DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION - Committee Room - Hartley Dodge Memorial Building Date: January 17, 2019 Time: 7:15 pm
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DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
Committee Room - Hartley Dodge Memorial Building
Date: January 17, 2019 Time: 7:15 pm
REORGANIZATION MEETING MINUTES
1) CALL TO ORDER: This meeting was called to order by Ex-Officio, Director of Business Development
Lisa Ellis at 7:18 pm.
2) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3) ROLL CALL
MEMBERS PRESENT:
R. Conley, J. Hoover, J. Hollenbach, S. Whitehorn, M. Tomaszewski, T. Honohan, P. Flemming, L.
Lajewski, J. Morris, D. Starker, E. Range, R. Rocco, R. Stern, M. Fabyanski, C. Brady
Michael Pellessier
MEMBERS ABSENT:
A. Adams, B. Cramer, G. Herzog
ALSO PRESENT: Lisa Ellis, Director of Business Development
4) OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT: In compliance with the open public meetings act, adequate notice of
this meeting of the Downtown Development Commission was provided by distributing the Annual
Meeting schedule to the Madison Eagle and Morris County Daily Record, posting a copy on the
bulletin board at the main entrance to the Hartley Dodge Memorial Building, posting a copy on the
Borough website, and filing a copy with the Borough Clerk, all on or about the first week of January
2019. Copies of said notice were made available to members of the general public.
5) OATH OF OFFICE: Mayor Conley administered the Oath of Office to the following
Commissioners and welcomed, new members.
a) Carla Brady, At Large Representative
(Unexpired term through December 31, 2020
b) Mark Fabyanski, At Large Representative
(Three year term through December 31, 2021
c) Jim Hollenbach, Merchant/Landlord/Business Owner Representative
(Three year term through December 31, 2021)
d) Suzy Whitehorn, Merchant/Landlord/Business Owner Representative
(Three year term through December 31, 2021)
e) Allison Adams, Merchant/Landlord/Business Owner Representative
(Unexpired term through December 31, 2020)
f) Thomas Honohan, Senior Citizen Advisory Committee Representative
(Unexpired term through December 31, 2020)
g) John Morris, Chamber of Commerce Representative
(Three year term through December 31, 2021)6) ELECTION OF NEW EXECUTIVE BOARD
Note: At the December meeting of each year, the ex-officio member, who will be the election
officer, will then accept nominations for the position of Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, Treasurer and
Member-At-Large.
All nominations, whether oral or written, must be made, seconded and then accepted by the
individual nominated. At the beginning of the January meeting, the election officer will accept any
nominations from the floor and call the roll to determine those eligible to receive ballots and cast
votes. The election officer will prepare the ballots indicating the officers' title and a space in which
the eligible voters can write in their choice for each officer's position. The election officer will
distribute the ballots to those eligible to vote. Upon completion of the actual vote, the election
officer will collect the ballots and will then tabulate the results. The results will be verified by the
Council Liaison and by any member of the Commission who is not running for election and who has
been appointed by the election officer. The results for each office will also be posted so all present
may view the final count.
a.) The following nominations were submitted at the meeting on December 20, 2018.
• Nomination for Chairperson: Sue Whitehorn
• Nomination for Vice Chairperson: Eric Range
• Nomination for Treasurer: Brad Cramer
• Nomination for Secretary: Leslie Lajewski
• Nominations for Member-at-Large: Jim Hollenbach
Additional Nominations: Lisa Ellis called for other nominations from the floor. No other
nominations were forwarded. Mayor Conley called for nominations to be closed and proceed to a
vote.
Motion to approve Slate of Officers for 2019 (as noted above) as a single block
Moved by: J. Hoover and Seconded by: R. Stern
Voice Vote: Unanimous
7) ADJOURNMENT OF REORGANIZATION MEETING
Motion to adjourn Reorganization Meeting at 7:23 pm
Moved by: D. Starker and Seconded by: P. Flemming
Voice Vote: Unanimous
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
1) CALL TO ORDER: This meeting was called to order at 7:25 pm by the newly elected chair, Suzy
Whitehorn.
2) APPROVAL OF DECEMBER 2018 MINUTES
Motion to approve December 2018 Minutes as presented
Moved by: E. Range and Seconded by: D. Starker
Voice Vote: Unanimous
3) TREASURER’S REPORT
a) 2019 Approved Budget: Two deposits were made but otherwise no substantive change from the
December report.
i) Information Only - https://1drv.ms/b/s!AnwS_DqnT6nMg14F0eUD3CrCQOgo4) FOUNDATION REPORT: Carla Brady reported that the foundation had met on December 20 and
approved the 2019 DDC Grant.
a) Appointment/election of Madison Main Street Foundation (MMSF) representatives
Nominations were made as follows:
Carla Brady (nominated by E. Range, seconded by B. Conley)
Brad Cramer (nominated by E. Range, seconded by B. Conley)
Eric Range (nominated by C. Brady, seconded by B. Conley)
Motion to approve slate of MMSF Representatives
Moved by: J. Hoover and Seconded by: B. Conley
Voice Vote: Unanimous
5) CHAIRMAN/EXECUTIVE BOARD REPORT
a) Review and Approve 2019 Meeting Schedule: It had been proposed that the Open Space
Committee, which typically meets on the second Wednesday of the month Committee and the
DDC could swap dates but the Open Space Committee decided to stay with their current dates.
