Okay, welcome to the first meeting of the community and economic development committee since I've started. U my name is Megan Eldridge. I'm the director of community development. Um we have five members here. I am a member and I'd like to go around the room and just introduce
each of us and just a sentence or two of what your background is and what you're on this committee to to do. So again, my name is Megan. I'm director of community development and I started here in October and this is pretty exciting to
have us all together. Yes. >> Hi, I'm Will Rubenstein. Um I am here as an assignment from the planning board. So let's start with that. Um but very happy to be a part of this group. And I moved here in 2004 with my wife uh to
take over Camp Wingay Kirkland which is a kids overnight day camp and outdoor ed center in Yarmouthport. And um yeah that's about it. Thanks. >> Thanks for being here. >> And I'm Michelle Collins Clemens. I moved here in 2016
and I'm here just out of an interest of making Yarmouth a a a better and more exciting place to attract tourism and
I have a my background is marketing and advertising. So >> nice. >> Hi Tina. DV Antonio been on the Cape since 2019 officially 2020. Moved down here co
full-time with Boston from 2016. Uh Pennsylvania native though. So transplant here up in the the upper east coast. Uh I work uh as a VP of ops all day. So I I have a full-time day job uh
coming right off that into this. So, um, bear with me as my transition, my mental space. So, um, but similar to Michelle, just interested in kind of representing the population I serve in the community, right? So, the in between population, if
you will. Um, and kind of making Yarmouth a place that people want to come, right? So, thanks for having me. >> Oh, your turn. >> I'm Pete Malpass. I'm the last surviving person from the previous committee.
Um, I was out for two months and then they all quit. And so, um, I didn't really learn very much about what they were doing except by spending time with Mary Milb, uh, the Chamber of Commerce, uh, and and elsewhere. But I'm, uh, an old systems
theorist. I worked with FAA my last 20 years, but I worked for a whole bunch of companies that made systems for everybody around the world, uh, intelligence community and others. So I I think kind of systemically and just telling this to a lot over here. Um one
of the things I got in trouble for was u when they did the Madaki school. Um there there were people very very hard over they wanted to create these indoor playing facilities for the teens all over the Cape Cod not just this that and the other and that tournaments and stuff
were going to pay for it upkeep and everything else. And um bubble over my head was well you know we have this this ice skating brick that didn't make it didn't make it as a wrestling forum either. Uh and a lot of other things uh
in indoor sports it doesn't really attract people to where you are. They're they're steady money losers. But what we thought about doing, another guy who was on the committee was a union guy from Boston and he said, "You know, if we set
up our own vote tech here with all the building trades in it, and we got those guys to staff it, the union guys to staff it so that you were basically union certified, had a two-year apprenticeship in front of you, and we locked you into staying on the Cape and
building housing in Yarmouth for those two years. And we we basically built a system to put affordable housing in place by making it ourselves and giving them the right of first refusal on as many of those places as we could.
Uh my not all of them would want to stay here this that the other. But right now over 50% of the kids who go to the two votech schools leave and never go into the trades at all. So there's a couple problems that this kind of works on and we don't we can set it up right. He said
the unions would love this kind of a thing, an invitation. And one of the things they would do for us is they would um talk to the Cape Cod Commission about reducing us from Boston union rates for all trades for everything in contracts to all the towns on Yarm or on
Cape Cod to rural Massachusetts, which is what they ought to be, and is about 30 or 40% cheaper. Right now, we have to pay union rates. I didn't know that, but he said that's what's going on. So there's a a number of things that sort of come together to make that kind of
thing. So so I'm thinking systemically what do you who do you need to make what you want affordable housing and how would you go about it? So that's what I hope I'm going to bring to you guys because you know I kind of missed working. >> We have three people from the public
here. Um it's pretty important people to know in in in the community. So if you want to just >> state your names and tell them tell tell us uh your affiliation >> please first. >> Um hi my name is Mary Vilbun. I am a
resident obviously of Yarmouth. I moved here in 2015 uh for my position as president and CEO of the Yarmouth Chamber of Commerce. It's nice to meet all of you. >> Nice to meet you. >> See you again. Will >> Hi. >> And Peter. >> Yep. >> Yes. Good evening. My name is Tom. I
have a uh couple businesses in town. One myself and one of my family uh been here since the uh late 50s and we provide some entertainment. We had some uh motel experience. We had some restaurants.
Right now we uh do a little outdoor recreation. But uh Yamoth is a beautiful community to me and every day gets better and better with people like you. So thank you. >> Thank you. I'm anonymous.
>> How do you spell it out? A N O N. >> Okay. >> I'm sorry. I I moved here in 2014 from what was where I lived since 2006. And other than that, I've owned eight houses in four parts of the country over 45
years. So, yeah. one of the the last remaining native Cape Cotters that raised here in Haritch and moved to Yarmouth about 20 years ago. So, um not many of us left. So, the first thing we have to do is
call the meeting to order and then organize ourselves with a chair, vice chair, and a clerk. Um someone would need to nominate someone else as a chair, vice chair, and a clerk. Um, I would nominate Will as the
vice chair. >> Okay. >> Here a second. >> What does the clerk do? >> The clerk um really honestly not much because we have a some we have someone to do the minutes. >> Take notes on the listing. So,
>> just basically double check the minutes, make sure they're accurate um before we bring them to the rest of the committee. >> Okay. Um I should probably ask are are you familiar with how to run a meeting um Robert's rules of order sort of thing where um so this is a a committee where
we do have to to take votes um things have to be brought up for discussion voted on may someone will make a motion um we have to have another member second a motion in order for it to to carry for a decision. Um if it doesn't get a
second then it dies kind of thing. Um and then you would you'd vote the members I or nay. >> Yep. >> Yeah. >> Yep. >> I'll second will if that's what he wants to do. >> Okay.
>> Okay. Any discussion? Any Okay. Um all those in favor. >> Is there um Never mind. I'll I'll I'll I'll volunteer to be your chair if you want. >> Okay. Um >> I've got if I got something wrong and I could be obnoxious then then just let me
know. >> The the select board had thought that I would be chair for the first little bit. >> Wonder if okay someone has to know. >> In that case how about Megan would be a great person. I'm be the chair.
