Downtown Development Commission

Downtown Development Commission Thursday, October 11, 2012 Minutes Call To Order: 7:02pm In attendance: Eric R, Brad C, Lisa E, Carmen V, Peter F, Bob L, Carla B, Michael K, Marsha Ann Z, Bob C, Lissa W Approval of June|July Minutes: No Corrections Treasurer’s Report: See Brad’s hand out. We are 20,000 profits in net income this year. Beer Garden 5, 791 without the sponsors. May Day made $100. Mayor’s Report: A special thanks to Lisa for all of her hard work on BHD. New Mayor vs. Mascots tradition was a success. Council Liaison Report: BHD feedback is fantastic; the event is much bigger, town wide event. People like the Farmer’s Market on Green Village Road. One negative was that when St. Vincent’s gets out there is traffic, but just for a short period of time. DDC Chair states that the vegetable vendor‘s permit was pulled. Councilman Landrigan explains why the permit was pulled and will stress that this is not because of the Farmer’s Market but for other vendor related concerns and fees. Planning Board Report: Walgreen’s Signage was discussed and agreed upon. The committee has been quiet, not many items before the PB at this time. Foundation Report: Foundation will be meeting on October 23 at 7:30pm. Brad needs tax certificate for the electrician and statements from Investors Savings. Marsha Ann looking into where they are. Committee Reports:  Farmer’s Market: FM going well at Green Village Road, stores and museum are participating. Fulfilling the mission of having business down town. Parking has improved. It is a little tight for vendors and we have vendors that would want to pay for more space. Laura asked for comparative review of Profit Margin for anyone who has complained. Since we have moved to GVR we are making less money for the DDC (close to $800 loss) If we were to have the market on GVR for the entire season the FM would bring in less money than it does now.  PIC: Alley Way signs are lit up, grates are in Brad and Mike K are going to coordinate a day to have some people to help  Sign and Façade No Report  Public Relations: No Report  University Relations: Mascot and Mayor Race was a success. The Committee “meets” every other Wednesday on a conference call.  Parking and Redevelopment Council Landrigan will take care of the extended parking from Black Friday to January 1, 2013  May Day: No Report  Bottle Hill Day: Waiting for some sponsorships to come in. Looking for smaller stage for Central, Would like to have more of presence on the Elmer Stage. The Food Vendors for the Food Court need to back up a bit. Lisa is happy to do it again next year. We had almost 200 vendors. The attendance was fantastic. Discussion of Parking options for BHD as well as possibly revising the idea of charging the businesses that set up in front of their stores. Beer Garden Report: The event was safe and fantastic. No incidents. Poor Herbies was packed after BHD.  Assistant Borough Admin Report: No Report  Old Business: Waverly and Lincoln designated “Great Place in New Jersey”  New Business: Allocation Requests: MACA: Mike Kopas motions to allocate up to $1000 in support of MACA and Lisa Ellis seconds it. Discussion: Do we buy them equipment; support an event for them etc…Lisa Ellis will speak with Jerry Vezza. Motion was passed Unanimously I Love Madison Shop Madison plastic bags: Peter Makes a motion to approve 1925.10 to purchase the bags, Lissa seconds. Motion Passes. Brad abstains. New Merchant of the Month Flag: The DDC will be represented on the new Banner. Brad makes a motion to approve $344.18 to improve the MOM flag. Mike Kopas seconds. No discussion, Motion passes unanimously.  Holiday GC Program: $3000 sitting in Holiday Gift Program account. We can continue the program without expending money from either the Chamber or the DDC. Bonus for Fran Becker: Market Manager. Has been a fantastic volunteer for the DDC, has manned the BHD booth. Brad makes a motion to give FB a $200 Holiday GC, seconded by Peter F. Motion passes unanimously. Present Minori Nakamura with a Plaque and flowers at a Council meeting and a proclamation at the council meeting. Mike K motions to allocate up $100 for flowers and plaque to acknowledge Minori, Marsha Ann seconds. Motion Passes unanimously.  Discussion Item: None  Invitation for discussion from the Public: None  Adjournment: Meeting adjourned 8:18PM