After brief discussion, it was decided that the DDC would maintain a schedule of the third
Thursday of each month.
Motion to approve 2019 schedule of meetings as presented
Moved by: E. Range and Seconded by L. Lajewski
Voice Vote: Unanimous
b) 2019 Planning Session (February Meeting): Chair Suzy Whitehorn announced that the February
meeting will be planning session for 2019 and will include a review of the by-laws/ordinance and
committee structure.
i) Schedule Executive Committee meeting to review of by-laws by prior to meeting: Lisa Ellis
will poll the group regarding getting a meeting scheduled as soon as possible.
6) MAYORAL REPORT: Mayor Conley requested that everyone introduce himself or herself so that the
new members would feel welcome. He also announced that he was assembling a task force to review
the current borough committees and commissions and evaluate the structure and efficacy of all. In
closing, he thanked all for their willingness to serve and dedication to Madison.
7) COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT: Council Member John Hoover gave a recap of the Borough Council
meeting held on Monday, January 14. He noted that Lisa Ellis gave an update on the work of the
Mayo’s Ad hoc Parking Committee, which will be shared with the DDC tonight. He spoke about the
Dog Park Committee presentation and noted that the Council gave their unanimous blessing for the
group to proceed with fundraising. He reminded everyone that the Municipal Budget schedule was
on rosenet and that everyone should try to attend upcoming budget meetings.
8) PLANNING BOARD REPORT: Peter Flemming noted that the Planning Board had their reorganization
meeting on Tuesday, January 15 and that the board leadership structure remained the same as in
2018. They expect to be very busy in the coming months with several projects due to come before
them.
9) DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT REPORT
a) Parking - Update: Mayor Conley created the Ad Hoc Parking Committee in September of 2018.
The committee includes myself, Jim Burnet, representatives from the Chamber of Commerce and
DDC, Eric Range, Carla Brady, John Morris, Karen Giambra, Frank Iannarone, Karin Sainato
and Lt. Joe Longo and parking Enforcement Officer Cindy Weir of the Madison Police Department.
There have been two meetings to date held on September 11 and December 19.GOALS/OBJECTIVES
Find more merchant/commercial permit parking options in order to free up spaces for customers
Increase equity and efficiency of commuter/daily parking
Address parking inventory management and marketing issues
WORK IN PROGRESS
o We are evaluating current parking regulations, which includes permit fees, and penalties,
and will be ready to make recommendations for changes to Ordinance, Chapter 134 -
Parking Lots before the end of the first quarter.
o One substantive component of this will be the creation Merchant On-Street Parking Zones.
This alone could add approximately 107 spaces.
o Raising parking violations fines and making them progressive
o Best use of existing parking spaces - can efficiencies be created through adjusting parking
schedules?
o Shared use Merchant/Commercial and Commuter
o Shared use Merchant Commercial and Residential/Tenant
o Creating a few “grab and go” 15 minute spaces on Main Street
o Engineering firm Omland & Osterkorn, Inc. has been looking at the potential for
reconfiguring parking lots to see if spaces can be added without major reconstruction. The
Green Avenue Lot and Prospect/Maple Lots seem to have the most potential but this is still
under review. They are also looking at the potential to add surface lots in select areas.
o We are working on public-private Shared Parking Agreements with BoxCar who has
launched a program in New Canaan, CT. Representatives from BoxCar are scheduled to
attend the next Ad Hoc Committee meeting later this month.
o Continue to work on commuter/daily potential parking app/kiosk solutions for the Train
Station Lot and Kings Road Lot
NEXT STEPS:
o Meet with Ad Hoc Parking Committee (before February 1)
o Finalize necessary ordinance changes for introduction
o BoxCar presentation and discussion
o Once the “where to park” has been finalized, maps and a marketing campaign can be
created.
o Set-up data collection processes (parking counts, commuter surveys) to help inform
decisions on parking going forward.
