March 2, 2005 meeting minutes

Mattawan Business Association

Meeting Minutes

March 2, 2005

 

The meeting was held at the Mattawan Village Hall Council Chambers.

 

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Lori Anthony, Lesley Benson, Tom Brown, Dawn Kobreek, Kristine Kounelis, Kayla Ranger-Dean, Chad Slider

 

BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Rick Ashbaugh, Barry Cook

 

MEMBERS/GUESTS: Jean Gregory of Gregory-Newell Insurance; John Jeannot, a financial advisor; Tina Munuz-Miner of Java Joint, Teresa Seim of the Mattawan Eye Clinic, Mark Thomas of the MSU Extension Office, and Terri McLain of the Mattawan Village Council

 

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order at 12:13 PM.

 

AGENDA

A “round robin” introduction was done by each individual in attendance. MSC to approve the Agenda with two revisions as follows: to remove the Stage Landscaping item and to add speaker Terri McLain of the Village Council.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MSC to approve the February 2, 2005, MBA Minutes with the following revisions: to correct the misspelling of Teresa Seim’s name.

 

TREASURER’S REPORT

Lori Anthony apologized for lack of obtaining a bank statement; however, Lesley Benson was still able to report on MBA finances and distributed report.

 

GUEST SPEAKERS

Mark Thomas of the MSU Extension Office spoke about loans and grants for small businesses and villages, including revolving loan funds from the county and state funds through the Michigan Housing Authority. Paw Paw and Bangor have utilized some of these funds, and Decatur and Hartford are now approaching use too. Many questions were asked of Mr. Thomas. Also of mention was the operation of DDAs, such as Mattawan’s Downtown Development Authority for community and business improvements and business lending. Mr. Thomas also stated that Kalamazoo College has a “business services” office for counseling of businesses, helping businesses to develop business plans, and for market research information.

 

OLD BUSINESS

Lori Anthony has found a vendor for a 20-minute fire works show at a cost of $2500 to bring the fireworks back for the Mattawan Days Festival (usual cost in past has been $6000). Location TBA, with the Mattawan Fire Department on standby to be in attendance for the event for fire safety measures.

 

The millage proposal as discussed in a previous MBA Meeting with former Council member Margot Bemer was addressed by Village Council President Terri McLain. She stressed that the Village is in desperate need of more funds in order to keep running and offering the minimal services that this Village does provide which just to name a few include the police force, the Department of Public Works, the leaf and snow removal, etc. The Village of Mattawan is running at the lowest mills of any village its size, and even smaller than its size, at 4 mills. Most communities the size of Mattawan are operating at 11-14 mills and are allowed under their charters to bill special assessments to residents. The Village of Mattawan has been operating at such a low level for 40 years! It cannot continue to do what it does without more funds! State revenues have been cut, health costs have risen, computers to stay up-to-date are a big expense, and is not able to issue special assessments to help fund due to its limited Charter. Business owners and MBA members are encouraged to support the passing of the millage vote when it comes around and to help educate as many people as possible before the millage vote in hopes of passing the millage and giving the Village of Mattawan much needed funding! The vote is anticipated for September. Education is the key to passing the millage by informing people exactly what they will get out of it for a minimal annual cost.

The Council is working on informational fliers for distribution to village residents to educate everyone about the millage vote. The Mattawan Days Festival was brought up as it would be the last big event to get information about the millage vote out to residents. MBA members will review the millage information flier for suggestions to the Council. Also, MBA members stated that they would make sure to attend Village Council meetings dependent upon Council meeting agenda to support the Council. Terri McLain also stated that the DDA which she serves on is in need of two members if anyone is interested. The DDA board needs to be 13 per its By-laws and it is currently at 11. Interested parties may contact Terri McLean at 668-4985. The DDA usually meets on the last Thursday of the month.

 

The question of whether to reduce the size of the MBA Board from the current 11 member size down to a 9- or even 7-member board was brought to fruition with a vote by the MBA members. MSC to change the MBA By-laws to reflect a 9 member board with two alternates. The two new board members by

MBA member vote are Jean Newell of Gregory-Newell Insurance and John Jeannot, a financial planner. The two alternates are Chad Slider of Slider Restoration (a furniture restoration business in downtown Mattawan) and new business owner Rick Dozier of Sonic Wave.

 

A reminder and change: The next after-hours MBA Meeting will be on Tuesday, March 29, 5:30 PM, at the new JAVA JOINT in Mattawan with hostess Tina Munuz-Miner. Please invite other business people.

 

Lori Anthony reminded members that she is unable to attend the April MBA Meeting, so Vice Chair Barry Cook will run the meeting that day.

 

ADJOURNMENT