Today is Wednesday, February 11th and it's 6:01 p.m. and I would like to call to order our meeting of the South Economic Development Commission. I'm Greg Dialy. We'll >> Serena Fuller
>> and then we've got Craig who will come in in a minute. When he comes in, we'll announce him as well. We also have uh Alvin Allen, director of economic development with the town as well as town planner and um
we have our EDC [clears throat] liaison Russ Anderson here today and also a guest I Gail who's going to make a a presentation on personal behalf at the
beginning of the meeting. And uh rather than waiting for Craig to come around, let's jump right into your >> Okay. Dian Gale by Point Grove Road. I am here on a personal level and as um
founder and chair of Friends of the South Dog Park. Um Greg, uh Greg, I left you a folder there. We are a 501c nonprofit organization. >> Okay. And we now have Craig
Samson here. So we've got our forum and Diane continues. >> And I would just like to introduce this project to you briefly. Um we have acquired 32.8 acres of property from the
Tilcon parcel on Hudson Drive. Um it is approximately 23 acres of undevelopable land. It's wetlands and woodlands. Um and about nine or 10 acres
that we are going to build a we hope state-of-the-art dog park that will be a model for other towns that will want to copy our grand idea. >> 9 to 10 acres. >> Wow. >> Spread out. A little spread out. Um, and
the so that'll be on one side. On the other side, we hope to have I don't know how many parking spots I had there. Um, northern parking and access to the rail trail. And that was about one, two, three,
four, five, maybe 12 or more parking spots for rail trail access on the southern side of it. Um, there's some maps where you can browse if you like. And Elvin, I have a copy of this presentation for you, too. I'm going to
in the car for you. >> How you doing? Well, >> do you have a digital leap by any chance? >> I do. And I can send you that as well. >> Thanks. >> Um, so you can see on that map here, this is all the wetland areas, the riverfront, this is slab running through
here, this wetland area. Um we are going to >> sell flee and tick protection. >> Yeah. Yes. No. No. We are >> No, that is one of our plans. >> Um the grand scheme of this is we are
going to use private funds to um build this entire project. Um and in the end we would like to present this as an entire gift of the 32 acres to the town of Southwick. Uh we are planning
some solar um uh projects into this. We're the parking areas are going to be carport with solar panels on top. This is our initial plan and things can change. >> Shade structures within the park will be
like a gazebo with uh solar structures on the top. We've got beautiful um sunlight visibility in the entire thing and all of the energy that we generate even before this is gifted to the town. The energy generated will be directed to
the town's electric bills to reduce the burden on the taxpayers wherever the town's electricity was being generated. Um, so we see this as a if you don't care for dogs, this is still a project that you would love to accept for the
benefits it's going to provide um on the energy savings. If you do love dogs, you're going to love this. If you use the rail trail, you're going to love this. Westfield's going to love this connection to the rail trail. This is close to the Westfield border. Um it's
going to have access right from the rail trail at the northwest side of this. Those um wetlands and woodlands are going to be open to the public for traversing at their leisure. The the southern part is a pretty tough
hike. It's pretty steep in some points. >> Um and the other one is much more gentle and more more um pine wooded instead of woody woods. Um, so it's got some beautiful uh animal trails through it for those again that don't like dogs.
The dog park itself, we are planning most dog parks have a large dog, small dog pen. And we're also going to have a senior pen for senior adults or senior dogs or dogs that are coming off medical
issues or things so they're not intimidated going into the big active pens and they can still feel comfortable. We're also going to have some kind of a kinder pup area for first timers, newcomers, little acclamation
zone. Um, and if we we have enough room in here that we could possibly even put in a a training area. Thanks. Um, and have, you know, trainers come in and be able to use that space for for training. One of the other big um benefits to the
townwide is the town has been years and years trying to find um funding to connect Sam West to Hudson Drive. Oh yeah. Um if the
town accepts the gift of this 32 acres, they've got the land. >> What you see in that shadowed line across the center there, that is roughly the latest design for that connection. And and if this all goes in in sync
timewise, we we could be building at the same time that the town is working on that road and we can flex if the town needs to shift that a little. We'll be able to flex with it and adjust and is there things that have to be cleared.
There must be right brush. >> Well, it still kind of has mine still. It's pretty flat. It's dirt. It's just it's a dust bowl. >> Um, so we won't be taking anything out. There is a >> big planting >> towards the west. There is a big there's
a change in elevation. There's a big mountain that somebody, >> you know, they just plowed dirt up there. We'll just knock that down, level that out, and then we'll actually probably be bringing in proper soil to add more um indigenous plantings and hearty plants. We're going to drill a
well so there won't be like, you know, the splash pad caused some stir because taxpayers are going to pay for the water. We're going to drill a well. There's no water bill. Um there may be an annual um well inspection or however often we do well inspections. I don't know how how that
is. Um so we'll have a well. So we've really given this a lot of thought to make this zero tax impact. We do not desire using CPC funds. They can be very controversial. People don't like all the projects. We want to build this totally
outside of those uses of money and gift the entire project to the town. Um you were talking about flee and tick prevention, what plantings we are putting in, what we are not putting in
any impervious surface. So everything permeates into the ground um other than what's on top of the solar panels. It'll obviously drain on um it'll be hard pack uh driveways in until that road is built if ever. Um we'll have hardp pack
roadways in. We will not be plowing it. There's no maintenance. It's weather permitting. >> Mhm. >> Um the plantings that we intend to put in are going to be flee and tick, not repellent, but um >> less Yeah.
>> less attractive, whatever that word is that escapes me at the moment. >> Less limey. Yeah. Um, so I wanted to give you, you know, a brief rundown of the project. You have the full folder there. You can all browse later. Um,
>> and part of that for the for the private grants that we're going for, they look for letters of support from >> uh the town organizations um and other businesses and residents and stuff. So in your packet, you have a sample
letter. If you discuss this and decide you are behind this project and could provide us that that would be very helpful in our grant sourcing. >> Can anyone other than the Southwick dog use that? >> Absolutely. Okay. Open to the public. >> Well, you know, be for the town of
Southwick to decide once they own it in their policies. But yeah, the entire thing is intended to be open to anybody on and off the bike trail. And one of the other things um when the rest of that um Hudson Drive area is developed,
>> we have been told that um part of the subdivision requires open space for the project for for the size of the project determines the amount of open space. We have been advised that this very may this may well satisfy the entire open
space requirement for so the rest of it can really be concentrated in whatever um development is in there >> and and this could become the space requirement. >> Haven't confirmed that but that's a strong opinion on that. So,
we think we've put we have certainly put a lot of thought into this and we've been working on this since 2023 in earnest um and tried to think of every way to make this a benefit for every single person
or the town. So, >> it looks nice. >> You can discuss you can discuss that. >> I love the location. I love all the side benefits. does I I looked at this, you know, I think we would all agree on this letter. I'll I'll >> distribute and you can customize that to
your purpose and and make >> if it helps for us to add even more, we will be glad to >> you can customize that letter to >> Absolutely. >> And what would the what kind of grants
grant applications what what's the target audience? Is that in here? Yeah, there's there's a ton of grants. We are looking for outdoor recreation. We are looking for community development. We are looking for senior citizen
recreation and activities. We are looking for youth activities. We're looking for dog product manufacturers offer grants. Chewy offers grants. Um some of the uh dog medicine companies offer grants for dog wellness. There's
myriad of opportunities available and you have a schedule in there of some of the ones we're we're going to >> Okay, that'll help in in knowing >> and some of them, you know, some of them are up to $500,000 in funding for some of these
>> when it comes to pets, people. >> How many how many parking spaces? >> Well, I've done an unofficial sketch on there. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, 10, 15, about 24, but
that's just my unofficial rough drawing. And and and again, just an initial sketch of the concept of the park. We'll have a we'll have a landscape designer >> work all that out for us and maximize that parking. Oh, and those parking bays
are going to be lit and on time. I was going to ask that if it's going to be lit. >> And they won't park won't be open from, you know, 24 hours. >> Dawn to dusk. >> Dawn to dusk. Weather permitting. No plowing, no deicing, no nothing. Um, but those parking areas will be lit for a
half hour before and a half hour after for people straggling and they can find their way safely because we don't know what any kind of lighting is going to be in this section. >> And you'll probably have cameras too, right? >> We're gonna have cameras. It it I don't know that much about dog parks because I haven't been to them, but the ones I've
I've seen all seem much smaller than this is very big. >> We are We are I made the same >> Let's see. Where's the racetrack? >> I made the same I made the same We made the same presentation to Tilon to the president of Tilon and we're actually going to name the um the wetland area is
going to be named after her. Um >> she loved this concept. Yeah, absolutely loved it. >> I've hiked in Amherst, I think one of their dog parks up there. There's nothing like this. >> Nothing like this. >> Well, it makes it it um checks a lot of
boxes gets that land. Yeah. One of the things in your presentation is is I did a run through the master plan and this entire project all parts of this satisfy at least 23 I think it's 23 >> actions
>> actions in all of the chapters of the master plan >> and I was just informed that in the open space plan open space and recreation plan a dog park was a big component in that as well. You were on that at one point I think. Um, I just learned that that that was in there as well.
>> And wasn't there recently a pause about the open space? >> It's it's due. It has to be reviewed. >> Okay. Yeah. >> So, I don't want to take up your whole meeting. I just wanted to give Nice job. >> If you have other questions, um, you know, >> who else is working with you on this? >> A bunch of people.
>> Yeah. Keith and Karen Deo. >> Oh, I know the Deos. >> Mitch Davidson recently just joined us. Um, myself, >> Mr. Paul Veraryi. >> Not yet. We haven't approached him to see what his interest is in this yet. I we went to the select board first on Monday. That that was our first
introduction. Um we owe them the head the first knowledge of this project. Um and now we're coming around to all the boards and giving you the heads up as well. >> Most people come to us first. [laughter] >> Well, timing timing matters. Um
and uh you know, we'll keep going. >> That's really nice. I like the plan. >> We are going to do a public It's a win-win really. >> We are going to be doing a public launch May 23rd. Okay. >> We're we're we're meeting tomorrow actually to schedule that for May 23rd.
