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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDAC 03/07/2022Town of Mansfield 6 Palk Roo, Mansfield, Massachusetts 02048 RE C E I E Q TOWS! CLERKS OFFICE Downtow,�tm QMmi11 1 MANSFIELD � "n IPL Present Virtually: Kevin Dumas; Chair, Krista Hill Cummings, Neil Rhein, Eileen Cusack, Martha O'Connell, Jack Cooney, Beth Ashman Collins and George;Pantos. Guests: Mr. Josh Reinke Not present at the start of the meeting: Ms. Cusack arrived 6:03 pm Not present at the start of the meeting: Ms. Ashman Collins arrived 634 pm Minutes: Sharon Varricchione 1. Call to Order: The Downtown Committee was called to order at 6:00 pm by Chair, Mr, Kevin Dumas. Mr. Dumas welcomed everyone into the New Year, it was the first meeting face to face in the new 2022 year and he introduced the newer Town employees: Interim DPW Director, Mr. Josh Reinke, Mr. Chris McDermott, the Economic Development Director and Ms. Sharon Varricchione, the new Administrative Assistant in the Town Managers Office. He then asked for the Committee to introduce themselves: Mr. Jack Cooney who also resides on the Finance Committee, Mr. Neil Rhein, Ms, Krista Hill -Cummings, also on IDC, Ms. Martha O'Connell, also on Keep Mansfield Beautiful Committee and Mr. George Pantos from Jimmy's Pub. 2, Acceptance of Minutes from November 18, 2021: Motion: To adopt the meeting minutes of November 18, 2021. Vote: Dumas—aye Passes (Neil/Eileen) 7:0 3. Harry Chase Place Update: Craig Miller of Waterfield Design Group gave the Commit important, parts to, develop the design direction for the complex, is the easy part. The canopy structure and geese parts first so we could move forward with the rest of the s date on Harry chase place. He stated there are two nd the geese sculpture portion. The rest although the ordinary. We needed to find clarity on these two Canopy Update: Mr. Craig Miller then gave an update on the Canopy, The idea was to find a way to make this cost effective as possible and have an authentic old-time railroad depot look. Mr. Miller shared his screen (see canopy image below). Mr; Miller found two companies that make these off the shelf in a pre -fab cost-effective manor, one for roughly $33,000 (Company "Icon") and the other $50,000 (Company "Duo Gard"). They would like to save the Town money by buying one of these but they need to decide which one is best. Mr. Miller then stated they will present when they are ready. He also stated that they are not making the decision for the Town, they are just coming with the information so the Town can decide. Geese Update: Mr. Miller shared his screen and stated he found custom sculptured geese and pre -fab geese and that we would need to see the area to really understand how many geese were needed. He then went into the pros and cons of the custom vs pre -fab geese. With the pre -fab geese, we lose some of the animation as there are only two poses and the custom are expensive. He also mentioned they are not as far along and it is a harder thing to pin down even though they have done a fair amount of research. The goal is to: dive deeper with the artist, trim costs down, make it more affordable and to have four to five different poses. Pricing: Option 1 prefab goose roughly $2,500 for the pair shown below. Option 2 single goose roughly $538 for single pose. Option 3 Custom mold cast could be close to $7,000 per goose (too expensive) Another custom option was close to $100,000 for nineteen geese. Mr. Miller then stated this is just what they have found so far with their research. Ms. Ashman Collins asked if other materials beside bronze was looked into. Mr. Miller stated they are still researching and looking into finding other options, unlike the canopy, they don't have a favorable conclusion just yet. Mr. Dumas stated even if we did the single mold with an interpreted piece, the $538 version could be option. Mr. Rhein stated from the historical geese parade (photo is shown in the backwall of the conference room) we have white geese they are not Canada geese. Mr. Miller stated if we were to go with the bronze metal even though it's not white you get artistic liberty to use the bronze color, just like the "Make way for ducklings" statues in Boston. Mr. Miller shared another option that shows a piece of art of the geese. You could do a piece like this (shown below) but show the body language from the black and white photo from the geese parade but not an exact replica, it's an interpretation of the geese. Mr. Pantos asked, how many geese are we looking to create, Mr. Miller responded ten to twelve or seven to eight, we