DDA Board Minutes
Meeting Minutes
Cascade Charter Township
Downtown Development Authority
Board of Directors
August 18, 2009
Cascade Library Wisner Center
2870 Jacksmith Ave. SE
ATTENDEES: Rob Beahan, David Huhn, Ray James, Julie Johnson, Diana
Kingsland, Joann Noto, Rick Siegel, Dan Wallace.
Absences: Ron Clark (excused), Kirt Ojala (excused).
Others Attending: Assistant to the Manager Sandra Otey and Recording
Secretary Hern
Guests: Pat Cornelisse, Landscape Architect; Mike Berrevoets, Fishbeck
.
ARTICLE 1: Call the Meeting to Order
Chairman Huhn called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
ARTICLE 2: Approval of the Agenda
Chairman Huhn requested a motion of approval of the August 18, 2009
DDA Agenda. No revisions, corrections to the agenda and Member Beahan
motioned to accept the minutes as presented, supported by Member
Kingsland. The agenda of the August 18, 2009 was approved as
submitted.
ARTICLE 3: Approval of the Minutes of March 17, 2009 Meeting.
Chairman Huhn requested a motion of approval of the March 17, 2009
minutes.
Member Siegel motioned for approval of the minutes as presented,
supported by Member Beahan.
All in favor of the March 17, 2009 DDA Minutes as presented; none
opposed. Motion carried.
ARTICLE 4: Update of the 2010 Streetscape Project - Sidewalk
through I-96 Interchange.
Assistant to the Manager Otey introduced Ms. Cornelisse and Mr.
Berrevoets who are available for questions from the DDA.
The goal, at this time, is to provide a bidding package to
contractors this winter. Construction is expected to begin when
weather allows in the Spring of 2010. MDOT (Michigan Department of
Transportation) will need to complete a final review of the drawings
and specifications prior to bidding.
Easements will need to be obtained from two (2) property owners.
Both are relatively small easements where the sidewalk crosses the
corner of the parcel. Discussions with the property owners will begin
once the Township is comfortable that the proposed sidewalk location
works from a grading and location standpoint.
The Geothechnical Engineers have completed the preliminary design
for the earth retention work under I-96. MDOT has reviewed this
information and is in general agreement with the concepts and the
construction. Construction plans will be developed and then MDOT will
need to perform another review.
MDOT is requiring that pedestrian crosswalk signals be installed at
the intersection ramps that are signalized on 28th Street. An MDOT
approved Traffic Signal Engineer has been contacted for a price to
complete the design work for this item.
Input is needed from the DDA for the concrete facing design on the
earth retention system (retaining wall) under I-96. The earth
retention system will consist of steel sheet piling (or soldier piles)
being driven in the slope under the bridge to support the slope. While
this system provides the stability required, it is not very attractive
so a concrete wall is usually poured in front of and attached to the
sheet piling. The concrete wall can be anything from plain concrete
(like a foundation of a house) to a textured or geometric design. The
texture on the concrete face is usually accomplished by using
"form liners." The form liners are placed in the concrete
forms before pouring and the concrete sets around the form. The form
is then removed to reveal the textured surface. The possibilities
range from a simple stucco type texture to simulated bricks or rocks
to custom designs. Costs will increase with the complexity of the
design. If the DDA can provide some direction of what they want the
look to be, then the Township can start to work out a design and how
the pattern will repeat, etc.
Input is also needed form the DDA regarding the type of light
fixtures and spacing requirements.
Mr. Berrevoets showed cross sections under the bridge and provided
examples of other underpasses. He noted that some bridges have
painting on them and if the Township decided to implement a painted
piece, the maintenance would be up to the Township. He also noted that
MDOT does a textured concrete that is exposed aggregate that
discourages graffiti because it is covered with a sealant.
An average cost is approximately $5 - $10 per square foot and $7 -
$15 for facing. There will be a five (5) foot concrete wall by the
support pillars. Mr. Berrevoets also suggested keeping the material
flat and by the sidewalk, there is fluting to allow for water runoff.
Ms. Cornelisse suggested incorporating part or all of the
Township's logo into the concrete face with two bands of blue
incorporated with the Township logo.
Member Johnson asked if the concrete pieces under the bridge would
get replaced and Mr. Berrevoets said they will be cut-off at a certain
point to allow for the construction then re-poured and they should
blend.
Member Noto asked if the Township wanted colored concrete if it
could be stained instead of painted. Mr. Berrevoets said a stain could
be used if only using one (1) color.
Member Siegel asked if the sidewalk under the overpass would flood
with the rain runoff and Mr. Berrevoets said he would talk to MDOT as
he believes water might sit on the sidewalk.
Member Kingsland said she would prefer to have something more
decorative than a plain wall and Member Wallace agreed.
Member Beahan said he would also prefer a more decorative wall but
cautioned in using the Township logo as that could change over time.
Member Siegel said he favors a moderately priced decorative and
favors Ms. Cornelisse's suggestion with the blue bans but prefers the
material to be maintenance free as possible.
Member Johnson also favored a subtle but decorative facing.
Assistant to the Manager Otey said she would meet with Ms.
Cornelisse and Mr. Berrevoets to develop examples for the DDA's review
at the next meeting.
Assistant to the Manager Otey also distributed lighting plans and
Ms. Cornelisse reviewed the plans with the DDA. She noted that most of
the overhead power lines would stay but she will review with Fishbeck
to see if any can be combined or eliminated.
Ms. Cornelisse said the Township is currently utilizing the Lumac
lights with double fixtures at the intersection of Kraft Ave. Ms.
Cornelisse noted the I-96 overpass would provide a natural transition
for a different light-style if the DDA were to choose one and
suggested a utilitarian style light fixture for west of the overpass.