Um and major fundraising launch on the project. Um so economic development finds a way to weave into that um concept for bringing in other related businesses or however you think you can
fit that in. Let me know. It's a >> I'd have to do some thinking, but it's just a huge economic boost and a new destination in town and right on the rail trail. It'll really boost the rail. >> If you want to have your walking trail,
>> if you want to have your placard there with all or your QR code with all the other locations, we can set you up with a space there. You know, whatever work together on that. >> Yeah. We didn't want to spend the funds to create a new one. I could move one from another location to to there, too.
>> Oh, just borrow it for the day. >> Well, I mean, these are the the heavy duty. >> Oh, yeah. >> Oh, yeah. The heavy duty ones. Yeah. >> If you have a a kiosk or some type of post on >> you got a little time to think about how you >> I'm sure you'll be doing a logo and all
of that. >> That's our logo. >> Oh, where's I didn't see it. >> Oh, you didn't see that? >> I don't know if you if you got those. You see the >> Yeah, the dog's face. The dog's head. Yeah. Yeah. >> Hey, I did. >> And funny. Somebody was sketching this
thing out when we were doing this. The lower part of the the >> Oh, it looks like a dog. >> No, it's the shape of Southland right there. The lower part. >> Hey, in fifth grade, I did I did a big thing about the jog and the notch and the
>> This could look sort of like a dog if you use your imagine. It's like a Scotty, you know. [laughter] I like that. >> Well, you said that the rules, what's the extentary or not? >> That it wouldn't be plowed. You wouldn't envision them plowing that
through way >> at some point. What happened? >> That that extension would be plowed, just not the dog. >> The road would be plowed. >> That's what I'm saying. >> Oh, even when the road is plowed. Yeah. We don't intend to We're not going to have hard surfaces. It's going to be a hard pack.
>> Okay. I' I've even researched the the best ground materials for a dog park for permeable surfaces and sanitation and everything. And that's going to be a tumbled stone um surface in there. We're not going to plow that. We're not going to and if we
if we lay the foundations right and the weed control right, it's going to be minimal maintenance. >> Did you know they had a counter at Sam West Road for the rail trail and you know the results? Not the most recent. >> Yeah, Christy banished them last month.
>> Where were they? >> And I did talk to friends of the rail trail and they want to get on board with this too. And they'll >> Columbia Greenway too rail trail is the name of the section. >> It's 60,000 trips a year >> going through there
West. >> Yeah. >> And if there's average of six trips per person, I don't know if that's right, but I'll throw that out. 10,000 users. >> Let's have a dog. >> This will boost it higher. >> Well,
we'll have an area that'll be open for, >> you know, this if the scouts want to do an event, we'll have an it's I think it's large enough that we can lay it out that here's here's another area for just outdoor events for other groups. >> You know what I like about it? It's sort of protected there, too.
>> You know what I mean? Like it's not you know how the crosses, you know what I mean? Yes. It's not right right on the main highway. >> Exactly. Because that that highway is >> I wouldn't want my dog out there [laughter] or to get loose. You know what I mean? Yeah. >> And and with the connector easy access from all directions >> from either direction.
>> And Diane, you said that was undevelopable land, right? >> Correct. >> We're not taking anything off. >> 22 or so acres of it. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Is there still a lot that Tilcon can develop till she? >> Yes. There's a they've already
>> um this is the end of Hudson and they have a gate there into the Tilcon property. There's already a very large solar >> plant going out this way like following that road. >> Is this or not here? >> It can't be. That's also riverfront,
right? >> That that's slab right in there. So none of that can be >> I think Wonderful. and Alvin, if there's any way we'd like to understand what spaces are available for business in
that industrial area. Okay, we'll take a look on still in the remainder. They're finishing up in there and then they have to do reformation or something, >> but it'll expand into their rights. So,
that'll be a future expansion. But in order to promote that or to understand it, we, you know, we with the Western Mass Economic Development, we want to be able to share that. >> You have, you might have some available lots still coming up, the built Hudson
that you could look into and and you know, tell them how this is going to be expanded and draw other activity. But >> yeah, I think it's a very attractive area for business. We had a couple of other spots we were looking at. We were very very close on
another smaller area >> very close um off of Birkshire, but we couldn't get physical access to it. We needed to get a right of way >> and we just couldn't make it work. >> The only thing Okay, I look at this.
That's the ear. Can you put like an a little darker eye there? No, I had to look at that twice and I was I pulled advertising and everything. Huh? Clearly dog. >> I know. But you know what? I'm just looking at it going, "Okay, what is that?" Okay, that's the ear.
>> Yes, that is the ear. >> That's very nice. >> Very nice. >> So, I don't want to take it from your homie. I was just trying to give you a heads up. And if you got questions, concerns, >> that's really nice. >> Um, >> well, we'll look at it. I'll pass this around to whoever else wants to read it after I
>> I'll take it and read it. I can drop it off if you work there. >> Um, can I just have those back because I'm gonna go run to the next meeting that is at 6:30. Did I give you I think so. Yeah. >> And Alvin, I'll come back and bring yours because it's in the car. >> Okay. No problem. Thank you.
>> All right. So, thank you very much, folks. >> Thank you. >> Yes. Thanks. >> Look forward to your support and >> yeah, got mine. Glad to see the reaction in the room. So, thank you so much. >> Thank you. Bye. Bye. Bye. Bye.
All right. And then uh to our other guest or the Aon >> I know this guy. >> Okay. Um yeah, so I I am the contact for select board. Uh >> we thought that there would in the
certain positions with the you know some of the boards that >> there could be some transparency or connection just to >> just to add that hey what do you got going on? Do you need help with something? If there's something we need to advance, >> we've needed that >> or just talk about.
>> I love that because when we want to present something like it's hard to know you get 15 minutes. How do you get an agenda? How do you Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. Who do you talk to? Margaret or >> right >> or Nicole or one of you and you can't
send something to all of you because that would be a violation of >> Yeah, >> we've been kind of hanging on a cliff here because we don't know >> have a have a communication point. How how hanging? I mean, what? >> Well, we just didn't know where we >> You mean a lot of money.
>> We can't close a public meeting. Keep it open. >> Well, I didn't I didn't know if somebody was in that here. >> Oh, that's fine. They They're welcome to listen. >> No, I think that you know, we struggle with this and I think Sher and I go back decades. >> Oh gosh.
>> 40 years. I think >> decades. >> Yeah. And uh it's we've always said what are we really here for? You know we we put on these events and you know we have the oh what are some of the different events? I mean just you know >> the bloom. I know you did
>> well further when they they did >> let's go back to the 90s >> downstairs and okay >> we had a carnival at the Legion. We had uh all kinds of things. >> Yeah. You know we have all these greets and you know we'd have the not the trade shows. What are you calling when we try to get um
>> business fair? Yes, >> Tuckers the Ranch >> and it was just I mean you know there was just no consistency but we were operating on such a shoestring that you know it just doesn't work. The one thing we have noticed is that if you have food
then you can usually get people here but that >> that works everywhere. >> Yeah, food brings them in >> and we are I the news that I think shared is is Nicole at least approved >> I heard from Alvin >> our budget >> of what which 000
>> 3,000 total and and I just said in round numbers we'd like >> a thousand for doing the these business meetings to to be able to do them right to have food whatever to get started in that a thousand for South and Bloom for
promotion and and >> little dog isn't going to cost as much I got to >> uh and then a thousand for our other current well mostly that money would be for our Facebook
promotions because we we committed and it's part of our u master plan action is to get onto social media. >> So faith Facebook, Instagram, whatever we've got. >> Did I see in your minute you have are you partnering with somebody to do that? We are going to get it out to agency
because that's not to do a a weekly post and monitor the site >> beyond our >> our time and skill level >> and >> uh Serena's been working with an agency through her
>> and I I reviewed that. >> I've got some really good news about this. Can I read this to you? >> Sure. >> Hey Serena, this is Elizabeth with Little Dog. For a weekly post, I would say between 25 to $30 per month. >> Oh wow. >> If it's something you would be providing
the content for, we could do $25. And then on the other hand, if it's something that we are coming up with content and designing the graphics, that would that would it would be $30. So very inexpensive. >> Yeah. And and >> because like I said, mine's 119 a month.
Yeah. And they track it and everything and And the thing is that they they've got a system in place. They're unbelievable. They got like three dozen employees there. They focus just on social media so they know it,
>> you know, how to do it and how to get the best reach, how to get the >> the best response. And our goal >> phenomenal >> is we want to drive traffic to our website which has the business directory. you want to drive traffic and >> to people looking at our restaurants and
recreational assets and >> and you know in terms of I don't know if you follow what we've done over the time but right now we have a website with the business directory of about60 businesses in town and we're up to about
13,000 page views since we launched it almost two years ago now. Does that run through them too? >> No, we haven't even them yet. Yeah, he >> I do that. But what this would do for that site is
>> when you run a post, you would have a link. They just click on the link to take them to our restaurant sites, our recreation, whatever we want to send them to. So that'll
be serve as targeted advertising to draw people to the site where they engage and and it helps boost economic activity in the town. >> So um one of the things I'm trying to
champion is our um our government channel or channel 15 >> channel 15. Yeah. With all the the meetings where you've discussed that. Yeah. So, and that's and in in my final vision, that's what I see is being able
to go out and do stories about the local business or local um you know, local, >> you know, what is what what does the machine shop make? What is, you know, so that we get some of that, >> right? What what is the viewership there and what is the viewership?
