Downtown Development Commission

Minutes, Nov. 20 Page 1 of 2 1. Call to order: 7:11pm 2. Public Open Meetings Act as read by Chairman Stern 3. Roll Call a. Present: Jim Burnet, John Hoover, Larry Jasen (7:13pm), Pat Rowe, Russell Stern, Carmen Vacchaino, Stephen Whitehorn, Marsha Ann Zimmerman, Mark Fabyanski (7:14pm), Craig Erezuma (7:14pm), Steve Whitehorn (8:33pm) b. Absent: Carla Brady, Mayor Conley, Peter Flemming, Garry Herzog, Barb Short, Mike Kopas, Lisa Ellis c. Also in attendance: Laura Cole, Ed Rowland, Cara Anan 4. Pledge of Allegiance 5. Swearing in of John Hoover 6. Approval of October Minutes a. MOTION to approve October minutes by: Pat Rowe, Second by: Mark Fabyanski, Discussion: None 7. Funding Request a. 2015 Costs for May Day baskets approximately $8,321 i. MOTION to allocate $8,321 for May Day Baskets by: Marsha Ann Zimmerman, Second by: Larry Jasen, Discussion: None 8. Assistant Borough Administrator’s Report a. Grant submission and summary budget for 2015 i. Jim Burnet explains that the foundation will not issue funds beyond a certain dollar amount. The money goes into account automatically and Brad will issue a reimbursement grant. Discussion between Russell Stern, Pat Rowe, and Brad Crammer. There will be a revision and the vote will be moved to December. ii. MOTIONS to submit a grant to the Madison Main Street Foundation in an amount not to exceed $125,000. Motion: Pat Rowe, Second by: Brad Crammer, Discussion: None b. Strategic Planning: i. This will be sent to commissioners and returned by December 5 th. In January the list will be visited and priorities will be discussed. Craig wants Erezuma discusses changes to be made. Jim Burnet notes that we have been executing and Brad Crammer adds that we have done surveys in the past. Russell Stern speaks about other involvements that the DDC has had in the past. ii. Larry Jasen suggests adding more Wayfinding Signs. Craig Erezuma suggests inviting artists to create sculptures downtown. 9. Council Liaison Report: None 10. Committee Reports: a. Sign & Façade: Report by Craig Erezuma says that a sign scholarship will afford a lot of opportunity downtown. b. University Relations: None c. Public Improvement Committee: Report by Mark Fabyanski; Repurpose some of committees that we have on the DDC. Current project: Historic Tour Town. i. County Wayfinding signage proposal: Mark Fabyanski states that this will soon be a reality. Two hour Holiday Parking signs need to be put up. Waverly Parking Lot Apron: Budget for 2014 is currently being addressed. Minutes, Nov. 20 Page 2 of 2 10. Old Business 11. New Business a. Parade follow up a. Decision of car clips that have DDC logo. b. Holiday Party a. Discussed possible volunteers to be invited. c. Laura’s Position a. Jim Burnet suggests the income of the job needs to be raised in order to attract a top candidate. Councilmembers read over job description. Once position is posted, a new discussion will occur. We hope to find someone by January or February. 25 to 29 hours plus health benefits is a possible addition to Laura’s position. d. Volunteer engagement: a. Russell Stern expressed the need for more volunteers members and invite them to meetings in DDC matters. Laura Cole and Mark Fabyanski suggest having volunteers who are more active and more interested in attending the DDC meetings. Craig Erezuma suggests to pay to make branded Sign-Up Genius. Brad Crammer suggests replacement of commissioners. Discussion amongst commissioners. Discussion about possible town calendar. Discussion about possible RRS Feed on Rosenet.org. 12. Ad Hoc Committee Reports a. Art Banner Gallery: Craig Erezuma states that the turnout was low and advertising could have been better. 13. Social Media Analytics Report by Cara 14. Mayor’s Report: None 15. Treasurer Report: Brad Crammer notes that during Bottle Hill we made $47,470. Clam Bake had an anticipated loss of $7,000 but only an actual loss of $2,000. Farmers’ Market had a gain of $2,200. May Day: profit gain this year. Shop Madison, small loss because the bags are subsidized. Overall, there has been a net gain. 16. Council Liaison Report: None 17. Planning Board Report: Meeting downstairs, discussing GVR property. 18. Invitation for discussion from the public: Ed Rowland: Member of Lambs Artillery; Talked about bringing a to day reenactment/encampment to Madison. 19. Adjournment: MOTION: Larry Jasen, Second: John Hoover Discussion: None 8:59pm OUR NEXT MEETING: THURSDAY, December 11th at 7:00PM HARTLEY DODGE MEMORIAL