Ellsworth, Michigan 49729
Phone: 231-588-7411
Email: office@villageofellsworth.com

October 25

APPROVED

VILLAGE OF ELLSWORTH

DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

REGULAR MEETING

OCTOBER 25, 2021

Meeting was called to order at 5:06 p.m. by Mary Faculak, Chairperson.

  • Members Present: Randall, Waterman, Faculak, Spearing, Campbell, McCallum, Palajac, Rasmussen via phone.

  • Members Absent: Sundelius,

Others Present: None

Approval of Agenda:

A motion to approve the agenda was made by Waterman and seconded by Campbell.

Motion carried by unanimous consent.

Approval of Minutes:

A motion to approve the minutes from the September 27, 2021 regular meeting was made by Spearing and seconded by Rasmussen via phone.

Motion carried by unanimous consent.

Monthly Reports

Treasurer’s Report (Ginny McCallum): Nothing to report. Working on grants. Campbell reported that the budget will be worked on November 11, 2021. McCallum will attend.

Village of Ellsworth (Hugh Campbell): The Wooden Shoe Festival will not take place this year. It was suggested that we find someone to hire to decorate the tree in front of the Township building. Faculak will find out what the East Jordan vendor charges to decorate in East Jordan. Campbell will also investigate a possible person or company to decorate. The sewer project is still in the works. The report will be ready in February.

Chair Report (Mary Faculak): Best ever year for Breezeway Cruises. Senior housing is still being pursued with Northern Homes and with Fred Taylor. The State of the Community will be January 12 at 6:00 p.m. at the Township hall. Clare Welcome Center will welcome a display for Ellsworth.

Committee Reports

  • Farmer’s Market- Waterman reported that there is a problem getting vendors. Waterman cannot be there every week. She needs to find a partner to help her. A different day will not be viable because of other markets happening on those days. We will explore this at the Strategic Retreat. Campbell suggested giving the vendor a fee just for showing. McCallum will speak with Providence Farms about providing a person to represent Providence.

  • Holiday Happenings – Faculak asked Spearing if Breakfast with Santa will be going on. Spearing reported that the decision has not been made yet because of Covid. Faculak reported that EJ will not be sponsoring the Christmas Business After Hours. Spearing suggested that we should entertain a Trunk or Treat downtown for Halloween.

Retreat/Strategic Planning: Faculak reported that the Retreat date is November 29 at the Front Porch from 4:00-7:00 p.m. which will take the place of our November 15th meeting. The Front Porch will provide snacks and beverages. Spearing reported that we received the grant from Rotary Charities. This will be a $6,000 grant. Elise Craft from State Craft (who works as a consultant for Rotary Charities) would want to meet in person with us. Spearing suggested the date of January 12 at 4:00 p.m. Spearing will contact Elise Craft.

Comment: Spearing spoke with a consultant on the Sewer project and is trying to move it along.

Public Comment: None

Adjournment:

Motion to adjourn at 5:50 p.m. was made by Waterman and seconded by Campbell.

Motion approved by unanimous consent.

The next meeting will be held Monday, November 29, 2021 at the Front Porch Cafe and will be a Retreat/Strategic Planning session.

____________________________________________________________ October 25, 2021

Submitted by: Marci Palajac, Secretary

_____________________________________________________________ ___________________

Approved by: Mary Faculak, Chairperson Date