>> So, you have to be careful with some of that. you do >> because um a they I can't track what who turns on channel 15 on the com on Comcast, but on the on the subside of that is our YouTube channel and and
promotions and then that's where it becomes important to cross reference whatever you're doing so that you're driving people to that, we're driving people to that, everybody's driving people to that. We understand that the social media side of it is where
everything is at. Second part of that that's pretty exciting is >> we're we're coming to the finish line. We we've um I'm working with the schools to develop um we want to propose developing a school portion of this as
well. >> So that would bring back curriculum. It would bring back kids going out and doing stuff. Um this is going to feel bad. Remember Mr. puffers class and >> Oh my gosh. Yes. >> Well, that's class is empty. Classroom is empty now. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> So, we have facilities that have been
outlined for for studios and and all of that. So, um there's a gentleman there that in the tech department that's savvy to how the media works as far as 10-minute, 8 minute smiglets and getting them out through different media platforms and stories about the
community and stories about businesses. So while we want to do our own government version of recording like this meeting and and having transparency with that and and other meetings, >> we want to parallel with the schools as well so that they're they're doing all
the school things and community things >> in like the BEA. I'm still involved >> could be involved in that. Yeah. So, one thing that could use video and we have in our business directory, we have lots of extra fields. We can put in photos in
the directory. We can put in links to video. >> Really? >> Yeah. >> So, if like somebody did a, you know, a 10-minute thing on the summer house, >> we could put it in their directory listing so that they follow up on their phone. Oh, there's video I can watch
about the summer house or the, you know, whatever other restaurant place and they >> Yeah, little dog did that for businesses for me. They say, you want to highlight a businesses month, they they'll do all of that, too. >> But that would be a permanent link that would stay in their directory as long as >> So, we just have to be careful that
we're um on on the government side, you can do it, but you have to be careful that you're not marketing, >> right? >> So that you're not selling. >> Who's doing the channel 15? Used to be Art Boyal. He used to do the taping here. Right now it's Ken Schomsky through but it's through the Westfield
and it you know it isn't focused on South Lake. There's only a couple. >> Is it Harry Rock or he's on the radio? >> He does the Westfield. >> Okay. Yeah, he does. Yeah, cuz I live in Westfield. >> So it's kind of a merge. >> Yeah, but we need We're not doing >> When you say marketing line, I assume
that means not promotional offers. >> Correct. Right. Yeah. >> Information about the business then, you know, here we've been here for 20 years and >> Exactly. That's fine. >> Yeah. You can't you can't sell widgets, but >> No, we're not promoting a business.
We're we're trying to highlight a business. >> We have Is that the way you say it? >> And and with our directory, it's free. So, anybody that wants to be in town, it's it's totally non-discriminatory. Any business in town that qualifies to be in the directory is in it free.
>> Right. So those are things that are refining but that take a little time some funding but we have a lot of a lot of the funding due to the Comcast um franchise fees and things. So um it seems optimistic we still got to present
to the school um but it's it's a good >> what you did in your former life. >> Yeah. >> This is what you did. this is what do >> the one thing I would suggest on that is to not call it channel 15 anymore because broadcast TV is nobody watches
broadcast TV they want on demand call it >> you know Southwick >> video on demand >> yeah but it's still on channel though >> located there but then there's a par there's parallel >> it's a very I mean you don't have to hide the fact it's channel 15 but that
when you stay channel 15 I'm going to sit and watch a right, you know, a scroll of events and >> because I remember I did about a 15minute um presentation for Friends of the Grandmother's Garden when we did garden tours. I was on it with like a co-host and that kind of thing. >> Mhm.
>> It was neat. >> Yeah. But when you look at the viewership of who's re-watching some of that, it's 10 views. >> That's it. >> 15 views. I mean, it's not But we're not driving stuff people want to see, you It's not crossdriving to your website.
>> The the key is you've got to make it exciting and make it convenient on demand. That's why I think the channel 15 branding is misleading because that takes you back to the
80s or 90s when people might put on a channel 15 on their cable. >> Very true. >> But they don't do that anymore. >> Hey, we had party lines when I was growing up. We had a string in a can. >> Party can. >> Well, no. You know what I mean? The telephone. I mean, on my street, we had
the wisemans were on my Yeah, we had a party line. >> Yep. >> But just calling it Southwick video uh video content or I don't sound even more exciting than that. But >> yeah, no, that's a good point. >> Video Southwick video on demand >> because while is generated through the
Peg channel, it's its outlets are multiple. So, >> right >> and and and with the schools, it's a whole different market and >> you [clears throat] can say brought to you by channel 15 or something like that, >> right? >> But I don't think that should be the you know, this is a channel that you have to
put turn on in your cable and sit and watch it. >> Yeah. No, you're you're right. >> No, I'd rather watch football. >> Yeah. >> Reruns, >> right? >> Reruns. >> So, where is that being done now? Well, I know you'd have to have an office anywhere. Where how are you doing, Russ? >> So, right now it's on the second floor.
where it used to be by the elevator, >> but it's more or less just a hub and it's generated in Westfield and sent through the >> Yes. Okay. >> Um, so there there's there's some, you know, we'd like to put a studio here so we could do stuff easily. We there's there's a lot of changes. So, we'll see.
>> Um, but like anything, it's it's a process. >> Could this also be used to highlight certain features of the town like the the bike rail rail? >> Definitely. Yeah. Granville Gorge or other like I've heard of Granville Gorge. >> Highlighting. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. That's like that's where the kids would come in
>> like a pictorial of things. >> People don't realize it, but there is a video of the whole South Rail Trail that's online. And >> you know, these are all scattered. >> Well, I always pictured the old library that's now for sale, whatever, as like a visitor center.
>> You know, they talked about at one point you could stop there and, you know, like they do it on the burgkur pickup brochures that Well, I'm thinking of that, but being on the channel 15 like Yeah. featuring the, you know, the recreational part and the everything that we have in in the community and how
we tie into the to the hilltowns and in down into Connecticut, too. You know, >> right? >> People come here. It's a destination. >> I mean, I don't know if it's a destination, but I would say >> what we're trying to do and we >> Yeah. >> You know, it's one of our longer term goals is to do even a printed
destination map, >> right? We decided to do it online first, which is cheaper. If we did a printed map, it would be sponsored by the businesses that we're feeding. >> Right. >> So, are you working with this with someone? Are you doing it kind of yourself, Russ? Or >> um so gentleman from the school, the the
IT director from the school. Who's that? >> Uh Garland Green. >> We're putting together he's more or less working on the school portion of it. Um >> because you maybe a student would help you out. That's >> Well, that's what So, we're actually >> internship, you know, one of those BEAS. >> Yeah, there's there's all of that. And
and then we're looking we're going to be advertising for um residents that want to get involved, volunteer your time, learn how to run a camera, you know, because they're the ones that come up with the great ideas. >> They do. They do. >> And we obviously, you know, a facilitator to
>> Yeah. Right. >> And and now with editing used to be the big burden, but >> everything used to be a big burden. Cameras, everything. I understand now with AI >> you can do professional editing. >> Pretty cool.
>> Yeah, you can. They're shooting on an iPhone. And [clears throat] >> have you talked to Mary and Margiata? >> I haven't. Okay. >> She's the she's the facilitator for the BEA, >> right? Uh so that's exciting. I think it shows hope. Um I know you had sent me some
stuff um in regards to some of the things you were working on as far as uh you know the rail trail connector the >> right smart streets and all that and John had some conversations and >> right >> for an hour with I talked to John for an
hour this afternoon right and >> you know we're gonna and you brought it up with Diane too. Mhm. >> My goal is simply to keep that moving forward. Um, and
I've spent a year studying the complete streets and I don't see any downside. And that's >> I think that was John's answer when we last met with him. He he um he didn't have some answers, but he had some questions as we did as far as some of
the things we were concerned about. If you put them in, you're not committed to sidewalks on both sides, certain sizes. You know, there's a lot of >> Well, there's so many outs that that a discretionary DPW you can analyze and say, well, there's not enough benefit to
justify this expense and for that, >> right? But John said recently some of the tools and some of it changed and he had discussions with Ty Bond and others that he'll be coming. I know Diane is having him come back soon to talk about, all right, some of that's changed. It isn't as evil as we thought it might be.
And >> right, the things that have changed the the ceiling, there are some uh grants up to a million dollars now, right? >> There's not as many qualifications and they really are promoting it is it's not a lot of owners. It's things you
want to do anyway. It's it's mostly about safety for >> all forms of transportation. Pedestrian safety, you know, maybe it's most relevant to us, but you know, bicycle safety, too. and >> Oh, sure. >> and traffic safety and and if we can get
a, you know, think of a million dollars that's per per household, that's hundreds of dollars that the that >> Yeah. Well, per household packs. >> We we're working with a road management program. Uh we had one meeting with them
and they're they're tweaking the coming back in in the next couple weeks, but it lays out every road. >> That have a potential to save money because you're >> Yeah. So what it has a potential to do is spend your money wisely.
>> Yeah. I mean by >> So they they have an AI program. They scanned all our streets and it and it grades them from one to 100. >> Yeah. And as far as other crack and split and potholeing and all that. And then from there it they have an
algorithm that takes it from uh how how many is it a connector, is it an artery, is it a suburb, you know, a rural connector >> um >> and a prioritize and then merges with conditions and then the road, you know,
needs complete repairs or it needs mill and pave or it means >> like the issue with Ed Hulcom. I remember that being a big thing. Yeah. >> So, you know, there there was was a number out there that we had $20 million in needs for streets. >> Yeah. >> Which Yeah. Come on. >> Might be real. It might not be real.
