You did. >> Okay. I would like to call this like to call the meeting of the South Economic Development Commission to order. Today is uh Wednesday, June 17th
at 60:05 about 604. And this is Greg Dy chair. world, >> Greg Samson, >> Serena Fuller, >> and we're hoping that Julie will come also, but we do have a quorum. We also
have Alvin Allen, town planner and economic development director. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Well, since we do have a quorum, let's start right out by voting to approve the minutes of our May meeting,
uh, which I have sent out, and nobody responded with any changes. >> Okay, >> I'll make a motion to accept them. >> Okay. All right. All in favor of approving the minutes, I >> It's unanimous.
Okay. We'll jump right into our items of old business. And the first thing which I think well first I'll say this is the last meeting of our fiscal year. So these we're going to be covering the
goals that we set at the beginning of of this fiscal year. And I'm happy to start out by saying we accomplished the goal of getting uh completion on the first two of the actions we chose to
complete. And I I summarized those. We we talked about them. We all had input on it. Got input from all the supporting parties. I sent all the documentation to the master plan implementation committee. Uh and our achievers said it
looked great. So we're in we should have a green light for this gear this year. and we will in our next meeting and talk about which two actions that we want to address next
year. I have a couple suggestions. Think about it, look through it. We won't decide today, but >> one of them is is to address the idea of meeting with businesses, >> right? And in relation to that, as I was just saying earlier that I talked to
Nicole last week, I found CEO and >> she offered to do what they do in Westfield where they the uh chamber has coffee with the mayor. >> She said we could do coffee with the town administrator, the CEO,
>> and she was willing to do that. >> Good. And I think that would be a great opportunity to invite we I picture that we could invite them because we have email for most of them. So we just send out an email that would invite them at a
time and place. I'm thinking that that a breakfast meeting would be the one that would be most easily like 7 o'clock where people can come before the workday begins and and then it could be a coffee and
>> um you know a couple locations. One initially thought of was at the Daily Grind which is right in the middle of town. There's a big >> conference room in the basement >> of the old church building and then the
daily grind up above it >> with coffee that we could serve. They're not normally open at at 7, but maybe I can make arrangements to get something. >> How often do they do it? I remember I remember going to them once a month. >> Almost every month.
>> Yeah, every month. I remember going to a few of those. Then another option is to bring coffee in and have it down in the kitchen in the basement here. Or we could go to tang coffee and not a bit of room there to >> the notch. It's not set up.
>> No, you can't do it at the notch. >> You have too many people. >> How many people would end up? It's a little tricky. I'd rather start out at a bigger place with >> with backup. We could fit several dozen people in Daily Grind if we needed to.
Um, >> I'm open to that. I think they could. >> Mhm. >> Yeah. Let's think about that and then talk about details unless somebody has some specific proposal details.
>> Well, it's a good start to get the businesses >> right. Think about it. I I think one of the the biggest advantages of doing this is to find out what they're interested in hearing from the town. >> Mhm. >> Because I
>> what has made me hesitate doing any meetings up to now is my biggest fear is that we'll gather together and have nothing relevant or worth their time to discuss. >> Well, we'll if we meet every month. I
mean, we maybe almost ought to start out every quarter or something like that, >> right? And and we might decide to have different topical meetings. I want to find out what the businesses are looking for. >> Once a month is really tough. >> The initial >> Yeah, it is kind of tough,
>> right? And and I I would say quarterly at most for meeting with the town administrator and it could be different groups and some that can make it one meeting could make it anothers. Initially, it'll just be some get to know you, you know, meet your
>> Mhm. >> your town administrator. Uh ask whatever questions you might have. Gives Nicole a chance to talk about how she's a big booster business >> because she is she's one's pushing us to
get together with the uh Westfield Chamber. And I did did I talk about meeting with >> Amanda? Yeah. I I forget exactly what day but I did spend an hour with Amanda almost an hour and a half. Um >> we didn't come up with specific action
plan but have a dialogue started and are open to continuing that discussion. Uh there may be some cooperative >> efforts there. >> Yeah. I think it's all positive. I think it's good.
>> Yeah. and and that may that may get moving >> along if we start some of these meetings with businesses. They may some of them would be members of the chamber potentially. And >> and I know that one of Amanda's goals is to get more South members because her
chamber is not specifically Westfield. It's >> kind of hilltown, Southwick. >> Yeah. >> And and the wider area. >> Did she say how many members she has roughly? Did you ask her that? >> I I forget exactly. I could look it up.
It's on on their website. They show show the membership. >> So, >> yeah, I think that's good. You think every other month, Greg, or what do you think? >> I think once a quarter is >> once a quarter >> to start off with. I mean, >> right. I think starting once a quarter and we don't have to I think we should
focus not so much on what's our regular long-term plan as to what should we do for the first meeting how should we arrange it and I think what we're talking about is is good and I will having this discussion what I might do
is invite Nicole to our next meeting you know in July or August if she can't make July and then talk with her about and the final details. >> That's good. >> All right. Well, if we all agree on that, I will >> and we did have Amanda here at one
point. She came, >> right? She she was here and that was when I made initial contact and >> and finally followed up and she had just been >> really busy at that that period. >> But, um, you know, along those lines,
didn't didn't we skip July last year? That was partly because of uh I was gonna it fell right when my family vacation was scheduled and I gave you the option to meet. You preferred not to. >> July is going to be tough for me. That's the only reason I'm saying it. So I just
you know just a heads up right now. Things start losing up in August, but we're going to be gone much in July. So, I don't know how we want to I don't know what is pressing that we need to cover during July, but um you guys going
to be straight out with bloom and all. >> Oh, yeah. >> Yeah. I'm And I'm okay with with having a break. >> I'm just thinking in terms of Nicole if we can just kind of put her off till August. I mean, >> yeah. And it would be better if we're
going to start meetings. Usually the summer is not the best time. >> No, it isn't. try to get meetings in September is a great time to >> It is that's true. Yeah. >> And and if we could, >> you know, our August meeting, I think our July meeting, the 15th of July is
the third Wednesday and so that would be fairly early in July. So, I'm okay. Let's leave that. Are you pretty sure the 15th of July you would be away? >> Yeah. It's >> the way Julie's schedule is, probably wouldn't have a quorum anyway then.