>> That actually makes things a lot easier >> for now. Yes. for for everyone else. >> Um um all those in favor >> I mean clerk because that would give me an excuse to come see you a lot. >> Okay.
>> I'll nominate Paul >> Peter. Peter Peter Peter Peter Paul >> nominate Peter. >> Thank you. That' be good. >> I second that. >> Any discussion? Right. All those in favor? Hi.
>> Hi. That's unanimous. Okay, we have an official committee in front of us. It's very exciting. Um, the first thing I wanted to do was do the overview of the committee charge and then a quick overview of the legislation that makes up the tourism
revenue fund. Um, so I did print out for everyone. >> You have it on your computer already. should ask you guys. >> There's some extras.
>> I think I have my own. Thank you. >> Unless it changed, but I don't know. >> Okay. So, we are appointed by the select board. Um, and we work through the department of community development, which is uh the department that I run.
And in 2006, there was a tourism revenue preservation fund um consistent with the chapter 338 acts of 2006. So this was a a legislation that formed
this law about the tourism reserva preservation fund which we'll go over next. Um but us as a committee is more than just the tourism revenue preservation fund. Um our charge is to broaden the economic base of the town.
Um and also foster a deep sense of community. We have quite a challenge on Route 28 right now with the sewer project and our businesses are kind of >> struggling. Not even kind of, they are
struggling. Uh so one thing that we should be looking at as part of our annual goals is to how how we can help those existing businesses and and make it an attractive place for new businesses to to come to.
Um the committee is responsible for funding the funding allocation for the tourism fund and the tourism fund is from rooms tax, meals tax. It is not from the residential tax. So
it's something that is pulled in from tourism itself. Um, last year the fund was in the $520,000 range for the fiscal year and this past
meeting we just approved a 565,000 budget and we'll go through the budget and how that gets broken down and used shortly. Um
so then moving to the legislation was amended in 2023. >> Hold on. Um, two things. They just >> Okay. I was going to say I think we probably got their own.
Uh, so it's important to to know what this says as far as where the the tourism fund comes into play. Um, the town has a fund and it's kept in in the treasury
through local rooms tax received by um by allocation every year. And it's not the entire room's tax. It's 25%. Um, and it was the purpose of it was what we
said was was for tourism economic development. Um, the acts required a community and economic development committee. That's us. Um and it was I believe revised to
be five to seven members but >> um we do have two openings know anyone uh to come on board. Um the fund is recommended by this this committee to town meeting um for vote
and we can allocate money for programs and projects that enhance be beautifification, recreational resources, promotional and marketing activities, events, services and public improvements which are of clear mutual
interest to the residents and visitors of the town. So those are the types of things things that the the the fund is used for. Um one caveat is that no less than 20% and
no more than 40% of the fund should be used for public improvements. Um some public improvements in the past have been um see we've
done the Sandy Pond bath house pavilion there. Um we've done some packet landing things. We just funded the fence around the upweller at Parker's River Landing. Um we funded the irrigation at Parker's
River Landing. some of it. It's extremely expensive project. So we refunded some of that. Some invasive species management. So these are things that departments >> would apply for
department of public works or conservation planning. So mostly they are brought to us by way of town departments. Um not to say that the public couldn't apply for something like that too, but um traditionally in the
past it was through town departments. Um events are are budgeted through here. We have um 10 events that were approved this calendar year. Um and our marketing
contract is held by the Chamber of Commerce and that is active through this this calendar year. >> It's not the fiscal year, the calendar year. >> Yes. Have to get used to that and it's
something we'll talk about in the next couple of months if we want to work on a calendar year or a fiscal year. Pluses and minuses to both ways. Um, so the chamber contract was signed in January
for this year. We have funds available, additional funds available July 1st that we can talk about how we want to allocate those for the following year. So we'll do another either extension of a contract or do another request for
proposals to to to get um different ideas. So that's something we'll talk Um so in order to expend funds there needs to be a vote of this committee and a recommendation from the community
development director and then select board. Um so the select board will see most contracts. There are some smaller funds few thousand dollars that are spent on advertising or things like that
that come out of an admin budget. Um so everything we do goes before the select board for their review and approval. Um it's just some needles. In 2023, the act was amended to include
shortterm rentals. Um, they became pretty popular and I'm glad we added that into our legislation. It's a fruitful way to fund the tourism fund. >> I was the same percentage. Yes. Was the
other >> Sorry. And that's a for rental properties rather than hotels and motel, right? >> That's right. Yeah. >> So, >> we keep track of VBO and other places because people don't know about a lot of
things and think they can just do it without any oversight. So if you say you use Airbnb, that platform
>> has to to pay taxes or they have to register. So that if you do it on your own under the radar without an agency, you can without paying taxes. But um if you do it through an agency and you
get permitted through the building department for a rental, you will be um paying your your percentage to the town. I'm going to open this up on the vote for free so you can look it up.
Is there any is there any kind of a concept of how many people are doing it under the radar and how the town just recently did a short-term rental study and point of the study was to see if it
was taking away affordable housing stock. Um it was inconclusive in that sense but um it showed us that we have more on the platforms than we know of in our
rental um registration >> official permitting official. >> Yes. >> Interesting. So I think it was around 1,200 were on Airbnb, VBO, we need a vacation, all of those types of places.
