Town Of Farmington
Downtown & Business Committee
356 Main Street, Farmington, NH
Meeting Minutes
Thursday - March 25, 2010
Members Present: Joanne Doke, Deb Scanlon, Rich Stanley, Ann Titus and Joan Kotsiroplos.
Members Excused: Jeannette Colpitt, Keith Henderson and Cindy Snowdon
Chairman Rich Stanley opened the meeting at 6:06pm.
1. Review of Minutes:
Ann Titus motioned to accept the minutes of February 25, 2010 as amended, 2nd Joan Funk. Discussion followed where Joanne asked what the budget is for this year and Joan F. replied that the budget line is for Economic Development for $3000 and she just deposited $173 for a fundraiser the committee did. Motion carried with all in favor.
Ann Titus motioned to accept the public minutes of 11-19-09 as written, 2nd Joan Funk. Motion carried with all in favor.
Joanne Doke motioned to accept the non-public minutes of 11-19-09 as written, 2nd Ann Titus. Motion carried with all in favor.
2. Reimbursement Update for Decals:
Rich reported that another payment was made by Cindy Snowdon. Joan will check with Pam to see what the amount was so that Rich can send a thank you letter and update for balance.
3. Set Date for Passport Drawing:
Joan reported she checked with the Selectmen and they agreed the drawing could be at the meeting. The Selectmen meeting following the closing of the passport drive on April 15th.
4. Rochester Sign Update:
Rich said he stopped at Reilly Sign and they said they could make the sign. He is going to get a quote for her, but the owner did say a better price would be given with the more ordered. The Committee discussed that five signs would probably be appropriate. Joan will talk to the Selectmen at the next meeting to see who would approve the placement of the signs. Ann suggested adding the “school” to the list. Discussed that the sign should be titled “Farmington Downtown” and maybe instead of gazebo use the Town seal. Remove “Downtown Business District” and add “restaurants/services“ and “Municipal Offices/Library.” Rich will bring the layout back to Reilly Signs and bring back a sample for the next meeting.
6. Ribbon Cuttings:
Joan said she spoke to the owners of Crowley’s and they said they would call the Committee when they are ready. She also noticed a new business on Spring Street and she will make contact with them to see if they would be interested in a ribbon cutting.
7. Rural Signage Update:
Rich asked Joan if she has heard anything about the grant for signage. Joan reported that she knew Joel Moulton was working on it and he hasn’t reported any new information lately except if the Town accepts the sign then they need to maintain them.
8. Business of the Year:
Rich reminded the Board that they previously discussed awarding a Business of the Year but has not had time to get the information he was looking for from the areas Chambers of Commerce. He will seek information for the next meeting.
9. Highlighting Existing Businesses:
Joanne reported that she did have a business highlighted in the last Puddledock Press but she received a call from Stewart Pease saying it was a good idea to highlight a business of the month but he did not think it was wise to let them list their prices or specific discounts because penalize those who pay for ads. Joan asked if maybe the Committee should consider using another avenue like the Rochester Times. Joanne replied she doesn’t mind using the Puddledock but she doesn’t want to have to write all the articles. The April Puddledock will highlight The Market Place and LJ and Me Laundromat in May. Ann will contact Farmington House of Pizza to see if they would be interested in being highlighted in June and Al’s Barbershop in July. Joan will talk to Gary at Seneca Machine
to get him to write a highlight for his business.
10. High School Downtown Art Project:
Ann reported she spoke to the art teachers but she was told she needs to get permission from the Superintendent first. Ann added that Ms. Severance suggested not having the students paint on the windows but actually creating the mural on paper and then hanging them in the windows. Joan said she was envisioning high school student art to be hung in windows. Discussed that maybe the committee could get students to volunteer to display their art. Rich will draft a letter to the Superintendent with a copy to the School Board to request permission.
11. Other Business To Come Before the Committee:
Deb Scanlon suggested to have the Business Directory updated once a year.
Joan Kotsiroplos motioned to adjourn, 2nd Ann Titus. Motion carried with all in favor.
Meeting adjourned at 7:08pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Brandy Sanger
Recording Secretary.
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