Downtown TIF Advisory Board

Feb. 5, 2009

Town Council Chambers

Attendees:

Absent:

Crescentia Anne Healy, Chair, Gil Lang, Phil LePage,

Rick McMenimen, Steve Minutelli, Mike Provost, Walter Cheney,

Clay Serenbetz

Julie Glover

Steve Minutelli

---------- Agenda Topics ----------

C.A. Healy called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

Approval of Minutes

Discussion:  C. Serenbetz motioned, G. Lang 2^nd to approve the Nov. 6, 2008 Minutes. All voted in favor, except that R. McMenimen abstained.

Conclusions: n/a

Action items: Forward approved minutes to K. Castle

Person responsible: JG

Deadline:

TIF Budget Update

JG

Discussion:  J. Glover distributed a copy of the Town Council-approved FY09/10 budget and gave a brief overview. R. McMenimen questioned what was being done about PSNH’s proposed cost increase; J. Glover stated that she and the Town Administrator had met with PSNH and requested detailed information regarding the increase and that they will be reporting back to the Town Council after they have reviewed the information.

Conclusions: n/a

Action items: n/a

Person responsible:

Deadline:

Downtown Parking

CAH

Discussion:  C.A. Healy expressed concerns regarding the difficulty of exiting from Chapel St. onto Main St.. J. Glover explained that the Traffic and Safety Committee is reviewing this issue and that they may eliminate the frst parking spot in front of the Big Bean to help with visibility. C. A. Healy stated that she had done some research on traffic mirrors and would like this recommendation forwarded to the Traffic and Safety Committee.

C. A. Healy questioned how the crosswalks will be designated; J. Glover explained that they will ultimately be striped with thermoplastic paint, except for the tabletop.

Conclusions: By voice vote, the Committee agreed to have this recommendation forwarded.

Action items: Forward suggestion to the Traffic and Safety Committee

Person responsible: JG

Deadline:

Tree Committee Update

MP

Discussion:  M. Provost explained that the Tree Committee is headed up by Jim Bergeron. They visited Millican Nursery in Chichester to view possible trees for the downtown. A number of business owners have also joined the committee. C. A. Healy feels that the trees should be short. M. Provost agreed and added that trees should also be unique and salt-resistant.  Portsmouth replaces trees every seven years. Tree Committee is also working on making Newmarket a “Tree City.”

Conclusions: n/a

Action items: n/a

Person responsible:

Deadline:

Other New Business

Discussion: M. Provost has not yet been appointed by the NCDC to serve as the TIF liaison, so he will abstain from any votes until that happens.

Conclusions: n/a

Action items: n/a

Person responsible:

Deadline:

Old Business

Discussion:  M. Provost relayed that he is still working with the Strafford Regional Planning Commission on the Scenic Highway and Byway Development Conservation Plan and that it should be finished by June. It extends from downtown Exeter on Rte 108, goes via Swazey Park, through Newfields, Newmarket, Durham, Madbury and Dover, towards Portland, ME.

Conclusions: n/a

Action items: n/a

Person responsible:

Deadline:

Adjournment

Discussion: G. Lang motioned, C. Serenbetz 2^nd to adjourn at 7:50 p.m. All voted in favor.

Other Information

Special notes:

Committee discussed date for next meeting; decided on no earlier than April.