And then the town only had less than a thousand. So there was a couple hundred um change in differences. >> Um all right, we can move on. Anybody else want to talk about the act the legislation or the acts or anything at
the moment? Um, I wanted to show you our budget. So we have fiscal year 27 564,264 and the way it was spread out among the
five buckets is 150,264 for special events, 205 for marketing and visitor services, 130 for public improvement, 40,000 for economic development projects
and $40,000 for personnel. Um, this memo went to finance committee and the select board for their annual operating budget
and to be put on the on the warrant. Um this past year we had Do you have a question? >> Yes. >> I just like to add a comment if I would please. Thank you. Um your total is 564
and I would just like to say from 26 it was 520. So it went up and that was um a difference from the prior year from that's a good sign. >> It is a good sign. >> Drive your things. >> It it went up. It went up about 40,000
and this fund it it's important to know it's about a year late. So, um the the tax taxes that we're collecting right now in this
fiscal year um aren't these $564. It's um this this number was based on last fiscal year. Um >> it's a full year in a >> So, yes. So, there's a there's a year
lag. Um, and we'll know how these numbers look in the next couple of months. And honestly, they're not as >> as good as as uh um hence the override kind of thing. Um
got um I'm >> full of hot air. Sorry. Sorry. Um, so that that's this here's memo. My thought process on we didn't have a
CEDC when these buckets were determined. So, I worked with the town administrator to decide what to put into these budget these these buckets and I based it on um what was spent the year before and what
our upcoming outlook is as far as projects go. Um, last year personnel was not funded because we did not have an economic development manager or coordinator position filled and I have
received approval for a new job description to hire someone in that position again. Um so we will their salary is split 50/50 between tourism money and operating
budget money. And important to know this is an article fund it funded. So whatever's left over at the end of the year rolls into the next year. It doesn't go away. >> And I'll show you where we're at with these other buckets. Um,
>> how long was the position open or taken? >> Three years. >> Oh, wow. >> Three 19 No, two years. Four years. Four years. >> Oh, wow. >> It was filled. It has long time. >> It's filled temporarily covered. I shouldn't say filled, but um
our assistant town administrator prior to Amy did some of this. Um and then we had um someone else do some economic development projects Jay he that we paid him out of this fund
to do some economic development things. Um, I go down to the historic. Here we are. So, you can see last year 2026 admin
wasn't funded and it is this year. Special events was funded at 135 and I am increasing that to 150. We had more event applications this past year
than we had funds to expend. Um, so we had to kind of cut back. We weren't able to give everyone everything they wanted, but we were able to give everyone something. >> Um, so I increase that budget knowing
that people want to get out and about again and they want to um be in the community. So we need more events. Yes, Tom. >> Yes. Thank you very much. Um I'd just like to add to the fact that um you know at one time we had a commercial tax rate
which is in double digits and and now it's less than four and you know that brings in the $560,000. if the commercial tax rate if we had our businesses prior you know at 15% and I think the average for the Commonwealth
is 8020 um you know 80% residential 20% commercial so we'd be looking at $2 million every year if we were up at 15% so thank you >> and that's the type of information that this committee could review research
make recommendations to um administration to look into and change that sort of thing. So, I'm sure there were pros and cons to doing what was done at one point, but it's always we're always changing and evolving.
Um marketing stayed sort of level, went up just $5,000 and economic development went down to 40,000. Um but you'll see when I go through what's left from last year. Um that that bucket's still quite
full. Um public improvements went is pretty level because we are locked into that 20 to 40%. And um we had a we had a year of not funding
very many public improvements. So this past year we funded from the f the prior year plus what was left in this budget. So we've used we've used all of the public improvement funding or will by
the end of this fiscal year. >> May I ask a question? >> Yes. >> Um was there any anything that contributed to 2024 being 175? What was what >> public improvements?
>> Yes. Um, I believe that was Parker's River Landing. >> Okay. >> Um, most likely. I'd have to research, but um, Parker's River Landing, million dollars, millions and millions of dollars. Um, and it was spread over
grants and um, operating budgets and capital improvements and CPA funds. And when there was something kind of left and not funded, people came to the tourism fund and we did spend some money
there. And I think it was money well spent that that venue is going to bring in a lot of action, I think, year round. >> All right. So, this is just the same thing in a different spreadsheet. And this has the
total allocations of um well, from the beginning of time, almost $7 million has been raised and put back into the community through the tourism
fund. One way or the other, >> 20 years, I think. >> Yeah, it'll be 20 years next year. where where every town is really bleeding for that money. We're fortunate. >> Yeah. Not every town has a tourism
revenue preservation fund. So, it's it's very special that Yarmmouth has it and uses it the way we do. >> So, this is the special events that we currently are funding for,
calendar year 26. Um, this spreadsheet goes back to 2008, but I cut it off so it's readable. >> Um, you can see 2025, what they requested, what they were awarded,
26, what they requested, what they were awarded, and then the following four columns is the history of of all time. So you can see what over the last 20 years um how much money has been
provided to these these events. Um the cultural center later on down this um line has some other yeah >> events that are um just separate from
their overall um marketing and events programming. um the Seaside Festival. So, you can see there were a few that were fully funded and that included the um Whoops. The
Wall That Heals, which is coming in SE. >> It's going to be an amazing event. And the 250th anniversary, Revolutionary War anniversary for the town of Yarmouth.
that event is next month and um they may they may not use the entire budget but um whatever they don't use goes back in for um other things and these are all based on what people have submitted requests for.
>> Right. Right. So we don't um town sponsored things like um the sand sculptures, the winter carnival. Um, there was a mermaid day, there's the Christmas stroll. Those things are put
into the marketing contract. So, those things are applied for and run through the chamber and the town um as a as a whole. So, the chamber um comes up with these events and brings
them to the CEDC to sign off on in their marketing contract. Uh so if they bring them to us, we review and approve. >> Um it's been kind of a bone of contention as far as
um should they be in the marketing bud budget or should they be should they be in the events bucket? So um the way it's done right now seems to work for this this year. We'll see. We'll see what happens. Um, so if it if someone doesn't apply
for it, we don't create it. You know, we can promote that there's money available and say, "Hey, anybody who >> wants an event, we have, you know, $20,000. We'd love to give it to you." >> Uh, so these are some of the older ones
that didn't apply for any funding in the last two years. Um so this page is for public improvements for the last two years. So last year station a playground was funded $50,000.
That's a brand new playground you at station a um senior center beautifification was approved. That project hasn't been done yet. So, that money is available. Chase Brook
Park is underway. That's a really pretty cool pocket park along 28. Um, again, it's a couple million dollars overall and tourism funds a specific part of it. I believe it's interpretive signs that
we funded plus benches and other other amenities. Revolutionary War Monument Construction 50,000. that's being used currently. That new statue will be
month. >> Other projects that were existing when I came on were some conservation signs, um, Revolutionary War markers. Those are the Sons of American Revolution grave
markers, historic interpretive signs. That money is still there. hasn't been moved forward. The the design for the monument has been used. Drive-in site improvement that
finally was just finished up. And then Parker's Riverlanding construction is being finished up in the next couple of months. And the next page is what we funded just this last round.
