DAC Mission Statement
Adopted March 9, 2010

The Downtown Action Committee advises the Lafayette Urban Renewal Authority
 on downtown issues, initiatives and redevelopment, and implements plans
 to enhance the pedestrian-friendly gathering place in the heart of Lafayette
 and supports economic revitalization of downtown.
 DAC’s ultimate goal is to create a self-sufficient downtown organization.
 

Downtown Action Committee Minutes
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Starkey Building
309 S. Public Rd.
 

Attendance: Ted Lupberger; Lisa Varga; Carolyn Cutler; Bill Hopkins; Pete d’Oronzio; John Weise; Cynthia Kennedy; Debbie Wilmot, PIO and Communications Director for the Recreation Center; Susan Booker, Cultural Resources Coordinator; Saundra Dowling, representing Historic Preservation; Rebecca Schwendler, LOTA; Bob Soehngen, LOTA; Stephanie Precourt, Project YES; Karen Ackerman; Jen Alberti, LOTA; Julie Piller, LOTA; and Jenn Ooton, Downtown Coordinator.

The Downtown Action Committee (DAC), prior to its regular meeting, attended a 7:30 a.m. meeting with the membership of the Lafayette Old Town Association (LOTA). During the joint meeting, DAC and LOTA members discussed combining the two organizations, and LOTA also conducted its general business.

The regular meeting for DAC was called to order at 8:22 a.m.

ITEMS FROM THE PUBLIC NOT ON THE AGENDA
No members of the public addressed DAC.

APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY 9, 2012, MEETING MINUTES
Pete d’Oronzio made a motion to approve the February 9, 2012, minutes. John Weise seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS REPORTS

Saundra Dowling reported that the Historic Preservation Board finished its review of the 12 buildings identified as eligible for historic landmarking at its most recent meeting.

Susan Booker gave a brief update about Art Night Out and reported that the Mother Goose sculpture has been purchased with the help of an anonymous donor for the Lafayette Public Library. Sculptures for the 2012 Art on the Street program will be installed during the first week of June and the People’s Choice Award will be announced this year in August. Booker also encouraged people to attend the Arts Network meeting on March 19 at the Lafayette Public Library meeting room.

Debbie Wilmot reported that sales and use tax is up for the city. She told the group about a new program, called Walk With A Doc, that will be held on the first Saturday of each month. The program is in conjunction with an Exempla doctor and will be held in downtown.  She said that the aqua climb wall had been installed at the Recreation Center.

Julie Piller reported that Latino Advisory Board wants to help facilitate seeing more Latino businesses involved in committees.

BUSINESS

Downtown Vision
Carolyn Cutler let the committee know that City Council had approved a change in the governance of the Lafayette Urban Renewal Authority to a citizen board. Today, the Authority board is made up of City Councilors. At the April 3 meeting, City Council will be discussing the desired skills and characteristics for the new board makeup. The new members of the board will be appointed by the mayor and approved by City Council.

Election of Officers
Ted Lupberger nominated Lisa Varga for DAC chair. No other nominations were received, and the committee unanimously voted to make Varga the new chair of DAC.

Ted Lupberger nominated Bill Hopkins as the DAC vice chair. No other nominations were received, and the committee unanimously voted to make Hopkins the new vice chair of DAC.

Marketing/Budget
Jenn Ooton made a brief presentation about the 2012 budget proposal from the joint DAC and LOTA marketing committee. The group proposed DAC increase the funding for Art Night Out to $3,000 and Picnic on the Plaza to $1,100, to fund the Taste the World promotion at $500, to keep the funding for holiday promotions at $2,000, and to spend the remaining dollars on printing, repairs and other miscellaneous needs. Cynthia Kennedy made a motion to accept the funding proposal and Bill Hopkins seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

ADJOURN
Meeting adjourned at 9:30 a.m.

Signed: ___________________________
            Ted Lupberger, Chairman