DAPHNE, Ala. — For the sixth consecutive city council business meeting, City Councilwoman Cathy Barnette on Monday reported “no report” for the Downtown Redevelopment Authority during the standing committees and boards reports section.

“No news is good news,” Councilman August Palumbo said.

But Barnette saw the issue differently.

“Daphne is a beautiful community with wonderful residents. As we continue to recruit folks to our area, our downtown charm needs to be highlighted,” she said. “I do believe an energized group of folks can continue to highlight our beauty and bring folks to Daphne.”

The authority has been inactive since all of its former members submitted a joint letter of resignation in July.

“It is apparent that the leadership of Daphne does not have the desire or ability to support our vision,” a letter of resignation dated June 18 reads.

“We believe we have given it a good try but it is not possible to accomplish anything of consequence without a cash flow.”

The letter claims that the council’s decision not to redirect a portion of the lodging tax to the authority was a deciding factor.

“We have not been able to regenerate any enthusiasm for the redevelopment of Olde Towne as apparently there is not enough vision on the part of the majority of current leadership to see what could be done and certainly not enough support to aid us in our funding effort,” the letter said.

Chairman Kit Smith, as well as board members Starke Irvine, Andy Citrin, Glenn Glass, Jackie Ward, Mary Riser and Dorothy Morrison signed the letter.

Bob and Mary Lloyd were signed, “out of town for summer.”

Barnette cited a collective frustration among board members over a lack of capital provided by the city to support the authority’s proposals. The Downtown Redevelopment Authority has the legislative ability to borrow money and to redevelop the downtown area.

“The idea all along was, at some point, that the Redevelopment Authority could borrow money and redevelop downtown,” Barnette said. “The problem is that there’s no money.”

On May 18, the council unanimously voted against extending the lodging tax in an ordinance that would have designated 5 percent of the tax revenues toward strategic economic development in the area.

“We were frustrated we were unable to accomplish any of our goals,” Smith said, referring in particular to a streetscape planned by local landscape artist Kent Broom. The plan would have created brick pavement and sidewalks in downtown.

The authority also attempted to have underground electric wiring built and to remove all above-ground electrical wiring.

The councilwoman said a revived authority — comprising new members — could revitalize an area that has the potential to be an attractive tourist destination.

“I think it’s very important to the economy of Daphne,” Barnette said. “I haven’t given up on it. I still think it has tremendous value. I would hope that it gets rejuvenated.” Barnette serves as council liaison to the authority and represents District 2, which includes downtown.

Despite the group’s inactivity, Barnette said she’s not discouraged.

“I’m ready to try again,” she said.

Residents interested in serving on the Downtown Redevelopment Authority can contact Barnette at 379-0462.