Farmington Economic development Committee
Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Members Present: Paula Proulx, Sharla Rollins, Silvia Arcouette, and Barry Elliott.
Members Excused: Cindy Snowdon
Also Present: Planning and Community Development Director Dan Merhalski
Paula Proulx called the meeting to order at 7AM.
Review of minutes was tabled until it could be determined which minutes need to be reviewed.
1st Item: Draft Downtown Business Assistance Survey presented by Dan Merhalski. The survey was previously e-mailed to the members for review and comment. Sharla liked the fact that the survey was short but covered all the bases. Barry expressed his opinion that they might want to consider an option for a name and comments, as some business owners might want to explain their answers. Dan explained that the survey was set up for the answers to be organized on a spreadsheet; it was intended as a thermometer and there is no way to quantify comments. The answers will be used to see what improvement programs and grants are needed. The conclusions will be presented to the BOS. Paula stated that this survey is the first phase and Sharla agreed stating the answers will tell the committee where to focus; it defines
direction.
There was discussion on distribution and collection of the survey; several options were discussed. It was eventually determined that Dan would draft a cover letter stating the purpose of the survey which would then be mailed to all downtown businesses after the next EDC meeting. The Committee would then; along with the Downtown Committee members divide the business among them and, go to each business to pick up the survey, on dates indicated in the cover letter, and to speak with the business owners. Dan will comprise a list of downtown businesses.
The Committee discussed a newsletter, which would announce events They also discussed that Farmington business owners can go through the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce for a fee; the benefits are worthwhile.
Sharla was excused from the meeting at 8:00AM
Barry brought to the table a recent request by a Farmington Business owner for information on lots for sale at Sarah Greenfield Park. The business owner received the current marketing packet, spoke with Dan and was referred to the BOS in a Non Public session. It was determined that the EDC would compile information from organizations such as Wedco, Sedco and the TD Bank North; tools/resources needed to make it an easy process for interested parties. This would be an agenda item for next meeting. Barry stated that Dan is the key. There was discussion that the committee could conduct a ‘mock inquiry’ once all the information is compiled to make sure all the information is available and the process flows. Paula stated that the information can be assembled in packet form/ a marketing plan.
Sylvia brought to the table a request from Hiram Watson for a response to a letter he wrote to the EDC regarding the conditions of his road and the effect on his and other businesses on the road (Meadorboro). Barry stated that some residents on the road prefer that it remain a dirt road, and the matter of poor maintenance that is a concern of Hirams letter. The town should look for better maintenance of that road. Paula stated that the highway department has blasted the ledge, repaired the ditch lines; built a base and stabilized the road as instructed by the Selectmen. Dan stated that no businesses have closed due to the condition of the road, paving is not a discussion that the EDC has it is a BOS issue so it is not an interest of the EDC; it is a BOS policy decision. Silvia stated that Hiram deserves a response to
his letter whatever that may be. Paula stated that we could send him a copy of the minutes and that Dan would draft him a letter.
At 8:45 AM, Silvia motioned to adjourn the meeting seconded by Barry. All in favor, meeting adjourned.
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