>> Right. Right. Right. I'll be here, but I I'm I'm for taking a a Wednesday arena, a month off >> and you'll be here and I you know that feeds into the next thing to talk about >> with
>> even though both of these things the database of business owners and the website are submitted as fleet completed. I noted when I submitted them there's always more work to do but we had completed the foundation to both of those. Um, in terms of more work on the
second one doing the social media piece and it was >> a lot of work, >> right? And I saw that payment for the first six months has been submitted and should be hopefully paid this week. The
check sent out. Uh, so we've got six months and you saw the email from >> Yes, I did. Yeah. >> Danielle and she >> I didn't answer you because we had talked. I did see it. >> Right. So she is has assigned forget the names now but >> she has assigned >> Heather
>> website the social media to Heather. >> Yeah. >> And the website to another person. >> Yes she did. And we're having Sharon be our social media contact for South Bloom. >> So and I shared that with Danielle. >> Okay. So now we can
Would she be able to help in getting our regular um social media going? Is it >> Sharon? >> Is she potentially want to do some some work? >> Oh yeah, she she would. Yes, she would >> as either a full member, an associate,
or just >> Well, I can't say. Yes, she would. She's willing to help out with >> committee member. I mean, if she doesn't want to attend the meetings, if it >> I wanted to ask if you would take some leadership on >> I will
>> working with little dogs that you worked with them for a long time and I would like you to have help >> and Sharon can be a help >> I just don't know the logistics you know like the codes and I mean because I've never been on Facebook you know
>> they'll handle that they'll handle >> because you say the idea of having That that's the whole advantage of having it >> having them >> having them is they do the technical piece of it for us and we just >> right >> review the creative piece
>> and make sure that that all looks good >> like they did a couple quick drafts which is nothing at this point ready to share. >> No. >> And I like I thought the structure looked good. It was professional
structure. Yeah. Now, ignore any of the images or the drawings. Those are easily exchanged. >> They're just consider them for position only at this point. >> So, we will >> once they have that the bones of it in, then we can say, well, the homepage here
is an image that would represent Southwick, whether it's town hall or something broad to represent Southwick. They also had a little sketch. It was kind of a a Southwick town logo. >> Yeah, >> we I'm open to doing something like
that. It wouldn't be >> Are you going to share that here tonight? Did you say you're >> No, I I didn't want to because it's it's all for position. I don't want people to think that's >> that's what the images would be and what it would look like. Uh
but it it's it's you know this is a company that has several dozen employees and has been doing it for many years and that's their specialty. So >> uh >> yeah I think they're great. >> We just need someone to
>> be kind of a contact point and I think you being the contact point for >> for Facebook. I'll be the contact point for the website because that's more of a one-time change, >> right? >> It's not an Facebook will be an ongoing
posting whereas the website >> will just do a one-time thing and I can grant them um editing, >> okay, >> administrator administrator privileges to for the WordPress. So, they could actually go in and make the changes as we approve them,
>> make them live. We want to keep it within our >> our website structure. We don't want to change any >> tab names or anything because we've got fewer codings. >> Oh, sure. Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah. >> Through more than one of those pages. Um, we got got to go to Southwick and
Bloom to enjoy Southwick and to the business directory. And we want to keep those >> addresses in place. And I don't see them they can make suggestions to the business directory. don't think that would be the priority piece of >> yeah no >> of what they would do but they would
have suggestions and there are ways we can upgrade the business directory >> as long as we can do it in a way that doesn't slow it down >> right >> um I like the fact that you can pop up information quickly on when you look up
a a business it pops up quickly when I tried the the Westfield Chamber >> it didn't do that Oh. >> So, yeah. Yeah. >> And they have the uh what is it called in Westfield? The fiber thing. Yeah. Fiber optic thing. >> It I don't think it has to do with
internet speed. It has to do with >> the design and maybe too images and >> um um would they take on a business libraries just as an >> Yes. When I think I told you about that last year. I gave you the booklet and
everything. >> You know what? I need to kick it up and I don't know. >> They're so reasonable and they're so good because you know and you're asking me to do that because I don't do any of that. I just we look at the post and boom. >> They do they do it all and they they do if you want to do it uh daily
>> be in contact. >> Oh yeah. Oh yeah. >> We we need something that'll be good. Don't let me forget about that. >> Okay. >> Yeah. The nicest people to work with. >> They really are good. >> And and Danielle who owns the company, she's more than willing. She's coming out here. She's going to take pictures.
>> Yeah. To have an owner of a company like >> Maryland >> taking a an interest in a small account where we're paying them. >> Maybe she could $50 when she's here. >> Oh, sure. Cuz when she first came and did my office, she went through the whole town. >> Yeah.
>> Um for for my agency. Took a lot of pictures and she's coming out here and I think she said late July or August. Um cuz she has a lot of insurance agents in Massachusetts. >> Let me know when that is. We'll help. I will I'll give you their information. >> Very good.
>> Okay. Yeah. Thanks for so much for >> Oh, yeah. >> taking that directly, you know, spread this out as much as possible. >> Sorry to distract. >> No, that's okay. No, that's fine. >> That's fine. >> So, yeah. And and
just before I forget, since maybe August, so probably August being the first meeting of our next fiscal year, >> um let's also think about who wants to, >> you know, do
I think it would be nice to switch up the offices and Serena, I know you've been wanting to to do do chair. Yeah. >> I'm willing to do clerk. >> Okay. >> Or vice. >> Yeah. The one thing I can't do is get the agenda in there. Remember I told you >> I'll do the I'll do the agenda. >> Okay. All right. That'd be great.
>> That's not something the chair usually does. There's usually secretary >> usually, right? But we don't have any >> and I did it just because I wanted to set a pattern. I'll continue to do it. >> Okay. >> Because that's something I I can do.
>> That's fine. >> That >> we can be co-chairs or does it have to be a chair and then a co-chair? Is it in the bylaws or the >> you you have a chair and a vice chair and >> vice chair >> I like to see the them being kind of a team
>> but I don't know if you're interested in in >> I have this one responsibility and if I have to bolt you know and not be here that we would lose a continuity. So >> I I just wanted you to know that >> I understand >> we're open to that but >> yeah at some point
>> and it seems like Julie is not >> yeah Julie >> I can do vice chair slash clerk and and be a team I'll support you okay in every way but >> it' be nice that >> that you can
>> sure >> you know step forward and exercise you know real leadership Mhm. I was the president of the the well we had the board. I did that for many years and I did treasurer, secretary. I've done it all. It's been a while since I've done
it. But I I I can handle that. >> Right. But you know what I mean by leadership is to you know move things forward to try to make make things happen. >> Right. >> Right. Which is the biggest challenge of leadership. >> I think we know what we need to focus on. >> It's hard to make things happen.