Another option could be to install the utilitarian fixtures by the
hotels as well.
MDOT provides the lighting at the highway interchanges and Mr.
Berrevoets suggested the DDA focus on lighting the sidewalk area.
Member Siegel asked if the north side of 28th Street has sidewalks
and Assistant to the Manager Otey noted that the sidewalk stops at the
corner of 28th Street and Kraft, and the sidewalk then leads to the
north, down Kraft Avenue.
Open discussion was also held regarding trees along 28th Street and
Mr. Berrevoets said that MDOT controls the easement on 28th Street
west of the hotel and not sure if they would allow trees in that area.
Member Johnson said she favors Ms. Cornelisse's first
recommendation in having the lighting transition to the utilitarian
style west of the overpass on the south side of 28th Street. As for
the north side, she would favor having lighting by Meijer on the north
side but nothing west of the highway on that side.
Member Siegel said he also favors the utilitarian lighting west of
the highway and does not believe lighting is necessary by Meijer. He
said he is not opposed to additional tree plantings as long as the DDA
is respectful to the businesses in the area and the trees do not block
the business signs or obstruct a driver's vision.
Member Beahan also favors the utilitarian style lighting west of
the I-96 overpass and supports the Lumac lights east of the highway on
both sides. Additional tree plantings would also be a benefit as long
as they are respectful to the businesses in the area.
Member Wallace agreed with Member Beahan regarding lighting and
tree plantings.
Member Kingsland favors the utilitarian style lighting west of the
highway and Lumac lighting east. She does not feel that the Meijer
site needs additional lighting and favors tree plantings on the south
side of 28th Street only.
Member Noto is also in favor of the Lumac lights east of the
overpass and the utilitarian lighting to the west and agrees with
Member Siegel's comments regarding the tree plantings.
Member Kingsland also questioned if bushes could be used instead of
trees and Ms. Cornelisse said it is possible and Member Johnson also
favored the idea of bushes instead of trees, especially near the
highway.
Mr. Berrevoets also reported that MDOT has plans in the next few
years to reconstruct the highway ramps on/off 28th Street and might
want to consider this for planning. Member Siegel questioned if the
sidewalk and plantings should wait until MDOT's project is completed
and Mr. Berrevoets said MDOT would not disrupt the sidewalk and
plantings.
Mr. Berrevoets and Ms. Cornelisse said they would develop plans
based on the DDA's comments presented and would present their ideas at
the next meeting.
ARTICLE 5: Project Priorities.
Assistant to the Manager Otey said the DDA has a number of
potential projects waiting in its wings and Staff is requesting the
list be prioritized. The projects are as follows:
1. I-96 Interchange sidewalk/improvements.
2. Cascade Road sidewalk/improvements.
3. Roundabout.
4. Centennial Park improvements.
5. Boulevard on 28th Street
Obviously, the DDA is currently on plans for the sidewalk through
the interchange. The DDA discussed this project late last year and
decided to pursue it while MDO is giving us the green light.
The Cascade Road project would include sidewalks, streetlights and
possibly trees on the south/west side of the road from 28th Street to
Cascade Village apartments. A small portion of this project is located
outside the DDA District, which the Township Board would have to cover
the cost for that small portion.
The Roundabout is currently in the 'study phase' right now. It
appears that it might be feasible; however, Staff does not have a
final document at this time.
Centennial Park improvements are currently in the plan for 2014 for
sidewalks and this project may be moved up.
The Boulevard on 28th Street near Meijer is also currently in the
plan for 2017. The boulevard would be east of the interchange and
could include an entry sign. KCRC (Kent County Road Commission) would
have to approve the project.
Member Kingsland said she feels Item 1, the I-96 interchange
improvements should remain as the top priority. She would like the
28th Street Boulevard project moved up but might not be able to do the
project and if allowed to add the boulevard, the DDA should wait until
the ramp project has been completed. She agrees that the Cascade Road
improvements are dependent on the Roundabout project and would keep
these two (2) projects listed towards the top of the priority list; of
course this depends on the outcome of the feasibility study for the
roundabout. The Centennial Park improvements should be listed as Item
5 on the list.
Member Beahan agreed with Member Kingsland's list of priorities
along with Member Siegel and Member Johnson.
ARTICLE 6. Any Other Business.
Member Noto said she believes in beautifying the Township with
landscaping and she is also a business owner. She referred to the
trees in front of the Noto's property on 28th Street and the DDA has
put four (4) trees in front of their sign. Patrons very early in the
morning or at night could cause an accident and cannot see the sign.
When Noto's was built, they complied with the Township's Landscaping
Ordinance and the Township added the four (4) trees. She would like
the trees removed and replanted in another area. Ms. Cornelisse said
the trees could be replanted in the Fall but need for them to lose
their leaves first and Member Noto said that would be acceptable.
Member Siegel supported the tree removal as he is also facing
challenges with his business on Cascade Road with tree plantings and a
sidewalk being installed. The DDA unanimously agreed to have the four
(4) trees removed from the Noto property and replanted elsewhere
within the Township. Assistant to the Manager Otey said she would
review the tree removal and where to move the trees to within the
Township.
Member Johnson requested that greens be planted in the Village pots
this winter and Assistant to the Manager Otey would look into it.
ARTICLE 7. Adjournment
Chairman Huhn requested a motion for adjournment. At 8:16 p.m. Member
Beahan motioned for adjournment, supported by Member Siegle.
Respectfully Submitted,
Diana Kingsland, Secretary
Lisa Hern, Recording Secretary
Approved as to form by:
Sandra Otey, Assistant to the Manager
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