Downtown Development Commission

DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT COMISSION January 2012 Minutes 1. The Reorgonaization meeting was called to order by Mayor Bob Conley at 7:10pm 2. Open Public Meetings Act was read. 3. Pledge of Allegiance as affirmed by those present. 4. Jim Burnet presented the slate of nominations made at the December Meeting. a. Eric Range, Chair b. Russ Stern, Vice Chair c. Carla Brady, Secretary d. Brad Cramer, Treasurer e. Craig Erezuma, Member-at-Large Jim Burnet then asked for nominations form the floor. Seeing none Lisa Ellis moved to close nominations, which was seconded by Maureen Byrne. The Slate was elected by unanimous affirmation. 5. The Reorgnaizaiton meeting was adjourned at 7:25pm. 6. The regular meeting of the DDC was called to order by Chair, Eric Range. Who open the meeting with remarks thanking the previous chairs and the hard work that the commission has put forth over the last several years. He also indicated that he had a desire to make the meetings as efficient and respectful of peoples time as possible and reminded the commission that the meetings begin at 7pm and we should make every effort to be on time. 7. Ben Cahil moved to approve the December minutes. Second my Maureen Byrne. Minutes approved by unanimous vote. 8. Treasurer’s report: Brad presented Decembers’ Report along with a 2011 recap. (See separate attachment) 9. Council Liaison Report: Councilman  Landrigan  stated  that  he  looks  forward  to  working  with  the   DDC  and  is  very  impressed  with  all  that  we  do.    He  also  hopes  we  will  come  regularly  to  update  the   council  on  our  project  and  progress.   10. Mayor: Mayor Conley thanked the previous chair and e-board and stated that he looks forward to working with the DDC on all the exciting things on the horizon. 11. Planning Board Report: Mike Kopas reported that work on re-examining the LED signage ordinance is underway, as a second gas station has installed an LED sign. Applications are quiet at this time. 12. No major projects underway. Clearing the way to improve the way committees work. Making new tools. Need procedures for follow up’s. Sign and façade is lacking in members. Craig put out a plea for new members for the committee. Meetings are at Nicole F office as needed. Eric adds to that plea. 13. Committee Reports a. Parking – no report. b. Sign & Façade – Craig Erezuma reported that no major projects are underway. He is however working on providing the committee with better tools. He also asked members to think about others who might be interested in joining the committee, as additional members are need. c. University Relations – Laura Cole reported that she has secured more than $3700 in sponsorships for the MAD shuttle. d. Public Improvement Committee – Steve Whitethorn reports that many projects are on the horizon for PIC this year. Including completion of the Cook Plaza Alley lighting project, the Trestle lighting and a historic walking tour. e. Taste of Madison: Maureen and Bonnie have stepped up to take over as the leadership of the DDC. Restaurants have been solicited. Good responses at this time. Ticket discounts for Valentine’s day gifts, if you buy your VIP tickets by Feb 14, you can get your tickets for 175 instead of 200. It will get you in one hour in advance. VIP hour there will be a champagne  pouring and maybe a “celebrity”. This is a non-Vitner year. Behind BHD this is the second biggest fundraiser for the DDC. f. Farmers’ Market: Waverly Merchants have been invited to a special meeting to discuss the market. The Committee has been investigating various plans including using the merchant lot, adjusting dates and such. It now looks like the most feasible plans is to split the market between Waverly and Green Village Road. This will allow us to restore additional weeks to the market in October with no additional impact on Waverly Place 14. Old Business – None 15. New Business a. Village Profile, new book is in the works, ads are being collected now. This is a partnership with the DDC, Chamber and the Borough. Lissa Weldon volunteered to will work with Laura Cole as our point person. b. Main Street conference April 1-4, any commissioner who wants to attend please let us know if you are interested in going. c. Eric Range moved to approve up to $2500 to support those who want to attended the conference. Maureen seconds. Motion passed by unanimous vote. d. 16. Invitation for discussion from the public - None 17. Adjournment – Meeting was adjourned at 9:02pm.