Downtown Development Commission
Regular MeetingMadison, NJ · October 19, 2017
Minutes
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
Committee Room - Hartley Dodge Memorial Building
Date: October 19, 2017 Time: 8:00pm
MEETING MINUTES
1) CALL TO ORDER: This meeting was called to order at 8:00 pm by Chair Mike Kopas
2) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3) ROLL CALL:
MEMBERS PRESENT:
C. Brady, P. Flemming, J. Hollenbach, J. Hoover, M. Kopas, L. Lajewski, R. Stern, S. Whitehorn, M.
Zimmerman
MEMBERS ABSENT:
R. Conley, M. Byrne, J. Burnet, B. Cramer, M. Fabyanski, G. Herzog, L. Jasen, E. Range, R.
Rocco, B. Short, D. Starker
ALSO PRESENT: Lisa Ellis, DDC Program Director
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC: Michael Pellessier
4) OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT: In compliance with the open public meetings act, adequate notice of
this meeting of the Downtown Development Commission was provided by distributing the Annual
Meeting schedule to the Madison Eagle and Morris County Daily Record, posting a copy on the bulletin
board at the main entrance to the Hartley Dodge Memorial Building, posting a copy on the Borough
website, and filing a copy with the Borough Clerk, all on or about the first week of January 2017. Copies
of said notice were made available to members of the general public.
5) APPROVAL OF SEPTEMBER 2017 MINUTES
Motion to approve September 2017 Minutes as presented
Moved by: J. Hoover and Seconded by: P. Flemming
Voice Vote: Unanimous
6) CHAIRMAN/EXECUTIVE BOARD REPORT: There was no formal report. There was informal discussion
regarding the value of the Urbanomics Downtown Revitalization Study. There was also some discussion
regarding the hiring of the Director of Business Development.
7) TREASURER’S REPORT: The financial reports were distributed.
8) MAYOR’S REPORT: There was no report.
9) COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT: There was no report.
10) PLANNING BOARD REPORT: Peter Flemming spoke briefly about two recent approvals. One on South
Oak Court and the other at 4 Giralda.
11) FOUNDATION REPORT: There was no report.
12) COMMITTEE REPORTS:
a) Sign & Façade: John Hoover, Chair (Karen Giambra, Leslie Lajewski, Eric Range)
i. Develop a welcome kit: key parameters to be followed; list of do's and don'ts; examples of “best”
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signage. Awaiting feedback from Committee on whether or not the information on rosenet.org
is sufficient or if it should be further developed.
ii. Photos being taken, by John Hoover, and forwarded to the committee.
iii. Review and modify guidelines
iv. Reconsider a matching grant program
v. Applications from September 21th to October 19th :
1. 12 Waverly - Stitch (Sandwich Board Only) - Submitted 8/30/17 - Sent to S & F 9/27/17 -
Approved 10/18/17
2. 36 Main Street - Lenny's Cocina de Abuelita (Sandwich Board
Only)- Submitted 09/27/127 - Sent to S & F 9/27/17 - Approved 10/18/17
3. 78 Main Street ‑ Questige Consulting ‑ Submitted 09/28/17 ‑ Sent to S & F 10/11/17 ‑
Approved 10/16/17
4. 23 Waverly Place ‑ Madison Bagel Café - Submitted 9/26/17 ‑ Sent to S & F 10/16/17
5. 240 Main Sreet ‑ PNC Bank ‑ Submitted 10/12/17 ‑ Sent to S & F 10/16/17
b) PIC (Public Improvement): Jim Hollenbach, Chair (Maureen Byrne, Brad Cramer Mark Fabyanski,
John Hoover, Russell Stern, Suzy Whitehorn, Peter Flemming, Bob Rocco): PIC met on Tuesday,
October 3rd at the Nautilus Diner. Jim Hollenbach, Suzy Whitehorn, Brad Cramer and Lisa Ellis
were in attendance.
