DDP Design Committee Packet

Design Committee Meeting March 13, 2024 Zoom: (over) AGENDA • Welcome & New Member Introductions • Volunteer to Take Minutes • Approval of Agenda • Approval of Minutes (November 2023) • Biggs Update • Art League Update • Façade Grant General Status and Application(s)-Tina • Façade Grant Guidelines/Program Funding Discussion-Michael Weeks • Holiday Decoration (Spring) Update-Roger & Tina • Public Comment • Adjourn Next Meeting: 4/10/24 (Zoom) The Design Committee encourages and enables improvements to buildings and enhancements to the downtown Dover business district through grant/incentive programs, public art, aesthetic amenities, and education on appropriate design principles to promote value of historic and cultural resources.

Design Committee Meeting March 13, 2024 Zoom: (over) Design Committee Meeting Tina Bradbury is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: DDP Design Committee Monthly Meeting Time: Mar 13, 2024 12:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Every month on the Second Wed, 10 occurrence(s) Mar 13, 2024 12:00 PM Apr 10, 2024 12:00 PM May 8, 2024 12:00 PM Jun 12, 2024 12:00 PM Jul 10, 2024 12:00 PM Aug 14, 2024 12:00 PM Sep 11, 2024 12:00 PM Oct 9, 2024 12:00 PM Nov 13, 2024 12:00 PM Dec 11, 2024 12:00 PM Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system. Monthly: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/tZYtf-6upj4iH9IltSwXYnG4bB2XRwVc_SEF/ics?icsToken=98tyKu- GqrjMtHNyQuByBRpwQAoqgKO7xiCVHgvp0kAvWFBhqbCSiNMAQCoBoJtvv Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82087685856?pwd=kscNEndyjJtW7Tt2tkXfmbxONxR9fQ.1 Meeting ID: 820 8768 5856 Passcode: 959806 --- One tap mobile +13017158592,,82087685856#,,,,*959806# US (Washington DC) +13052241968,,82087685856#,,,,*959806# US --- Dial by your location • +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) • +1 305 224 1968 US • +1 309 205 3325 US • +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) • +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) • +1 646 931 3860 US • +1 253 205 0468 US • +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) • +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) • +1 360 209 5623 US • +1 386 347 5053 US • +1 507 473 4847 US • +1 564 217 2000 US • +1 669 444 9171 US • +1 689 278 1000 US • +1 719 359 4580 US • +1 720 707 2699 US (Denver) Meeting ID: 820 8768 5856 Passcode: 959806 Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/k5WFgUtyb The Design Committee encourages and enables improvements to buildings and enhancements to the downtown Dover business district through grant/incentive programs, public art, aesthetic amenities, and education on appropriate design principles to promote value of historic and cultural resources.

Design Committee 11/8/23 Zoom MINUTES ATTENDANCE: Dawn Melson-Williams, Jennifer Gunther STAFF: Jordan Resh, Diane Laird, Tina Bradbury CALL TO ORDER Bradbury called the meeting to order at 12:04 p.m. VOLUNTEER Resh offered to take minutes. AGENDA Melson-Williams motioned to approve the agenda and Gunther seconded. The motion passed unanimously. MINUTES Melson-Williams motioned to approve the minutes and Gunther seconded. The motion passed unanimously. BIGGS UPDATE Gunther noted that the Biggs staff had off today, following the Wyeth exhibition and presentation. She estimated 200+ in attendance at the gala and 300+ in attendance at the discussion at the Schwartz with Victoria Wyeth. She noted that funding from Delaware Humanities Forum helped prepare the event at the Schwartz and offer it free to the public. ART LEAGUE UPDATE Resh provided a brief update on the Art League, sharing that the winter programming is underway, and that Solomon can provide further updates the next time he is in attendance. Laird shared that funding from Main Street was provided to the Art League to improve the lighting in the windows. FASCADE APPLICATION Bradbury shared that an application is expected from Parris Nail Lounge on Governors Ave. but required updates. Laird noted that previously funding was available for the property and adjacent ones, but it was not utilized. The goal is to have another application prepared for review. Design Committee 11/8/23 Downtown Dover Partnership DRAFT 1