need to figure that out. We could mark up the geese out of cardboard so we can decide how many are needed and to see how much land it would take up. Ms. Ashman Collins thought It could be more creative if they let the artist be creative. Mr. Miller originally thought to produce an exact replica but now felt it could be more creative and an interpretive element. Other options are these geese without feathers but clearly, they are a geese. We still have a lot of research to do to figure this out, we don't have a recommendation at this point. This was just an update to let you know where we are at. Mr. Miller then asked for feedback regarding artistic direction vs authentic replica. Mr. Pantos understood the white geese would get dirty and kids may plan on them but liked the artistic feel and that there definitely should be ten to twelve verse three. Mr.Cooney liked the idea of individual geese, with different poses and that cost was a factor but five to nine would be good. Ms. Cusack made a point that it was not the white color that was off, it was the Canadian geese looked different then the white `kind via the style and the shape. Could we look into the correct kind? Ms. Ashman Collins doesn't want people to look at them and say that is the wrong species. Ms. Hill Cummings thought the nineteen -inch height seemed too small. Mr. Rhein said 20" is small. Regarding the color and what the geese look like, he was not particular and likes the quantities that everyone recommends. Mr. Miller did a quick search and stated that a snow goose is 25-31" tall. The committee liked the White Ebden Geese (see image below) and thought they looked more realistic. Mr. Miller showed the bronze version again per Ms. Hill Cummings request and liked the artistic expression. Mr. Dumas asked if there was a heavier material to use, he does not want these to be ripped out of the ground. Mr. Miller stated that there would be a cement footing to hold them in place. He also stated we could go with using concrete or stone for the geese although that may be hard to do but we can look into it. Mr. Dumas stated it depends on price but likes the interpretive panel. Mr. Rhein stated we could look into sponsors to help fund the geese. Mr. Cooney asked if there will there will be lighting. Mr. Dumas said we could look into having the sculpture lighted. There's electric on site and already site lighting on site, Mr. Dumas and Mr. Miller agreed to have an update for our next meeting on April 41^ 4. Downtown Update: Mr. Dumas asked for downtown updates. o Banners The committee liked the banners that Mr. Dumas displayed for everyone. He also mentioned there will be new brackets and there's no delivery date but they will be working, with Mr. Reinke and his team to hang them. The committee thinks they look great. Mr. Dumas said they are good vinyland they can probably handle a good three to four years. Mr. Pantos asked the cost of the banners and Mr. Dumas replied approximately $18,000. He then stated there were no supply chain issues, they were coming from out west and something to look forward to this year. Ms. Cusack inquired what was up this past holiday main street, what will happen to those. Mr. Dumas replied that the lighting was upgraded and we will still keep the holiday light decoration from the electric company, and the banners will be in addition to the lighting. o Ideas for other beautification efforts Mr. Dumas asked the group about other beatification ideas. Mr. Pantos, mentioned flower boxes for downtown business. Mr. Rhein mentioned that many businesses do the flower barrels and the curb appeal is good. Ms. O'Connell said there were over 106 barrels last year. Mr. Rhein stated infrastructure/railings and walls on Route 106 should be painted which have rust. Mr. Dumas stated we would need to do abond issue for that. Mr. Pantos asked about the sweeper and Mr. Reinke stated it will be back and up and running once a week. Mr. Dumas stated the painting for Route 106 needs to go through CIP. Mr. Pantos then mentioned having the businesses putting up some sort of icon like a hornet or something. You can put hornets on your building or flags or some sort of common theme for the downtown businesses. Mr. Pantos then commented that trees need to be pruned by the bank because you cannot see the sign. Mr. Dumas agreed near the bank and receptacle area by Savanah nails all needed to be bought together. Mr. Rhein and Mr. Reinke said "parking lot A". Mr. Dumas stated everything needs to be pruned back so you can see it. Mr. Dumas requested for more ideas that would helpful. Ms. Cusack stated that the picnic tables