i) Water Fountains Update: The remaining 2 water fountains are to be installed on Main Street
one in front of Short Stories and the other near Walgreens. The one near Short Stories is
installed and working! Melanie at Tivoli Creative has been asked to create a DDC decal for the
fountains and will have a proof for review shortly.
ii) Alleyway Signage: The majority of the lights in the alley are out. Lisa has spoken to electrician
Jim Burke regarding repair (see quote). Jim was also asked to investigate replacement fixtures
for the Cook Avenue Alleyway, completing the trestle lighting project and perhaps finding a
new bulb that could be piloted for the historic lampposts. The Alleyway Sign for the alley
between 20-23 and 17 Waverly Place was never hung and a solution still needs to be derived.
(1) Quote from Electrician James A. Burke for Alleyway Sign repair - $685.00
iii) New Projects: Based on a review of the Urbanomics Downtown Revitalization Study, the PIC
Committee some potential new projects include bicycle racks, garbage can/recycling can
replacements, and physical improvements on streetscapes, train trestles, and alleyways. The
committee believes that a plan for bike racks and garbage cans can be achieve by the spring of
2018. Jim Burnet has mentioned that there may be funding for new garbage/recycling cans.
Lisa will follow-up with Jim and Ken O’Brien.
iv) Sidewalks: The ongoing repairs that the Borough has invested in have been a solid
improvement but the committee believes that a more developed plan should be created for
the ultimate replacement of the sidewalks and the existing street trees. This plan should be
developed with representation from the FMST/STMB and the Borough.
c) University Relations: Carla Brady, Chair (Mark Fabyanski, Mike Kopas, Larry Jasen, Eric Range, Deb
Starker, Marsha Ann Zimmerman): Carla Brady mentioned that there will be no Prisonball Tournament
in 2018. They are looking at alternative events. She spoke about the Drew Leadership Institute.
d) Marketing and Economic Development: Eric Range Chair (Barb Short, Leslie Lajewski, Russell
Stern, Michael Pellessier, Karen Giambra, John Morris): M&ED met on Friday, October 13th at 7:30
am at the Nautilus Diner. Eric Range, Karen Giambra, John Morris and Lisa Ellis were in
attendance. The Committee started taking a look at sample RFQ/RFO language from other
communities.
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i) Update on Close.By App: Lisa Ellis gave an update on the app. The information collection from
the businesses has been slow-going. There is still hope that the tentative launch date can be
achieved.
13) AD HOC COMMITTEE AND PROJECT UPDATES:
a) Taste of Madison (Monday, March 19, 2018): The 2018 event will be held at Brooklake Country
Club in Florham Park.
b) May Day (TBD)
c) DDC/MACA Sidewalk Art Gallery & Gala (inactive)
d) Farmers’ Market (Thursdays, June 1 - October 26)
e) Drew University Town Tour (Saturday, August 26, 2017)
f) Bottle Hill Day (Saturday, October 7, 2017):
i) Post Event Report
g) Sidewalk Sounds (Incorporated into Madison Farmers’ Market)
h) Downtown Concert Series w/METC (2018 Dates: June 22, July 13, July 27, August 10, August
24, August 31 & September 7th)
i) Madison Storytellers Festival (September 16, 2017, September 15, 2018)
i) Post Event Report
j) Rose City Summerfest (June 16, 2018)
14) OLD BUSINESS: There was none discussed.
15) NEW BUSINESS
a) Christmas Parade giveaways and banner. It was decided to again purchase candy for this year’s
parade.
Motion to approve the purchase of branded giveaways for the Christmas Parade out of the
Advertising/Promotion Budget for an amount not to exceed $1,000.00
Moved by: J. Hoover and Seconded by: C. Brady
Voice Vote: Unanimous
b) Christmas lights on lampposts. It was decided to again purchase white Christmas lights to wrap
the historic lampposts.
Motion to approve the purchase of Christmas lights to wrap the historic lampposts out of the
Public Improvement budget for an amount not to exceed $1,000.00
Moved by: M. Kopas and Seconded by: M. Zimmerman
Voice Vote: Unanimous
16) INVITATION FOR DISCUSSION FROM THE PUBLIC: There was no discussion.
17) ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn at 8:55 pm
Moved by: S. Whitehorn and Seconded by: L. Lajewski
Voice Vote: Unanimous
NEXT MEETING: Thursday, November 16th, 2017 at 8:00pm, Committee Room - Hartley Dodge
Memorial Building. Executive Board Meeting, Thursday, November 9th at 8:00pm.
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Agenda
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
Committee Room - Hartley Dodge Memorial Building
Date: October 19, 2017 Time: 8:00pm (Please Note Time Change)
MEETING AGENDA
1) CALL TO ORDER
2) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3) ROLL CALL
R. Conley M. Fabyanski L. Jasen B. Short
M. Byrne P. Flemming M. Kopas D. Starker
J. Burnet G. Herzog L. Lajewski R. Stern
C. Brady J. Hollenbach E. Range S. Whitehorn
B. Cramer J. Hoover R. Rocco M. Zimmerman
4) OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT: In compliance with the open public meetings act, adequate notice of
this meeting of the Downtown Development Commission was provided by distributing the Annual
Meeting schedule to the Madison Eagle and Morris County Daily Record, posting a copy on the
bulletin board at the main entrance to the Hartley Dodge Memorial Building, posting a copy on the
Borough website, and filing a copy with the Borough Clerk, all on or about the first week of January
2017. Copies of said notice were made available to members of the general public.
5) APPROVAL OF SEPTEMBER 2017 MINUTES
6) CHAIRMAN/EXECUTIVE BOARD REPORT
7) TREASURER’S REPORT
8) MAYOR’S REPORT
9) COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT
10) PLANNING BOARD REPORT
11) FOUNDATION REPORT
12) COMMITTEE REPORTS:
a) Sign & Façade: John Hoover, Chair (Karen Giambra, Leslie Lajewski, Eric Range)
i. Develop a welcome kit: key parameters to be followed; list of do's and don'ts; examples of
“best” signage. Awaiting feedback from Committee on whether or not the information on
rosenet.org is sufficient or if it should be further developed.
ii. Photos being taken, by John Hoover, and forwarded to the committee.
iii. Review and modify guidelines
iv. Reconsider a matching grant program
v. Applications from September 21th to October 19th :
1. 12 Waverly - Stitch (Sandwich Board Only) - Submitted 8/30/17 - Sent to S & F 9/27/17 -
Approved 10/18/17
2. 36 Main Street - Lenny's Cocina de Abuelita (Sandwich Board
Only)- Submitted 09/27/127 - Sent to S & F 9/27/17 - Approved 10/18/17
3. 78 Main Street ‑ Questige Consulting ‑ Submitted 09/28/17 ‑ Sent to S & F 10/11/17 ‑
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Approved 10/16/17
4. 23 Waverly Place ‑ Madison Bagel Café - Submitted 9/26/17 ‑ Sent to S & F 10/16/17
5. 240 Main Sreet ‑ PNC Bank ‑ Submitted 10/12/17 ‑ Sent to S & F 10/16/17
b) PIC (Public Improvement): Jim Hollenbach, Chair (Maureen Byrne, Brad Cramer Mark Fabyanski,
John Hoover, Russell Stern, Suzy Whitehorn, Peter Flemming, Bob Rocco): PIC met on Tuesday,
October 3rd at the Nautilus Diner. Jim Hollenbach, Suzy Whitehorn, Brad Cramer and Lisa Ellis
were in attendance.
i) Water Fountains Update: The remaining 2 water fountains are to be installed on Main Street
one in front of Short Stories and the other near Walgreens. The one near Short Stories is
installed and working! Melanie at Tivoli Creative has been asked to create a DDC decal for the
fountains and will have a proof for review shortly.
ii) Alleyway Signage: The majority of the lights in the alley are out. Lisa has spoken to electrician
Jim Burke regarding repair (see quote). Jim was also asked to investigate replacement fixtures
for the Cook Avenue Alleyway, completing the trestle lighting project and perhaps finding a
new bulb that could be piloted for the historic lampposts. The Alleyway Sign for the alley
between 20-23 and 17 Waverly Place was never hung and a solution still needs to be derived.
