Economic Development Council Meeting
Minutes: December 6, 2006, 9:30 am
Judge Welsh Room
Present:
Members: Vice Chairman William Dougal, W. Todd Dever, Henry Tuttle, Alix Ritchie
Absent: Astrid Berg, Hunter O’Hanian, Thanassi Kuliopulos, Steve Melamed, Gabrielle Hanna
Staff: Acting Assistant Town Manager/Grant Administrator Michelle Jarusiewicz
Public: Meeting called to order at 9:45 am by Vice Chairman Bill Dougal
Waive approval of Minutes of 10/25/06 until available.
Motion by Henry to approve 11/08/06 minutes
Seconded by Todd
All vote to approve motion: 4 in favor, 0 against, 5 absent
Motion by Henry to approve 11/29/06 minutes as amended
Seconded by Todd
All vote to approve motion: 3 in favor, 0 against, 1 abstain, 5 absent
Public comments solicited
None
Planning &
Development continuation (Henry)
Henry provided a new matrix which had been emailed to members previously. Discussion on difference between cost of setting policies (minimal) and the cost of implementing policies (higher). Focus on those goals which would generate items of low time and low cost commitments to be prioritized. On matrix, Goal 1 is a policy focus, Goal 2 is an implementation issue.
Alix provided her grading for each section. Other members to complete matrix and email results to Amy Germain for collation and distribution.
Discussion regarding collapsing various items into others and re-ordering items. Revised matrix to be provided by Henry and distributed via email.
Priorities may be impacted/changed pending presentation of data collected by Mt. Auburn.
Review draft –
licensing overhaul re fees/licensing (Todd)
Pending further review of current licensing regulations.
Updates – re Mt.
Auburn & Adams Grant (Michelle J.)
Michelle to follow-up re: Alix’s interview that needs to be scheduled
Market Assessment for Lower Cape Development to be sent electronically to Mt. Auburn by Henry, this assessment provides other potential data streams that may be useful.
Michelle to request/confirm December 20, 2006 9:00 am meeting (this is a change from date provided in 11/29 minutes) with Mt. Auburn for a status meeting. Possibility of conference call via AT&T. Henry has a standing number that he will make available for this purpose. Should include Dan & Leslie & David. Materials to be provided in advance if possible. Possible alternative date of 12/27.
Michelle indicated that at Board of Selectmen (BOS) 11/27/06 meeting BOS requested EDC to have a work session for permit criteria. Criteria have already been provided by EDC to BOS for growth permits. EDC is advisory, not regulatory – up to BOS to determine. Todd has requested a copy of the EDC criteria from Michelle as these were developed and provided to BOS prior to his joining EDC.
Bill raises point that seasonal permit holders should qualify for economic development permit if moving towards year-round business. If seasonal, but main goal is favorable to economic development, those should also qualify for permits. Grandfathered business would be a zoning issue. If special permit or variance permits cannot be met, then it would fall to courts (not a desirable outcome), spot zoning would not be approved by State Attorney General.
Put forward to the 12/20 or 12/27 EDC meetings (if quorum met) as an agenda item to determine if the EDC wishes to meet with the BOS. Alix to be acting chair if meeting held on 12/27.
Data has been sent to Mt. Auburn (assessors, water use, etc.), some still needing to be compiled and sent out (licensing).
Adams Grant final application has be sent in; $100K for way finding & story telling. Planning, design and implementation funding available., capital improvement funding is not available. The existing Adams Grant – funds available for initial packaging workshop with PBG and Chamber of Commerce. Would it be desirable to set up in conjunction with the Business Summit and Visitors Survey as a full day or pick and choose workshop? Do not want to diminish Business Summit by diluting with other issues.
Michelle would like more information from EDC as to what they are looking for from the Business Summit. EDC would make that determination pending the Mt. Auburn update.
Henry has requested an updated timeline from Mt. Auburn. Would they be prepared to present data to a meeting in late March? Michelle to follow-up.
Other subcommittee reports
None
All Other Business
Alix will be attending gubernatorial transition task force at CCCC on Thursday. Alix has volunteered to present on behalf of EDC. Todd has requested information on taxation incentives for direct local tax base for economic development. The 4 areas to be addressed at this meeting will be:
Creative Economy
Economic Development
Transportation
Environment & Energy
Discussion raised on education as economic driver – Campus Provincetown, Medical Residency at Outer Cape Health. Further discussion held on need for affordable housing, transportation, communications systems as drivers of economic development.
Regional transportation is in force, however it is not functioning well and efforts are being made on a legislative level to revamp.
Agreement from all members on the need for and importance of creation of local independent energy sources. Cape-wide co-op possible, legislation currently prevents right for town to be a municipal energy generator. Wind power generation highly appropriate and desirable. Could Provincetown become the beta-project to lead this?
Discussion on Education, Arts & Culture, Creative Economy, Health Care all is driven by affordability – housing and otherwise (accessible healthcare, general living expenses, taxes, etc.).
Motion made by Alix to adjourn meeting at 11:16 am
Seconded by Todd
All vote to approve motion: 4 in favor, 0 against, 5 absent
Meeting adjourned at 11:17 am