Downtown Development Authority Bi-Annual Report...Ionia Downtown Development Authority Semi-Annual...

Ionia

Downtown Development Authority

Semi-Annual Report

December 2020

Ionia Downtown Development Authority

Semi-Annual Information Meeting December 2020

The Ionia Downtown Development Authority (DDA) was originally organized in 1981. After a period of

inactivity, the DDA reorganized in 1989. At this time, a Tax Increment Financing Plan (TIF) and a 2 mill tax

were created to generate additional income for improvements. In addition, the boundaries of the DDA were

greatly expanded beyond the original central business district.

The mission of the Ionia DDA is to promote and control economic growth which enhances the quality of life

through planning and implementation of activities and projects within the Development District.

The DDA Board of Directors is comprised of the Mayor and eight (8) members appointed by the Mayor, subject

to confirmation by City Council. At least five (5) of the members shall be persons having an interest in property

located in the DDA District. At least one (1) of the members shall be a resident of the DDA District, if the DDA

District has one hundred (100) or more persons residing in it. Each member shall serve a term of four (4) years

but for the Mayor whose term shall coincide with his or her term as Mayor. An appointment to fill a vacancy shall

be made by the Mayor, upon confirmation by the City Council, for the remainder of the unexpired term. Members

of the Board shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses.

Regular meetings of the Board of Directors are held at City Hall on the third Wednesday of each month at

8:00AM. The Board of Directors also utilizes a Finance Committee which meets monthly. The Finance

Committee, comprised of a small number of board members, is charged with monitoring the DDA and Ionia

Theatre budgets, expenditures and other matters that financially impact the DDA and / or the Ionia Theatre.

Staff: Downtown Development Authority Director Linda Curtis

Office: 203 W Main Street

Mailing address: Ionia DDA P.O. Office Box 496 Ionia, MI 48846

Phone: 616.527.1420

Email: [email protected]

PA 57 compliance: Semi-annually beginning January 1, 2019

Authorities must hold two “informational meetings.” Informational meetings are meetings for the purpose of informing the public of

the goals and direction of the authority, including projects to be undertaken in the coming year. They are not for the purpose of

voting on policy, budgets or other operational matters.

Ionia Downtown Development Authority Semi Annual Informational Meeting

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mailto:[email protected]

Budget

Budget year: July 1 – June 30. Clean audit by contracted services for FY 2019/2020.

Budget FY 2020 / 2021 – attachment.

$362,550 - Recommended Budget Revenue from special assessments, Tax Increment Financing, festivals / special

events, sponsorships, and grants. Contributions from General Fund for capital outlay as determined.

$391,010 - Expenses include staff employment, central garage maintenance services, contractual agreements /

services, operating supplies, public utilities, training, district beautification, infrastructure improvements,

promotions and special events.

$2,910 - Fund balance. Reserved for 2020 / 2021 fund operating expenditures.

Finance contractual agreements:

o City of Ionia Fireworks Display: $6,000 to Melrose Pyrotechnics to secure 2021 date. Balance of

$6,000 to be paid following event.

o Ionia Mural Project Artist’s fee of $13,000.

DDA Projects and Investments

• Financial support of beautification projects including seasonal planting / maintenance of perennial

and annual flowers in the downtown shopping district. Plantings placed within curb jet areas, street side,

and individual planters / urns. Continued evaluation and maintenance of downtown Ornamental Pear trees.

Beginning December 2020, DDA will oversee wholesale greenhouse contractual agreement and product

for all planting beds as noted above. Work with DPW staff to set schedule of planting, product needs and

maintenance.

• Contract for fresh garland wraps placed on historic lampposts during each holiday season. A sponsorship

campaign directed by the DDA supports a portion of the costs. Donor recognition cards printed, laminated

and attached to garlands by DDA Director. Beginning December 2020, DDA will oversee contractual

agreement with local supplier.

