HomeMy Public PortalAbout01-11-2011 Ecnonmic Development ReportCommittee on Economic Development and Planning
December 14, 2010
Meeting Minutes
The Committee on Economic Development and Planning met on Tuesday, December 14,
2010 at 5:00 PM in the Council Office. Present at the meeting were Councilors Corbett (chair),
Donohue, Falkoff and Piccirilli. Also present were Steve Magoon, Director of Planning, Laura
Paine from the Watertown TAB, and Charlie Breitrose from the Watertown Patch.
Reappointments to the Historic District Commission
The Committee interviewed Harvey Steiner and Linda Sternberg, who have been
recommended for reappointment for three year terms to the Historic District Commission.
Both of them indicated that the process is working well and that most property owners are
receptive to the Commission. They feel the Commission has benefited by the addition of
several new members over the past couple of years. The Committee thanked them for their
service to the community and voted to recommend their reappointment.
Reuse of Former Police Station
The Committee then took up the discussion of the reuse of the former Police Station. It
was agreed that there are three basic options available to the Town: utilize some or all of the
building for municipal use, lease it out to generate income, or tear it down to provide additional
parking or open space (and avoid the expense of operation and maintenance). It was agreed
that the first order of business should be to decide if the Town has a need for the space for
municipal use. Steve Magoon indicated that several departments have indicated that they
could use additional space. He also noted that his own department is spread out throughout
Town Hall and could run more efficiently with a better layout. This possibility exists for other
departments as well. It was also noted that the Town has a need for space for permanent
record retention, which is temporarily housed at the former East Branch Library. It was also
noted that the most recent facility assessment study had identified a need for approximately
$550,000 for maintenance and updating in the building. This anticipated capital expenditure
has been included in the capital budget, but without a funding source.
The Committee requested that Mr. Magoon survey the departments in Town Hall for
their space status and needs and report back at our next meeting.
Parking Behind Town Hall and the Library
The Committee had a brief discussion regarding the status of parking behind Town Hall
and the Library. Note was taken of the parking study conducted in the spring of 2008, the
recommendations made by the Library Board of Trustees in August 2010, and the
Administration's interim parking recommendation of September, 2010. The total of available
spaces number approximately 151 and Mr. Magoon indicated that the employees require
approximately 100. Also, various improvements and modifications are needed with respect to
signage, striping, and metering. A suggestion was made to consider reserving some of the on
street parking bordering the town property to help alleviate the problem.
The Committee decided to hold off on specific parking recommendations until we have
a better idea on the disposition of the police station, since this has a significant impact on the
situation.
The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at 11:00 AM.
Respectfully Submitted
Stephen Corbett