b) Proposal - Hiring “Madison Arts and Events Coordinator”: A draft job description was shared with
the group (https://www.dropbox.com/s/ey4y5gcmnrc148v/DRAFT%20JOB%20DESCRIPTION%20-
%20MADISON%20ARTS%20AND%20EVENTS%20COORDINATOR.pdf?dl=0). The original intent was
always to create a fully equipped arts center, dating back to the negotiations for the sale of the
Green Village Road School. The Madison Community Arts Center is built but in order to fulfill the
original intent, we will need someone with theater expertise, with connections to that world, to
manage the fundraising necessary to finish the space and then to insure that it indeed becomes
the thriving arts center that was envisioned. Right now it is an empty shell - drapery, audio visual
equipment, lighting, seating will all need to be acquired and the early estimates have all been in
the expected range, totaling over $200,000 for the finishes necessary. We have someone ready,
willing and able to take on a position like this. He is someone with extensive local theater
management experience and possesses the all the necessary connections to take this on. The
hope is that this position could be jointly funded in some way between the DDC/MMSF and
Borough, for a one year trial. There is potential for this position to pay for itself in time through
bookings and ticket sales, etc. Substantive discussion followed the overview provided; it was
decided to schedule an executive committee meeting to further review this and then to present aproposal to the MMSF.
c) Marketing Campaign Kickoff: A meeting invitation will be sent to schedule a meeting as quickly as
possible.
d) 14 Lincoln Place Redevelopment: The redevelopment application has been submitted. It will first
be sent to the Historic Preservation Commission for review. An Ad Hoc Application Review
Committee was formed to be led by Eric Range. The other members will be Bob Rocco, John
Morris, and Melanie Tomaszewski. This review will inform the DDC’s position on the project and
could possibly include appearing before the Planning Board.
e) Potential Sculpture Garden (Property beyond METC): There was discussion regarding having the
borough property professionally surveyed. Lisa Ellis will prepare an agenda recommendation for
Mayor and Council that clearly illustrates the objective.
10) STANDING COMMITTEES (CURRENT): It was decided that only the committees that had immediate
work to do would be set now. The entire committee structure will be reviewed during the February
planning session. The Mayor, Council Liaison and DDC Chair will be invited to all committee meetings.
Sign & Façade 2019: (Eric Range, Suzy Whitehorn, Leslie Lajewski, Karen Giambra, Tom Honohan)
Reviews and submits recommendations on all sign permit applications, new or replacement,
submitted for commercial uses referred by the Zoning Officer.
Reviews referred Master Signage Plans and submit recommendations to Planning Board or
Zoning Board of Adjustment.
Adheres to all regulations put forth in Chapter 195. Land Development, Article V. Zoning, § 195-
34. Signs, while conducting all review processes.
PIC (Public Improvement):
Creates plans and projects to improve the streetscape and public spaces in the Downtown
District.
Helps to develop financial incentives and strategies for potential rehabilitation projects.
Explores strategies to improve available shopper parking in the Downtown District.
University Relations:
Works to strengthen the connection between the administrative leaders of the three local
Universities and with the Commission.
Seeks strategies to help engage the University Student Population in the activities of the
Commission and in all aspects of the Downtown District.
Creates events and support existing events that further Town-Gown connectivity such as the
University Town Tour Program, which brings new university students into Madison for a tour of
our Downtown.
Marketing and Economic Development 2019: (Eric Range, Leslie Lajewski, Carla Brady, Deb Starker,
Melanie Tomaszewski, John Morris, Karen Giambra, Michael Pellessier, Russell Stern, Jim
Hollenbach)
Monitors the Downtown District's current economic conditions and identify opportunities for
market growth.
Develops programs, events and initiatives working with the Chamber of Commerce to
strengthen existing businesses and recruit new ones.
Creates, with consultants as necessary, a comprehensive marketing plan that will be issued to
support current and future programs and that will showcase the Downtown and expand the
Madison brand.
11) AD HOC COMMITTEE AND PROJECT UPDATES: These are listed primarily for informational purposes
only the items highlighted will be discussed.
a) Taste of Madison (Monday, March 18, 2019):b) May Day (May 4, 2019)
c) Madison Into Yellow (May 5 through 12)
d) DDC/MACA Sidewalk Art Gallery & Gala (inactive)
e) Farmers’ Market (Thursdays, May 24 - October 24, 2019)
f) Drew University Town Tour (TBD)
g) Bottle Hill Day (Saturday, October 5, 2019):
h) Downtown Concert Series w/METC (June 28, July 12, July 26, August 9, August 23 and
September 6, 2019)
i) MACA/DDC Holiday Arts Festival (Friday and Saturday, November 29 and 30, 2019)
j) Rose City Summerfest (June 15, 2019)
i) Volunteers for Ad Hoc Event Committee: An ad hoc event committee was formed and a
meeting will scheduled immediately. The members are Melanie Tomaszewski, Russell Stern,
Suzy Whitehorn, Leslie Lajewski, Bob Rocco, Carla Brady, Mark Fabyanski.
12) OLD BUSINESS: There was none discussed.
13) NEW BUSINESS: There was none discussed.
14) INVITATION FOR DISCUSSION FROM THE PUBLIC: There were no members of the public present.
15) ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn at 8:31 pm
Moved by: E. Range and Seconded by: B. Conley
Voice Vote: Unanimous
NEXT MEETING: Regular Meeting and Executive Board Meeting TBD.You can also read