>> Right. We talked about what we want to focus on, you know, like get getting next year getting the um >> the business fairs or form whatever we want to do. We talked about that and and right, we said a nice thing to do in 27. Um >> yeah,
>> and honestly to get more commissioners. Are we now set at five from the nine? >> Set at five, but we have two associates positions. >> Oh, that's right. Two associates. as well, >> which would be good to have at least one because that the associate can fill in.
>> How does that work on the planning board when there's an associate they can they actually vote when somebody's gone or not? >> Yes. When so when we um if they make the quorum then we can use them um to vote otherwise if we have a full quorum then uh you know
>> so but they can vote >> it helps they can >> they can vote >> only if they they're part of the need. Oh I see. which is is great because we have you know starting out >> Yeah. >> last year as you remember we had like three meetings where we lived for him.
>> Yeah. >> Uh so the that cushion is good. >> Now how are you getting associates on the planning board? >> Um Nicole and and folks in the >> Okay. >> Uh yeah she took I don't know. I came on
board and I had uh my board was prepared for me. So >> there's no students on it, are there from like the high school or the BEA or >> it's something people volunteer for. They fill out an application online like put some >> Yeah.
>> and we can help people through and you know anybody who is willing to >> you know commit to coming to to me is welcome. And so the associate um their term runs
from fiscal year to fiscal year. >> Oh, it does. Okay. >> Yes. So like my associate on my board on the planning board, he'll have to Well, he did reapply and so we'll see. I guess that's >> I think it may be vetted by the select board whether to reinstate him or to
choose another um >> but it's probably rubber stamp if the chair supports that they're going to are going to go along with >> now one of the things um when I first started with with EDC we had to take the ethics and we had to do all of that and
swearing in I don't know it seems like it's kind of not as structured or I asked them to >> we still have to do that. But >> um is it every year? Is every two years? >> You have to if you're if you have a threeyear term, you got to swear in anytime you're
reappointed for another >> So once for three years, say you have a threeear term. >> Three years. >> There's other rules for ethics trainings. There's certain refreshers that you're have to do it from >> conflict of interest and all that. Yeah. >> Conflict of open meeting law. I think
it's just initially >> and again we have to be um vetted by the select board. >> Well, they they approve the >> they approve the appro Yeah. So they have to >> comes before them but >> they're they're looking for more people. There's
a right on the bulletin board. There's a list of vacancies that they're looking to fill. That's why they tried to do that uh leadership >> training course >> didn't happen to get more people and they didn't get enough people signed up for their course. So they may try it
again in the fall. >> Okay. Yeah, I'm willing to do it. >> Okay. Well, we'll we'll vote on it at our first meeting. >> Okay. >> The next time. That's that that's great. >> One of the things, if you don't mind, if
I could jump in here. We're talking about the money. So, we need to order signs. So, I just want to make sure I was telling Diane and even Sharon on the phone. I I didn't get to see Sharon. Um, >> how much can we spend? What do we have? $1,200. >> Well, the bigger problem is there's only
two weeks left. >> I know that, but but I can but we're ordering them all from Southwoods. >> Yeah, if we can turn it around, I would love that. I just picked up the latest uh statement here that's the gift >> because I didn't want to go there and do
it without knowing >> budget report. >> We have to really we should >> Okay. And this doesn't have the amount that the 450. >> So I think you need >> Well, we need about another 30 street signs. >> We've got $830
of regular budget unspent. >> 830. That's what we have. Okay. >> And that'll go away if you don't spend it. >> Okay. Okay. Well, we'll spend it. >> And >> but you need to know soon before the 30th. You need a purchase order >> expeditiously. >> Expeditiously. >> I I I chatted with the accountant folks
yesterday. So they were basically like, you know, if you have anything to spend before the end of the fiscal year, get it in before the end of this >> is right here. I can I can get that get it in this week. >> Yeah. >> And Friday's a holiday. >> Yeah. So tomorrow, >> I'll go tomorrow. I will come down to
here and sign it. >> Okay. >> If they needed need me to sign the >> even though it's the 30th they need it by >> if you do it after this week. I think you have to do some extra steps. >> Okay. >> All right. After I have an appointment
in Palmer 8:00 I'll come down. >> Yeah. If if they can do it. >> Okay. >> Fortunately, tomorrow is one of the days I don't have anything scheduled during the day. So just text me or call >> and >> so you just need to come down with to
sign the invoice >> to sign >> sign a cover sheet on the invoice >> that states the the account number >> and you know probably need the chair approval and
>> okay >> they're as you know very particular about everything. Yeah, we'd like to spend the money. >> Come down in person and >> Okay. >> and get it signed. >> Okay. Answer that question. >> I'll text you when I know. >> Yeah. Tomorrow
>> over eight, you know, over $800. So hopefully that's enough. >> Yeah, we want to spend it. >> And as you know from the updates I've been sending, we have eight signups. >> Yes. >> For South and Bloom right now. >> Um >> that happened last year. though we had
that little but then they came in fast. >> Yeah. And and is there still any plan to kind of visit some businesses or >> No, what we're going to do is um Do you have that information from Diane? She wrote it all down. What we're going to try to do is try to take relief what we
would need for manpower to do that. We're not going to It's still a contest, but what we're going to do is recognize nice storefronts, businesses. We have three categories. We have I don't have I don't know why I didn't bring that. I got the wrong folder here. Um businesses
in bloom off the beaten path. We're going to have three categories. And what was the third one? I forgot now. And we're going to reward three in each category. But what we're going to do is have people vote on the website. >> So we're we're doing all the language for that. Dian
>> pictures put the photos up on the website and people vote. >> Yes. >> And I can I can >> And Sharon's daughter is a photographer. She's going to do the photography >> and >> and then we're going to give them like >> then we can just go to anybody that has a we we like your display. Would you
like to enter? Does it cost anything? >> Well, it was not going to be quite like that. But what we're going to do is then say number seven wins. We're going to put we're going to have one, two, and three in each category and and we designed um a like a ribbon that we're going to put so that we that people
would know that they won or people driving by. It's not gonna so much be like we remember we gave the prizes the fair. >> Yes. Blue ribbon. What is it? A gold ribbon and a red ribbon. >> Yeah, I think that's Yeah, usually first second. >> So that's how we're doing it. It's going to be different. We're trying not to do
it so that we have to have the manpower because we don't have it. >> Yeah, I'm all for anything we can do to >> make it less worth and >> Yeah. And Diane made a bubble. You don't have that information. >> I don't I didn't make it back home. >> That's okay. I didn't make it back home
either. That's why I get the wrong folder. It's at my house. Um, but no, it's a little it's a lot different than what we did last year. And I think it's going to be very effective. >> Okay, great. That's making me feel better than I thought. >> Yeah. Yeah. Don't worry about it. We're going we're going to be we're going to do what we can. I think it's going to be
fine. >> It's going to become much easier for next year. >> Much easier. Yes. >> Excellent. >> Yes. And Diane came up with that idea, >> which is really good. >> I'll feel really good if we can get that that invoice paid. >> Yes.
$830. >> Well, I'll keep it. >> That's and and we have we have the gift account too >> right? >> We won't >> because I thought it was around 2,000 that we had, but >> 1483. Well, we had >> we spent some
>> we had $1,900 to start. We have spent $384 on the >> advertising. Yeah, >> the I think that was mostly the the website renewal and
>> getting the it was big mess to finally get it transferred away from Angus. >> Oh yeah, that's right too. That's right, too. >> And had to make a a payment for for that. And >> so what are you saying again? 830 or keep it at 800? I mean, I don't know. I
don't know what you want me to >> I was just figuring 450 off this. We've got 1280. So $450 off 12280 would be $830. >> Okay. $830. >> And >> all right. >> You know, if we if there's a necessity
for more, we do have 1483 in the gift. >> No, we'll be we'll be fine. >> I think isn't the emphasis more taking pride in the town. >> Yes. Exactly. instead of >> and we're trying to be careful because one of the things when you put things we don't want to have people's we had a lot
of res residences last year. We don't want people getting you know where we're publishing addresses or anything like that for privacy issues and all of that. So we're being very careful about that how we're wording things. >> Yeah. And and
we we said on the residences that they would all be public facing displays. >> Right. Right. Businesses obviously are businesses. They can be published. That's not a you know, but but private residences we're we're being careful. So that's why we have businesses in Bloom
off the beaten path. And then I forgot what the other one is. There's three categories. And we're going to give three prizes for each category. Three three recognitions, not prizes. We're going to give >> I like just the idea of Yeah, we're
>> recognition. Ex. I do too. And like Craig just said, it's going to be easier going forward. It was a great idea from Diane. Really was. >> Okay. I'm promise Craig we through this.
So I'm gonna We talked about all this as I I'll invite Nicole for our August >> meeting. >> Uh we talked about Southwick and Bloom, which was the next one on the agenda. the zoning revision.
Uh so I think all all the ones we talked about up to now we have progressed on. We we've in a sense addressed the goals because you know the others we said we would work on but we didn't say we'd complete.
Um we are doing the South and Bloom this year so that's knocked off. I've done a lot of discussion with with Alvin about zoning and met with the PBCP and and I've submitted my
>> some proposals for the the wording and I guess we'll just keep that up. I don't know unless you have something new to report now. >> Uh well regard again we're in two phases. So the first phase is just updating the current language.
>> When's that going to be done? So that is complete. Um well for the most part the the PBPC has done their job. >> So where are we gonna get some actual zoning changes? >> So um again this first phase is strictly
just the the current language. So right in phase two I'm I I've applied for a grant and uh we're waiting for that grant to come through. So, um, we likely won't come to, uh, start phase two until the fall. >> Okay. Well, I
>> I think this is something we can roll forward because part of one of our >> master plan goals is to have input into zoning. >> Yes. >> So, >> so what is phase two? How do you define that? >> So, phase two is going to be expanding uses in the BR zone. It's going to be
creating transitional zones for um >> commercial adjacent to >> residentive changes to specific zoning. >> So how does that take place though? >> That that has to >> go through planning board and >> Yes. So again we we'll work again with
Pioneer Valley Planning Commission. We'll take input from you know uh different you know town boards >> and then ultimately it wells and you know people joint you know in those areas have to have input ultimately >> who starts that I mean who starts that
process I mean >> no we are we are just an advisory >> it starts with planning board really >> right >> yes that's correct >> um >> so then planning board comes back to us and asks us what we >> well we are just because
It's part of our master plan mission. We are just weighing in on what we think is a priority. >> But we can do that prior to them coming back to us and we can say here's our >> and and that's suggestions. >> All along I've been asking for input
from everybody on on what we think. I've I brought up and we've discussed and we can do this in future meetings too some of the the substantive changes of which I think the most important is the what is currently called business restricted
let's not restrict it so much let's make a whole lot more by by right uses uh and that type of thing and seems more >> you know some time as a committee >> study it >> you know like one one meeting night and
going over that and not deal with any >> and we can we can do that. We did, you know, in the prior year we had a whole night voted to zoning where we had keep forgetting her name, Bill. >> Raj. >> Roz. >> Yeah. >> Uh Roz come in and talk. And I've also
we had a little subcommittee going where I was talking with Bill and and I think it was um with with Mark Folk and we we had gone into some depth about zoning input, but
we can yeah we can put that on the agenda for one of our meetings where we spend a good block of time. >> It just seems like we need to formalize something at that point and then send it off to the planning board if we're serious about >> it. Eventually, if they change it, is it going to be restructured so that everybody gets, you know what I mean?
You can't just do it now where people are grandfathered. Are they going to just change it the zones? I mean, are they going to make it simpler first of all? >> Well, that's the the phase right now is part partly making language simpler. >> Yeah. Yes. >> It's very complicated, >> right? And then once that simplified
language is is in there, we're going to focus on a couple zones in terms of redefining them. Yeah. >> And then maybe focus on some specific areas that need to be reszoned. >> Reszoned.