• Seasonal banners and decorations within the business district. Artificial garland wraps and decorative

wreaths are placed on the downtown Main Street lampposts during the holiday season. Artificial garland

with lights were added to the Steele Street Corridor in November 2020. DDA oversees contractual

agreements with wholesale suppliers for product.

• Funding for landscaping, snow plowing, downtown maintenance, business district lampposts /

lighting and electrical costs included in DDA annual budget.


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DDA Projects and Investments continued

• Wayfinding Sign program supported by the City of Ionia General Fund. Program oversight by DDA.

• Dumpster program for downtown businesses within specific areas.

• Financial support for maintenance of public parking lots including snow removal, re-surfacing, crack

filling, asphalt sealing and repainting of parking space stripes.

• Ionia Mural Project fundraising campaign, contractual working agreement with artist, and installation

plans provided by DDA. Mural to be placed in the spring of 2021.

• Infrastructure investments within the DDA District vary each year.

• Incentive programming for future District investment as determined by City Manager and Finance

Director.

Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Ionia DDA is currently engaged in the following programs:

• Rental Rehabilitation grant programing. Second investment program to be initiated December 2020.

• Façade Improvement grant programing. Second property investment program to be initiated in December

2020.

• Redevelopment Ready Communities Certification (RRC). The City of Ionia received confirmation of

certification for the RRC program in July 2020. The DDA continues to be the contact and provider for

required documentation, training and operations for the RRC program. Annual reporting is also required

and must be maintained to continue certification. As of November 2020, only 45 Michigan cities had

completed the certification process. Due to the current COVID 19 health guidelines, MEDC did not host

an in-person reception to recognize the certification achievement. Acknowledgment will be via ZOOM

or during an upcoming City Council meeting.

• RRC - Phase 2 will now provide team to work with the DDA on the development of marketing packages

for up to five priority sites located within the traditional downtown. The program will assist in identifying

property assets, available resources and development opportunities for the properties. The City of Ionia

will have a dedicated website presence (www.miplace.org/site) listing the priority site packages. MEDC

will promote the sites statewide to potential developers.

• Committees formed during the 2019 Project Rising Tide initiative continue their mission. Committees

include Broadband, Downtown Development, Housing, and Economic Development.


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http://www.miplace.org/site

Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) continued

• Member of the Ionia County Selection Committee (The Right Place – COVID 19 Recovery Funding) for:

o Michigan Small Business Restart Program

o Small Business Relief Program

• Grant submitted for Michigan Match On Main funding to assist businesses with economic recovery

efforts. Ionia was not selected as a recipient for the program.

Economic Development

• Successfully working with business owners and entrepreneurs seeking to open and / or retain businesses

in DDA District.

• Provide small business training workshops and webinars. In-person trainings are pending due to COVID

guidelines.

• Maintained working relations and a visible presence with DDA business and property owners. Continued

regular retention calls and visits to offer DDA assistance.

• Promote Façade and Rental Rehabilitation grant programs. Work with MEDC representatives and Third

Party Administrator to provide assistance with grant writing and reporting. Past results included a four

unit rental rehabilitation project and grant funding of $153,000. Currently meeting with Third Party

Administrator on future projects relating to downtown rental rehabilitation opportunities.

• Attend trainings related to DDA development, downtown revitalization and planning (prior to Stay at

Home Order). Currently participating in on-line programming.

• Completed Project Rising Tide program administered through MEDC. Committees continue to meet.

• Sponsorship and donor programs for several DDA projects.

• The DDA continues to submit grant applications for various projects, events, and programming.

• Michigan Economic Development Corporation grant submitted and awarded to the City of Ionia for the

development of a marketing package for the Orchard View Industrial Park. The DDA now oversees the

project including grant reporting, fund distribution, and marketing package contracted through

communications firm. The package will include fact sheets, drone footage, sell sheet and digital marketing

materials. Once complete, the package will be forwarded to MEDC, The Right Place, in addition to being

placed on the City website.


