Economic Development Task Force

Meeting: May 20, 2005, 1:00 pm

Judge Welsh Room

Present: Acting Assistant Town Manager/Grant Administrator Michelle Jarusiewicz, Paul DeRuyter, Ellen Burbank/PMPM, Hunter O’Hanian/FAWC, Alix Ritchie/Banner, Judy Cicero/Chamber, Lynne Davies/VSB, Steve Melamed/VSB, Tourism Director Pat Fitzpatrick, Gabby Hanna/PBG, Joseph Guglielmo/PTF, Winthrop Smith, Cherie Mittenthal/Castle Hill, Kathryn Rafter, Town Manager Keith Bergman

Meeting with Facilitator Kathryn Rafter:

Introduction of Facilitator Kathryn Rafter of Provincetown and Dallas, TX. Overview of approach and process for grant program including general discussion about status of project. Facilitator hired and conducted one-on-one individual interviews and is available for more.

1. Conduct series of meetings through December:

- Clarify Scope - Brainstorm - Key Focus Areas - Clear Direction

- Common Language - Reality check - Requirements - Resource Needs

- Working Together - Assess impact - “socialization” plan - Time frames

The Focus The Answers The Path The Commitment

2. Conduct a Survey and Validate Task Force Work: Summer/Fall

3. Hire an urban planner to lend expertise and guidance: Summer

Meeting Schedule:

EDTF Meetings scheduled for 6/1/05, 6/23/05, 7/14/05, 7/28/05, 8/11/05, 9/8/05, all 9:30 am to 12:30 pm.

Discussion: establishment of an Economic Development Committee –

On April 26, 2005, the Board of Selectmen voted to invite a staff recommendation on the establishment by the Board of Selectmen of a town board pertaining to economic development. Members supported the following recommendation:

to establish the Provincetown Council on Economic Development to advise the Board of Selectmen on the development of strategies consistent with the Local Comprehensive Plan which will foster a sustainable year-round economy for Provincetown. Said council shall be comprised of seven members appointed by the Board of Selectmen for three‑year overlapping terms so arranged that the terms of at least two members shall expire each year. Members of the council shall have education and experience in one or more of the following fields: tourism and visitor services, arts and culture, retail, general business, education, health care, commercial fishing and aquaculture, and housing and construction; and the council as a whole shall include persons with education and experience in several of these fields. In fulfillment of its mission, said council shall actively solicit ongoing input from businesses, organizations, and interested individuals.

General discussion and concern that the new council be inclusive and actively seek input and bring people to the table for full discussion. Advantages of task force are very inclusive, regardless of residence, less formal, less restrictive, open discussion for all attendees not just appointed members.

Cape Arts & Cultural Trails: notes of meeting conducted on 5/12/05 were distributed with general discussion. The meeting was hosted by the Provincetown Chamber of Commerce at the Provincetown Pilgrim Monument and Museum regarding the development of Arts & Artisans Trails of the Cultural Coast on Cape Cod. The proposed trail is funded in part by a grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and will create “trails” that connect tourists, residents, and second home owners to the wealth of artists and craftspeople living and working off the region’s beaten path. This is encapsulated in an ad-free guidebook which targets those residents and tourists that spend time [and money] seeking art and culture. The intent is to boost revenues for cultural and non-cultural businesses, generating marketing and new customers for the multitude of small artistic and cultural businesses in the region. It is modeled after a similar guidebook and trails in North Carolina.

EDTF members expressed concern that criteria to be included on the trail might be too restrictive given Provincetown’s zoning by-laws, etc. Requirements for signage and sales on premise might prohibit listing. Future notes/updates will be distributed to all.

Arts Bus/shuttle: update – new Gallery and Museum shuttle to begin 6/17 on Friday evenings serving east end galleries and museums along Commercial Street. Free parking available at lots at BYD and McHoul Funeral Home.

General Discussion: need copies of 2004 Vision Survey Report.

Sample logo that the town must use on documents related to the MCC grant: