1-13-21 Design Minutes

Design Committee Meeting Minutes Design Committee 1/13/21 11:30 a.m. via Zoom DRAFT Attendees:​ Kristin Pleasanton, Tricia Arndt, Dawn Melson, Kim Adams, Rosie Mujica, Carrie Hart, Todd Stonesifer, Tina Bradbury, Diane Laird Todd Stonesifer ​was introduced as DDP board president, and an active member of D-3 (Destination Downtown Dover). Expressed deep appreciation for the work of the Design committee in the aesthetics and beautification of downtown. “To have a really good time downtown” is D-3’s mission. Without block parties due to COVID, D-3 revenue is limited, so pots are confirmed for this year, but not necessarily for 2022 if block parties cannot take place this year. D-3 has committed to 150 pots/flowers, installation anticipated for spring/Memorial Day in downtown by D-3. Suggestion to consider self-watering pots next year. Could be a nice alternative to the city needing to water daily. Approval of November minutes:​ Motion duly made and unanimously accepted. Façade grants update:​ Tina working with several outstanding. Most recent Mr. Otis/ Sold Out Sneaks has not responded with documents to continue. Hassan (State St. Alley) ran into difficulties with city, now may be rectified, regarding the stairwell. Dawn will check into in. Parke Green Galleries/DE Store, now just doing the railing and should be proceeding now with the installation of railings at $350 grant amount. Tax E is still underway. Kristin will send letter to city once Tina gets information back to Kristin. Elena updated via Tricia regarding Mitten & Winters plaque​. Plaque has been ordered. Invoice for plaque and installation will be forwarded to DDP from Kim Deihl of Kent signs. Holiday window contest:​ Awards will not be presented in person to winners. DDP will cut checks and send them to winners. People’s choice award was discussed. “Robo-voting” has been a concern with People’s Choice. Voted to award to Creative Vision. Change process for People’s Choice voting going forward to ensure fairness. Vinyl window clings being considered to improve aesthetics of downtown​. Could be used possibly to promote DDD and downtown incentives. Current regulation: window signs cannot take more than 50% of window. “Coming soon…” types of signage may be allowed. Consider this a temporary public art installation? Signage not specific to business…more generic. Plein air painting, inspirational images, professional quality could be considered. Consider using images from recent downtown Dover plein air events. DDP staff will check pricing and provide several options for next month. Public art project bringing into the community to beautify may garner grant, such as possibly a CenDel or DDOA grant. Consider involving DSU and DSHA for art, graphics, funding, etc. 12:37 adjourned.​ Motion duly made and unanimously accepted DJL The Design Committee enhances and improves the appearance of the downtown Dover area and educates the public and private sectors about good design principles and the value of historical and cultural preservation.