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Organization

Maintained business office and DDA presence in the downtown and district as allowed and in accordance of the

State of Michigan Stay at Home Orders. Worked from home base in accordance of Stay at Home Order when

DDA office was closed.

• Prepare agendas, meeting minutes, and recordkeeping for the DDA Board of Directors.

• Respond to phone, mail and personal requests of DDA.

• Provide reports to assist with annual budget.

• DDA acts as the planning body for future downtown development within the DDA District.

• Oversee the expense funds collected by the Tax Increment Finance Authority district (TIFA).

• Provide funding for improving the downtown district through economic development, business

recruitment and retention, public improvements, downtown beautification, marketing and promotion and

special events.

• Operating expenses include staff employment, maintenance agreements, events, contractual agreements,

office equipment / supplies, and training.

• DDA Annual Report presented to Board of Directors and Ionia City Council.

• Host webinar series and trainings relating to business retention, customer service, marketing and

promotion for area business owners and their employees. Webinars presented at the Ionia Theatre. All

programming on hold at present time due to COVID guidelines.

• Marketing the Ionia Theatre to corporations as a site for webinar trainings for employees. Theatre currently

closed due to COVID guidelines.

Marketing Efforts

• Provide DDA related materials for the City of Ionia website including but not limited to agendas, meeting

minutes, DDA Director reports and special event information.

• Monthly segment on 1430 WION radio. News on events, projects and programming shared with listeners.

• Monthly newsletter created and distributed to contact list.

• Periodic press releases and related articles provided to area media contacts.

• Develop and share marketing campaign opportunities with District businesses.

• Provide marketing workshops in cooperation with Michigan Small Business Development Center for area

business owners.

• “Discover Ionia” website to be launched mid December 2020. Site will provide tourism / visitor

destination information for the community. Special events, news alerts, tourism related information and

more to be showcased on website.


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Special Events

• Ionia Fireworks Display is launched from the Ionia Fairgrounds infield. Attendance is estimated at

3,000 plus in previous years. 2020 event cancelled due to COVID guidelines.

• Michigan Wizard of Oz Festival was created in 2014 as the movie celebrated its 75th anniversary. Each

year the Festival continues to grow bringing visitors from across the nation to the city of Ionia. Event

cancelled due to COVID guidelines.

• Ionia Farmers’ Market open each Wednesday and Saturday June through October.

• Project partner of Autumn Celebration / Chili Dawg Challenge. Event cancelled due to COVID

guidelines.

• Street closing and barricade requests in preparation for special events.

• Assist with multiple fundraising activities for area nonprofit organizations.

• Shop Local campaigns including but not limited to Small Business Saturday and Buy Nearby retail

programs.

• The DDA and Ionia Area Chamber of Commerce have collaborated on numerous special projects and

events during the past year. The partnership has provided additional opportunities to market and promote

the community and businesses to a larger target audience.

• Holiday parade and other related activities were cancelled / postponed / modified in 2020 due to COVID

guidelines. Worked with Chamber of Commerce Director to create targeted shop local campaigns, modify

events and activities when possible. Two new events created this year were “Christmas On the Bricks”

and “Twinkle Town”.

Planned Projects

• Steele Street Corridor Reconstruction Project completed and on schedule.

• Ionia’s first official historical mural painted on aluminum panels which will be mounted to a frame and

attached to the brick exterior of the Ionia Theatre. Due to COVID guidelines, the artist time line was

delayed. Placement of the mural is now set for spring 2021.

• Continued work with MEDC to promote façade and rental rehabilitation grants for downtown properties.

New project scheduled for 2021.

• Host webinar series and trainings related to business retention, customer service, marketing and

promotion for area business owners and their employees.

• Continue to develop new events to create a destination atmosphere for the downtown / DDA district

area. Enhance current events and activities. Continued expansion of “Discover Ionia” website.