>> Yeah. We don't know. >> But what they do is say they'll say if you're spending a million dollars or plus your state money or whatever, >> they'll ramp it that you're either going to stay even, you're going to start falling behind, you have to spend this
much to start getting improving. So, it gives you a plan of how to spend your money. >> So, um I think it'll work out. >> I love that. One of the things I'm trying to do and I had in the agenda for later, but >> I'm doing this analysis of property tax
and from the revenue side and I also want to do it bring in the expense side and one of the big expenses is that road maintenance to determine because that's a guide to the kind of development that's most profitable >> because there are some types of development you can do that cost you
more than you gain in taxes. So, I want to actually bring it down to a street level and say if I can get the data from DPW, love to see what they spent per street over the last 20 years. >> I can give you what it costs per foot on
based on what's needed from this report. >> That's great. >> The for the future expense, but I'd like to actually get the past expense. But if we if we just once we decide >> I'm not sure they're going to have it in that detail cuz we had to take some of their old >> just per road would be all I want you
know if they worked on on a road and how much they spent on each road. >> Yeah. I'm not sure what he >> I don't know if they can do it that way. Huh. >> I'll I'll talk to to somebody there to >> Yeah. But this I mean we when we have the thing >> how much is that going to cost in the town?
>> You don't know. >> I think was their whole >> 20,000. >> Yeah. something like that. >> Far more than what it costs. Oh yeah. >> Yeah. I mean the benefits outweigh the Yeah, definitely. >> Just one thing >> because we've been kind of just like taking a dart board and saying do this that. Right.
>> Right. We have some >> this makes a lot of sense. We s sure do >> but and I'll let you know when they're coming in because it's just sky. >> It's crazy. >> So now what they're also bringing to the table is other processes. So
>> Oh yeah, the one that they redo the >> Yeah, they do rubber chip fill. There's like a dozen different things you can do. >> Yeah. They did on on road several years ago did did a more flexible >> Y paving. >> A lot of our problem is water and drainage.
>> Exactly. >> So that can have a >> like the whole downtown like where my it's all sand, >> right? >> I mean I learned that through the sewer thing and I we were on the sewer project. I mean wow. But no there's a lot of Yeah. problems like that.
>> Yeah. And I know you had mentioned about the um the tax the meal tax is the stuff on your forecast or radar sort of or >> just that we're we're looking at because in the big picture
what I see economic development there's two things we're focused on. How to make the town more affordable for residents and how to improve the quality of life. Those two things are the things that matter. That's what and affordability
means to be efficient in in bringing in revenue in in ways not just property tax. And the meal tax is an alternate to property tax. >> And from what I can tell, it'll be somewhere between 150,000 in revenue per year really >> if we do.
>> And that's that's the equivalent of of maybe $40 off every tax bill. And that's the other thing that came up. I read the paper all the time about >> with when they reassess the properties, right?
>> And people said these cards are wrong. They have the houses wrong. The I mean, I'm an insurance. I know how that works. We don't have this or we have that or you know, so it's not >> there's there's a lot of progress being made on that front. >> Well, I know that, but I'm just saying and that happens everywhere. And I know
it happens, you know, insurance and people we do rates for people and stuff like that, but no, that was one of the big things that they had at the meeting. They had two or three people. I know is in the paper, right? That came >> Yeah. So, the revaluation, you know, changed a lot of things and >> they sure do.
>> Um, it caught up with a lot of stuff that was probably outdated. Um, and then there's some mistakes that are probably in there because of, >> you know, there's there's a lot of facets as far as permitting processes, infections, and >> things that happened over time that Yeah. or didn't happen over time.
>> Um, >> it's important to straighten that out because Oh, >> I know. And and my impression is that that it's hurt some of the low end properties more. >> Just in my business for 40 years, the companies do this all the time. It's
called ITV, insurance to value. So if they don't look at a book of business or they don't reinspect because companies do that all the time, then they're not getting the amount of premium that they need for that. So then they say, well, this is underinsured by like $200,000. That happens fast because of the cost of
goods, the cost of labor, and all of that. So then they do like, okay, maybe next year we'll go up, you know, 30%, and then so they try not to get the consumer right away, but they have to, you know, be, you know what I mean, to stay in line to keep their ratings. So it's very, it's complicated.
>> Oh, yeah. And and so I'm just looking into property tax because what we're trying to do is make it as as affordable and as fair. The whole point of >> of the assessment department is to make
things fair. They don't have anything to do with how much tax is >> is right >> brought in in >> about it fairly. >> And if it it burdens one group more than another, >> it it hurts us overall. We do the best
we're economically healthy when it's the fairest possible assessment across the board. >> Exactly. >> Right, Craig? I mean, there's inequities everywhere, but >> can't see any right now. >> I know. I know. >> I know. He can't. No, I know. >> But I mean, you agree with that in
principle. I'm not talking about it, but in principle, we want >> fairness. Fairness and transparency. >> Fairness and transparency. >> No. >> No. Okay. >> I'd like you to be >> to add in regards to the thoughts about the meal potential meal tax if it were
ever to be implemented. I would look at it as, you know, could the town give something back to the business community? So, it's not like, okay, we're just taking funds. Can we have a storefront program where we take at least a portion of those funds and give back um, you know, >> for updating or something?
>> Yeah. Lighting, signage, or >> and that's a possibility. Although I wouldn't express it in a way that we're taking anything from any business through this tax. It's a tax that is 75 cents on a $100 bill is the the option
the local option portion. The tax right now is five and a quarter. It would raise it to six. I don't think anybody even knows the difference between the if you go to Westfield it's 6% and in Southwick it's five and a quarter. everywhere you go. Some people do pay
it, but yeah, but you're not going to decide where you go based on, >> you know, >> 75 cents on 100 and >> and that's I I hear that figure a lot. >> Yeah. >> And
the problem I think the immediate challenge is because of the revaluation, people are sensitive to taxes going up. So, >> well, this >> what are we getting for that? What are we getting? I'd rather present it as an alternative to raising property tax. We could do the
the local option meal tax and that distributes it outside of the boundaries. There's very few taxes we can do that that will hit people that use our town, not just people that live here. >> So my comment to that is that I think
most people Well, I mean, if we go out to eat, it's probably 100 bucks, >> right? I mean, in a decent restaurant, but most people are running to the notch and grabbing a $10 sandwich. They're grabbing a pizza from Village for 30 bucks. I think you need to position that
the math to 75 cents to a $25, >> right? >> $25 it'll be uh one quarter 75 or >> Exactly. >> 18 cents or something like that. >> But that's the reality of what people are >> right. And how do you vote on something like that? How do you figure that out? Who would figure that out? Well, no. I
mean, you're still this 75 per 100 or whatever, but >> and it doesn't put a any kind of administrative uh burden on the >> I'm just saying when you sell it, when I go to buy that pizza, it 18 cents of the pizza is now that so it doesn't seem quite as >> right
>> bad as $100. >> The thing is that we are one of only a tiny fraction. I counted the list you gave me of 66 towns from 10,000 to 5,000 population.
>> How many >> there was uh there there was 60 there was 13 or 16 that didn't have it >> something like that. And and many of those have have fewer restaurants than >> Yeah, they could be. >> And and the thing is competitively Westfield, West Springfield, Agawam,
Springfield, all the towns around us competitively, they all have the the local option. So we're we're not we're not getting the revenue, but we don't I don't think we get any boost in business because >> people don't come here because there's
no not meals. >> No, they don't. I don't think that's a huge disparity. I don't I don't think that's bad at all. Do you Russ? >> No. Market, >> huh? >> We could market. >> Yeah, we could say, "Hey, listen. >> Come on now. >> Meal taxree. >> Come to the but it's not meal taxree.
It's just a local option portion. It's it's reduced from from >> Well, you know what? Here's the thing, though. People don't like the name. They don't like the word tax. No matter what you say, they just don't like it. >> Well, it's a bad taste in their mouth. So then not to use that as a >> the best way to explain to people is
that it's not going to change the the total cost because that's what you vote for at town. >> Oh, I know. >> Is is where you decide how much the town is going to spend. >> So this doesn't change the spending of the town because that's the objection to
federal taxes. Oh, if we give them more tax, they'll just waste it. Well, well, >> yeah, that's what I found is people are, and it doesn't matter affiliation, what part of the country you're in, whatever. People are just very frustrated with big
government in general. Yeah. >> And taxes and costs and Yeah. and everything. But they don't have a voice to the big no. >> The only voice they have is local >> and we take it out on locally, which I have to say locally is very efficient in how we we and very transparent on we do
things. Well, it's because there's >> there is local control. I wish that more the stuff we send even to the state would come back directly under the control. >> Yeah, good luck with that. I think back is under
>> but we can we can the only way we can get it back now is through grants and that's why we should take advantage of every >> every grant that is not ownorous in terms of requirements, >> right? So I don't want to keep up your meeting, but I just wanted >> Thank you. Well, I'm so glad to have you
>> and if there's anything you need, you know how to get me. >> Well, and the same thing, you know, please communicate if you have >> so we can give you our sticky notes or anything. >> Sure. >> But we never answered your question, though. I think that what we're striving for is relevance. >> Yes. in this committee. And so if our
time is best spent by something like a meals tax or is better spent in keeping out businesses that probably shouldn't belong here >> and getting businesses that, you know, would be sustainable and not leave us with, you know, >> 15 acre ashalt parking lot, an empty
building. I mean, that's really what we need to be about and and how we fit in with the selectman as far as we are economic development. we ought to be part of that filling process. And so we've we >> Do you feel you haven't been >> We have We We We have We've had a
conundrum. We don't know what we are are. >> Yeah. And I I don't feel that way personally. >> I respect what what they're saying. >> We have been We're shameful. We have been working our way out of that. you know, my my approach since I've been
chair is I want us to decide what we propose to do and then present it and and communicate it and if somebody wants us to do something different, let us know. But we, as I say, I'm I've got the
general idea that we want to make the town more affordable and better quality of life. That's what the economic development should be focused on and it has to go through that filter. anything that we do should advance one of those two things and from there on we just
decide what can we practically accomplish and and let's go ahead and do it. I'm I'm a an incrementalist. I believe >> the best progress is made in little things. You you find the things you can do you do it
>> as opposed to big you spend a lot of time writing a big plan that you never do. And I I think you know and that's not a criticism of master plan because the master plan is a big plan but it is got all the actions and the scoring is an
incrementalist approach to achieving the ma master plan. >> But what we have now is an economic director development director and we have a liaison. >> Yeah that's good. That really helps. >> That helps. I mean I think this the >> I mean we've been missing a lot. I mean we had not too many people you know it's
the same old thing. How long have you where you been involved with this? Like I have forever and it's been frustrating because there you know there's changes and then there's the same people doing the same thing and I guess we kind of got criticized. People didn't like what we were doing. We had a leader that I
thought was great. I mean a chairperson but um so we kind of we don't have any governing authority. We just don't we didn't know what they wanted us to do. What was our mission? What was our what was our duties and obligations? We ought to be more involved with the businesses
that end up in this town. I think you know in that >> which which we have in our action plan we >> collectively yeah >> we have you know I tried before to to the prior year we tried to develop a criteria for for what we didn't want and
there was a lot of concern about that approach. So this year I'm working on criteria for what we ideally would would in a positive sense want to see coming in. >> Seems like in the past the >> and I know you're you coming on board
helps a lot but a lot the gateway has been the planning board. >> Yes. Exactly. >> Of things that come or don't come or >> and by the time it comes before the planning board there's already can do. What we're trying to do is look ahead and zoning is one avenue we want input
into zoning because it affects the kind of businesses and where they come in. >> I mean I think the greatest opportunity for the town right now is the Sam West Road expansion. >> Yes. >> Because that to me should be forefront on fire getting that thing done because
that we don't really have anything else to offer. I mean other than no becoming Riverdale Road. Um >> Exactly. >> which I've heard a lot of people complain about that. Yeah. No, we've the small businesses are in in our property tax analysis, I've determined that the
small businesses are the most profitable per acre. When we have limited land to develop, you want to focus on the things that return the highest revenue per acre. And smaller smaller, denser businesses do that better than than bigger businesses.
