HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-08-07 Economic Development Committee MinutesEconomic Development Committee (EDC)
August 7, 2013
Members in Attendance: Sheila Clarke (Chair), Meghan Young - Tafoya and George Rio, and met in the Berger
Room, Town Hall.
Members Absent. Maria Higgins, Karl Weld, Camille Anthony and Jack Russell
Others Present: Jessie Wilson (Staff Planner), Jean Delios (Town Planner) Scott Onigman (EDC Intern)
Call to Order: There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM.
Minutes:
On a motion by Ms. Young - Tafoya, seconded by Mr. Rio, the EDC voted to approve the
minutes from the 7 11 012 0 1 3meeting as amended. Motion carried 3 -0-0.
Buildina Facade and Slanaae Improvement Program (BFSII:
The EDC discussed the 2013 program as well as the new'targeted improvement's component of the
program. Ms. Clarke recommended they vote on separate money which will go towards the targeted
improvements. The BFSI Program Outline was revised based on EDC Comments.
Retail Visioning /Best Retail Practices:
Ms. Young - Tafoya provided an update on the Retail Visioning Program. All of the initial site visits have
been complete and Ms. Wilson and Ms. Higgins attended various consults. The next step is for Ms.
Christine Moynihan to come back to present each retailer with their specific report and
recommendations.
The internship selection process is also moving along. Ms. Young - Tafoya mentioned there were three
candidates who were reviewed by the working group. After review of resumes, cover letters and
responses to follow -up questions, it was agreed to select Ned Connors for the summer internship. The
timing is perfect as he will join Ms. Moynihan on her follow -up visits next week.
Other Discussion:
Ms. Wilson provided an update on the turnout of the Fall Street Faire Business Community Meeting.
She mentioned they had about 10 businesses in attendance and it went very well. Staff from the Town,
including the Town Manager, Planning and Health were there to provide information regarding the Faire
to the businesses. In addition, Ms. Sheila Mulroy represented the Fall Street Faire Committee and was
helpful in providing extra details about the faire. Mr. Jack Russell was also in attendance.
DIET Funding Corporate and Individual Contributor Launch:
Ms. Young - Tafoya presented the draft document for DIET Funding and Contributions. She and Mr.
Onigman worked on this and it outlines various ways to promote DIET programming. Mr. Onigman the
goal is to sustain existing program and allow for future programs to be launched. It would interact with
the Fall Street Faire. They set an annual goal of $50,000 which would come from corporate sponsorship
as well as individual contributions. Mr. Onigman also outlined various marketing altematives to help
reach this goal.
Mr. Rio said it would be important to note that the DIET is a 501 3C and therefore contributions to this
organization are tax deductible.
Mr. Onigman added that the report outlined ways to recognize sponsorship such as a tier system and
banners at the Fall Street Faire. The EDC continues to discuss and review the draft report. Mr. Rio
suggested the EDC look at creative ways to gain funding such as a "keep the change" concept with tax
bills or utility bills.
Mr. Onigman is also going to work on updating the report from Adam Baccke. It was agreed that Mr.
Onigman will return in December to present the revised report and update to Adam Baccke's report.
Board of Selectmen Meetina:
Ms. Clarke told the EDC she spoke with the Town Manager a few weeks ago. He reported that there is
a certain expectation from the EDC, but that there may not a clear consensus of what that looks like.
She told the Town Manager that the EDC wants more input from the Board of Selectmen to prepare for
the upcoming meeting/workshop with them. It was agreed that they need to have more conversations
with the Board of Selectmen, but that a clear agenda should be established for the upcoming
meeting/workshop.. Ms. Clarke provided a graphic which outlined what she believed the EDC should
focus on. She suggested that if any of the EDC projects do not fit within one of those focus areas, then
they should not be working on it.
Ms. Young - Tafoya pointed out that it seems there may be two tracks — Downtown and South Main
Street, The CPDC has started to focus on South Main Street and it may be time that the EDC does as
well. Ms. Jean Delios, Town Planner joined the meeting. She suggested the idea of at Downtown
Partnership where business owners and property owners are part of. Ms. Young - Tafoya also suggested
that it may be necessary to have an additional committee, separate from the EDC, established to start
thinking about South Main Street, similarly how the EDC was first started.
On a motion by Ms. Young- Tafoya, seconded by Mr. Rlo the EDC voted to adjourn at 7:50 PM. Motion
carried 3-0.0.
Respectfully submitted,
Jessie Wilson, Staff Planner and Recording Secretary