(1) Quote from Electrician James A. Burke for Alleyway Sign repair - $685.00
iii) New Projects: Based on a review of the Urbanomics Downtown Revitalization Study, the PIC
Committee some potential new projects include bicycle racks, garbage can/recycling can
replacements, and physical improvements on streetscapes, train trestles, and alleyways. The
committee believes that a plan for bike racks and garbage cans can be achieve by the spring of
2018. Jim Burnet has mentioned that there may be funding for new garbage/recycling cans.
Lisa will follow-up with Jim and Ken O’Brien.
iv) Sidewalks: The ongoing repairs that the Borough has invested in have been a solid
improvement but the committee believes that a more developed plan should be created for
the ultimate replacement of the sidewalks and the existing street trees. This plan should be
developed with representation from the FMST/STMB and the Borough.
c) University Relations: Carla Brady, Chair (Mark Fabyanski, Mike Kopas, Larry Jasen, Eric Range, Deb
Starker, Marsha Ann Zimmerman)
d) Marketing and Economic Development: Eric Range Chair (Barb Short, Leslie Lajewski, Russell
Stern, Michael Pellessier, Karen Giambra, John Morris): M&ED met on Friday, October 13th at 7:30
am at the Nautilus Diner. Eric Range, Karen Giambra, John Morris and Lisa Ellis were in
attendance. The Committee started taking a look at sample RFQ/RFO language from other
communities.
i) Update on Close.By App
13) AD HOC COMMITTEE AND PROJECT UPDATES:
a) Taste of Madison (Monday, March 19, 2018): The 2018 event will be held at Brooklake Country
Club in Florham Park.
b) May Day (TBD)
c) DDC/MACA Sidewalk Art Gallery & Gala (inactive)
d) Farmers’ Market (Thursdays, June 1 - October 26)
e) Drew University Town Tour (Saturday, August 26, 2017)
f) Bottle Hill Day (Saturday, October 7, 2017):
i) Post Event Report
g) Sidewalk Sounds (Incorporated into Madison Farmers’ Market)
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h) Downtown Concert Series w/METC (2018 Dates: June 22, July 13, July 27, August 10, August
24, August 31 & September 7th)
i) Madison Storytellers Festival (September 16, 2017, September 15, 2018)
i) Post Event Report
j) Rose City Summerfest (June 16, 2018)
14) OLD BUSINESS
15) NEW BUSINESS
a) Christmas Parade giveaways and banner
b) Christmas lights on lampposts
16) INVITATION FOR DISCUSSION FROM THE PUBLIC
17) ADJOURNMENT
NEXT MEETING: Thursday, November 16th, 2017 at 8:00pm, Committee Room - Hartley Dodge
Memorial Building. Executive Board Meeting, Thursday, November 9th at 8:00pm.
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DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
Committee Room - Hartley Dodge Memorial Building
Date: September 21, 2017 Time: 8:00pm
MEETING MINUTES
1) CALL TO ORDER: This meeting was called to order at 8:00 pm by Chair Mike Kopas
2) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3) ROLL CALL:
MEMBERS PRESENT:
R. Conley, C. Brady, J. Hollenbach, J. Hoover, M. Kopas, L. Lajewski, R. Rocco, R. Stern, S. Whitehorn, M.
Zimmerman
MEMBERS ABSENT:
M. Byrne, J. Burnet, B. Cramer, M. Fabyanski, P. Flemming, G. Herzog, L. Jasen, E. Range,
B. Short, D. Starker
ALSO PRESENT: Lisa Ellis, DDC Program Director
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC: Michael Pellessier
4) OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT: In compliance with the open public meetings act, adequate notice of
this meeting of the Downtown Development Commission was provided by distributing the Annual
Meeting schedule to the Madison Eagle and Morris County Daily Record, posting a copy on the bulletin
board at the main entrance to the Hartley Dodge Memorial Building, posting a copy on the Borough
website, and filing a copy with the Borough Clerk, all on or about the first week of January 2017. Copies
of said notice were made available to members of the general public.