>> I don't think it's tripling money though. I >> No, I don't either. No, I think there >> No. Well, that's why I talk about quality of life, too. We've got to maintain quality of life and affordability. >> Well, and I don't want to change the subject, but I'm going to if you don't
mind. Like, we had the issue with what happened at the crepe, you know, we were talking about that what happened that was kind of we and still going on. >> Yeah. Well, I thought it was settled. No, >> right. And you know, and I and I said and I said to Julie, and I know the the
guys Leth Wayne, I'm but you know, we don't want to have some such a great business have such a bad taste in their mouth about our our town and and I know they have to they have we all have to go by the right the rules, the regulations and all of that, but I mean it's bad publicity for one thing. It's been in
the paper. It's been um I feel bad for the business and I understand where the town's coming from, >> but we can't be anti- that's they bring a lot of people into this town. >> Planning board is anti- business. >> No, I don't. No, they are not. But but when you make it super hard and it seems
like I mean the guy has been resilient and I know the town has been it's just been difficult and I think that's where we come in to play and we can help or >> you know maybe help the things along. I don't know. Like you said, it's a planning board, right? >> The way I'd like to state it, and I
don't want to go very long in this, but I don't want an adversarial relationship with our businesses. We've got to hold them to the the rules, but not in an adversarial way, saying, "We want to help you. We want to support you, and
how can we help you achieve these?" >> When I was fire chief, code enforcement, that was always my rule. We have rules. >> We have to get there. How can we get there? Right? >> Well, some people do it in a day, some people do it in a year, >> but from a public safety standpoint,
there's how do we get there? And and if you can if they can respect your position and you can respect their position, typically you can find a way to get there, >> right? Um it doesn't have to there doesn't have to be bad feelings, >> correct? >> You're right. >> But >> okay,
>> we're I think we're over a lot of humps in that area. >> Are we think so? >> Are we good? >> I hope so. I hope so too. >> We're almost there because I thought it was done. >> I thought it was done. >> Okay. Well, thanks for your time.
>> All right. And again, anything you need. >> You can uh visit our meetings anytime. >> All right. Take care. >> Here's our liaison. Congratulations. >> I think >> Russ say hi to Lisa. >> And we touched a lot of our agenda items
as we as we went through here. So, I think we can move through the rest of it pretty quick. Uh let's vote to approve the meeting minutes from our January meeting. Uh um >> y >> All right, I'll second the motion. All
in >> approving the meeting say I. >> I >> Okay, minutes are approved. Uh we talked already about the the budget. Um, I mean, it's not all finalized and official yet, but we got the verbal
approval from Nicole for the the $3,000 uh, you know, basically a three-way. Think of it as Facebook and uh, business meeting promotion in Southwick and Blues and not all of those will come up
exactly to social media be lowered. >> Yeah. When are you going? Do you have to go in front of the finance committee or is Nicole going to do that? probably won't have to. Okay. We'll we'll find out. She's trying to reduce the number of of >> those Saturday budget hearings. >> Yes.
>> So, we might not have to do that. >> Okay. Uh I just wanted to touch on follow up on on this from Amanda. Any thoughts after our discussion? >> It's funny. I was at a meeting on Saturday with friends at grandmother's garden and I'm involved in Westfield and
they get involved with Amanda quite a bit too. So the more we can deal have contact with her and try to make us cohesive like I think that's great. >> Yeah. And I I encouraged I I told her
that I would be willing to go up and and meet with her at their >> and Julie liked talking to her because Julie and I talked afterwards. She goes, "I love talking to Amanda or being at the meeting." >> And you're, you know, if we schedule something, I'll let you know. If you want to join the discussion, you're welcome. Yes. Because we identified some
places potential partnership. And I >> I think if they want to do some kind of co-op advertising with restaurants or other businesses, that that would be a >> just events really quite we could, you know, have things we can come together eventwise like I said with food or, you
know, some breakfast or and that we see would have sufficient benefit. Again, we want to run >> all those things through what would be the specific benefit to residences out. If we justify it, we'll
>> um Okay. Then go through the updates on things that were that are essential our goals. Three of them are master plan action items. uh you know the database of business owners
is done. I'm going to fill out the documentation that he required to show that it's it's done and we'll do that before the the deadline for all of these the end of June. >> So make sure that's done. The website, social media, you've got
>> good news on that. Uh is there something we need to sign? How do we >> No, I don't think so. I'll ask her because I told her I'd touch base with her tomorrow. >> What about the billing? I'll ask her about that too >> because we need to figure out if we can what I would love to do is is just write
a check from >> that's what I do. That's what I do >> in advance if the town will agree to do that. >> Um if you want to talk to county here directly after you talk to her and find out if that would be acceptable to them
or tell me and I'll talk to the county. Well, I think it's one of those things like she said, it depends on what we want her to do. It could be fluctuate by $5 here or there >> and and if we can have, you know, just a say, well, it's going to be about this
much. And if and make sure it's a little more than >> I mean, they're of course they they'd be willing to >> make it a little more than that. And then you carry over any surplus. If you do, >> I'd like to do three. >> Let's say $50 a month. I'd like to pay at least three months, maybe six months in advance, but at
least three do quarterly payment. And I hopefully the county will allow that. >> Yeah, right. It's so sophisticated here. >> They Well, they like to have a receipt that it's already done. >> It's like a purchase order. I understand that. >> But if if we can pay in advance, it'd be
so much easier. I don't want to slow pay them and pay them three months later. And I don't want to pay every month and get a check every month mailed. >> Okay, I'll ask her. >> We can do it quarterly. >> Okay, I'll ask her. >> Quarterly would be fine.
>> All right. >> And and any agreement we we have is essentially monthtomonth anyway as as I understood that. So we're not we're not making any long-term >> contract of any type. >> Right. So I I don't think there's any concern
and they sound like the perfect agency for doing this. >> It does. And it's funny how we got little dog and now we talk about a dog park. >> Yeah. >> So >> okay. Um >> I'm sorry. >> So we're good on on that action plan.
>> The small business >> forum. We're not going to do that this year, but we're budgeting it so we have the money to do it >> like maybe next spring or something, but we need to >> 27. >> We need to keep
developing a plan for it. >> Yeah. >> And u does anybody want to take a lead on putting together a plan? >> No, I'm >> Yeah, I'm a little busier. >> And not to, >> you know, I'm more worried about
tomorrow than next spring right now. Yeah. >> Okay. >> I have a question. Did you get an answer? I should have about Stephen. >> Yeah. They said no. They had they brought it up in the select board meeting. >> They said no. >> And said we're just going to, you know,
hold that that rule that that if you're >> not in town on a >> Okay. That you can't be part of the commission. Okay. >> That if you don't have a business in town, you don't have a >> res. So we we need to get someone else then. Right. >> That's open position. Yeah. >> Right. Right. And we have
>> Could we have Russ? [laughter] >> No, >> he's a slug board. I know. He's >> uh Yeah. So, if you know anybody talk it up and we also have two associate positions we can fill, too. >> That's right.
>> Which would help because we can we can make do with with right now with one person gone, but we can't have two people absent. We don't have a client >> cuz Julie and I talked about it. And what makes me think about this small business form is Amber. Remember how
good Amber was? >> Amber might come back. >> That's fine with >> and even Pam. >> I don't know. >> Maybe not Pam. She's too busy with the coffee shop. >> She did the coffee shop. Then she >> she did master plan. >> I was too busy. Then she did emplementation.