>> Uh there was a a presentation from South Hadley at the EDP meeting last week >> and they had a very successful reszoning effort and they got it approved at their town meeting. >> I think I saw that. Yes, I saw that. put
in a lot more transitional and they approved more MDU uh you know kind of a cluster housing approach in certain areas. >> They had a lot of things that that they have done well. They even you know
>> they got grants for one area that was kind of a brown field. One of the places down near the river that was kind of a mess and they got a granite. It's privately owned, but they somehow got a grant. There's things we can learn from from towns like that.
>> Can we get copies of this language? I mean, that we can >> study >> study and then >> Yeah. I I'd like you to send us >> the whole uh revision. >> Yes. >> And all the the survey results. >> We'll do.
>> That'll give us an something. >> We each need a copy. The one too hard. >> Yeah. Send electronically. >> Sure. So the the revision is going to be well so Pioneer Valley Planning Commission is going to meet with the um uh planning board next month uh July
14th uh during our next planning board meeting. And so they'll go over um the document as you know we've had this regular working group um that's gone back and forth with PBPC in regards to what we want to see and and you know what we can omit or whatever. Um and so
those changes be brought to the planning board. They'll vote on it and then from there it'll go to the next town meeting whether special or or annual. >> Okay. >> Yep. >> Okay. >> Yeah. And we, you know, >> the two ways that I think our board can
help is >> is reviewing it all and making constructive suggestions from knowledge we know about businesses in particular and and also from the standpoint of wanting to make changes that actually
boost the the business activity of the town that make it easier for businesses >> to to do things. Yeah. So following >> and then the other just before I forget the other thing is we might be able to
help promote it to the residents. >> Okay. >> And you know whether town meeting or whatever and give our endorsement of the final product to help get the vote. >> Yes. >> Okay. So, yeah, following the next meeting
July 14th, planning board um they'll um they'll agree to whatever finalized version cuz Pioneer Valley Planning Commission is going to come with a couple versions. So, they'll ask them, you know, which version do you prefer to move forward? Um and once they finalize,
then I'll get you a copy of that as well as the survey results, which the survey is really the the preliminary to phase two. Yeah, just send it to all of us or if you want, you can send it to me and I'll make sure everybody else gets a copy. Either way,
>> you can have hard copies as well or no? >> Yeah, I should have hard copies. Uh, I would take that, but either or I have it digitally and and hard copy. >> Okay. >> Probably a lot of pages. >> Well, no, I'm just saying of the zone just the zoning book. It's not that thick.
>> Yeah. No, that's true. It's just pure labor zoning. Hopefully it's it's actually easier to read now. >> Yes. >> The revisions. >> Yes. >> Yeah. Maybe this >> plan on a fall meeting or something like
that and just focus on that for an hour or something. >> Yeah. >> But our coffee hour. So PVM, so the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission has those guidelines or they actually make these zones or they
>> well they've taken what we current have made their suggestions or recommendations. >> Okay. And so um they've again they have this one document where they've essentially not made any changes but just sort of added use table and well
some changes as far as like definitions but nothing uh substantive. Um then they have another version that does have some more minor substantive changes but um and and and sort of more of their recommendations of what they would
prefer, you know. And so again, that'll be what the uh the planning board decides. Okay, which one do we go with? Um >> right, we'd like to give input to the planning board because they're >> yes, >> we want to take the pro business >> Yes. >> angle of it and sometimes the planning
board is >> is more focused on, you know, adhering to rules and we want to make sure those rules are directing. >> Yes. >> Which nothing wrong with adhering to rules, but not I don't we don't want to do it in an adversarial way. we wanted
>> and and again just just to >> just to uh kind of the phase one isn't um changing anything as far as zoning wise. So >> so yeah. >> All right. >> Right. But it's a basis from which we can >> formulate our yes
>> our suggestions which I already >> know and broad outlines what I would push and you can develop yours. Y >> and then, you know, we can either >> write them up as a as a board and say
here's here's our formal what we voted on or however would work best. But I'd like to >> make that one of our goals to get that formal recommendation from the EDC on >> from our commission. Yeah,
>> sure. On on the zoning. So, um, property tax analysis, I did a whole lot of work on that this year. It It's very detailed. So, we haven't talked a lot about it other than I've I've said
that, you know, one of the pressures and that we've been talking about is working with the the new assessor to making sure we're asking the right questions. Um biggest thing I'm I've been concerned
with is the fairness of of assessment between different parties and and been calling out in a broad way not champing any one business but just pointing out inconsistencies
u that maybe isn't you know a specific function of of the EDC although I think fairness and property tax is very important to creating the right kind of business environment. So I and that extends to the whole tiff area and tiff
is something that we also have a master plan action centered around tax incentives. So I'm going to carry forward next year to have a push on our part of strong
recommendation from our group on a tiff policy and I know that that's supposed to be in the works. the sooner the better we can get that going. But we certainly want to try to formalize >> uh and I've got a draft of
>> both a business tiff policy that I did a few months ago and a housing tiff policy because I think that that can be even has even a higher potential for the town. I'm very skeptical of business
tiffs in general, you know, unless they're very narrow and that they can be absolutely proven that that they we wouldn't get the tax benefit if they didn't get the tiff when I don't think the ones we've done recently were in any way qualified for that. Um,
but a housing tiff on the other hand could >> I've never heard of a housing tiff. It has it requires a special district uh in a downtown in the case of the city or near the town center in the case of
the town >> that would would help produce you know market rate but more affordable that would help boost the town. And the example that I I give and there may be
others is the property owned by uh Captain Fowler Apartments. They have two apartment buildings now, but they have like 10 acres of land up behind there. if we could get that designated as a special, you know, it's walkable to the
town center and they can do more apartments or more condos, something that blends into the hillside nicely, just like the depot square does. >> Uh, not looking for anything like what Graanby's building, >> right?
>> But >> no, we're not looking for that. Right. >> But that that could provide some investment incentive for a developer developer to actually get it going. I would keep it even there short and
defined and >> and whatever. But >> but when you say a housing, you mean for a developer? >> Develop. Oh yeah. These are not individual. These are >> That's what I was saying. I want to clarif >> you know whether it was rental units or >> you know whatever it would it would be
>> structured in a way that as clearly defined by the policy >> right >> so it wouldn't be a giveaway by any means. >> Yeah. So it would require a housing production plan by the town and then like you said the district um that's
something we can incorporate in our phase two of the zoning to have a town over or you know town center overlay district. >> The nice thing about the Captain Per property is already zoned for MD partner
that whole acreage up there. I would think that built into that tiff would have to be the expectation that if it wasn't afforded then it wouldn't be reasonable or effective to do that. I mean it can't just be you can't try to
unlevel a playing field. >> There are always there are always performance requirements in into a tip and there can be a clawback if they don't meet those. >> No, that's not what I'm saying. I'm saying that um somebody I think would have to show that it wouldn't be worth
moving ahead with a project unless this tip were in place. >> Right. That's what I think I' I've tried to put that into both the business tip and the housing tip. >> That it requires showing that that this investment would probably not happen
without the PIP. >> Not just saying I'm going to move out of town if you don't do it. >> Right. >> Right. Right. Right. Right. >> Yep. Not not that anybody's done that. >> Well, the and and it you can't just threaten to do it. You have to actually
show go show go show go show go show go show go show go show go show go show go show go show your alter plans. You have to show Exactly. That's my >> Yeah. Yeah. I know what you're saying. >> The the threat is not sufficient. >> Right. >> Oh, I've got other people if you don't want to give me that money. I've got other people that will give me even more.
>> Show me. So, I thought we were a little bit a ways along with the business tiff because I thought that Randy indicated that there was something that was taking >> a group had the one voted in at time.
>> Yeah, the one for being for um >> WGI. You know, I thought that there was a as far as a policy goes, I thought that there there was the makings of that already. >> Yeah, I thought so, too. >> Well, yeah. So, yeah, Randy and I have been back and forth and it kind of got put on the back burner, but we're we we're
>> Yeah, >> but I think we really should have >> and I wrote I wrote a I wrote a sample, too. And I hope that's being considered that needs to be in front of us as much as possible. >> The the one I wrote, I think. >> No, no, I'm not saying I'm saying
whatever they're looking at, we need to be >> right. Please communicate any progress on the >> because that is >> that is a legitimate business of it's
>> and those are two possible candidates that that we've already discussed for actions to be completed next year. We could potentially com complete the initial meeting with businesses. We could complete the >> you know a tiff policy with our input
maybe even a zoning policy. Maybe there's those might be three things we could >> could identify. >> Yeah. >> To be done. >> Good. >> Okay. >> Mission statement is that next.
>> Well, let's finish according to the the agenda I've got here. The wish list of desired qualities for new business. Uh we don't need to go into that now. We've got enough other things. I think the other ones we talked about are even
more important um right now, but I I might keep that on in some form for for next year. We'll talk about it if that's our what we'll vote on. >> Yeah. >> But everybody bring their ideas for what should be on our short short-term goals or that can be on a long-term goal.
The short-term goals are meant to be things that we can take quick action on, get done within the fiscal year. Um, I need to ask is there any movement on that church down there or No, >> I haven't heard anything. >> And the sign came down. The sign went
back up or no? Is it down? >> Well, they were negotiating with that uh rehab >> nursing home or something >> for a while. I thought it was up. I thought >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I have not heard anything from anyone, so I'm assuming it's not moving
forward. Um, but who knows? Maybe it's stalled. I don't know. Okay. Okay. Um, then the rail trail connector. I want to
ask Alvin if we could if you could arrange a meeting with with uh Rich and John Goddard. >> Okay. to get an update on where we are in complete streets because we've got a November
uh date for submitting the the grant and we have to get a policy done. We have to get it approved by state. uh assume approved by select board um and
is that's one where I've written a policy too. I want to I know that they've got to put their own stuff into it. But it wouldn't hurt for us to sit down and have a discussion. I can write him an email and you know I didn't get a response to the last one where I asked
more about it. Um, and I wouldn't mind if you could >> Yeah. >> arrange sometime I'll come down whatever time of day. >> Okay. >> Make it a priority. >> I'll reach out. >> Okay. >> So, that'll cover that. Um, and and I'll
mention again, there are two two things I think complete streets could could do. One might be the rail trail connector which is I think economically important because of the 60,000 trips a year on the bike trail and bringing them into town and
you know having more walkability the 100 unit uh condo units that are going up there the have you talked to them yet the 42 depot >> I have not >> it looks the same I go by it >> yeah it looked like they did a little
bit of work maybe a month or two ago and then they stopped and and the bulldo remind them that they're they're planning permit's gonna expire. >> Yeah, I believe it's November. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> A good wind tomorrow may knock the whole thing down.
>> Okay. >> What's the other >> The other one is Point Grove Walkability. It's if you go down there that's just we've got four or five restaurants there. We've got three over 300 housing units within walking
distance of and we've got a a state boat ramp. We've got a public parking area there with the the public, you know, park facilities and >> we had the pier and the fishing and and and there's room to put in a sidewalk.
It would just make that whole it would upgrade the whole quality. >> We had any accidents or incidents there? >> Knock on wood. I don't think so. I went down there a month or so ago and there were all kinds of emergency vehicles there. >> Oh, that's when they were pulling that truck out.
>> No, this was And I I wondered where it was and I was just pulling into the public lot there and just beyond that there was a upside down car that looked like >> it was hardly a survivable package.
>> Wow. Really? tried to >> really >> look at what that was, but I haven't seen it in any of the news stories. >> I I wonder I mean I'm sure we have data on >> Oh, yeah. >> what's happened up there. >> The police would the state >> the state has as has an accident
database, but it's not updated, you know, real promptly. It may take I'll look at it again. It may take actually months for them to get it all updated. M >> I mean, can you say it was like a
>> It was just a single car that, you know, flipped over the pole. >> Was that Point Grove Road? >> It was >> in the parking lot or >> It was coming up. I'm I'm not sure where it was come. I think it was coming from the Connecticut side on Point Grove and
flipped before it got around the corner there. Oh, >> I mean would it be help I mean certainly we can have some kind of a foyer request or whatever you know to the state as far as how many accidents have taken place from >> here. They have the older Yeah, I can that's all online. I can
pull that all up. >> I mean certainly ammunition I can think if we're really going to get >> and and that's only one piece of it. I mean the safety is one piece but the economic uh advantage of getting more people the more people you have comfortable walking
through there it helps all the businesses. >> Oh yeah it >> it helps >> bring in you know more people will >> come in and pay the the fees or whatever. I know we've got plenty of boat traffic but >> it'll be a nicer place. More people will
come in and and spend the evening and and go. We've got where Kanga, not Congaban Pizza. There's another pizza place there that's been replaced by another couple off the hook. >> Yeah.