need to be painted but Mr. Azinheira mentioned to Mr. Rhein that we were getting new ones. Ms. O'Connell' stated that the barrels needed to be painted and Ms. Cusack will be looking for people to paint them from the Cultural Council. Mr. Rhein mentioned murals, and possibly painting the side of the building next to Flynns as the building is falling apart but we could encourage it with the owners. Ms. Ashman Collins mentioned another area good for a mural would be the side of Bay stage optical. Mr. Dumas then requested Mr. Rhein to review his spreadsheet of projects. • Fall festival: previously discussed • Harry Chase Place: previously discussed • Connecting Down Town to Fulton's Pond: the need for a sign with an arrow right near the butterfly bush pointing towards the walk way to Fulton's Pond, Mr. Dumas mentioned to Mr. Reinke, in parking lot A. • Decorate and paint Postal Relay Boxes: Mr. Cusack stated that there were five boxes, one was painted with Gladiolas as we used to have this flower in the town. The Postal Service in DC saw this in the newspaper and called the MA postal service and then they took the other four boxes. We are trying to keep the one we have but that's Federal property. The high school had responded to the contest of painting the other four, and had a great Honey Dew Donut idea but now they can't. Mr. Dumas then suggested that the high school paint the barrels. Ms. O'Connell will bring the barrel project up in her meeting next week for approval. Mr. Rhein then suggested the electrical relay boxes, where you can create a design and then the box is wrapped. Ms. Cusack mentioned that to wrap one of those is $1,500 may be too expensive. Mr. Rhein then mentioned the idea of a Muriel, Ms. Cusack thought that was a good idea. Mr. Dumas then offered another suggestion to paint traffic control boxes. The Town controls these boxes, they are available except for the one on Route 140 and Copeland drive which are controlled by the State. We just need to be careful as an animal got inside one of these boxes in Mansfield Crossing and caused shorts in the system. Ms. Cusack asked if we could research to pick out three of them to paint. Mr. Pantos then asked what was happening with Paine street. Mr. Dumas stated that it's been approved by the planning board and it will be taken down in June. • Thomas Street beautification project: previously discussed • New Businesses Downtown Mansfield: Mr. Rhein mentioned that we have a new bakery coming in, Mr. McDermott, the Economic Developmental Director mentioned that Hometown Bakery will be coming to 300 North Main Street which will be a perfect location. They have an extensive build out so it will be a little while before they are up and running. • Downtown Banners — all set as this was discussed earlier • Public Art: Mr. Rhein and Mr. Dumas took a tour of the Downtown and bike path with Professor Kelly Goff from Wheaton College last Fall in which he gave a detailed response of what's involved in the public art program. It's not as simple as you think and you need to have a plan in order to maintain it. Professor Goff also mentioned that he could not oversee this project but he gave us costs for this. Professor Goff wanted to develop a strategy for us so he looked at other places across the country who have done these programs in a very responsibleway. We would need someone from Human Resources time to run the program, DPW labor, a volunteer outworks selection' committee of three to five people that should represent diverse prospectives including two community members who are art informed (like a local artist or art teacher). Deliberations for this program should take place in an open meeting at Town Hall. Alternatively, some programs use a guest juror or a jury model. The payoff to those artists that don't get selected would be that the artists would look for good exposure to good jurors who are gatekeepers in the art field, this would mean that more higher artists in the field may be willing to apply. Mr. Dumas then requested that Ms. Varricchione, Committee Assistant add this onto the next meeting as an agenda item. In addition, Chris can also include for us some of the opportunities that he listed in the email which shows some different communities across the country so you can google it to take a look at It and see how their programs have been successful and that they model programs like this. This will also help us Mr. Rhein then mentioned the landscaping that needs to be done at the top of Rt 106 Thomas Street otherwise known as the DePillo Square, Mr. Reinke mentioned this would be done in the Spring and