Colonial Beach kiosk. It's um a three-sided sign instead of having what someone told me was a new phrase sign pollution. Um you know, three different signs saying the same thing and that
just clutter up the whole view. We approved that. Um community cleanup days. This is something the conservation department puts on. um they started many years ago and it kind of dwindled out.
People weren't coming. They weren't aware of it. So, we did some more promotion and and bought some new pickers and t-shirts and, you know, >> all the all the things to get people to come to do a a community cleanup day.
And we're having another one in the fall. Invasive species management. There are a few um wetland marsh areas that are filled up with fragmitees that it's an
invasive plant. Um and we are clearing those areas up and providing u maintenance to areas we've spent that money on in the past so it doesn't just go back to being a problem. Englewood Beach railings. Um those
railings at the beach are pretty old and and worn out. So our DNR, our Department of Natural Resources director applied for that and some interpretive signs that will go along the way. Um, something to note is that money has been
taken for the Grace Beach Boardwalk for this fiscal year and we'll have to put it back next year. Um, there was a funding need for that and they were able to put this off this fiscal year and
wait until next year. um irrigation and upweller fencing over at Parker's River Landing. Those are we we funded quite a bit and the way we were able to do that was um we had
up here we had leftover funds of 214,000 from prior years. And so we were able to kind of roll those forward and we transferred some money from
economic development projects that were um kind of flat. They there was a a wayfair sign study that had been approved and it
didn't go anywhere. $55,000 wayfinding and it was there and never got used. That project didn't go anywhere. I don't know why. Um so seeing a need for public improvements, I requested the select
board swap some money around and they did. They did that. Um, and same with an old economic development study from I think it was 20 22 that had leftover money in it, $24,000. Um, that
study had completed and there wasn't anything else going on. So, rather than it sitting there in economic development studies, I moved it to public improvements, which brings us to the economic development budget bucket. um start of
the fiscal year 26 we had the 146 50,000 came in and then I transferred out that 70,000 so we had 126,000 to spend
we spent money on um hiring Jay Grandandy to do some economic development things such as the Parker's River Landing policy event policy fee schedule and we hired a
agency called Do More to do a marketing analysis of um what we could do differently which we'll share um I'll share that with you all um and how we can utilize Parkers River Landing for um
events which brings us to a remaining balance of $106,000 which will roll into 27. So next year we'll have $145,000
in economic development that we can use for well economic development is a pretty broad topic um as we were talking earlier. So, we'll we'll have to to look at the select board's goals and what their goals are or what our goals are.
Um, and if there's something that we can help them reach their goals to make um make happen with extra funding and do that. And then two more buckets. Administrative bucket
um 25 we started with 62,000 and were appropriated 15,000. We used very little payroll because we had no help um during that year.
And so we did not fund that bucket last year. we use those funds for something else. Um, so so far 26, you've used just over $8,000 in payroll
and you have a balance of $65,000. So that plus the 40,000 coming in will will fund that bucket about $106,000 which can go towards salary or other
things like advertising or supplies or any other admin type of expenses. And then lastly we have our marketing allocation. Um, >> we started our fiscal year in 26 with
just over $54,000 and we had a $2,200,000 allocation. We were still using up the following the previous year's funding. Um, and we finished up that funding with the
chamber and the sand sculpture contract. and we funded this year's contract with $150,000. So there is a 32,893 balance in our marketing.
And then we'll add another $20 to that in July. So this bucket is for marketing and special projects I think is what it's called which again is an odd bucket name
but we can we can work with it. All right so that was what was in your packet. So that goes through the budget review our existing contracts and the 27 allocation. It is very bright. Yeah.
>> I mean, I love the sun, but >> it's up in here. Probably 85. >> That would be great. Maybe there's a breeze. >> Think so. >> Oh, people jump off.
I'll go set a glass. Um, so any questions about what our budget looks like or what we've done on in the past? Some other projects that are
um to note are um there's been an event study done that I'll share with you all. Um, the chamber hired through their marketing contract an agency to to review
events in town and then compare them to events that are in areas of New England and um why our events um are limited in some ways and better in other ways and
what types of events might work well here. what what we're missing kind of thing. >> Um, we've done those banners on the the utility poles were done as part of a public improvement.
>> The new Yarmouth banner flags or whatever on the light poles. Yeah. >> Yes. >> My kid yesterday said, "Oh, yeah, that's pretty neat." >> Yeah. I think the ones up on 6A got installed today. >> Thank you. Um, >> yeah,
>> those if I can, those actually started years ago under the chamber's marketing contract >> and then each year it kind of changed where the funding came from and we needed to update them. But >> yeah, >> been a great success. >> Yeah, they're they're fun. There's a few
different um styles and they get changed out a couple times a year. Um I think we've funded other types of economic development studies for um
planning grants and things like that. >> Well, I've done a lot of talking. Does anybody else want to How do people know to submit a proposal or a request? So for each type of bucket there out goes a a
request for proposals. So um in November of last year an email and a posting on the website and the newspaper and any prior applicants were notified
that funding's available for events and for for for grants to support events. So, we get the word out um through advertising uh social media chamber contract um and we give them a deadline
to apply and there's an application >> and a bunch of paperwork that goes along with it. And so we get all of those applications in November, October, November. And then if we were all together, we would have
gone through a review process together and decided on which events are appropriate for what we want to promote. >> Mhm. >> And then go through the funding and see what we have to spend where.
And public improvements, same thing. um notification goes out to all the departments that there's $100,000 to spend. Do you have projects that fell off the capital plan or something small that you have wanted to do but just
haven't gotten around to it? We can hire it out. We can hire a contractor to do it. Um and then marketing, that contract goes out to bid because it's it's above that procurement threshold. we have to put it out to bid every 3 years minimum.