>> And a barbecue thing. And at the lodge there, you've got the >> I guess the blackboard is doing okay. And and the rail trail. >> Oh, yeah. On the weekends, that place is packed. And >> the bar shop there on the other side. So all of those are right on that walking
area that and and surely that road is due for a low repair anyway. >> And then all of us >> we got our money >> the outside people that all of the >> Did you see that was on the front page of the paper?
>> Well, $196,000 or something, >> right? got half million or something. >> Yeah. >> For snow. >> The because we had so much snow, the state threw in a subsidy for for the towns cities. >> Okay.
Anyway, it would just it would help invigorate that and and make uh the you know more customers from comfortable walking cuz it's it's I went and walked both sides and
>> you really can't >> it's not a pleasant place to walk. >> No, but there's all cars there. >> It's our prime >> It's a prime district. So, it should Yeah. have proper >> It should. Yeah. So that that's another one that and and it's not just complete
street there are other even federal grants for safe streets and that thing. So >> that's you know on the agenda not just if we sit down with with Rich and John again I want to bring up you know the
other grants too that >> yes >> whether we can repair any of those for that. I know they're they got a lot on their table, but this is a lot of money. >> Yeah, definitely. Yeah. >> On hand and and hate to see it put off another year.
>> Mhm. >> Okay. And so we talked about the PIP policy already. >> The shorter EDC statement. Craig, did you write a new one? >> Um I am in the process, you know, but I'm getting input from people outside of
EDC. So, I would like until August meeting to >> bring that to you because we're going to be revising the the website. I'd like to have that >> sure one on because that's still they're right there on the homepage of the website.
>> So, yeah, I'm and I want it to be something at a glance people. Oh, that's what they do. That sounds good. >> Yeah. The one now goes on and on and on. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> This is the public facing. I don't care whether it's called mission or vision or you know
>> here's what we do but whatever communicates to the the general public businesses and residents >> here's what we do right >> I may have one of both so okay >> right >> August meeting
uh well >> yeah know here we go again discuss EDC welcoming what should we do go in there broom cutting I don't know >> I want you to Tell tell me what you want to do. You You >> Well, I don't know him. Greg knows him. >> I just met with him yesterday and I
should have >> I just wouldn't There was a thing. >> We don't have to do it. >> We don't have to, but I thought it would be nice. >> You brought it up and I'm >> Yeah, I thought it'd be nice. >> I'd be glad to join you, but I'd like you to, you know, tell me. >> His name is Is it John? >> John. >> Okay. Is he there all the time? Do you
know? Oh, he's not there. So, he has a tax place and attorneys there. >> Keith Roy is in >> Keith Roy. Okay. And Keith is still doing construction. >> Yeah. >> Because I saw a sign for him up in Granville yesterday. >> Okay. So, he's doing that. And Tyranny Wealth is in there. They do estate law
and they do wealth management. >> I don't know what it says there, but what it says. >> Yeah. >> While we're in the area, we might go into IBS and congratulate him on >> Oh, yeah. Richard, he's a friend of mine. I got to call him today. Yes. 50 years. Yeah. If we want to do anything
as an official congratulations from the EDC on mill will >> why don't we what are we going to do >> even just to you know write up a a congratulatory I don't know come up with an idea think think of of what you know
if you know him you know I know him you would know if there's anything he might appreciate I I've noticed there that >> they're one of the few businesses that put up the shop local stuff Yes. Yes. >> I appreciate that.
>> Yeah. He um I told him he should get a digital sign. He's not going to live long enough for that. He said, "Is it too much money?" But I said, "We got to promote your 50 years here." Um so I'll call him tonight. I've been meaning
to call him since I got back and I passed him on the road yesterday, but I I'll call him tonight my way home. See, what do you think we could do for him? >> Think about it. >> Want me to ask him? >> Oh, so where do you see that? Was that in the penny?
>> This was in their ad. They're >> Oh, okay. Is the circular >> the circular? And they say they're going to celebrate this Saturday at the store. You know, come in and get a get a deal. >> So, I don't know what we I'm not going
to get them balloons or something like that. No. >> 50 below. >> No, there go and and buy some fertilizer. >> I saw plenty in there. >> No, that's that's great. I just bring it out. >> No, we I'll we'll do something. I I'll
mention it to him and he'll just say we're we're recognizing you, >> right? That that >> maybe we can take a picture of him. I'd like to say he just had open heart surgery and he's had health problems in the last five years. I just mostly want them to know that we notice the 50 years
and we deeply appreciate they've been one of the >> Oh yeah. >> greatest businesses in in town. >> Oh yeah. >> We we love >> He has a sharp place in there. It's very clean and >> town. I go there all the time. >> I do too.
>> So I just want to make sure he knows he's appreciated. >> I will. I'll let him know that. We can't get something on that. >> I want him to be a commissioner, too. >> Yeah, we can't do something on the town sign. Well, >> that's what I was thinking on the town crier there. What do they call that?
>> Who who does that sign >> by Berkshire Bank or Beacon Bank? >> We could submit a >> That would be fabulous. >> That's a good idea actually. >> And you know what? Someone should cut that tree. You can't see it when you're coming down from coming in from
Westfield. You can't stand >> do a new sign some point. >> Yeah, they do. >> That'd be my voters. >> I think that's >> Yeah, that would be fabulous. >> And I I'm sure that the town would be willing to do that. Um maybe I should just request that,
you know, through our liaison. It's not here now. I I send a note >> Oh, through Russ Anderson. Yeah. >> Yeah. I'll send a note to Ross and say, "Wouldn't it be a great idea to recognize them on the town sign?" What do you think? >> Interesting. We're all in agreement
right now. We'd like to do that. >> We were, you know, discussing it at our EDC meeting. We We'd like to recognize >> Yes, let's do that about it. I'll I'll send it >> I'll vote for them to >> Maybe I'll put a balloon on his IVs sign that's over by, you know, really points
that way. Yeah, maybe I'll do that. Thank you, Richard. I think I should say thank you Richard because it's his store for you know IBS 50 years >> 50 years of IBS >> and he did a he did a thing on um a while ago he's an he's a historian he's
got a photographic memory what did he do um historical he knows all about the town he he's very >> made me thank you Richard for 50 years of yes I service to >> Yes I like that
>> yeah and I I like making it personal. >> Yes, I do too. >> Because, you know, employees come and go. He's stuck with >> It's his store. It's his store. He built it. >> What's his full name? >> Richard P. Batiston.
