Citizen's Advisory Commission (formerly Review & Comment)

Downtown Improvement Committee Meeting Minutes April 27, 2012 Opening A meeting of the Downtown Improvement Committee was called to order on Friday, April 27, 2012 at 8:12 a.m. in Room 208 City Hall. Present: Marylou Blaisdell, Art Bruinooge, Ben Clemons, Tom Galligani, John Koutsos, Rich Lannan, Elizabeth Skalandy, Alderman Mike Tabacsko, Other Attendees: Linda LaFleur Public Attendees: Alderman Barbara Pressly Downtown Improvement Committee Discussion The Committee selected officers. A MOTION WAS MADE BY ART BRUINOOGE TO APPOINT MARYLOU BLAISDELL AS COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON. John Koutsas seconded the motion. The motion to appoint Ms. Blaisdell as Chairperson was unanimously passed. A MOTION WAS MADE BY JOHN KOUTSAS TO APPOINT RICH LANNAN AS COMMITTEE VICE CHAIRPERSON. Art Bruinooge seconded the motion. The motion to appoint Mr. Lannan as Vice Chairperson was unanimously passed. Ms. LaFleur was asked to serve as secretary. Ms. Blaisdell suggested the Committee review parking revenue on a quarterly basis as the increased revenue will be used for Downtown improvements. The Committee voiced frustration that funds for improvements will not be available until late 2013 – early 2014. Chair Blaisdell noted there is a stagnant feeling in Downtown among business owners. There is also concern about the dangerous state of the sidewalks. Ms. Blaisdell reported that 3 people have fallen recently—one broke her hip, one had to be taken away in an ambulance, and the third suffered severe bruising. Since improvement funds are not available until 2013, Mr. Clemmons suggested the Committee determine the amount of funds the Mayor can allocate for downtown improvements in the budget currently being developed and advise the Mayor to include funds for sidewalk repairs. The Main Street bridge repair is currently underway. Alderman Tabacsko’s understanding is that the next block to be repaired is from Pearl Street to City Hall. The Committee discussed their role and responsibilities. Alderman Tabacsko noted the Committee’s role is to advise the Mayor. Chair Blaisdell agreed, adding the Committee has the voice for Downtown improvements. Mr. Koutsas suggested that a comprehensive master plan for Downtown is needed. According to Mr. Clemmons, the money for a master plan will not be available until FY2014. Mr. Bruinooge reminded the Committee members that the Services Advisory Committee (SAC) outlined a comprehensive plan in their “Cultivating Vitality” report. The report noted the dangerous condition of the sidewalks and made their repair a priority. In the report, the SAC recommended the City issue a bond to pay for sidewalk repairs, but at that time the Aldermen did not support bond issuance. Besides people falling, there have also been several incidences of loose sidewalk bricks being thrown through business windows. Mr. Koutsas noted it is the City’s obligation to repair the sidewalks and the City cannot rely solely on parking revenue for the repairs. The Committee would like to receive an update from Mayor Lozeau regarding the cost of the Main Street bridge work as well as to determine if funds are available for a comprehensive master plan. Mr. Koutsas noted there should be a master plan and that bonding to pay for the repairs is a separate issue. Next, the Committee discussed the fact that parking enforcement is sorely lacking in Downtown. Mr. Koutsas believes a full-time dedicated downtown parking enforcement person is needed. There is support for parking enforcement to be under the auspices of the City’s Transportation Department. Mr. Koutsas would like to make a formal recommendation that enforcement be moved to the Transportation Department. Mr. Galligani noted that the Mayor is supportive of this idea and that it is being explored. The Committee also noted the abuse of handicapped parking spaces. The Committee strongly recommends legislation be passed regarding time limits in spaces used by those with handicapped placards who park all day in the same space. The City should consider aligning itself with State of New Hampshire statutes or limiting the time to 3 hours in a space using a handicapped placard. It was noted by Ms. Skalandy that the garages are scary places and that this perception needs to be changed. The Downtown Improvement Committee would like to discuss the following at their next meeting: Mayor Lozeau’s budget for the next fiscal year, specifically plans for Downtown improvements Parking revenue from December through April Work on handicapped parking legislation Changing parking enforcement hours from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Adjournment: The next meeting of the Downtown Improvement Committee will be held on Friday, May 11, 2012 at 8:00 a.m. in Room 208. Minutes submitted by: Linda LaFleur 2|P a g e