Um, so it's a one-year contract with the option to renew it um for up to two more times without having to go back out. >> Do do you come up with ideas during the year >> that that uh could could come out of your budget or this budget and you can
apply for the other budgets if you don't have enough money in yours >> or if you don't want to spend it that way, right? >> Yeah. You you can also apply for other FAS. >> I could but we have not. >> I think one of the things if I can
absolutely you know historically especially with the special events year after year with the application um if you see the budgets >> just uh the cost of being uh able to execute an event
>> has gone up probably 40%. >> Yeah. So, I think that's why the numbers keep increasing year after year. It's not necessarily that they're asking for more money. They're needing more money because the costs of police and fire and hiring
entertainment has gone up so dramatically since 2020. >> Mhm. >> And it's just the trend with anything with marketing and events, at least that we've experienced. H. So, you know, you can't look at an event when you get an
application in 2026 versus 2023. It's just dramatically different. >> Mhm. >> Um, does anyone have any projects they have on their mind that they want to
work on? So my wife and I are walking around Parker's River Land. He says, "A lot of stuff here about ospreies, but there's no Osprey poles >> right >> out there. Why don't we uh why don't you have your committee put a thing in for to put in a couple Osprey polls? Maybe
it'll keep the Osprey off the electrical lines." >> It was just a thought. >> And I did ask um Natural Resources if they have any plans to put more up. I know they used to have one down at the um mouth of the river where it's still there.
>> There's one out in the in the lats. It's the biggest opp you ever saw in your life. It's about six feet across. >> Wow. >> Uh it's on a pole. Nobody can get to it. But you know, they're they're they're on the electrical
and sometimes they put a platform up above them. Sometimes they put that stuff on that's supposed to keep them from building a nest and they build it anyway. course, you know. >> So, yeah, I just thought that uh that's a great place to put a couple, not just one, but >> Yes, Tom.
>> Thank you. Um Oscar, you're great. Yeah, I think there's someone across the river on that road. Anyways, um >> um can I just pick up on that wayfinding sign thing? Sure. I think um it's still a need in our community. Um, I believe
Kyle was the staff person that was started that and then I think he transitioned to the neighboring community and it didn't work them work so well. But we have um all different kinds of signs around town. We have slap
ladder signs, we have business gateway signs, we have we're just loaded with signs. And I think the the wayfinding sign program was to get a handle of the signs that we have with the different logos and kind of streamline it and and
and and kind of identify where our business communities are because things have changed. Those signs were put up years ago and so you know the demographics change. So I think you know we still have some business gateway
signs like at Whites Path there's one there. There was one at the midte drive. There's one at Anzo Howlet Road which got hit by a car hasn't been replaced since Kyle left. So you know I think a collective uh thought look at all the different
types we have. At one time we had like seven different logos on all all the our town's vehicles, right? So we kind of like stream and we got a new seal too, right? So we're all heading that way. So I think that was the purpose of this
wavefinding thing for the 55,000 that Kyle suggested or the committee did at that time that we get a good look at all that stuff and and and try to make it uniform. You look out here in the parking lot and you see all the cars were the same. Just a few years ago, you
didn't you would know what a town car was because they were all different, right? I mean, so that and and it's kind of like the banners, too, right? When you're driving through the banners, you have that feel, right? So, if you have the signs all over town looking identical, then I I think it it says
something about our community. So, thank you. >> Um, so there are economic development grants as well that um we can apply for that
wayfinding is appropriate for that. So there's always opportunities to get even more money outside of our tourism. Um so us as a committee should should
look at that as well as so keep the tourism money in a kind of a separate area but to but know that there's >> funding available in different avenues. >> Yes. >> This isn't a limit. Oh, I used to write proposals all the time.
And then when I was in government, I wrote grant applications. >> I like savings. >> Capitalist for things. I'd be happy to exercise that talent. >> Okay. It's mostly what do they want? What do you need? How is what you need
going to help them >> achieve their objective or let them say they did? And uh >> and need to know what a clerk did. We used to job descriptions in business because that way you got paid more.
>> If you want if you want help with that kind of stuff, I would be delighted to go work on it. >> Wonderful. >> If you want help doing projects like I'm running around town looking for signs and stuff, I do that a lot anyway. >> Okay. >> I put out signs for the uh my thrift
shops and nails once a month. science. I learned a lot about science. >> I have a question about money looking ahead starting in July. >> Yes. >> So I looked at >> so economic development it says there's a balance of 106 >> 83.
>> Then there is administrative their balance is 65. >> Mhm. >> So that's 171. Then there's 32,000 in marketing, right? which gets us to 200 plus you said the town budget will
allocate another 205. >> Yes. >> So that's 400 and change. >> So is that really what and I know it all gets split up and there's different ratios especially for um the 20 to 40 um the stuff that's 20 to 40 which is uh
>> improvements >> public improvement. So it's really about 400,000ish >> that we have left, >> right? >> And what just so I can understand the timeline, >> but these aren't decision. These are decisions we're going to make throughout the rest of this calendar year to then
recommend to next year's town meeting >> through the select board. >> Not exactly. So um >> because they were on this they were on the >> So we we weren't this year, >> right? We approved this year 564 >> and in these buckets. Yeah. and there's
um 66,000 left in admin. So come July 1st, we'll have 106,000 in admin to use throughout the year. >> Okay.
>> Special events, we have 30. No, what did I say? We have nothing left in special events. So >> come July 1st, we'll have 150 to use >> throughout this coming year. Okay. >> Marketing will have 240ish
to spend throughout this calendar year. Economic development will have the 106 plus 40. So 140 and then we'll have 130 to use throughout the year. >> Okay. So these things can be spent by the committee during the year and they
don't need to wait until next time. Okay. >> Right. So around December, November, December, we we'll know what we need to allocate for the following fiscal year. So we'll get a new number. >> So ideas that we're talking about now
>> can get funded now. Now is a loose term. >> Yes. But >> now um now and definitely after July 1st, right, when becomes available. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Fiscal year. Yeah. >> Yes.
works a lot slower than >> just saw you were talking about signs. Um I know the community information board would be a great one. So for those of you who know where the chamber office is, the visitor center, uh the digital
board has been broken. It has been one full year that it has not been working. Um and originally it was I believe the CEDC funded it originally along with the uh Yarmouth Rotary Club um put a small
portion in as well. Um, but we get calls on a weekly basis, you know, can you put our message up on the board and >> and that's from the department, excuse me, right? That's from departments ask you. >> Yeah, there's been town departments ask
well as the general, >> right? >> But, you know, that would be something that would, >> you know, it's something that the public um looks for for messages from the town. I think those are I think those are very effective, those boards. >> We only have two in town, the high
school and the chamber. We're permanent for three, but the third third one hasn't gone up yet. >> Can I ask how much those those cost? So, originally Oh, wait. Five years. >> Maybe five or six years ago, it was 25,000. >> Mhm.
