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, April 12, 2012
Starkey Building
309 S. Public Rd.

Attendance: Lisa Varga; Bill Hopkins; Ted Lupberger; Carolyn Cutler; Pete d’Oronzio; John Weise; Bob Rosenthal; Connie Ruel; Debbie Wilmot, PIO and Communications Director for the Recreation Center; Richard Womack; Pat Vero and Vicki Trumbo, representing the Lafayette Chamber; Saundra Dowling, representing Historic Preservation; and Jenn Ooton, Downtown Coordinator.

The regular meeting for DAC was called to order at 8:00 a.m.

ITEMS FROM THE PUBLIC NOT ON THE AGENDA
Connie Ruel introduced Richard Womack as the soon-to-be owner of TUTTI and announced that she would be resigning from DAC at the end of the meeting.

John Weise updated the group about the Alley Art Amazin’ program, noting that the number of locations is doubling this spring.

APPROVAL OF MARCH 15, 2012, MEETING MINUTES
Bill Hopkins made a motion to approve the March 15, 2012, minutes. Carolyn Cutler seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS REPORTS

Pat Vero updated the group regarding planning for the upcoming Fourth of July festival and Peach Festival. She said that the Fourth of July activities will include pony rises, inflatables, a pie eating contest, food, a beer and wine garden. The fireworks will start at dusk. Vero also told the group that 1/3 of all the available booth spaces for the Peach Festival have already been reserved.

Debbie Wilmot reported that the city will be holding the annual Spring Clean Up in May and reminded the group that the city will be accepting only compostable bags. She briefly updated the group regarding the city’s plans to update its website and also told the group that there are business sponsorship opportunities available for this years Heart Chase.

Saundra Dowling reported that the Historic Preservation Board had a hearing at its most recent meeting to consider whether to put a 90-day stay on a demolition permit for 210 E. Cleveland.
The Historic Preservation Board decided to put a stay on the demolition and to begin the process to nominate the building for local historic designation. She told the group that the board is also considering holding a cemetery tour sometime this year.

BUSINESS

Logo designs
Ted Lupberger made a motion to recommend that the new logo design include the words “Old Town.” Pete d’Oronzio seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Each voting member of DAC then voted for a single logo design from among the 7 finalists. Annette Thull’s design and Davis Creative, Inc,’s design each received four votes. Each member of DAC then cast a vote for a third-favorite design. With four votes, the red “L” logo from Uppercase Design was selected by the group to forward on to the Lafayette Urban Renewal Authority as a recommendation.

Lisa Varga then made a motion to recommend the scroll work be eliminated from the Davis Creative, Inc. design. Bill seconded. The motion failed on a 5-2 vote, with John Weise abstaining.

Comprehensive Plan Update
As part of the process to update the Comprehensive Plan, Jenn Ooton reported that she and Carolyn Cutler had reviewed sections of the current plan that are particular to downtown and recommended updates to the wording to reference the 2011 Downtown Vision and to ensure that sections within the plan are still accurate.

Transitioning to a self-sufficient downtown organization
The group discussed what steps need to be taken to transition DAC into a self-sufficient downtown organization. The group also discussed reviewing and comparing the mission statements of DAC and the Lafayette Old Town Association. Staff for the May meeting will write a memo detailing what DAC has done since its inception in 2008.
 

ADJOURN
Meeting adjourned at 9:40 a.m.

Signed: ___________________________
             Lisa Varga, Chairwoman