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Yousef "Yogi" Jabara was nominated by the DDA board and his name was placed in nomination by DDA president Mike Biehl.

But the council didnÕt agree with Biehl.

"We have had only a couple letters of interest and the board unanimously recommended Yogi," Biehl said.

Council member Kathy Altrock said Cherie Hogan, who had previously submitted an application but had allegedly withdrew it, was interested again. She could not attend the meeting where the recommendation was made, Altrock said, due to the fact she was assisting a customer who arrived just at closing time.

Hogan, who was not present at the meeting, also told Altrock she thought the meetings were at a different time, and upon realizing the correct time, felt she could attend them without interfering with a previous teaching obligation.

President Pro-tem Robert Wilcox asked whether Hogan could make the DDA meetings or not, and was assured by Altrock that she could.

"I think we need to take their recommendation and go from there. That's my feeling," Wilcox said. "She needs to take the bull by the horns and let them know of her interest herself."

WilcoxÕs motion to appoint Jabara died for lack of a second.

Altrock then moved to name Hogan to the vacant slot, which was supported by council member Pam Calvin-Minch. Wilcox cast the lone dissenting vote, with council members Randy Yalacki and Judy Eschedor absent.

President David Tucker then asked Biehl if he was through with the DDA report.

"Just a minute," Biehl said. "I'm thinking. Why do we make recommendations to this board if you donÕt accept them?"

"We do not have to accept your recommendations," Tucker said. "And we also do not need to defend our votes."

"I was just asking the question," Biehl said.

"And I just gave you an answer," Tucker said, before moving onto the next agenda item.

In other business, members learned the DDA is soliciting bids for flower and basket maintenance in the downtown business district. Biehl said a request for proposals will be given to all applicants.

He also said contact has been made with Consumers Energy about the dual lights on State Street entering town from the east. The correct contact person is on vacation, but heÕll working on the matter. When the new street lights were installed, the old ones were supposed to be removed, but they have yet to be.