1. Parking space allocations are being changed in order to provide more for commuters/general and fewer for shoppers/diners. Also there will be fewer for CBD employees. The Council is being very responsive to comments and complaints from citizens, and is also responding to direct observation that their initial allocation maps needed to be adjusted.
2. Nancy Green gave a presentation about plans for remodeling the library. Basically she presented a wish-and-hope plan, which included some architectural drawings. She stated that they will work within the existing footprint……although there was a quick mention of “squaring off” the empty space on the northwest corner of the building along the walkway from Maple Avenue (behind the auditorium). Tiered seating in the auditorium was discussed as a possibility. Nothing will happen without approval from the Council. She says this is all very preliminary, but clearly a lot of work has gone into this very preliminary presentation.
3. The Hudson Street lot was discussed. Old plans for garages that fit on the space are being revisited. Maybe two retail stores could be added along S. Broad Street, providing income while just losing 10 spaces. It was emphasized that meter rates would have to go up to maybe $1 an hour in order to help finance any kind of garage. The question was raised as to whether this would discourage people from coming to town. Along this line of discussion, Tony Damiano had announced that several businesses recently closed and he placed full blame on the lack of a garage for the demise of these stores. Really Tony? And one might wonder…..stores are closing, spaces galore are available in Cottage and Walnut…..so why build a garage and add two more stores? Much to consider.
4. Schedler was on the agenda. There is a grant that will enable the removal of the dilapidated shed and garage as well as the removal of trees that are already dead. Failure to use this grant money will result in loss of the grant. A sound study will be conducted prior to the removal of these things, to provide a baseline for sound studies moving forward. Schedler residents urged caution at the microphone, and implored the council to make sure that no live trees are taken down.
5. Speaking of trees, a tree nursery is being planned with trees donated by the State. These will be very tiny saplings that will be potted, and can be planted throughout town as they grow. This is a Girl Scout project.
6. The recently passed short-term rental law was discussed by one or two residents. This “Air-BNB” ruling prohibits the rental of any house or rooms for less than one month. One citizen who spoke has been operating an Air-BNB in her home. She stated that she is a very nice and responsible person, that her tenants are very nice and responsible, and she may not be able to stay in her home now that her income has been cut by 20%. Another citizen stated that this ordinance came “out of the blue.” Mayor Knudsen explained that this issue came up first through the Zoning Board several months ago…..and then some residents made specific complaints about such goings-on in their neighborhoods. The Council looked at the situation, studied what other municipalities are doing, and enacted the ordinance after several public meetings and discussions that were announced and published (you snooze, you lose). Do homeowners have the right to do whatever they please with their own properties? No, they do not.
7. The bylaws review project is getting going. Bylaws of all committees and boards will be reviewed and revised. Some have no bylaws while others have extensive ones. All will now have to follow a set template. Some committees might be eliminated. Council liaisons are to get their respective committee bylaws to their council colleagues by mid-March, and then the review will commence.
8. One resident applauded the new facebook website of the Mayor, as it provides much valuable and timely news. The Mayor stated that soon all five council colleagues will become co-administrators of the page and can add updates from their various committees, etc.
9. An ad-hoc committee worked with Councilmen Sedon and Hache to look at Graydon hours and fees for 2017. A couple of highlights included recommending a family rate (a maximum fee for families of four or maybe five) and a pro-rated discount for buying membership in August. Council members will study the recommendations and discuss at the next meeting.
10. Uber was discussed as was valet parking. These are all mechanisms to help reduce the number of cars occupying parking spots in the heartbeat of the CBD.
11. Councilman Sedon and his son Hunter will both be celebrating birthdays this week, as announced by Mayor Knudsen. Happy Birthday to two fine men!
