DDA defines their role in Imlay City’s downtown

IMLAY CITY — The tension and hostility was nearly palpable Monday night when the Imlay City Downtown Development Authority held their monthly meeting at city hall.

Pent up frustrations between members of the DDA and the Chamber of Commerce have been festering for weeks and even months, as the two groups struggle to come up with ideas on how to collaboratively come up with a best scenario on how best to promote and improve Imlay City.

Meeting before a full crowd in the audience, DDA members grappled over what they may or may not consider being involved in.

Barbara Yockey, who is a member of the DDA board and Mayor of Imlay City said the mission of the board is to promote business in the downtown area, to help make improvements and to assist in the marketing of vacant buildings.

“We are not an events planning board and I think people need to remember that,” she said.

Her comment came after a suggestion by Farmers’ Market Manager and DDA Promotions Assistant Mindi Steffens mentioned the possibility of a Halloween event.

“Based on feedback we have received (from social media) we think we’d like to look in to having an event downtown for Halloween, either before or after trick or treat hours,” Steffens told the board.

When asked what the projected costs might be, she said “around $1,500.”

The topic, along with another thought of having food trucks in the downtown area during homecoming night, did not set well with several board members.

“I’m not opposed to food trucks here, but it doesn’t need to be the DDA doing the planning and hosting the thing,” said Treasurer Stu Davis. “That’s not what we are for.”

There was extensive discussion about the roles of both the DDA and Chamber of Commerce.

DDA members reminded Steffens the Chamber had organized homecoming activities for merchants, coinciding with school-organized events, including a parade through downtown.

“It’s never been a DDA thing,” member Joi Kempf said. “The school does their thing, pulls a permit and the downtown businesses would have food out in front of their storefronts for people in town. I know, I did it for years.”

Vice-Chairwoman Kim Jorgensen said, “It’s not a competition and the two sides should work together.”

Kempf encouraged everyone, saying, “The two groups, the DDA and Chamber, need to find a way to get along. We used to, but, in the last few weeks and months, it hasn’t been good and there is a lot of friction.”

Steffens read a letter at the end of the meeting, criticizing a board member for alleged actions during the setup time of the Summer Fest.

In her letter, Steffens claimed she had a heated exchange with a board member regarding the setup time for the festival. She concluded, “I believe it is important that conflicts between organizations be addressed through proper channels and with advance communication, not public confrontation, threats or unilateral claims of control over community events.”

During the public comment portion of the meeting, John Powell told the board he felt there was a strong sense of insubordination from a DDA employee. He said the DDA needs to know its role in the management of their employees.

The board heard an update from Bob Tanis on the progress of the new community center, just east of the old fire hall along E Third St.

Tanis said everything was progressing with a few minor changes. He expects the exterior of the building to be completed before the end of the month with new roofing and steel.

City Manager Craig Horton informed the board they had been awarded a $3,700 grant from the Four County Community Foundation for upgrades to the pavilion area including tables, benches, security cameras and trash cans.