Mattawan Business Association
Meeting Minutes
December 1, 2004
 
The meeting was held at the Mattawan Village Hall Council Chambers.
 
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Lori Anthony, Lesley Benson, Barry Cook (sitting in for Barbette Cook), Dawn Kobreek, Kristine Kounelis (sitting in for Chad Slider), Kayla Ranger-Dean.
 
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Rick Ashbaugh, Tom Brown, Dan Carlson, Barbette Cook, Kim Cox, Rob Keorkunian, Chad Slider.
 
MEMBERS/GUESTS: Paula Steffey, John Janette, Village Council Treasurer Margot Bemer.
 
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 12:10 PM.
 
AGENDA
Lori Anthony made mention that Terri Doorlag is for the Miss Mattawan Committee, not the Miss Paw Paw Committee as stated on the Agenda. Also, Terri Doorlag for the Miss Mattawan Committee, is absent at this time. If she arrives, then we will give her the floor right away and then continue with the rest of the Agenda. MSC to approve the Agenda with the afore mentioned change.
 
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MSC to approve the November 3rd Minutes.
 
MISS MATTAWAN COMMITTEE PRESENTATION – TERRI DOORLAG
Not present to speak.
 
VILLAGE MILLAGE PROPOSAL/VOTE INFORMATIONAL PRESENTATION - VILLAGE COUNCIL TRESURER - MARGOT BEMER
Margot Bemer presented information regarding the upcoming Village Millage Proposal with a VOTE on the Millage tentatively scheduled for March. Discussion ensued. Margot Bemer and other MBA members and guests agreed that the MILLAGE VOTE has everything to do with informing Village Residents about the consequences that will happen to the village if the millage is not approved and also what it will do for the Village if approved. The idea that a few informational mailings prior to the Millage Vote to the Village Residents was discussed. These mailings would be for educating residents about the Village and the Millage Proposal with Pros/Cons of passing/not passing scenarios represented. The MBA members can serve to be instrumental in educating residents about the Millage Vote and could help to inform residents to get out and vote as turnout has been very low in the past. Dan Carlson and other members aired their concerns over the Village giving in to leaf pickup when it had been eliminated to help balance the budget. The concern was if the Village continues to give services for free they will never get the millage passed.
 
GUEST JOHN JANETTE DISCUSSED THE MILEAGE VOTE.
 
Mattawan is the lowest tax base and has been operating at such budget without an increase for around 30 years!
 
TREASURER’S REPORT
None at this time.
 
OLD BUSINESS
An evening meeting of the MBA is set for January 25, 2005, 5:30 PM, at the Main Street Pub. Please inform other business owners and members. Many cannot make the day time meeting, and it is hoped that participation by business owners/members can be increased with the evening meetings.
 
NEW BUSINESS
Ideas and goals for the MBA for 2005 were asked for by Lori Anthony. Members did not have any to share at this time, but will try to formulate some for the next meeting.
 
The idea of changing the MBA board from an 11-member group to a 7 or 9 member group was discussed. Dan Carlson, and Barbette Cook have had to resign due to other commitments. Rob Keorkunian has not been in attendance for the last 4 meetings and Rick Ashbaugh has not attended since the golf season ended. The board asked Lori to contact Rob and Rick to find out what their intentions with the board were. The issue of making changes to the board was tabled until the January meeting.
 
COMMENTS FROM MEMBERS/GUESTS
John Janette discussed issues of representation by the DDA and the MBA, and also discussed more about the Proposed Millage Vote.
 
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 1:13 PM.