No, >> I can ask Amber. >> And then she said, "I don't have time for that either." Okay. >> So >> yeah, ask Amber. Yeah. Well, that would have been good. >> Amber was phenomenal. She She did that for us. She had the ideas and
implemented it and she Amber I'll ask Amber. >> Yeah. >> Maybe she can come back. >> Yeah. >> Sorry. Not too long ago. >> I'd be all all in paper. >> Okay. >> All right. So, where were we? I'm sorry. >> Okay. So, just going through the the
goals, the now we're in the in the our short-term goals or five beyond the master plan. Uh, Southwick and Bloom. Did you have discussions on that? >> Well, um, Julie left. I tried to I asked about Diane if her because we would like to get going as soon as we can. I know
Diane's really busy with family commitments right now. Well, >> we've got some stuff going off to New York right now. It's really eating our lunch, but um, a large project. So yeah, >> but um she did leave me with a couple thoughts here and >> did she?
>> Yeah. And I think she she's concerned that you know you guys were spread way too thin, >> you know, and so she'd really like to see one or two more >> more people >> and I guess the gal that's got the um on the curve down. >> Oh yeah, Enson, the lady enspired.
>> She she wants to be involved. Yeah. >> So Dian's, you know, has been talking with her and I think, you know, maybe one other >> maybe the lady from Salana Mei Sue. >> Um I could talk to Sue. >> Okay. >> Cuz she wanted to do the garden um club.
>> Yeah. And then um >> Sue Anderson, >> you know, you agreed we you need to start, you know, she'll she'll get a hold of you. She's Yeah. As far as getting some meetings going. Um, and then I think the concern was whether or not we need to decide early on if we're going to limit this to just businesses
or have both because that seemed to be a bit cumbersome, right? >> Yes. >> I mean, >> you need to have it. >> Fine with either way. The one requirement is it's got to be facing the road. We can't have any backyard. >> Right. Right.
And then the other thing is I think that the um the registration she didn't write this down here but she talking about it >> was really really cumbersome and it wasn't explained out. Okay. So now when I put my name in here and I'll what's going to happen? So there >> yes
>> that was really really not well any suggestions for smoothing it out. I'll handle the >> Okay. >> You know we we won't have the problem. >> Well initially we had that problem. Yeah. I I will volunteer to to put up the the entry form. >> Okay.
>> However you want it. I can change questions. The Google >> spreadsheets are very easy to do. >> But I think we've also got to say what's happening afterwards. That's correct. What can they expect? So I mean there needs to be >> Yeah. There was a lot of lost information that wasn't there for
>> Right. I suggest that as soon as somebody signs up, we send them an email. >> Yeah. And that that says, "Thank you for signing up. Do an acknowledgement right away." And I I will check these every day. So, I will pass. >> Yeah. Because we had two people that
signed up twice and they never heard from us. >> Yeah. Well, I will pass that on to you every day. >> Okay. >> I was going to do that with Julie. She said, "No, I think I can do it." >> Julie straight out, too. >> It was. So, I'll I'll take care of the registrations. Okay. The other thing is
you suggest we set a date earlier than we did last year because we're just so busy at that time of year for judging. That up >> um >> earlier date. >> Yeah. For like in July. >> Well, what was it last year? Farm day and >> it was farm day. That was August. So, it
needs to be earlier. >> Yeah. Julyish. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. And you know, we ought to just I just found out about this today. I thought it was a very good idea. But apparently there's a gardening workshop at the library on February 8th.
>> Yes. Yes. I heard about that. >> And we ought to be tied into that kind of stuff. We need to, you know, you talk about this networking. I mean, that's next week. I know. Well, I know. I just found >> it's at this library, right? Southern library. Yes. >> So, I don't I don't know who's running that. I have no idea. I'm sure Lynn
Blair runs those or sets them up. I don't know who's the presenter, but you could we could talk to Lynn Blair about it. >> I don't know. That's the librarian. I don't know. >> Or they >> She came in and spoke to our group once. >> Yeah. I wasn't here. >> Maybe there's more we could do with
them, you know, or once this starts because we did talk about having people correct educated and >> and also maybe we could have another workshop just like this. Right. And like I was going to say to Russ too because I know Russ went to school together but um even the historical society because they
have people like Lee Hamburg. There's so many talented people but we we're at a disconnect. We don't like we were talking about we don't really talk to one another and those people are great. I mean with the you know the the morph house and the cigar factory. I mean those people would be they'd be very
helpful. >> They would >> for them to help us out with this. gone to the meeting before and I've I've joined as a lifetime members to my support. >> Um, >> so we have a society and do we have a commission as well? >> Yes, because I insured both of them. I
remember at one point >> and the society is a little more active because they have the museum and everything. >> Yeah. >> But the other one's the governing, right? Is that correct? They're well they're they're the official town home commission
>> and >> we got that land. >> The land is a society, >> right? I know. Yeah, it's a society. Yeah. >> Um but I want to >> I want to work more closely with both because I want more I want to get more
historical >> I agree >> elements into our >> uh website. I want a whole historical side. We've got recreation, we've got restaurants, we got businesses, >> and this is the 250th >> historical interest
YouTube as well. >> Yeah, that's another 15 >> because I called the publisher of the Springfield newspaper. I think I told you that like six weeks ago. And I I used to work there and I said, "If you're doing something, you probably I'm sure you already have it in the works. with the south would contact if you'd
let me know because I know a few people like Richard Bastoni all these people that know so much about the town and a lot of people don't know about the ice houses about the tobacco about the the notch I mean I did a paper on this in fifth grade how that all happened the federal waterway um so people just don't
know that and I think that would be great >> it would >> yeah it' be a win-win >> and there's more a lot more that can be done at that new property I >> yes >> you know they can have some trails around there they can And guess what that would bring in? Business. >> Yeah.
>> Tourist. I mean I mean I >> Yeah. It's it's something that that I want to feature in our website. I'd love to have in our website walking tours through the town center with pointing out self-guided self-guided walking tour. You go on the website, right?
>> And it says so walk down the road here and here's the example. This was built in 1822 and >> you know it was used for this and >> so the historical society and the commission I think are we have to involve them in South Bloom and don't
you agree the beautifification project >> both of them and and let them know we want them in >> Oh yes I've known Lee Hamburg we were all classmates >> he's so much knowledge >> he was my classmate he yeah I mean and Russ I mean yeah Lee's amazing and he
worked at Sturbridge village forever. He just retired. >> Yeah. >> You know, I want to give us a caution, too, as I, you know, we talk about websites, secure our codes and all that kind of stuff. >> There's a whole element of people that are a whole lot that don't do that. I I'm just This is just a caution. I'm
throwing out there. We need to be sensitive that instead of thinking everybody's own >> I agree with you. I don't I don't do the UK paper map idea in in mind as well >> because we you know that's more expensive to even as far as
communication goes though I think that we need to be we need to be aware of that that there's a >> there's a lot of people that are missing out because they >> I agree with you. >> Well, I'm open to ideas and hold each people >> because >> I'm just coming to you with a problem. I don't have the solution.
>> Yeah. >> Because I'm actually one of them, too. I have to have technology, but I don't enjoy it. I don't live on my phone. I don't go to I don't do QR codes myself, but I have done them. It's just not what I like to do. And and people in this community have been here for a long
time. >> Yeah. >> There's a lot of like the Arnolds and, you know, I mean, they don't do that either. So when you were talking about historical and so forth, I got to thinking about that that we're there there's probably some of the reason for the disconnect and I think we need to
bridge that gap as best we can. >> Yeah. Well, everybody think about it and bring some ideas. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Uh then the zoning revision pro project and I know you had >> a meeting last week and
>> Yes. So we got to work >> system. So, we're looking for the town to update the zoning ordinance. Um, one to sort of just um rewrite just the language so it's better uh uh better uh
what's the word for I want to say more understandable, but uh more easier for for folks to peruse through the through the document. >> User friendly. >> Yes, exactly. I'm sorry. >> So, more user friendly for the the average person. Um, we're gonna add a
use table. So, because a lot of people I get a lot of agree like what is this zone? What's this zone? >> What's my zone? What can I do in this particular zone? So, we'll have a use table that gives you yay or nay what you can do within a particular zone. Um,
so that's sort of the first phase. But then uh secondly, we also want to do, you know, potentially adding new districts um transitional districts, maybe a downtown uh center district or, you know, whatever it may be. So, um,
again, we're we're in the process of rewriting the entire document and sort of, uh, getting up to date on certain things, even like ADUs, um, with our our large scale solar and battery energy storage and and certain things that we just want to make sure that there's
proper language. Um so that uh we do have a committee that's uh made up of myself uh John Gddard former planner um uh Nicole Parker Diane Gails who's here and um Jessica um
Thornton from our chair chairwoman of our planning board >> uh as well as Pioneer Valley Planning Commission is assisting us with rewriting the document. So, um, our working group has just been reviewing, um, everything that, uh, Pioneer Valley, um, planning commission has put forth to
us, and so we just got, um, our first revision, uh, this, actually, u, yeah, this past within this past week. And then we're also, we want to roll it out to the public, but we want to see sort of uh, how we want to navigate that. And, uh, what came out of the last
working group is that we put out some sort of a survey to the public. So, we want to get that survey to well, we have a general survey, but then we also have a a business community survey. The business community survey we want to get to you guys to be able to look at and
vet and make sure that we're putting out the >> questions. Yeah. And I I've already talked to you and and to Diane now about reviewing the questions and >> like to understand how how you're going to deliver the survey to people. How
>> Yeah, I was just going to ask that. How I know they want to put it at town hall. I think the library there's like five different locations they want to have the document ready for, you know, available to folks to pick up and and >> Yeah. And the challenge is to get a a
random sampling because a survey is only as good as the sampling. >> Yes. >> In fact, I know the case, not to change subject, but it's not really changing, but Julie has with that church that they're trying to sell. I remember her saying remember there was some they
didn't understand the zoning to a couple people approached them to buy it and then they said oh you know it doesn't seems like the town didn't want I don't know it had to do with zoning and so I think we suggested to have her talk to you I don't know if she did or not >> is she um
>> well and I was I was hoping to be here oh yeah >> because another thing on here is >> well this is about vacant properties I guess the church qualifies as vacant property now. Uh, but we wanted to get involved in putting vacant properties on
our website in a and I wanted wanted to get input from and and maybe we can throw that out right now. What I picture is kind of a template of how we present it. Photo, brief description,
certain very specific stats, the offer price, and then the agency selling it. Just something where people can see in a very simple way, look at a at our go to our website and see it
>> all of the vacant properties in a uniform presentation because right now having tried to keep up with vacant properties, they're in different agencies. Sometimes it's hard to find them and they go on and off the market. >> Yeah. Loopnet and blah blah blah and
this biz. Then you you go to, you know, some of these the cracky then they try to bring you in and >> I know and then you're getting scammed. You're getting, you know, junk mail. >> I I just want to, you know, get the
information. And I think the way to do it is to contact the seller >> and have them provide us >> with we we'll have a list of things that >> that we want. >> You know, we want a a photo.