5) APPROVAL OF JULY 2017 MINUTES (The August meeting was cancelled)
Motion to approve July 2017 Minutes as presented
Moved by: J. Hoover and Seconded by: M. Zimmerman
Voice Vote: Unanimous
6) CHAIRMAN/EXECUTIVE BOARD REPORT: There was no formal report.
7) TREASURER’S REPORT: The monthly financial reports were distributed.
8) MAYOR’S REPORT: There was no report.
9) COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT: There was no formal report.
10) PLANNING BOARD REPORT: There was no formal report.
11) FOUNDATION REPORT: There was no report.
12) COMMITTEE REPORTS:
a) Sign & Façade: John Hoover, Chair (Karen Giambra, Leslie Lajewski, Eric Range)
i) Develop a welcome kit: key parameters to be followed; list of do's and don'ts; examples of
“best” signage. Awaiting feedback from Committee on whether or not the information on
rosenet.org is sufficient or if it should be further developed.
ii) Photos being taken, by John Hoover, and forwarded to the committee.
iii) Review and modify guidelines
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iv) Reconsider a matching grant program
v) Applications from September 21th to September 21st:
(1) 10-12 Elmer Street - Kumon Math & Reading Center - Submitted 8/09/17 - Sent to S & F
8/15/17: Approved 8/22/17
(2) 64 Main Street - Tons of Toys (Sandwich Board Only) - Submitted 8/01/17 - Sent to S & F
8/15/17: Approved 8/25/17
(3) 242 Main Street - R3 Lab - Submitted 7/20/17 - Sent to S & F 8/16/17: Approved 8/25/17
(4) At the request of Borough of Madison TCC/Zoning Board and Susan G. Blickstein, AICP/PP,
PhD, ASA, Steven Azzolini, Esq. Azzolini & Benedetti, LLC and architect J. V. Allocca, AIA,
provided the Sign & Façade Committee of the Madison Downtown Development
Commission with documents for review regarding the façade proposed for the new
development planned for 174 Main Street on 8/16/17. Comments from Sign & Façade
were submitted to Fran Boardman for distribution to the Zoning Board on August 25,
2017.
(5) 36 Main Street - Lenny’s Cocina de Abuelito - Submitted 8/30/17 - Sent to S & F 8/31/17:
Approved 9/08/17
(6) 50-1/2 Main Street - Harvest Bistro (Name Change/On A Roll) - Submitted 9/04/17 - Sent
to S & F 9/18/17: Approved 9/19/17
b) PIC (Public Improvement): Jim Hollenbach, Chair (Maureen Byrne, Brad Cramer Mark Fabyanski,
John Hoover, Russell Stern, Suzy Whitehorn, Peter Flemming, Bob Rocco): PIC met on August 1st at
the Nautilus Diner. Jim Hollenbach, Peter Flemming, Bob Rocco, John Hoover and Lisa Ellis were in
attendance. The meeting included brief updates of projects in the pipeline. The September
meeting was cancelled. In the interim, Lisa Ellis met with Superintendent of Public Works Ken
O’Brien and Water Department Foreman Tom DeBiasse on Thursday, September 9th. This is what
they shared regarding the proposed location on Main Street (near the mailbox, in front of Short
Stories) and why they proposed the location near the Firehouse Apartments on Central Avenue
instead:
i) The closest water main there is on Green Village Road, which is a county road and thus will
require going through a permitting process with them. There will be a $3,500.00 tapping
charge from the county for which we would potentially be responsible for. The road will have
to be closed for one day minimally.
ii) The distance from this water main connection to the proposed location is longer than they
would like typically and will involve opening the sidewalk and the unknown complications of
other services below. The electric lines run through there and include lamppost and traffic
light connections. This will require the closure of the sidewalk in that area for one day
minimally.
iii) Both the road and sidewalk closures will require that police are hired at the cost of $80.00 per
hour, $1,280.00 for two days.
iv) They also questioned why we would want to add another fountain less than 100 feet from the
one at the Columbus Memorial but that’s of lesser concern.