>> Well, we based on what you said earlier, it's going to probably be double that now. >> Yeah. >> Just use round numbers. Well, we could expect it wouldn't surprise you if that's what it was. >> It was >> I don't think you needed >> but you said you just said the repair. >> Okay. Is it like a software issue or is it a
>> someone smash it? >> So, literally, if I can I mean there the town has done their due diligence over the last several months trying to repair it, but the company has not been able to diagnose it, I don't believe, correctly.
>> Right. So, um, we've h we have about $4,000 in a purchase order to Plymouth side to fix it was fixed. >> Um, they went and they ordered to it and they went out and went to fix
it and that wasn't the complete >> solution. They have not found the solution yet. Um, and I'm this this project is through the IT department. So, you know, they're busy busy, too. So,
>> our IT director, I I ping him almost every other day, like for us. Um, >> but he can only push as much as he can push. So, um, in the next coming weeks, we're going to have to find another. >> Yeah. Yeah. And I don't know if you would need to purchase a new one cuz
when we did I mean we purchased the entire frame and everything and maybe you just can replace the whole digital board be as expensive. >> Yeah. >> Well, and also given what time of year it is. >> Yeah. This is the >> makes sense to try to act on it now. Yeah. Now again being a loose term
because I know now can mean >> 60 days but it'd be better to act on it >> before the summer. >> I'm going to say lowercase end now. >> So that Yeah. So that maybe by August it could be >> right. >> And then it is something that I know I've seen has been in use year round
because there's lots of things going on year round. >> I certainly agree that and I don't know what the process is to get to get a proposal or a price or a timeline or all of the above, but I >> just speaking for me I would be interested in hearing about that soon.
>> Yeah. and and and that way uh a we can actually make a little more progress and b maybe it just turns out that the IT pro department doesn't have to worry in the sense that they'd probably be a part of installing whatever new piece comes in to replace it, but they wouldn't
necessarily have to keep chasing down Plymouth sign for it. >> Yeah. Mhm. >> Well, if you one, I can get some quotes to do a a more of a replacement than a repair for the for the for the guts of that >> and see what it will cost and that will
determine what our next steps are as far as procurement goes. >> Who monitors the high school sign? >> The high school. >> The high school. >> Yeah. >> The chamber monitors the sign footing. >> Have they ever had any issues with their sign?
>> No. Theirs is fairly new as well. >> Mhm. >> Theirs is older. >> It's small. >> It's much smaller. >> That's about a decade, I think. >> But the chain one is replaced before. >> Oh, no. >> Was never replaced. No, >> no, it's the original time. >> That's the original.
>> Okay. >> I think the school got replaced one time. >> Yeah. >> I wonder actually works different than the school, too. It's got a little more features. >> Yeah, it's much nicer. >> Can't use. It is
>> because of our sign regulations. >> So, so do you need a proposal or a somebody say or >> let's do let's do our first motion. >> I I move that you look into replacement
of the sign cost of replacement sign coordinating with Mary as needed. Oh, no. Coordinate with it as needed. >> Sure. >> Yes, please. That's fine. Okay. All right. >> I just thought before >> those little
signs that you see sometimes in a bank, they're about this big and they have like a message that goes runs across it. >> Scrolls. Yeah. Yeah. It's a ticker. >> Are would those be effective to look into to
as marketing? And I don't know. You have to I'd have to think about. We'd have to think about where to place them, but I wonder what the cost of those is. >> And they could be put in various places around town >> to advertise things.
>> Yeah, we run we do run into our sign bylaw problem. Okay. >> That's more more of a reason why we don't have moreformational >> signs. our bylaw is very specific on how many >> uh community information boards we can
have and like Tom said I think it's three >> um and then as as well the this the bylaw talks about electronic >> signs what's behind >> excuse me even the electric charging stations like the gas pumps they have a
little video commercial they're not allowed through our sign code >> so you just have to stand there and watch the juice go to your you can't be >> it's like the 80s. Um what's the reasoning behind the the limitation of not even digital signs but the other
signs the >> um well bylaws can be a funny thing. Um when they're created there's usually a problem at the time and >> so a bylaw gets created to combat that
problem. So, I'm guessing at one point the town was being bombarded with sign types of signs. So, >> um the the planning board >> would review this the bylaws and
>> um make limitations on things. So, you can keep the the community nature and the the the quaintness of Yarmouth and >> um just like other bylaws. Is is it the same like bylaw around commercial signage? Like it's the it
would all be governed by the same thing. So community signage and commercial signage governed by the same >> Yeah. So the sign bylaw I'll um I'll forward it to everyone so you can take a look at it. >> It's it's extensive. >> It's a thicket.
>> While we're on this road, if I could just add this is very important. I've been trying to get the awareness up and I think this is a good time. Um, you know, the town of Dennis, our sister east town, um, has the same types of software that we use here in this
building. It's called Civic Plus. And Civic Plus is a software program that helps our government. And, um, if you go to the planning department in Dennis, uh, what you see is on their sign regulations is a picture of the sign and
then a definition. And for some reason, our Civic Plus software, if you go to our planning department and you look up a sign code, it's all verbiage. >> So, you know, to me, in the in a day where a picture is worth a thousand words, I don't know why that Civic Plus
or somebody can move that needle because, you know, we have a lot of people in our community that rather look at a picture than to read English. Number one, they probably can't read English, but it's it's more of an identifier, right, of what's allowed and what's not allowed. And it has to be at
least about 30 plus different pictures that you know to 30 lines of just straight verbiage of what a sign is. >> So I just wanted to share that information. >> Thank you. >> A local business today that she just emailed me tonight and she's like I
can't make heads or tails of the sign regulations. So she sent me a picture of her sign and sent me all the dimensions and says >> is this okay? Is this something that I can even propose? And I couldn't even figure it out. So, >> don't go on the Dennis website.
>> Yeah, >> it's basically the same as ours, but for some reason their their definition has an illustration and we we're illustration. >> Well, especially for the top band, right? Yeah. >> So, we have a a motion and a second to
have move into cost. We >> replacing or whatever >> replace or repair >> option options to replace this time. >> Yeah. So, um all those in favor >> I can ask a question about the third community board. >> Yeah. >> If you h if if magically the money fell
out of the sky, >> where would you put it? >> The entrance to Parker's River Landing. >> That's where was decided by the zoning board of appeals. >> All right. >> So, they've already picked the location. >> Yes. >> I didn't know that. the other side of the town. >> Really? There was like a >> What about Yarmas?
