse undated the DDDA about the status of the bidding
process. The low bidder was JWK Construction. Work is scheduled to
begin at the end of March. Substantial completion is set for October
1, 2001. Other contractors involved in the project include Mountain
Ridge, Rooks Landscaping and Katerberg – Verhage.
Supervisor Julien spoke about his winter visit with Mr. Tassell.
Mr. Tassell was very excited about the progress. Pat asked if Mr.
Tassell would be interested in having a video that would show work
progress.
Pat mentioned the need to re-visit the ceremonial entrance to the
park with Mr. Tassell. She was not completely satisfied with her
design work at his time and would like further input from Mr. Tassell.
Member Johnson asked about the location of the park sign and the
sidewalk. Pat pointed these features out to Julie on the park plans.
Member Clay asked how the Kingsland family would be identified. Pat
indicated that recognition would be located near the riverfront
gazebo. Members of the Kingsland family would have their names placed
in the piers of the gazebo as well.
Pat then discussed her meeting with Fredric Goldberg regarding his
property located north of the park site. Plans were being developed to
eliminate Mr. Goldberg’s exiting driveway and develop a joint
driveway. These plans have not been finalized, but both parties were
very cooperative about this option.
Supervisor Julien asked about the location of sidewalk or pathway
for the park. Pat indicated there would be a connection between the
park and the intersection of Cascade Road and Thornapple River Drive.
There was some discussion about the possible purchase of the Tuffy
Muffler property. It was the general consensus that purchase of this
property would be desirable even if its purchase were in 20 years.
ARTICLE 6. Election of Officers for 2001
Chairman Wallace asked about the procedure for nominating officers
for the DDA Board. He then asked if there were Board members that
would like to be chairman, as he would graciously step down.
Supervisor Julien stated that he felt Chairman Wallace has done a fine
job as chairman for the past year. Supervisor Julien then nominated
Dan Wallace for Chairman, Ron Biermacher for Vice Chairman and Ray
James for Secretary / Treasurer. The motion passed unanimously.
ARTICLE 7. Any Other Business
Chairman Wallace asked about the status of the Thornapple River
Drive Pathway project. Manager Cravens stated that staff was working
on plans for the development of a pathway and bridge alternatives that
would be presented to the public this summer. Manager Cravens felt
that Cascade residents would be pleased with the alternatives being
presented.
ARTICLE 8. Adjournment
On a motion by Member James and seconded by Member Biermacher the
meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jay W. Cravens, Executive Director