There was substantive discussion regarding the installation of the two remaining water fountains.
It was decided that the DDC would like to pursue installing the one remaining water fountain in
the previously chosen location between the lamppost and banner pole 2-3 feet off the curb line
on Main Street outside of Short Stories despite the potential difficulties and expense involved.
The other unit is confirmed for installation near Walgreens as DPW suggested. Mayor Conley
suggested that there might be a requested entered with the county to waive the talking fee.
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Lisa will communicate this to Ken O’Brien and ask for a report on any potential costs that the DDC
may need to absorb.
c) University Relations: Carla Brady, Chair (Mark Fabyanski, Mike Kopas, Larry Jasen, Eric Range, Deb
Starker, Marsha Ann Zimmerman): Carla Brady reported on the success of the Drew Town Tour and the
Drew University Fireworks which were held on September 9th. The consensus was that moving them
away from Bottle Hill Day was a good idea for all. It creates another community event night that can be
more readily enjoyed without the happy exhaustion that Bottle Hill Day brings.
d) Marketing and Economic Development: Eric Range Chair (Barb Short, Leslie Lajewski, Russell
Stern, Michael Pellessier, Karen Giambra, John Morris): There was no report.
13) AD HOC COMMITTEE AND PROJECT UPDATES:
a) Taste of Madison (Monday, March 19, 2018): The 2018 event will be held at Brooklake Country
Club in Florham Park.
b) May Day (TBD): There was a brief discussion about how the timing of this event precludes both
Drew and Madison High School students. The first due to final exams and the latter due to the
fact that it is typically the day that the SAT’s are held at MHS.
c) DDC/MACA Sidewalk Art Gallery & Gala (Inactive)
d) Farmers’ Market (Thursdays, June 1 - October 26): The Market continues to attract crowds. The
music has been outstanding. The fall has brought staffing challenges but the while the numbers of
student interns has gone down, those that do help out are very pleasant and helpful.
e) Drew University Town Tour (Saturday, August 26, 2017): See University Relations above. The total
spent for this event this year was $3,012.50.
f) Bottle Hill Day (Saturday, October 7, 2017): All the planning has been done and over the next two
plus weeks the focus will be on day of logistics and vendor management.
g) Sidewalk Sounds (Incorporated into Madison Farmers’ Market)
h) Downtown Concert Series w/METC (June 22, July 13, July 27, August 10, August 24, August 31
& September 7th): the concert series was again a huge success. Attendance was reported at
over 1,200 in total. The dates listed here are for 2018.
i) Madison Storytellers Festival (September 16, 2017): It was reported that the event was a
success. The change in hours and format, greatly improved the flow and enjoyment of the
day. The financials will be available at the October meeting.
14) OLD BUSINESS: There was none discussed.
15) NEW BUSINESS: There was none introduced.
a) Festival for June of 2018, Scheduled for Saturday, June 16th. This festival needs a name, these are
the two choices so far but feel free to be creative and come up with your own:
Rose City Summerfest
Rose City Rhythm and Brews
It was decided that this June event would be called “Rose City Summerfest”
16) INVITATION FOR DISCUSSION FROM THE PUBLIC: There was no discussion.
17) ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn at 9:19 pm
Moved by: L. Lajewski and Seconded by: R. Stern
Voice Vote: Unanimous
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NEXT MEETING: Thursday, October 19th, 2017 at 8:00pm, Committee Room - Hartley Dodge Memorial
Building. Executive Board Meeting, Thursday, October 12 h at 8:00pm.
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