Design Committee 11/8/23 Zoom Melson-Williams asked about the budget for facade grants. Bradbury shared that the budget is $9,000 and the only approved project to date was for The Hive on Loockerman. She added that funding was provided to the “Old Sears Building” to repair bullet holes as well. FAÇADE GUIDELINES Laird shared the recommendation that “signage will be funded up to 25% of costs not to exceed $500.” And “Sign, awning, and lighting replacement to be considered when consistent with a permanent improvement. Signage specific to the business must not exceed 50% of total request and will be funded at 25% of funding cost not to exceed $500.” The committee discussed the meaning of this addition and whether it was a reasonable ask, noting that it encouraged multiple projects to be completed alongside plans for signage. Bradbury asked if the signage guidelines should be property or business dependent. Laird responded that the program should support business owners and could have half dispersed initially and the other half dispersed after a year in business. Melson-Williams asked what was paid for signage over the years, and Bradbury responded that it has been a significant expense with projects costing upwards of $1,500. Bradbury suggested prioritizing signage that can be kept with the business if they move, such as a blade sign. Melson-Williams suggested not making recommendations in their guidelines with priorities, as it may prevent smaller projects from being completed that are not seen as “priorities.” Laird noted that a $500 grant out of a required $2,000+ project cost may not attract applicants. Bradbury noted that payout would change if insurance helps cover the cost of the project. Melson-Williams suggested that Bradbury update the document to detail steps to apply and receive funding alongside guidelines. Melson-Williams noted that awning is different from signage since businesses do not have to put their name on the awning. Melson-Williams added that internally illuminated signage in the historic district is not approved and suggested clarifying if lighting is connected to signage or to the building generally. Laird clarified that historical/city guidelines override façade guidelines and are required for approval for façade projects. Melson-Williams asked to receive a copy of the façade guidelines for review before the next meeting, agreeing to delay voting until January. HOLIDAY DECORATIONS Design Committee 11/8/23 Downtown Dover Partnership DRAFT 2

Design Committee 11/8/23 Zoom Bradbury shared that Roger from the City does not plan to change the white string lights to red & green until close to the tree lighting. She added that wreaths and garland change out is taking place after Thanksgiving and before the tree lighting, Nov. 30. Melson-Williams asked if both lights – color and white – could be plugged in together to control which is lit. Bradbury responded that the trucks and wind cannot support both strings. Melson- Williams suggested pursuing color changing lighting that can be controlled remotely. Bradbury added that the banners will be replaced but plan to be put back up earlier (February instead of March) if the winter weather conditions remain mild enough to do so. Melson-Williams asked if the Dover banners will remain at the clock. Bradbury responded that the clock will be decorated for the holidays to go alongside the memorial garden for Lucy Findlay, a business owner and former DDP board member/volunteer as funded in lieu of flowers after her passing. Gunter reached out to the Art Club as DSU about window decorating and did not receive any interest. Bradbury shared that there has not been interest in using vacant spaces either. Laird asked if Resh could assist in recruiting participants for the winter window contest. Bradbury clarified that Resh runs the other window contests throughout the year, but the design committee handles the winter contest. Laird asked if jurors had been selected for the contest, Bradbury responded suggesting DSU interns and Gunther. Gunther responded that they are available Dec. 8 to judge. Bradbury suggested Antonio from the City to coordinate with public works, and Delaware Arts Alliance, Dover community engagement officers. Laird asked if participation is low if the judging will be a beneficial experience. Gunther suggested inviting a group from the Biggs Museum to judge as well. Bradbury offered to connect with Habitat for judging, but Laird suggested waiting for them to engage them and focusing on arts organizations, if possible, for the winter contest. Additional judging will take place on Facebook. Bradbury offered to share the form for the judges. Melson-Williams suggested holding off on utilizing non-arts organizations, such as public works, until a future contest. Laird suggested providing judges with a Yiftee gift card, up to 3 per organization. PUBLIC COMMENT None. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 12:59 p.m. Design Committee 11/8/23 Downtown Dover Partnership DRAFT 3