>> We want just the brief description, the name of it, >> uh the size, the square footage, >> and the asking price, and then the agency so that it's not the complete. We don't want to do a complete detail. We
just want kind of an initial review so that they have a place to go and say >> what are all the vacant properties available in a in a very quick view >> and then like a directory in a way >> kind of a a directory of
>> of and maybe I can even plug it into a directory for >> that's what I'm saying that would be good >> you know categorize you know huh >> well we're going to be careful too though I mean as far as any kind of disclaimer because that church down there. And I don't I don't know what what the story is, but it's just like
you can build a church anywhere. You can build a post office anywhere, but when you go to sell those as far as what they can use, >> you know all about that. >> Oh, yeah. That's a whole different story. >> Is it cuz they have kick out clauses? Is that what it is? Or the post office, it's probably not zoned on commercially down there. It's on our
property down there >> because they don't they don't pay taxes, right? >> We could add that to the, you know, the zone. The the point is I'm not trying to do a complete listing. I just want a quick view of what's available and we
can put a disclaimer. This was the information uh as provided by the the seller >> and you know >> well it's as updated as we we think it's updated but but >> well when a buyer came in they're comp it's complicated. They don't understand
it. They don't understand to the agency. Part of it is And you show people go to correct you go to >> it's double this double that and whatever resident >> or the full information this for the final information. Here's the link. This is just a way for
somebody to glance through and say what's for sale and then they can go deeper by going to the agent, the real estate agent. >> But Craig's got a point there. I know what you're saying. You got to be careful. >> Yeah. I don't know that. >> Well, we're not we shouldn't be liable.
We're just just like our business director. We're not liable for, you know, there was a problem with this furniture. >> Yes. That furniture. You took it right out. >> And I as soon as I saw the article about it, I I dropped it from a directory.
>> And I heard about it before that. Yeah. >> I I mean, I'm more than mildly interested in like Tilcom's got a bunch of properties going to become available. We we should be marketing that we ought to know what the time frame is of all that stuff and >> well that's why I asked Alvin if he can
get that information from >> but that's what we really needed >> from from our industrial partners you know >> and and there so we can communicate it to people like and they they're they canled our our EDP meeting tomorrow you
might have seen but >> we're in these monthly >> what's EDP >> economic development partners western mass economic development partners It's the the group. >> Yeah, I'm familiar. I didn't know when you said EDP. >> Okay. >> And and
what's his name? Aaron Vega. >> U Springfield. And it's it's really good. >> It's Rick Sullivan's where he used to be. >> Okay. >> And and but if we know what, you know, hot properties we think would be really
good, we want to make groups like that aware of them. But to Craig's point, yes, we should know more about that, >> right? >> Somehow some way, not only us, but people, well, the general public. >> Best thing I can think now is South
Alaton >> because we got to spread some of these things around. And as far as >> you'll be standing out in front of the town hall with this. >> And and another great thing if if if we could get, you know, have somebody on here
that's in real estate, they could help us keep the property. >> That's true. >> So if we get Amber, we get Amber back in. >> Amber's phenomenal. >> She could help us. She is so >> because >> that's what she does. That's what she does for a living. >> Yeah. I when I met with Nicole, she
pushed the vacant property thing again and say you guys should should >> No, I think Amber will come back. I don't know what her status is right now, but she's had a lot of things going on. But she loved it. >> But I I'll do all the website connection if I just have somebody feeding me the
the data. >> I'll call her tomorrow. >> Okay. Tell her we need a real estate. >> I'll tell her we need her. We need her. I'll say we need you back. >> Real estate is >> Yeah, we do. We need a all these leazison. >> Yes.
>> Well, different abilities you need. That's why you needed a group so that >> and Russ is great to be a liazison. That's really nice. And you're great. >> Um you're great. Okay. >> We're all great. >> You want a car? Do you want a car?
>> Okay. Then going down through here, a wish list of desired qualities for new businesses. That's, you know, what really brought me in in in here was the, you know, the
whole thing about bringing a used car finisher and how inappropriate it was. And >> they're gone now. >> What happened? What's the last? >> Oh. Oh, that. Oh, I thought there's Oh, there's I'm talking about somebody else. The people that were in front of I
thought refinishing. The people in front of Priies are gone. >> Oh, anyway. I know you talk about >> going back to Carbana. >> Oh, I know. We >> That wasn't those people's fault either. It was just they didn't know. >> Well, that's where to get out in front of that. So, that's why I'm interested in zoning.
>> Sure. Oh, no. We all are. >> If the if the zoning was appropriate there, it would have solved the problem. It would have solved the problem for Dollar General as well, >> you know. >> Oh, yeah. Dollar General. I can't even go in there. >> That we want to >> Can't go in there. Can't I won't go in.
We want to, you know, my goal here is to say, here are some things we'd love to have in town and maybe list certain categories and types of things and and keep a lookout for it. Again, we'll all keep a lookout, but you know, things
people like Western Mass, you know, EDC and others might >> run into, you know, give them a list. These are the things that >> could something we could also add to our survey that we put out. >> Yes. sort of what what type of businesses
would you like to see in town? >> Yeah, I think that's great. Yeah, >> we could do that. Although we've got to be careful about open questions are not not great. I think there's ways we could do it. >> So, we're talking about the vehicle about getting that out. Aren't we going to use our
>> website >> website to do that? >> We could put the survey on our website, but then you got to drive people to it, >> right? >> Well, that's but I mean that would help >> that would help that would help us. That would help us. >> Absolutely. >> Well, we'll have a discussion. I'd like
to see the plan for how they want to distribute the survey. >> I love, you know, what we talk a lot about communication. I know that >> we're starting Mark was going to be doing a newsletter. Is that still going?
Is that >> as far as I understand >> I could put out the little dog social media. They could do that. Well, the Yeah, we could promote it. >> Yeah. That's what that's what they're all about. >> Absolutely. That would that would be the cheapest way to get to a broader
audience. You're absolutely right. But what I was saying is if we had a newsletter that's free and I don't know if it's monthly or bi-weekly, >> I think people would give their email address. We promise you'll only hear
from us in these specific intervals. It'll be news of the town. It's a way to keep up on things going on in the town and build this email. That would be the ideal way to have because it would just be one line in there. Please take your
survey about Southwoods might put it in their monthly thing like a like a stuffer. >> Well, how are we going to pay for that? >> No, I should. Well, well, I'm just trying to come up with some ways of getting it in front of it. Remember we used to have to they still have the um town report the annual report they pick
up. >> We'll get that in May. >> Okay. >> Tommy and that's another thing. >> I'm just trying to think of how you can get it to people and has some shelf life. I mean everyone gets a lot of mail, right? Snail mail, email, >> right? But the the best way to do
surveys now the the time paper surveys are >> they don't do it anymore. you can't get the volume and it it's so expensive to to deliver paper. >> It is. I know that. >> Um anyway, we don't we don't need to go too
deep into that. Uh and while you brought up the town report, I've got the write up due on February 20th and I sent it out to every >> That's a few days from now. Okay. >> Right. Did Did you read the report I sent out? that I did not.
>> I did. It was good. Okay. >> I did not for some reason. That didn't When did you send it out >> today? >> Last last week when I sent out I think I attached it to >> Oh, okay. I think I did see it, but I didn't have a chance to read it and I read everything. I don't know why. >> Yeah. And and it's just this one page
that gets printed and and for the image I suggest you sign. >> Yes, I did see that. Yes, I did see that. >> I think you did a good job on it. >> Yeah. >> Right. And it's just trying to to >> Yeah. >> put our accomplishments. It's for the calendar year of 2020.
>> No, I think that's very nice. >> Okay. All right. I'll go ahead. >> I like that. I did see it. I >> I'll send that. >> I read everything >> tomorrow. Good. Tomorrow. >> All right. >> Will be within our >> within our deadline. >> What did you think of it, Alvin? >> I don't Okay.
>> In my opinion, >> yeah. And I put in the personnel changes because it's part of this is is people say, "Well, who was on there and what happened that year?" You have that reference. >> People still are involved with people. They want they want to know who it is.
>> Dropped off. >> Yeah. They want to know. It's a people people at least I'm a people person. >> And on the positive side, we're able to welcome Alvin Allen. Is >> Yes. Our new director. >> I think it's great. Okay. All right. >> I will
>> I walked in to pay my taxes [clears throat] and he was in the other side and good to see you there. Where's your office though? You tell them it's upstairs. >> So, I think we covered everything unless you know, Alvin, if you have any other relevant planning board items or business news. >> Yeah, in regards to planning board items
at the last meeting, we um the planning [clears throat] board did approve um actually I don't know if it was the last meeting. Well, nonetheless, the last month the planning board did approve >> outdoor cooking for or an extension on outdoor pipes tea house. >> It's just an extension.