>> Absolutely. >> I live right here. So, it's literally >> the Parker River Landing approval. >> It's part of the sign update to the information board when presented at the recreation building or the chamber building. That's when they did another one. Kathy added the third one to be at
the Parks River Landing >> at the at the bath house or at the entrance. >> The chamber had talked about at the entrance. I didn't know it got approved. I don't I don't think it's specifically located within the facility, but the address is 669. >> Okay.
>> So, that would that would be someplace on that. >> So, this will be on 28. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> If it ever happens. >> Yeah. >> If people get the steam to push it through, you know, you're talking about the bylaws. The bylaws are in town meeting approves it. It's the same
thing. You know, so the community has to push these things. >> They just don't happen on their own. And to your point about what about the other side of town? >> Yeah, >> we have the old Kings Highway historic district that >> has to approve any sign
>> very fortunately. >> And why why an addition on my house has not been made after five attempts to the community character >> live here. I mean, but truthfully, that's what makes your >> for sure. My house is 1862, so I believe
me. >> There was such a big hoopla at that yellow sign with both directions at the West. >> I watched I watched that meeting, >> but the guy would have a drive-thru house, right? We're trying to help him, but it was it worked out. >> Yeah. Instead, just hit the people going
across the >> Oh, that's funny. >> Well, thank you. >> Can I ask a general question? here. >> How does the interaction between the CEDC and the chamber work? >> Well, in the in the past, I mean, right
now, it can work any way we want it to. We're a new committee. We can we can do that. I I meet with the chamber on a weekly basis um to trans transmit information, get updates, and um see what they're working on, what we're
working on, so we can >> continue to kind of pro crossromote what we're doing and what they're doing. Um but we can we can as our marketing contractor, we can have them come quarterly to give us update. Um they as
part of their contract they provide a um a monthly report which we'll get here to review. Um and then we can review it and and comment on it and and see if you want
anything different or changed >> if I can. Yeah. I think um the other thing I think that Megan has really built a a strong relationship with the chamber since she's come on is you know Megan and I talk about sign regulations. We talk I just left the board of health
right some of the different situations that happen with the business community that feel like are being um impacted on them and I try to share those things with Megan. wastewater project. >> Communications from the town to the
businesses about the wastewater project, you know, that in particular has just been devastating for the last three years. Um, but we all know we have to do it. Yeah. >> So, it's just um working on how we can best work with the business community in
the town to make it as um as easy as possible. We're all trying to reach the same goal. So, how do we do it together successfully? Right? And >> so, you know, I'm gonna comp I try to compliment Megan all the time that um
since she's come on board, she's really built a strong relationship with the chamber. And so, those are other things that I think this committee might be interested in um over time. You know, what are the things that are coming from the business community that they feel
that they could use from this committee, right? and I could name a couple of projects and, you know, talk to you guys one-on- one and share some thoughts and be happy to. So, it's not just all about the marketing contract. That's just one
relationship we have with the town. >> Great. Thank you. >> Yeah, I've been invited to um the com the chamber has a business partnership meeting every now and then and every now and then I'm able to go. my schedule for conflict with it.
>> Um but that's something you know we may take turns going to to to meet the business community and interact with them too. >> Yeah. There was one particular instance when first time out of the construction the flaggers were just telling people
that all the businesses closed because they didn't want to let them go around. So, thank God the chamber and the town, they worked it all out and the flagers were educated because that's all they're missing, the education piece, >> but for a while it was really devastating for some persons.
>> Yeah. >> Yeah. We're all learning as the project gets filled and that's, you know, part of it. So, we're getting better as we go through this, but it it takes that good communication on both sides. So, I
>> think we've done really good at that. Excellent. >> Yeah. Um, is there anything on your mind that you want on next month's agenda? >> I was planning on putting some minutes on. Um,
the committee over the last couple of years did not keep up with their minutes. Unfortunately, there's um I had to hire out someone to do committee minute minutes from 2024. Um I think there's probably 10 sets of
minutes that weren't done or reviewed and approved. >> Um it's difficult cuz no one here was part of those minutes. Um but if you can review them, you don't even have to look at the videotape. you can if you want,
but um if you've reviewed them and didn't find anything glaringly wrong, I've reviewed and compared them with the tapes. Um so over the next few meetings, I wanted to get some minutes out there for one to review and and approve to get those up to date.
>> Wow. >> Yeah, >> age friendly hasn't had any out for eight years. that that's part of the reason why I'm I'm still on it, but I'm kind of waiting to find out if anything will change when Jerry retires >> because he's been there since
Kathy Bailey. Um, and Yarmouth was one of the first hounds in Massachusetts to adopt the World Health Organization's livability stuff and and well, she was the director out at Senior Center. Uh, they actually
did some really neat things. Mhm. >> Um >> since pandemic has sort of gone dry and so uh waiting to see whether this new blood we've got on they filled their vacancies. U it's going to drive us in a different direction. So >> and if we can help you that way we'd be
delighted. >> Megan, is there anything we need to do next month because the fiscal year is changing on July 1st? like are there any decisions that have to be made before the end of the fiscal year or are there things that we should talk about because the fiscal year is
starting in July? >> There is um something I'll bring to you. Um finance is asking how we want our admin budget broken down. So within admin there's separate lines like how much goes to salary, how much goes to
legal advertisements. Um they'll need that. So I'll bring that to you next month to vote on it. we can get that to finance. >> And then as it relates to admin, is that is that the 80 the 80,000 or the 40,000
that's to pay to fund to fund a position? >> So is that but that position exists but hasn't been filled. >> Correct. >> So this is just about the mechanics of some of the behind the scenes stuff while you are you going so you as of July 1 can go find somebody >> as of tomorrow?
>> As of now. Yeah. Okay, great. >> I think HR is going to be advertising it soon. >> So that's just so this that's this is some behind the scenes stuff about the job that you're currently pursuing, right, Bill? Okay. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Is this our standard meeting time, third
Monday, six o'clock? >> It is, unless someone um has a problem with it. Um I have a question. What what is the goal of this committee between now and the end of 2026?
