Poland Community & Economic Development Committee
Meeting: Conference Room Town Office
May 5, 2011 at 7:00 PM
Meeting Minutes
- Call Meeting to Order – Meeting called to order at 7:05 PM
Members Present: Zakk Maher, Chuck Finger, David Corcoran, Dan Ouellette, Norm Davis, Mark Ferguson, Wendy Sanborn, and Frank Federico; Absent: Tom Learned, Ernie Ray, and Paul St Amour; Staff present: John Cleveland
Guest present: Barbara and Byron Strout, Joe Cimino, Erland Torry, Sonny and Mary Chipman, Fred Huntress, Steve Robinson, and Linda Schmitz
- Community for Maine’s Future Grant Program – Memorabilia Barn
John explained to the Committee and the guests present, including representatives from the Poland Historical Society that the BOS have decided to focus the Communities For Maine’s Future grant application on assisting the PHS with the development of a “memorabilia ban”.
John responded to questions. He explained the match requirements, timeline for submissions, and the scoring criteria for the applications.
The larger plan including the purchase of property for a Town Common would be set-aside for the time being. Members of the PHS commended that they supported the acquisition of the property for a Town Common.
John also explained that an adopted downtown revitalization plan was a required part of the grant submission. The DECD has a checklist of items that should be included in a downtown revitalization plan. Poland does not currently have all the elements on the DECD checklist for a downtown plan.
John will prepare the submission for the “Letter of Intend” due June 3rd and if invited into the application process the grant application due July 1st.
- Phase 2 Economic Development Strategies – Tabled to next meeting
- MDOT Design of Route 26 “Final Mile” - Update
John updated the Committee on the design and construction schedule for the reconstruction of the “Final Mile” on Route 26 from Brown Road to Route 11. The design plan is scheduled to be complete by June 2012 and the project put out to bid. Construction is expected to begin 9/2012 and be completed by the fall of 2013. Public hearings in Poland arranged and conducted by MDOT are expected in May 2011.
- 501 C (6) Not for Profit Development Corporation – Tabled to next meeting
- Business After Hours May 19, 2011
John reported that the town staff have sent out the invitations for the BAH event on May 19th and responses have already begun to come in. Nametags, drink tickets, and other arrangements for the BAH event are being prepared.
- South Poland Water & Sewerage Line Extension - Update
John reported that great news was received today when the bids for the South Poland water and sewerage line project were opened. Four bids were received for the water and sewerage line work and the low bidder was K & K Construction at $2,464,617.50. Two bids were received for the water tank work; the low bidder was Natgun at $764,630. The construction bids totaled $3,229,247.50, which is within the amount available for the construction of the project.
- Development Projects - Update
John updated the Committee on projects that two separate developers are pursuing in Downtown Poland.
4. Committee Business
- Financial Report Through 4-31-11
John presented a written financial report to the Committee members. The Committee budget is in good shape. With 75% of the fiscal year completed only 67% of the budget has been expended. By the end of the fiscal it is expected most of the budget will be expended with expenses for the BAH and advertising for the Gems of 26 coming up.
- Support for Valhalla Fields Summer Arts Festival 6-18-11
Zakk Maher is putting on the Valhalla Fields Festival in June 2011 in Poland at his own expense. No admission fee is charged for the event. There will also be a fundraiser at the festival for the Poland Recreation Department.
The Committee recommended the Town of Poland support the event my including it in the Poland Progressive Newsletter, an e-blast notice, or in other ways appropriate to provide public notice of the event.
Dana Lee will be consulted to see how the Town can help make the community aware of the festival and fundraiser for the Recreation Dept.
- Minutes for December 2, 2010, January 6, 2011, February 3, 2011, & March 3, 2011 & April 7, 2011
The Committee approved all the minutes without objection.
- Other Business/Committee Member Comments/Information
- Poland Farmers’ Market 2011 - Update
John reported that he has meet with the Poland Farmers’ Market Association. The PFMA decided to locate the Farmers’ Market at Poland Crossing in 2011. Several vendors from last year will return and there will be new vendors as well. Arrangements have been made for insurance and advertising for the Poland Farmers’ Market.
- Adjournment & Date for Next Meeting – The meeting adjourned at 9:10 PM
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