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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-12-07 Economic Development Committee MinutesEconomic Development Committee (EDC) December 7, 2011 MINUTES Members in Attendance: Sheila Clarke (Chair), Ben Yoder (Vice- Chair), Meghan Young - Tafoya, Michele Williams, Karl Weld, and Jack Russell met in the Berger Room, Town Hall. Members Absent: George Rio, Michelle Ferullo, and Maria Higgins. Others Present: Jessie Wilson (Staff Planner). Call to Order: There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:03 PM. Other Business • Approval of the 11/9/2011 EDC Minutes On a motion by Ms. Young - Tafoya, seconded by Ms. Williams, the EDC voted to approve the Subcommittee minutes from October 17, 2011 as amended by a vote of 5-0-0. • Approval of the 12/03/2011 Subcommittee Minutes —Due to the meeting cancellation, there were no minutes taken. No approval required. CDPC Update. Ms. Young - Tafoya reviewed the CPDC Minutes and wanted to know some more information regarding the item of 2 Haven Street — Sense of Wonder and the sign application under review with the CPDC. Ms. Wilson explained that the swirl element was a concern of the CPDC, however it was decided that it fit within the context of the approved Master Signage Plan for 2 Haven Street. Ms. Young - Tafoya also provided some information to the Committee regarding the future proposed blade (projecting) signs at 2 Haven and the previous discussions with the Town Planner in regards to the sign application fee. Ms. Wilson explained that after a discussion with the Town Planner and Building Inspector, it was determined that when the application for the signs does come in, the applicant shall seek a modification to the Master Signage Plan and then pay one fee for the application of all four blade signs. Ms. Young - Tafoya also verified this based on an email she had received from the Town Planner. Work Plan Updates. Mr. Yoder provided an update on the status of the Wayfinding Signs. Ms. Clarke informed the Committee that one of the signs is to be taken down during the snow season for plowing. This is to prevent the sign from damage during plowing activities and will be put back soon after the snow season is over. The Committee moved on to discuss the Fagade Improvement Program. Ms. Clarke expressed the desire to launch the program to the businesses in early February. It was agreed that the renderings and brochure must be completed before this happens. Ms. Young - Tafoya also suggested that a presentation be made to the CPDC and Ms. Clarke agreed to coordinate with the CPDC to have that on an agenda for early 2012. Ms. Williams moved on to discuss the DIRT Meeting notes for the MF Charles Building. Mr. Russell provided a summary on the meeting and identified the main concerns and issues. He indicated that the upper floors will be built out to a shell which will be a blank slate for eventual tenants. Ms. Young - Tafoya asked if the Historical Commission has reviewed.this. Ms. Wilson indicated that a Historical Commission meeting was held on December 6 but had not heard the outcome of that meeting. Ms. Williams moved on to the Peer review grant. Mr. Yoder provided an update to the Committee on how the meeting went with DHCD. Additional interviews and coordination will be forthcoming. Ms. Williams moved on to the DHCD Grant. There was a discussion as to whether they wanted to pursue this grant. Ideas for the grant application were discussed and it was determined that they would move forward with the application that will focus on a retail program including a marketing element, educational activities for business owners and a feasibility study. The Committee will prepare a draft application and have the Town Planner /Manager review it. The Committee moved on to discuss the yearly review. It was determined that the Committee would like to make a presentation to the Board of Selectmen the last meeting in January or early February. Ms. Young - Tafoya provided an update to the Committee on the sign situation at 95 Main Street and that the applicant intends to correct the sign and put up a new one. • Economic Development Update. The Committee went over the activity update. The highlights included 0 75 Haven Street opened on 11/11 as a gold refinery business. o Cupcake City, located at 150 Main Street opened on 11/11. Bi- Weekly Update. The Committee briefly discussed the Bi- Weekly update and had a discussion on the status of Calaresos construction. EDC Budget FY 2012. Ms. Clarke discussed with the members ideas for projects to fund with the EDC budget. She suggests the Committee think about what they would like to keep funding as well as some new ideas. The members all agreed that the flowers are a good item and should budgeted for it next year. They also discussed the idea of purchasing a recycled mulch machine which would provide recycled mulch that could be used for the tree wells in the downtown area. The Committee wants additional information on this idea and will continue to consider it for the 2012 budget. On a motion by Ms. Young- Tafoya, seconded by Mr. Yoder, the EDC voted to adjourn at 9:15 PM by a vote of 6-0-0. Respectfully submitted, Jessie Wilson, Staff Planner