Is there any like goal that we're trying to achieve? >> Um, every year the CEDC would come up with their goals. So, I that's something that the group should do. Um, so I'll put that on for next month to to
develop, you know, three to five goals for the calendar year. We're already halfway through, so maybe two to three goals for the calendar year. Um, and I'll share also past >> annual reports so you can see what they
were in the past. um to give you an idea of of what has been done already and then you know maybe it'll spark some ideas of of what things you would like to do. Um and I'll also share with you what the select board's 2026
well 2025 goals were. They'll be coming up with new goals. >> Um but their number one goal was economic development for this past year. So >> there we go. Um, we're glad we're getting back back on track with that. >> It's been there for a few few years, but
>> has it has it? Well, I'm determined to get it done. Check it off the list. >> Never ending it either, right? >> Yeah. >> Um, >> I know I have to leave some reasons. Good night, everybody. >> Good to see you. Tom, >> Tom, we appreciate your historical input. >> Nice meeting you, too.
>> Thank you. We'll see you. I would say uh just on a personal note, it maybe not next month, but in July and August, I'll probably be appearing on the screen. >> No problem. >> Camp is running. >> Um so it'll be a weird hybrid thing, at
least for my participation. >> No problem. >> And in general, um I don't like a meeting to go more than two hours. Like my attention span on a meeting is >> hour and a half is perfect. Um I would agree. you know, there will be times
when we have things to discuss applications and things like that that might go on, but um I I think a meeting that goes beyond that hour and a half doesn't get a very productive >> and for when those things are up um we'll be able to review them ahead of
time and then come here to discuss it and >> Yes. Yeah. Okay. So the way that I foresee things happening is I'll put together what I call the packet, the meeting packet, and I'll send it to all the members before I even post it on the
website. Um so if you are looking for more information or if um there's something that is wrong in there, um you can let me know before I post it. >> Certainly. >> Same thing with the agenda. I'll I'll send it out to the vice chair to double
check. >> Okay. >> Um before I post it to make sure we've got all the items we thought we needed on there. >> Sure. >> Okay. >> Right. And um yeah, the third Monday 6 o'clock unless it changes, you know,
we'll try to keep it consistent, but um I'm Mondays are really the only night I'm available. I can do daytime any other day of the week, but um evenings it's Mondays or Tuesdays. So, >> select board meet on Tuesdays. So, it's
kind of a >> tough one if I have to be in two places. Yeah. >> Yeah. And I I know I'm probably like the late person would be my guess. Um but I can do 5:30 if that's better for if we're going to do like a twohour like >> I can do 5:30 if that as a standard if
needed. Um >> six o'clock's fine. Okay. That way I can >> Yeah. Um and I just had a question for Will. So you said you're here as a nominate I for >> the planning board planning board uh assigns every member of the planning
board to to to serve on different committees. So there's sewer, CPC, um you the affordable housing, no the Armouth housing committee. >> Yeah. >> The land use disposition committee when
it's when it meets. Um there's uh design review. >> Uh missing one or two more. Oh, capital budget >> finance CDC. >> Not finance. Nope. And this one. >> And this one. >> So here we are. So all seven of
All seven of us serve on another committee in addition to the planning board because why not? >> Yeah. >> And the sewer sewer committee. >> Oh, >> sorry. I don't know if I answered your question or if that was the question. >> I think so. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> It's like it's like you get you get to
be on one committee and then you get a bonus second. >> Yes. And >> but it is helpful because um there's just a lot of things that the planning board discusses and it's really helpful because every >> uh twice a month
>> the rest of us sort of fill each other in on what we heard at the meetings that we all attended because we're assigned to attend them. And it does help as we're thinking through things like signage, like >> uh we just finished our local comprehensive plan. There's just lots of different pieces that we are asked to uh
consider and it's really helpful to have us sort of farmed out to all these other places. >> Yeah. >> As oo because otherwise we'd have to ask Megan and then every other department head to come in and I don't know update us twice a month and that >> that's just that's a lot. Yeah. Okay.
>> Yeah. >> Is there anything that we should specifically be doing before the next meeting? >> Question. Um, I think you should go on to the CEDC's web page where
I will make sure if they're not already there, um, past annual reports. Okay. >> Every year, every calendar year, >> this committee will have to put together an annual report and it'll go into the the town report.
>> So, I think that would be very helpful if you were to review past reports. And was the town report the item that was at the last town meeting? >> The big >> the big book. >> Yep. The pictures on it. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Y and that is printed every year.
>> If you want a hard copy, there are a bunch up on the shelf when you walk in the door of the senior center. They have a place where you can get stuff. >> Oh, yeah. There you >> thousands of them every year. That's right.
>> Um, and one of the goals of this committee and the new economic development program manager is to really develop our web page for community and economic development. Um, this economic
development just basically has a link to the chamber on it right now. So, >> yeah, go chamber. >> Mary's like, "Don't take my action. my real estate. >> So, you can review other programs that
the that other community and economic development departments do in other towns to see what other places are doing >> in um I know you were previously in Harwitch, right? Do you find that there's other Cape Towns that not that we're trying to
emulate, but that are good examples of doing this well, I guess, or I think Barnstable does it pretty well, but they're a big big town. Um, they have a bigger budget and more staff, so that's something that you have to consider.
>> Also, Orleans has a pretty good community development department, too. Not many towns on the Cape have economic development >> departments. So our witch didn't doesn't
rooster doesn't chatam doesn't. So >> um who would who would Felmouth probably >> Felmouth Barnstable >> Sandwich maybe I know that Barnsville and Orleans are the ones that I found this afternoon just scrolling around
looking. They're they're listed as having CED or you know economic development. Um they have web pages I think is really comes down to >> and I think Province Town does too. >> Yeah. >> Very good.
>> Yeah. Um but keep in mind the the budget >> places where we can do what we can do with our budget and it's always always comes down to money. >> You can do whatever you want. >> Life in general. >> Money. Mhm.
>> This is a good productive first meeting. >> Thank you. >> So I should move to to end motion to adjurnn. Sure. >> Second. >> Thank you. >> Right. All those in favor. >> I I
say weekend. >> Yes. Thank you. >> Well,