>> Yeah. So, that'll last until June 1st of this year and then they'll have to come back for another extension. Um what's still on the agenda those out buildings? So, that's still on the agenda. >> Um on the next >> What's the issue with them? >> Um
>> limit the people that are in them. So, right now it's before the the board of health to determine um they may have already made that determination. I think they have to meet one one more time to officially um >> under 20 3 to 20 or something. Three to
>> so the the I think the capacity they can have up to like 30 I believe in the the larger um >> gazebo type. Yeah. Yeah, you're right. But um they're only going to uh request 20 seats. Um and those 20 seats would
then have to be removed from their main um >> from the main restaurant. >> Exactly. >> Okay. >> So there was just discrepancy as to how they would go about the >> and who's eating in or out inside or outside. Yeah. >> Yeah. So they were trying to get um come to some sort of resolution with the
board of health in regards to the placement of seating. Um and with that then they would come before back before the planning board uh with that recommendation from the board of health. And so um we have comments from the board of we would have comments from the
board of health. We already have comments from fire. Yes. >> From um they already went from the the h >> DPW is about the water or no. >> Well no I'm sorry. It's the conservation communities.
So, everyone's sort of at this point vetted the uh the application. So, the last piece was just the um board of health and so hopefully after that recommendation we can move forward with some sort of a decision. >> Um so, that's coming soon. Um but the
they won't come before back before the planning board until um March 10th. >> March 10th. >> March 10th. Okay. >> Outside of CR Tea House, we also have 141 Condamont Road. They uh it's a marina and >> Oh, yes. They're not open, are they?
>> No idea. In regards to >> I've been by there the it's called the Lakeside Inn or something. >> The old Krabby Joe's the old um >> it's not open. >> They've got confusion and then what are they doing there? >> Yeah. So, they want to uh request
additional uh parking slips um or both for the >> Yeah. So, >> it's a great spot. And when they were Fusion and first came out, it was the biggest hit on our our directory, it was popular, but >> evidently they had issues with running
it. >> So, yeah. So, they're requesting additional parking spaces at that particular location. Um, outside of And that will be on for the February 24th meeting of the planning board. >> It will.
>> It will. So, outside of those items that are definitely on on agendas, um I have did receive a phone call from uh I want to say it's 265 College Highway um Southwick uh I think Baptist Church. >> Oh, yes. Okay.
>> So, um an entity is looking to utilize that former church for um inatient rehab facility. So they want to have I want to say >> that in the paper I >> think it's like I think they stated 30 to 40 patients would be on site and um
they would receive um psychiatric and other >> like a behavioral center type of thing or no not so >> I think it's more so like like a drug rehab facility trying to wean them off or what whatever or maybe again
>> the R40 does allow me >> Yeah, it Yeah, which was to my surprise. >> It does allow for that. Yeah, >> it does allow. >> And even if it didn't, I think they would still fall under the Dober amendment which would allow um for that. >> It would allow for that.
>> Now, is anything going on? >> They would have to prove like educational other sort of >> is anything going on with that Jordan Healthcare that's closed. >> What location is it? >> Where the American in is or this whatever you call it? It's >> Jordan Health >> north side
>> 800 College Highway I believe is the number. >> Okay. >> Yeah. When you go just past the Hash House and up in there >> it's in the parking lot of where the >> I think I know where you're >> South What's it called now? American in. What's it called? >> The villages. >> Villages. >> So I'm sorry. What was your question?
>> Well, that has been closed for a while now. >> Okay. >> It's it still has a Jordan healthc care sign out front. And we went there. Remember they and they had a behavior Well, made me think about it. They had a behavioral place in the back >> which I think is still there. >> I I don't know. I don't think it is. Oh,
it isn't. >> I don't I don't think so. >> They were totally separate. >> Yes. >> Okay. Um Yeah. I mean, and >> we miss having a doctor and have, >> you know, still thinks we should be able to bring in a
a general fund care. Well, I asked my my late um fiance was um a partner at Family Medicine. He built Pioner Valley Medical Center and I asked Lance Reynolds. I told him about it about a year ago. And
um but you can't get doctors now. >> I know. >> And and and the thing is they have so many they have like 20 rooms. They have a it's a big facility and someone owns it privately. So I'm sure it's a big expense. It's it's a big white elephant. I used to go there. They had the Bay
State physicians and went there. >> College Highway practice was there and they used to be where Avalon was because they call college highway and medical and they'd call my agency and I mean it's we missed having doctors. We used to have Dr. Leak where they're building that place across from Dollar General.
>> That would be a perfect place to fill in a practice. But how do you >> It would be but you can't get a doctor. >> Go back to the Baptist church down here then. Yeah, that's if that's allowable, then what has to be voted on? >> They would have to um come before the
planning board for site plan modification. So, ensure that they have proper parking and >> bathrooms and all that. >> Yeah. Well, that's Well, I don't get into a huge amount of parking. It's all open. >> Yeah, I don't think parking would be an issue. I looked at the old um aerial
view and it's like a sea of parking. So, >> uh but again, we just have to vet and ensure that everything is in >> fire department and all that. Yeah, everyone has to look at it and just ensure that proper um uh circulation of traffic and all that good stuff. >> Do a butters have any say in something
like that. I mean because >> I will send it out to all the abutters. So um if they so choose to come out and and and they have any comments then they're they're welcome. >> And there's not much residential directly abing there. >> No, there's only one I think and across
the street whatever that is. I never could figure out that big farm and >> you know that gray those houses or >> marage. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Well, that would be good. >> So, yeah. So, that's uh at some point >> you're looking to rent own. You don't
know. >> I I believe it was I think they were telling me that um I I didn't speak directly to whoever was purchasing the lot, but this other entity that's going to operate. I'm not sure, but I believe it it's to be sold if it hasn't already.
Okay. >> But it might have a different buyer than than the actual >> tenant. >> Tenant. >> That's Yeah, potentially. >> Okay. >> Yeah, that >> Well, I'd like to see that. That'd be good. >> What was he asking? Pretty sure >> it's 1.3 million or so. Wasn't a lot.
>> It's not a reasonable >> size. I mean, that's a huge that's a huge facility >> in a huge building. A lot of parking. >> So, well, that'd be great. >> That'll be upcoming. I just haven't received an application as of yet. But yeah, >> and then um
>> Julie's also in real estate. >> Yeah. And that's why I hope she was here. We to discuss a little more about the property, but we'll carry that on to the next. >> But another item hasn't come before planning board, but um if you heard Kettle Grant is has closed.
>> Yes. Oh no. >> Another >> Yeah, that was in the news. >> I'll take it off the directory. >> There go some of your projections on me. >> Yeah. >> And they had a place in Westfield on Meadow Street, too.
>> Have a a detailed projection. >> Well, thank you, Alvin. >> And that that's a chain in multiple location. >> No, just two. just >> they tried selling the name, remember? They tried getting people franchises, but >> so they had another location in Westfield, but I believe that's just a
location that they just >> making the bread and stuff. >> Yeah. So, I don't think they >> and and these small businesses, >> they there tends to be a good fill in on on those types of locations when people go away. It's the big facilities that
are harder to fill. years ago they used to be a dry cleaners Kaman cleaners. It's been quite a few things but >> Okay. >> Yeah. Okay. So, no other last minute items? Any anything
we need to put on next month's agenda that I might not think of? I You can submit agenda items all month long and >> to you. >> Just send them to me. Okay. Just just email them to me.
And then I always send out okay >> the proposed agenda a couple a day or two before I finalize it. So that's who the last chance to get something on the agenda. >> Now Diane, did you want us to vote on something or how are we going to handle that? >> Well, I don't think we need to to vote.
>> Iformational information. >> Informational. >> Yeah, >> I will. >> I thought she asked us to do something. >> Do you do you want to get this at some point? >> Yeah, at some point. At some point. I don't know if she's looking for endorsements for other from other business. >> Yeah, that's what I was wondering.
>> Yeah, that we need a >> we need to modify that letter. >> Hi there. How are you? >> Wrong meeting. >> Oh, yeah. The letter is just there as a as a model that we can >> we don't have to use it, but it's kind of a you know, do something like this.
You know, put put in your own words. >> Can I say another thing? I like this room better than the other one we're meeting in. It's much cozier. >> Oh, it's it's a nice room. I don't. >> But the other ones, too. >> Can we Could we >> Can we stay here or No, I'll I'll ask. >> Do you like it? I like this better.
>> I'll ask Margaret. >> It's warmer. Yes. Thank you. >> Well, the other one I mean there's something about the mold. >> The walls. Yeah. I don't like that either. The mole thing. >> We're all going to end up with Legionnaire's disease here. We don't I I'll ask Margaret if this is scheduled. >> I'd like this better. >> That's a good point. Thank you.
>> Yes. Remember when we met up in that room where that we shared with historical with Mike up in the I like this is much nicer. I feel much more comfortable in here. >> And so I forgot. >> Yeah, me too. Me too. >> Switch the meeting. I forgot I needed to
double check on the the room and and it's another committee's meeting down there. No, I would I prefer this room to the to that basement >> Wednesday, but let's see if I could look and see if anybody's scheduled here on third Wednesdays.
>> If not, there's got to be another room around here. Even the the land use the landers meet here Monday. >> What about the land use? That's a bigger But at least it's upstairs. >> Yeah. I don't know. I'll I'll check in. Tell
tell her you got two members getting sick here. >> Yeah. No, really. And I've had pneumonia since November, so >> yeah. And I was a little worried that I'd be able to make this >> I like this much better. >> But we got
more conducive to conversation, too. >> All right. So, thank you. I'll make the motion. >> Okay. I'll second it. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Okay. So, I'll get back to you right away with when I get a hold of Elizabeth from Little Dog
about the billing and everything. >> Thank you. >> Okay.