Mr. Dumas said to make sure we coordinate with the family and that will give a nice new look to that area. When there is an update, Mr. Reinke will email Ms. Varricchione and she will share it with the Downtown Committee. Ms. O'Connell asked about the Main Street Fire Station, and Mr. Dumas mentioned it is in environmental clean-up mode, the buyer is still interested in the property and they hope to have this completed by May. Ms. O'Connell then asked about the clean-up of the property next to the Fire Station and Mr. Rhein mentioned he has spoken with the property owner of the years to cut the grass and that there is rotting telephone poles. Mr. Dumas hoped that all of this gets taken care of. Mr. Pantos agreed that it needs a spring cleaning. Mr. Dumas also mentioned that Mr. Ahern was the last person to speak with the owners and suggested to Mr. Reinke to have Mr. Ahern reach out to the owner again about the Town helping with Spring clean-up. Mr. Dumas in addition mentioned that Mr. Rhein could speak directly with the electric light commissioners to see if they could take care of the abandoned telephone poles. S. Fall Festival 2022 Mr. Dumas stated we will be having a Fall Festival this year and that it takes a great deal of time and is very expensive. He also mentioned the money raised last time did not pay for the festival so we need to try and work with sponsors and charge cover fees. Mr. Pantos asked how much did we lose. Mr. Dumas stated over $10,000 for just the public safety and DPW cost alone and that tonight we need to confine what we want to do and then we will do is a rinse wash and repeat of what we have previously done. Ms. Cusack offered that we could charge $1 per ride for the Ferris wheel ride. She also mentioned the possibility of have canoe or paddle boat rides for $2. The group then discussed having the event only one day would be helpful to everyone and would help with the cost. Mr. Pantos asked if there were complaints from the neighbors. Mr. Dumas said "no" however they were originally worried about access to their house. He then stated that parking was given to residents via parking cards to show the police in order to get through with their parking cards. So, access and the parking were ironed out and it was successful in the end. Mr. Dumas stated that the other complaint previous to the event was about noise and litter. He then stated that the area was picked up and left the same as when they started. Mr. Dumas then stated there was no real complaints in the end and all of this was pre-covid. The Committee also stated that they heard only positive feedback and no complaints. Mr. Dumas stated that the Fall Festival was a big effort that day but for the amount of planning that goes into it, it showed that we had it well under control. Mr. Rhein stated, we have a blue print so we have done it before and won't have to start from scratch. The Committee then discussed having the Fall Festival run on Saturday, October first as the potential date with a rain date on October second. Mr. Dumas then stated he is going to review the data and going to bring Diane back to help with the fundraising part of the Festival. Diane can also provide pricing for things like the paddle boats. Mr. Cooney, asked if the Ferris wheel was expensive. Mr. Dumas said it was expensive but rather then charge one dollar per ride, we will ask the vendor to charge for the ride and charge us less for the rental. This way our volunteers will not need to handle cash. Mr. Dumas then stated that we need to ask Ms. Gail Gillman if she is willing to help us again as she was a big help with organizing the arts and crafters in all the different areas. Mr. Dumas said let's organize as soon as possible. Neil spreadsheet: focus on the area we are doing and tie into the Improvements to the Harry Chase Place and our multi use path all the way to the train station and all the way to the bike path. Ms. Cusack asked about a mission statement for this project and if this would be a part of our 2025 Anniversary. Mr. Dumas stated we will discuss in the next meeting. 6. New Business: Mr. Reinke added that you will see DPW workers this week working on the trash enclosures (Old Colony Way) this week. Next Meeting Date: The Committee members agreed to meet next on meeting date, Monday, April 411. Any items not known 48 hours prior Adiournment Mr. Dumas made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:30pm. Vote: Mr. Pantos — aye, Ms. O'Connell — aye, Ms. Hill -Cummings — aye, Ms. Cusack — aye, Mr. Rhein — aye, Mr. Cooney, Mr. Dumas — aye Passes (Cooney/Pantos) 7:0 W @I (-In, Kevin Dumas, Chai Date