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Planned Projects continued

• Future restoration of the Grand Trunk Railroad caboose purchased by the DDA in December 2013. Once

completed, the unit will be placed along the Grand River Valley Rail Trail and be open for public

viewing.

• Gateway Park Project currently on hold due to cost.

• Goals and projects as detailed in the City of Ionia Master Plan are reviewed and completed accordingly.

• Capital Improvement Plan for City of Ionia and DDA – attachment 3.

• Researched mid-Michigan ordinances regarding Food Trucks, push carts, and mobile food vending unit

permits. Information forwarded to MainStreet Planning for review and future ordinance preparation and

licensing requirements.

Ongoing Priorities

• Maintain Redevelopment Ready Communities certification.

• Continuation of Project Rising Tide programming.

• Research grant funding opportunities for façade, rental rehabilitation and Opportunity Zone areas.

• Services, support and trainings for district businesses. Business enhancement and promotion.

• DPW services and maintenance agreement.

• General events and projects include:

o City of Ionia Fireworks Display

o Special events and festivals

o Lamppost garland project

o Downtown beautification including tree health and replacement, lamppost banners, flowers, and

holiday decorations. Beginning 2021, DDA will oversee greenhouse agreements.

o Parking lot maintenance

o Ionia Farmers’ Market

o Sidewalk Cafes

• Mural project in addition to researching public art programs and funding for the same.

• Annual shop local campaigns including but not limited to Small Business Saturday and Shop Nearby

Campaign. Seasonal events created to attract shoppers to downtown district.

• Michigan Small Business Development Center training opportunities / workshops.

• District data base, property and business inventory.


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Ongoing Priorities continued

• Completion and availability of Orchard View Industrial Park marketing package. Future development of

available lots.

• RRC 2nd Phase continuation of identifying property assets, available resources and development

opportunities for the priority site.

• Remain fiscally responsible.

Past DDA Achievements

• Acquisition and restoration of the historic Ionia Theatre.

• Development of “The Point” area along South Steele Street.

• Completion of the Gencorp Automotive Site Redevelopment Project.

• Placement and identification signage of historic artifacts located within curb jets on Main Street.

• Façade improvements and grant programs.

• Improvements to the Ionia Fairgrounds.

• Street, sidewalk, and parking lot improvements including the installation of red bricks along Main Street.

• Beautification projects throughout the DDA District.

• MEDC Rental Rehabilitation grant funding for four apartments totaling $153,000.

• Wayfinding Sign project in cooperation with the City of Ionia.

• Developed special events and festivals showcasing the DDA District including but not limited to “Summer

in the City” and “Michigan Wizard of Oz Festival.” Former projects included “Vietnam Legacy Ride”,

“Route 66 Motor Tour”, “Hit the Bricks Concert Tour”, and “Ice Bucket Challenge”. Assist with holiday

activities including Christmas events, Autumn Celebration, and Memorial Day Parade as requested.

• Successful fundraising campaigns and secured grant funding for the Ionia Theatre, special events and

activities. The DDA presented the signature fundraiser “Buckaroo Ball” for the Ionia Theatre from

2010 to 2014 raising $45,125.92 in donations directed to maintenance and upgrades of the facility.

• DDA Employee Lease Agreement: On November 1, 2009, the City of Ionia DDA and the Ionia Free Fair

Association entered into an employee lease agreement providing twenty hours per week to serve duties of

Assistant Manager and later as Fair Manager. The employee lease agreement ended October 2012. Shared

services as consultant 2009 - 2012 and Fair Manager 2011 – 2012.

• Redevelopment Ready Communities Certification in July 2020.

• Project Rising Tide community 2019.


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Attachment #1: DDA District map

Attachment #2:

Attachment #3: Capital Improvement Plan – DDA

DDA Fund Balance FY 2012 – FY 2019

Downtown Development Authority Bi-Annual Report...Ionia Downtown Development Authority Semi-Annual...

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