HomeMy WebLinkAboutIDC Comm. 06/22/2023IDC Meeting Minutes
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06/22/2023 G
Attendees: Christopher Jackson, lames Shriver, Julie Jones, Christopher McDermott ,
Meeting Convened
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm.
Motion: Julielones rip02
n
Second: ChristopherJackson -+ W
Vote: 3-0-0 n o <m
Acceptance of Minutes
Review of the minutes from the meeting on4/13/23 and 5/11/23 were deferred to the next meeting as
there was not a sufficient number of either meeting's participants present.
Downtown
A. BETA Group, Inc. & TOD
McDermott informed members that the TOD Zoning Reforms had been passed at Town Meeting
on June 15". Work would now shift towards VHB & DPW as design of the Parkway is brought
into focus.
B. Downtown Grants and Business Assistance
McDermott informed members that Sen. Feeney successfully inserted a $50,000 allocation
supporting this project in the Senate's proposed FY24 State Budget. Given its presence in both
House and Senate proposals, the allocation was considered secure.'
McDermott also shared the latest copy of the program's draft application form, with a map of
the program's proposed boundaries attached. While two items were awaiting review from Town
Counsel, he explained that he hoped to get a vote preliminarily finalizing this form and program
from the IDC before seeking a vote of support from the Select Board on 7/19. Members
discussed the boundaries and asked if they could be expanded to encompass more businesses.
McDermott replied that the enabling legislation specified that this would be a "Downtown" Sign
& Facade Program but that he would discuss extending the boundaries with the Town Manager.
Motion: To approve this application pending any edits from Town Counsel or amendments
made in conjunction with the Town Manager. (Jones/Shriver)
Passes: 3-0-0
Discover Mansfield
McDermott informed members that Penta Communications' contract for Fiscal Year 2023 would draw to
an end on June 30`r' and a request for quotes (RFQ) had been distributed for the upcoming fiscal year.
Besides Penta Communications, O'Neil & Associates and Castle Group had also been invited to submit
quotes. The deadline for submissions was Thursday, 6/28.
Heading towards the end of FY23, Penta Communications was developing a series of blog posts for
ChooseMansfield.com. At that point, six drafts had been issued, one of which had been edited and
published.
IDC Membership
McDermott stated there was nothing to report at that time.
Business Development & Outreach Updates
McDermott updated the IDC on recent business development and outreach efforts.
Key Partnerships
McDermott briefed members regarding recent ribbon cuttings the Tri-Town Chamber of Commerce had
organized at Hometown Bakery, 300 N. Main Street; Epex Epilation & Exfoliation,100 Copeland Drive;
and the 1829 Country Store/Closet & Storage Concepts, 26 Otis St.
Any Items Not Known 48 Hours in Advance
At the Chair's invitation, an individual sitting in the audience stepped forward to ask a question. Wayne
Smith, a manager at Dub's Liquor at 30 Chauncy Street, asked if that business would fall within the Sign
& Facade Program's boundaries. McDermott responded that it would.
McDermott also stated that business cards had been ordered for James Shriver and Keith Wells.
Adjourn
The Commission moved to adjourn at 6:55 pm.
Motion:
Second:
Vote:
Julie Jones
James Shriver
3-0-0
IJ11(-11J3