Next Meeting RSVP HERE
    8:00 AM Thursday, June 14th, 2012
    at Tommy Brann's, 4157 S. Division  [click for directions]

         

  April 14th, 2011
Meeting Minutes [click to download PDF]

1. Call To Order
Members Present: Tommy Brann, Brann’s Steakhouse and Grille; Al Reurink, Modern RV Center; Gary Ball B-Quick Printing; Lisa Golder, City of Kentwood; Tim Pomorski, Affordable Auto; Greg Warsen, Kelloggsville Public Schools; Tim Cochran, City of Wyoming; Bill Kirk, The Rapid; James Leach Jr., Hobart Sales and Service; Scott Beckman, Wyoming Police Department; Jerry DeGood, Auto Finance; Kwang Kim, 34th Street Mall; Juan Davis, Davis, FLIA Construction, LLC; Jeff Augustyn, Kentwood Police Department; Randy Williamson, Kentwood Police Department; Mark ____ Ludemas; Jim Kubicek, Bubble Magic Laundry; Ken Malik, Wyoming/Kentwood Chamber of Commerce;

2. Approval of Minutes

A motion was made with support to approve the minutes of the March 10, 2011 meeting of the Division Avenue Business Association.

--Motion Carried—

3. Treasury Report
The Treasury has a balance of $______. A billing for the continuation of the website must be considered.

A motion was made by _____ with support from _____to approve the expenditure of $568??? For Mike Endres for website maintenance.

--Motion Carried--
4. Roundtable
Tom introduced Mark from Ludema's Floral. Discussion ensued regarding the planters used in various places and how they need to be watered and fertilized. The DABA doesn’t have funds available for watering; has relied on property owners to water their own planters. Half of the planters used last year have been stolen. The property owners were told that the planters need to be moved back further to provide visibility. Mark asked what would be allowed. Tim Cochran said that there has been an application submitted for a walkability audit. This could involve recommendations on how to make the street and sidewalks more attractive for walkers. There was discussion as to whether the plantings should be completed now or should be made as part of the Bus Rapid Transit system should the millage be approved. After additional discussion Mark said he will look at the area of Division from 44th to 28th Street and make some recommendations.

Gary said asked whether the plastic related to the failed perennial plantings can be removed. The will be looked at during the Division Avenue clean up.

Steve said the clean up is Saturday from 8-10:30 even though it is supposed to rain. He has about 25 people that are going to come but could use more. He asked of he could get some police support for closing lanes while the clean up takes place. Tomorrow he is getting Earth Day volunteers to clean up around the gateway area to Alger.

For the Saturday Clean up we will be meeting at Godwin School at 36th Street.
Asking for the street sweeper one time before and one time after the clean up.

Ken Malik said the Chamber has anew website. They have been getting together on a regular basis with various legislators. Businesses should come if they have issues, questions, or concerns. The more people attend regarding an issue the more impact it will have on the legislators.

The Chamber has also invited prospective School Board candidates to answer questions regarding the issues facing the schools. The video of their answers is available.

Kwang Kim indicated that he has made application for approval of a banquet hall in the former Hope Network building. A public hearing on this issue was scheduled for Tuesday but has been postposed a month. He would like the support of the DABA. The banquet hall would only be open on Saturdays. So far there has been no liquor license approved for the hall, although beer not in bottles can be brought in. Tom said the Executive Committee of DABA will meet and discuss.

Lisa said that Kentwood and the Wyoming Kentwood Chamber are hosting a business forum on May 11th. The Keynote will be Win Irwin of Irwin Seating will talk about why he moved his business back from China. Also will be sessions on how be “green” and save money, hiring and training employees, the future of the MBT and health care coverage for employees. It costs $10.00 to attend.

Jeff Augustyn said that the High School Police Academy Golf event will take place on May 20th. The proceeds will go to the kids. If you have anything to auction off, please contact Jeff.

Greg Warsen: Schools are still looking for building efficiencies into the system with the budget cutting. One benefit Kelloggsville has is that they are very conservative in their expenditures. Kelloggsville is also hosting a golf event; anyone interested should contact Kathy Wood. Businesses can sponsor a hole, or can play individually or with a team.

Tim: DDA asked whether the Kiwanis Kids Day is still on. Tom said that DABA was not part of it, but as far as he knows it is still on. Tim also reported that the Godwin South Elementary was closing but the playground equipment will be moved to the middle school. He also said that a new Family Dollar Store will be opening in front of Ace Hardware.

Scott Beckman said that with the warmer weather comes policing issues. Tom asked how they decide whether to place more officers in the area. Scott said they look at the volumes of police issues all through the city and decide how staffing will occur. He said that the Division Avenue area now is different from 10-15 years ago, and that the DABA has done a good job on the Avenue and that helps the Police Department.

Jerry said the Santa Parade Committee will begin meeting next month and that sponsorships will be available.


Goals: Goals should be revisited; we should have eliminated some of them.

6. Next Meeting
The next meeting of the Division Avenue Business Association is scheduled for May 12, 2011.