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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-09-19 Economic Development Committee MinutesEconomic Development Committee (EDC) September 19, 2012 Minutes Members in Attendance: Sheila Clarke (Chair), Ben Yoder (Vice- Chair), Meghan Young - Tafoya, Michele Williams, George Rio, Jack Russell, Maria Higgins, and Camille Anthony met in the Berger Room, Town Hall. Members Absent: Karl Weld and Michelle Ferullo. Others Present: Peter Hechenbleikner (Town Manager) and Jessie Wilson (Staff Planner), Charlie Adams (CPDC Chair), and Leslie Leahy, The Hitching Post (Chamber Liaison) Call to Order: There being a quorum the Vice Chair called the meeting to order at 7:05 PM. Town Manager Update /Discussion: • Mr. Hechenbleikner, the Town Manager wanted to speak with the committee regarding the Peer to Peer report and address some the interview comments contained within that report. Ms. Young - Tafoya suggested to the Town Manager that the results of the survey were not transcribed the way there were intended, or may have been taken out of context. Mr. Yoder agreed that the comments may have been misconstrued. Ms. Williams noted her comment about lack of support as observed in meeting presence and when the EDC does something well. Ms. Young - Tafoya agreed, and mentioned the issues with the Board of Selectmen liaison. She was concerned that the liaison would take it upon himself to have a conversation with the Board of Selectmen about his recommendation for changes to the mission of the EDC without first speaking with the Committee. This was particularly concerning to Ms. Young - Tafoya as both the Chair and the Town Manager had asked him to first talk to the EDC before engaging in conversation with the BOS. The Town Manager provided some history to the possibility of looking at the EDC's mission. The EDC was established with a sunset clause, which provides good opportunity to see if changes need to be made; this provision is being implemented for all Boards, Committees and Commissions. So the question was raised by the BOS if the EDC should be charged with anything different. The Board of Selectman liaison began an ad hoc discussion about this issue and the Town Managers suggested that he speak with the EDC as the Peer to Peer review was underway. Mr. Russell was still concerned that no one from the Board of Selectmen mentioned the possible changes to the EDC. Ms. Clarke also agreed, stating that during our annual EDC review she stated that the EDC did want to do more than banners and flowers and that her statement was not to belittle the EDC, but to build on what they have done and move forward in a constructive manner. • Ms. Young - Tafoya commented on the issue of staff support. She felt that there had been times in our history when the EDC was not welcome as ombudsman to various business owners in Town. Ms. Clarke agreed, stating that she feels they are perceived as a committee without any regulation over others and that the EDC serving as an ombudsman is very important since and not be a role that Town Staff take on. The CPDC, Conservation and Historical Commission have regulations — the EDC does not. She feels there is value in that, as they have a relationship with businesses that they do not regulate. • The Town Manager discussed the issue of Town Staff support to the EDC. He believes the Town provides the amount of staff time available based on available finances. The Staff Planner has to take time off for every amount of time earned at the EDC meetings. He also stated there have been times when staff has not been available due to other obligations and other duties. Ms. Young - Tafoya brought up the issues related to town staff site visits. She felt that there are times there is a lack of customer service and the issues with businesses are not handled appropriately. Ms. Clarke agreed, noting that sometimes it is how things are said and worded that make the difference. The Town Manager continued to discuss this issue with the EDC, noting that Town Staff have to work very diligently with business owners and developers on design plans and on development plans to 1 ensure they are a good fit to the community. If staff were to settle, there may be development which does not fit the character of the Town. Ms. Williams told the Town Manager that it is the tone of staff which is not business friendly and that staff does not always provide a clear list of items to complete. Businesses may think they have satisfied all requirements but then they are expected to do more. • Ms. Young - Tafoya was pleased with the new format for the DRT notes, as it was something that the EDC has been recommending for some time and thanked Ms. Wilson for making this happen. However, she was concerned with the note for Orange Leaf regarding the temporary banner and the fact they were told