2022-04-13 DDP Design Committee Packet

Design Committee Meeting AGENDA April 13th, 2022 12:00pm Via Zoom (see next page for log-in) • Roll Call-Introductions • Volunteer to take minutes • Approval of Agenda • Approval of Minutes • Guest-Marshall Family in regard to a mural concept at 329-331 W. Loockerman Street • Façade Grant Update • New Banner & Hardware Discussion • Façade Grant Policy Discussion (Signage) • Public Comments Next Meeting Date: Wednesday, May 11th 2022 The Design Committee will work to improve the appearance of the downtown Dover area and to educate the public and private sector about good design principles.

Design Committee Meeting Tina Bradbury is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: DDP Design Committee Monthly Meetings Time: Apr 13, 2022 12:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Every month on the Second Wed, until Dec 14, 2022, 9 occurrence(s) Apr 13, 2022 12:00 PM May 11, 2022 12:00 PM Jun 8, 2022 12:00 PM Jul 13, 2022 12:00 PM Aug 10, 2022 12:00 PM Sep 14, 2022 12:00 PM Oct 12, 2022 12:00 PM Nov 9, 2022 12:00 PM Dec 14, 2022 12:00 PM Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system. Monthly: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/tZMrceitqzgqH9GWbDdEO_t9yTG5IRqphc8f/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGvqD0rH9GWsByCRpwEBI_od- _wmHZfgvp6qx3BBwV8XRevL9ZlZ5tNAcjY Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87661553055?pwd=cjZ2OE05dkFSVGRLL1JPUVMxZkhLUT09 Meeting ID: 876 6155 3055 Passcode: 255026 One tap mobile +13017158592,,87661553055#,,,,*255026# US (Washington DC) +13126266799,,87661553055#,,,,*255026# US (Chicago) Dial by your location +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 720 707 2699 US (Denver) Meeting ID: 876 6155 3055 Passcode: 255026 Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kf5odnO71 The Design Committee will work to improve the appearance of the downtown Dover area and to educate the public and private sector about good design principles.

Design Committee Meeting The Design Committee will work to improve the appearance of the downtown Dover area and to educate the public and private sector about good design principles.

MINUTES March 9, 2022 Design Committee Meeting via Zoom at 12:00p.m. DRAFT BOARD MEMBERS: Rosie Mujica, Carrie Hart, Roger Ridgeway, Will Grimes, Laura Parks, Kristin Pleasanton, Antonio Bray, Dawn Melson-Williams, Candy Young GUESTS: Reginald Daniel (NCALL), Antonio Bray (Streets Supervisor for City of Dover) STAFF: Jordan Resh, Tina Bradbury Call to order: Bradbury opened the meeting at 12:00 p.m. and took attendance. Hart asked for volunteers to take minutes, and Resh volunteered. Parks motioned to approve the agenda, Grimes seconded the motion, and the committee voted unanimously to approve. Parks motioned to approve the February minutes, Grimes seconded the motion, and the committee voted unanimously to approve. Façade Grant Updates Bradbury shared an excel of the façade grant program, with new pending charges in yellow and a new extension for Doug Ferris to May 11, 2022. Bradbury said that Ferris may request an additional extension if they are not able to secure the necessary materials for their project. Grimes asked what the extension process is, and Bradbury responded that they typically apply for a single 3 month extension and does not think a second extension has not been requested in the DDP’s past. Bradbury asked Melson-Williams how long their building permit is good for, and Melson-Williams responded it is good for 6 months, and can be extended for every 6 months for up to three years. Grimes responded that because Ferris’ work is underway and the fault is not the business owner, but rather shipping issues, the committee should vote to extend the project deadline. Hart asked the committee to vote on if the project should be extended for 6 months to August 11, 2022, and the committee voted unanimously to approve. The committee decided that if the project is not complete by the deadline, eligibility for an extension will be discussed at that date. Façade Funds Excel: DRAFT March 9, 2022 – DDP Design Committee Meeting 1

Banners Hart shared the collection of current banners from Downtown, DSU, and Holiday rotations. Parks created designs that incorporate DSU to the permanent downtown banners, as discussed at the previous meeting. For example… Bray shared that the current timeframe to change banners starts in April for Old Dover Days to include wreaths, then in June for 4th of July, in March for a Spring rotation of banners, in June for the summer rotation, and in October for the fall rotation. Bray noted that these dates are a grandfather program from the previous Streets officials, adding that it may cause the scheduling to appear to be “out of order.” Bray noted that the current dates work for those tasked to complete it. Parks asked how the Streets Division determines why certain banners are put up, and Bray responded that the DDP communicates what banners they want up and their department responds accordingly. Bray noted that leaf collection is a larger priority than banner installation, which may cause delays to the schedule. DRAFT March 9, 2022 – DDP Design Committee Meeting 2

