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MINUTES
Special Meeting – Wed., Oct. 15, 2014
City Hall Auditorium
Present: Kim McAllister, Mike McAllister, Jessica Hodorski, Elinor Carbone, Fiona De Merell, Erin Wilson, Ed Cannata, Bill Haygood, and Sharon Waagner. Visitors: Jay and Kris Roberts and Bill Battle.
The purpose of this meeting was to evaluate and discuss the future of Main Street Market Place. The meeting was called to order at 10:a.m. on a motion by Mike, seconded by Bill. On a motion by Kim, seconded by Fiona, the meeting was then opened to the public.
There was discussion of the change in logistics that took place this year including the layout of the event, vendors and other participants. There were good and bad points discussed including the popularity of the event in its more northern location as well as the lack of foot traffic at the southern end. Some merchants were pleased that vendors were not placed in front of their establishments while others were displeased that this seem to cause a decrease in foot traffic which negatively affected their business. It was agreed that it is not possible to please all entities. There was discussion of how to create a qualitative survey but the consensus of the group was that we really needed to make a decision about whether ACT and/or the City of
Torrington would continue to sponsor the event. Originally, the purpose for creating MSMP was to improve the economy of downtown Torrington. It was generally agreed that in the five years of the event, this had taken place. There were major building purchases, the addition of new businesses, and a new focus on downtown that had taken place.
Erin Wilson pointed out that we had four options: 1 – keep as it is under the auspices of ACT; 2 – hand it off completely to another entitiy; 3 - create a partnership with another entity with ACT oversight; and 4 – give to the City of Torrington. The role of the ACT commission, however, is not to act as event planners. It was agreed that based on 5 years of experience, it was important that if it continue, it continue with integrity becoming better each year. Chairperson Jessica Hodorski cautioned that if we hand the event over to others, we should not try to micromanage but stay in the background simply in an advisory capacity. At this point, Kris Roberts, speaking on behalf on Performance HUB, explained
that she had met with Erin and that she and Jay wanted to advise that they were very interested in taking over Main Street Market Place. Discussion ensued and it was decided that Erin and Jessica will develop a Request For Proposal, bringing it to the regular meeting on October 29 for approval by ACT. Once approved, it will be advertised to give other groups an opportunity to express interest and to be considered for taking on the event. The offer will be promoted between October 30 and November 11. A special ACT meeting will be held on November 12 to review submissions. Formal acceptance of the group to take over MSMP will be done at the regular meeting on November 19.
Kim made a motion to accept setting the process for MSMP to be taken over by a private entity pending mayoral consent. The motion was seconded by Mike with all in favor. Once mayoral consent is given, the secretary will be advised and the motion will carry.
In other MSMP business, Erin reviewed this year’s income and expenses. It was agreed that as in the past we would use excess funds to purchase and frame the 2015 posters to be presented to MSMP sponsors.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:24 on a motion by Mike, seconded by Fiona.
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon Waagner, Secretary
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