to remove the banner due to its size, and that sometimes we should let common sense prevail — i.e. letting folks know that finally there is a business occupying a space that has been empty for many years. The Town Manger replied that the regulations are very specific, but some still assume they can put out certain types of signage. He referenced A -Frame signs as an example. Ms. Young - Tafoya would like to better prioritize sign enforcement and not have the Town be concerned with a temporary banner. Ms. Leahy mentioned that the Town's current "spot enforcement' is not working. Ms. Anthony asked if the EDC could receive the action plan for sign enforcement. The Town Manager told the EDC they have sent out notices to those businesses requiring a victuallars license that have sign violations. Those in violation will need to correct the violation prior to re- licensing in the winter. A reminder notice will be sent out early October. • Ms. Young - Tafoya asked the Town Manager about the new permitting software and whether the EDC would be able to see a report as to what is pending for permits. The Town Manager was not sure if that would be possible based on the setup of the software. • The Town Manager and the EDC continue to discuss the EDC revised mission possibilities. The Town Manager agreed to have a conversation with the Board of Selectmen liaison. • The Town Manager reported on the following items: • Retail Visioning — The Town Manager was pleased with the Retail Visioning Workshop. He also mentioned that other communities were interested in the workshop, but were unable to attend. • Suffolk University — The University is providing a class on Friday's which would be taken as credit for a Masters in Public Administration. o Conferences — The Town is involved in three statewide conferences this fall. • Fagade Improvement Program — Ms. Wilson provided an updated on the program. • Permit and Licensing Software — the program is operational. It has proven to be very useful in streamlining the process. It maintains records of what type of approvals are required and which department is needed to approve the work. Eventually the program will be online and applicants will have direct access from internet. • Downtown Phase II — the project has been scoped and it would be an extension of the first project. The project would cost about $300,000 in design work. The Town will be pursing the MassWorks grant program. • Sign Enforcement — An update will be provided about sign enforcement. MDI Grant • Ms. Young - Tafoya provided an updated on the status of the MDI Grant. She shared that Jean Delios is recommending that the EDC grant request focus on an update the 2007 Market Analysis. The EDC agreed that it would be beneficial and Ms. Higgins and Ms. Young - Tafoya volunteered to help write the grant that is due on 9/26/12. Retail Visioning Grant • Mr. Yoder and Ms. Higgins provided an update to the CPDC Chair about the program. Ms. Young - Tafoya told the EDC that the one -on -one consultations will occur first week in October. Ms. Wilson summarized the applicants who applied to the program. 2 On a motion by Ms. Young - Tafoya, seconded by Mr. Yoder, the EDC voted to approve the eight applicants for the Retail Visioning Program to have individual consultations with the retail expert. Motion carried 4-0-1 (Mr. Rio abstained). EDC Re- Organization Ms. Young - Tafoya made a motion for the EDC to vote Mr. Yoder and the new Chair. Ms. Williams seconded the motion. Mr. Yoder expressed concern with being the new Chair and was uncertain he could take on the responsibility at this time. Ms. Clarke mentioned the EDC does a great job on managing projects and feels that they could revise the schedule to only meet once a month. Ms. Clarke said she would be interested in serving as Chair again if the EDC would consider meeting once a month versus twice a month. Ms. Young - Tafoya withdrew the motion to nominate Mr. Yoder for Chair. On a motion by Mr. Rio, seconded by Ms. Williams, the EDC voted to reappoint Ms. Clarke as Chair of the EDC. Motion carried 5- 0-0. On a motion by Mr. Rio, seconded by Ms. Williams, the EDC voted to reappoint Mr. Yoder as Vice Chair of the EDC. Motion carried 5 -0 -0. Minutes: Ms. Clarke tabled the Minutes from 8/112012 until the next meeting. Work Plan Updates • Ms. Clarke tabled the Work Plan updates until the next meeting. Other Updates • Ms. Young - Tafoya provided an update on the Fall Street Faire. She noted that there were fewer vendors than last year, but the mix of vendors was great. All the vendors were pleased with their locations. Economic Development Updates Ms. Clarke tabled the Economic Development updates to the next meeting. On a motion by Mr. Yoder, seconded by Ms. Young - Tafoya, the EDC voted to adjourn at 9:50 PM. Motion carried 5-0 -0. Respectfully submitted, Jessie Wilson, Staff Planner 3