Bray shared that some of the locations are not a full installation because large heavy trucks tend to break banners in those locations. The banners are placed strategically through Loockerman, Way and the historic district/the Green to avoid damage from vehicles. Pleasanton asked for locations that are not suitable for trucks, and Bray responded it is typically the intersections, which is why banners are no longer put up on Governors Ave and State St. Bradbury added that many banner hardware is damaged and purchasing new banners will include a package for installation as well. Melson-Williams asked if the positioning of the arms of the banners can be changed to stop them from being damaged, and Bray said it had been considered and it would likely work, but at the time it was discussed the arms were not uniform and a partial move did not look aesthetically pleasing. Bradbury suggested an angled banner. Parks asked if all banners could be moved in a way that prevents damage, and Ridgeway responded that other accessories, such as the seasonal decorative baskets, would not be suitable for this setup. Hart asked if the committee wanted to wait to decide how to respond to intersections and banners affected by trucks, and Parks shared support to move forward with banners that are workable, and brainstorm solutions for the additional locations. Grimes asked if DSU changes out banners seasonally, and Young responded that there are a few seasonal banners that are rotated throughout the year. Young shared that DSU signs extend to Bradford St and down State St. Bradbury asked if signs could be extended down State St and other zones without banners, and Bray responded that there are other concerns, such as leaf collection and snow removal, that take precedent and occupy his small staff, but that if there was enough advanced notice, he would try to expand the banner display as requested. Hart asked how much of a notice Bray and his team would need, and Bray responded that at least a month notice would be required to prepare for the project. Bradbury shared that she is communicating with a manufacturer to supply black coils that ease installation and produce a uniform look (matching the existing black coils). Bradbury noted that the kits are expensive, priced similarly to the banners themselves. Banner Design Bradbury noted that Parks did not receive the DDP branding package, so the designs do not match the downtown Dover brand. Young said that for the DSU banner, the hornet head cannot be used by itself and will require the full body of the hornet. Pleasanton shared that in producing the previous banners, design ideas were sent to the banner company who helped produce the final designs. DRAFT March 9, 2022 – DDP Design Committee Meeting 3

Grimes said he liked the design, and suggested words are added instead of just images. Parks agreed that she liked the designs and suggested that the words are added to replace the “welcome” sign over top each banner. Pleasanton said she liked the designs but suggested that not every banner is in the DSU colors. She added that DSU should be featured in at least one of them, but that the banners for downtown should be distinctly downtown themed. Pleasanton added that the “welcome” triangles may not be visible from the street, and suggested shortening the words, such as to “eat” or “shop” to allow for a larger size. Bradbury suggested that an additional banner design is made for “explore”, fitting downtown’s theme – shop, eat, learn (DSU), and explore. Melson-Williams suggested moving forward with the four themes and suggested that “explore” fit the museums downtown and emphasize the history of downtown. Pleasanton shared that the First State Heritage Parks had banners with historical icons, and suggested something similar, such as a quill. Bradbury suggested that the Farmers Market banner is adapted to include fruits and vegetables because the Department of Agriculture emphasizes including both fruits and vegetables in representing Farmer’s Markets. Hart asked if dates would be added to the Farmer’s Market banners, and Bradbury responded that because the dates are not set, it is easier to keep the banners without. The committee discussed the holiday banners, and Pleasanton noted that Holly is Delaware’s state tree. Young said she liked the holly on each banner with different color backgrounds, noting that the dark blue helps represent the Jewish population. Hart added that ladybugs could be hidden in different parts of the banners and kids could be encouraged to find them. Façade Research Resh presented the following presentation regarding a comparative review of different Main Street/affiliated organizations’ Façade Grant Program. The work was completed by Resh and Grimes. Recommendations to be considered by the Design committee were: funding 100% of special interest projects, invest more in larger buildings (adjust eligible funds per square foot), invest majority of funding in architecture/permanent fixtures, and less on signage, limit number of grants received in certain number of years, and/or prioritize and enforce historic preservation/district. The presentation: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1w0n431EFdXOoOuj8FR8XKmgWgz4Tf2kuAt5nB3Re mVs/edit?usp=sharing Clean Up DRAFT March 9, 2022 – DDP Design Committee Meeting 4

Ridgeway shared that a cleanup project is in place and expected to be completed within the next few weeks. The next project planned is the overgrowth by Harry Louie/apartments. Funding for Trash Cans Bradbury asked if Restoring Central Dover or DE Division of Arts could support a project for new trash cans. Grimes said NCALL could not provide funding, and Pleasanton said DE Division of Arts has a small grant up to $1,000, but it would have to be a community art project. Bradbury suggested that local organizations and business “sponsor” a trash can, as seen in other cities. Ridgeway said the City of Dover does not have a budget for more trashcans, and the current downtown trashcans range from $800 - $1,000 each. Pleasanton asked if there is a strong need for new trashcans, and Bradbury shared that there has been waste build up in recent months. Ridgeway added that they have discussed adding more cans to current pick-up spots. Pleasanton suggested that each DDP committee invest $1,000 to buy 5 new trashcans, instead of it being taken online by the design committee. Parks shared that there was a city that recruited metal shops to design bike racks for a contest, and then the city received many bike racks. Mujica added that 4H does a trash decoration contest, but the trash cans are not approved for outdoor use. Hart searched public space grant programs for waste management and suggested that grant funds are available. Mujica suggested that the trash project is delayed for next fiscal year when more funds are available. Work Plan Bradbury shared that the banners would cost an estimated $10,000+ - without expanded banner locations, and no additional hardware. Young suggested that conversations with DSU continue to request funding to help include DSU branding in downtown banners. Hart added that “exclusive promotional rights” are marketed towards DSU as funding for the banners are pursued. Melson-Williams asked if conversations have occurred about returning benches, and Bradbury said that they are in storage and conversations have not started about reinstalling them. Potential Guest Bradbury shared that there is a property owner on the West End, near Grooms Kings, Penny Marshall, who is interested in funding and consultation regarding a mural facing Queens St – “History to Dover.” Marshall will come next meeting to seek design assistance, following the historical guidelines, and looking for recommendations for artists. Public Comments: None DRAFT March 9, 2022 – DDP Design Committee Meeting 5

Call to Adjourn: Hart adjourned the meeting at 1:16pm. JR DRAFT March 9, 2022 – DDP Design Committee Meeting 6