The meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm on August 3, 2023.
Members present: Scott McCaskill, Chair, Mel Pfeifle (Selectboard Rep), Kris Foss, Matt Monahan, Jim Bibbo Absent: Joe Torro, Libby Webb
Previous Minutes: Minutes approved from 7-6-23 once quorum was reached
Member Updates: EDC Projects:
Tall Pines: Libby sent an update for the Committee. The bridge at the Pines was replaced by the Regional Forrester and his team. Joe Torro had received permission from the property owner for the sliver of the parcel the bridge is on about the work and it was completed. A big thank you to Libby Webb for her work to promote, and secure signage and repairs for Tall Pines.
Town Website: Kris Foss reported she and Karen Hambleton, together with Fire Chief Bryan Nowell, will be participating in a few more vendor demonstrations, along with revisiting the demo and proposal from Revize. The pricing proposal received so far is reasonable and includes benefits identified including subscriptions for specific alerts by text or email about projects, committees, inclement weather, or other important safety messages.
Signage project: Libby Webb will be pulling together a group to further the signage project so that various stakeholders are included.
2nd Floor Town Hall: Jim Bibbo worked with Karen Hambleton to set up a public input meeting scheduled for August 7th from 6-8. Kris Foss will be facilitating the session and the goal is to come away with feedback, ideas, and interest in serving on a committee to develop the vision for the next chapter for the 2nd floor/theatre to support funds-development.
EDA Application Update:
The Committee discussed next steps for applying for Federal Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant funds. We reviewed the process. It is a rolling application process with no deadline and awards made ranging from 100,000 to 30 million dollars until funds are exhausted. The fiscal year runs from October 1st through September 30th. The Committee decided to move forward with the application process to be ready to submit when the new fiscal year starts on October 1st. Matt Monahan will reach out to Katherine Trapani, the Economic Development Representative for Maine and New Hampshire for consultation and Q&A as we draft the application. Kris and Scott will join Matt for that consultative meeting. Katherine will help us determine whether it is best to submit one application combining the two CEDS projects as one Main Street Revitalization project (2nd Floor of Town Hall Theatre and parking and paving, repair, and sidewalks for West Main Street) or submit them separately as they were submitted to CEDS. Scott will reach out to Kim Firth to invite her to our next EDC meeting to potentially assist us in writing the grant with one or two point people.
Naughton Property: Discussion tabled until next meeting.
The meeting Adjourned at 7:00 pm Next Meeting: Thurs. Sept. 7th 6-7 pm
Respectfully submitted by Kris Foss