The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) approved a motion Thursday to split the remainder of the funds allotted for 2009 facade grants among three applicants.

The DDA reported having $1,884.45 remaining from the $10,000 the authority allotted for the facade grant program for the 2009 fiscal year. With three applications, which had complied with the new guidelines set by the authority, on the table for consideration, a motion was made to divide the remainder of the funding between the three applicants.

It was noted that future applicants for the grant would need to wait until the new fiscal year, Oct. 1, before receiving the funding.

The applications that were approved were Hairworks, located at 300 E. Water St.; Isabee’s Children Apparel, located at 304 E. Water St.; and Cook’s Appliance Services, located at 401 E. Water St.

Prior to approving the applications, the authority reviewed the status of previous facade grant applicants progress on repairs, making note that recipients of the grant must complete the repairs within 90 days unless there are extenuating circumstances.

In new business, the authority chose the 2009 picture to be displayed on their annual Christmas ornament. After reviewing a number of sketches done by local artist Mary Cox, a motion was made to use her sketch of the old Bainbridge Hospital, which was located on Donalson Street.

Authority members decided to consult with the company that creates the ornaments, Howe House Limited Editions, about what color will best suit the sketch before making the decision.

Chairman Al Collins provided authority members with an update on the construction being done to the Nelson Building to stabilize the structure, which is being done by Benny W. King and Sons of Bainbridge. He said work on the building is progressing nicely, but there will be several minor unforeseen expenditures that were not included in the bid. The items include treatment of building for termites, poring a concrete slab in an area to maintain stabilization of the building, possible modification of a fire escape and applying a sealant to walls.

Collins said once the project is complete the building will be able to remain empty without further deterioration in anticipation of a future sale of the building.

Dit Albritton, Bainbridge Main Street director, was asked if she had received any feedback on the first Downtown Farmer’s Market that took place on April 4. Albritton said she believed bad weather had been a factor affecting the turn out at the event, but a number of vendors were pleased with sales and had expressed interest in taking part again. She said the next Farmer’s Market will be going on today from 9 a.m. to noon.