B A T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T I S T O N I. It's 10 10 letters in it. >> P O >> Baptist. >> Yeah. >> Okay. I will send a note to Red tomorrow. That's a great idea. Good. Good.
>> He'll take a tiff if you want. >> How about a tiff? >> That'd be very nice. Thank you. >> And maybe they they'd have other ideas. I I'll say that's what we thought of. Okay. any other ideas that that in any
case we as the EDC think they're >> one of the best long-term business. I can't think of anybody else that's been >> distinctive and central and and here that long a significant business other
than you know little >> tiny places. >> No, it's that's an excellent idea. So you're gonna contact the Russ Anderson? Yeah, I'll I'll uh I'll just I'll start with an email to him. >> All right.
>> And if I don't hear in a couple days, I'll try calling him. >> I didn't know it was June 20th, though. Richard was >> Well, this is their promotional >> Yeah. >> the event. I don't know if that's the exact >> day they opened or anything, but >> it is. It is. I know. Richard. Oh, yeah.
He >> Well, I mean, sat Saturday is the day they usually do >> they do, right? But I believe that's the date. >> Okay. In any case, if we do do something, you know, within the next couple weeks,
>> that'd be great. >> That'd be fabulous. >> Yeah. Okay. Any other immediate stuff before I wrap up with the any planning board items?
Any anything else? We've got a plan for all of this that's on here. >> We uh >> do we need to vote to to not do that? Probably not. I mean, meeting schedules. >> No, I don't think so. >> We don't need to vote on the meeting
schedule. Let's say that >> let's just decide here now that we won't >> do that until I'm okay with that. >> And but in the meantime, we can move >> Yes. >> in the background. It's not like we're doing nothing. We're moving on Southwick and Bloom. We're
>> and I'll see you tomorrow. >> We want to do this meeting with >> DPW. We need We're We're going to try to get the payments done. We're going to I'll be thinking about what our goals are to launch in August,
>> right? And the zoning, that's important. Talked about that, >> right? will send out any information from the zoning revision um the survey information from this zoning survey that we did. Uh so there's
>> I do have a question. I know we sit over fall asleep or what but what is this note on therapist looking for office space and salv what does that look for the >> Oh yeah. >> Did I leave that on here? >> I think that was last week.
>> Yeah, that was last month. >> Oh, but it's on here. Yeah. note on therapist looking for office >> vac and I didn't mind remaining reminder of that because that's still >> old. Let's back up to the vacant. I meant to talk about vacant business and
I kind of skipped over because I was wanting Julie to help with that. >> I know with the real estate. Yeah. But what ideally I want to do, and this relates to our website, is to have a list of the vacant properties on
our website with reference to the realtor information. So, it would be maybe as simple as here's a picture of the the property. Maybe we'd show the asking price if it was relevant, but
we'd mostly say for details, you know, go to this realtor listing, but we would need to get permission from the realtor to do that on our our site. >> Well, we can make this easy. Who we want to get back on here? Um, >> Amber. >> Amber. Yes. >> Amber B.
>> That would be great if we get amber.com. Be great. And what did she say? >> Camera's on. >> Okay. Right. Okay. Um, but that would be and I think I saw >> in one of the
death notices that the plug it was her father or something. >> Oh, maybe her father was sick. She was taking care of her father. >> Yeah, that was okay. >> That >> I know that was one of the things she she had a
>> but no, she would be good to >> Oh, she would be this. Yeah, I would I would love that's why I thought Julie would be good, but she's so busy. >> So, what about the therapist then? >> That was just someone who was who put a
posting on Facebook that said that they were closing their office at a current current location and were looking for office space in either Westfield or South.
and Nicole saw it and sent it to to Alvin and I saying, "Let's convince them to come to Southware." Now, it's someone who I don't know what kind of therapy that I think she said she only need
maybe a couple days a week and could even do some shared space or it's not a huge office of any kind, but >> that's why I sent it to Yeah, you asked me. Yeah. >> If you knew of anything. So, it's just a it's nothing of urgency. She was looking for the space starting in August, I
think after July after she was closing down. And and just the idea if we knew of any >> Mhm. >> suggestions uh to respond to >> okay >> this request and try to sort of come to South instead of right >> Westfield.
>> So, yeah, I say let's let's see what can happen with Amber. >> Amber. Yeah. >> Yeah. We we'd love to have that definitely >> change. >> Okay. >> Anything else, Alvin, from your
standpoint? >> No. Uh, regards to planning board items that may relate to uh, EDC, um, WGI did come uh, before town administration to lay out their plans for the expansion of a 60,000 plus square foot building on,
um, Hudson Drive. And so, uh, we did have a roundt discussion, um, with different entities of the town, um, and and and just looked at their preliminary plans and made suggestions. So they'll come back to the town with um their their full plans and then they'll uh
have to go before planning board at some point. >> Right. And just for if you go into Hudson >> and you go down to >> Ballway, you turn right to the current office. If you went straight, they would be facing that extension of Hudson Drive
just before >> the road ends at the gate or whatever. >> And they would they own that property already. and and so it's two properties, but it would probably be consolidated into one because the building would cross. >> So, yeah, we discussed that as well.
They would have to consolidate their their parcel lines. Um, but the the current building is offset from Hudson Drive. The the new structure would be closer to the Yeah. >> So, I they're great business to have in town. For sure.
>> They are. They're great. I'm glad they're staying. >> Yeah. And that's near the dog park. >> Well, it would. Yeah, it would be. >> If the road runs through, the dog park would be >> right around the corner. >> Yes.
>> Where that entrance would be. >> Okay. Well, we're >> getting done earlier than usual. >> Here to be commended, Greg. >> I told you I would try to do that. But we've got lots of work to do. >> We make a motion to adjurnn. Yeah,
>> I'll make a motion. >> Okay. All in favor? I >> Okay, we're returned. >> Thank you. >> Was Cliff on? >> Yes. >> Oh, okay. So we get to toss