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2014-11-13CITY OF BEVERLY PUBLIC MEETING NOTES BOARD OR COMMISSION: Economic and Community Development Council DATE /TIME: November 13, 2014 at 4:30 PM LOCATION: Beverly City Hall, Conference Room B MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Michael Cahill; City Council President Paul Guanci; Charlene St. Jean; Aaron Clausen; Richard Marino, Michael O'Brien; William Howard; Denise Deschamps. MEMBERS ABSENT: Don Fournier; Neiland Douglas; Thomas Grant; Michael Collins. Council President Guanci called the meeting to order. Discussion: Solar development opportunities targeted for seven different City - owned properties proposed by B1ueWave Capital. Aaron Clausen distributed a packet of information relative to B1ueWave Capital's proposal for installations of solar panels on six city -owned properties throughout Beverly including: Ayers Ryal Side Elementary School; Centerville Elementary School; North Beverly Elementary School; the high school car port; the high school rooftop; the Beverly landfill. Following review of the proposal Beverly's Planning Department looked at four(4) land use types (office, R &D; light industrial; warehouse) relative to the .landfill site and calculated estimated tax revenue to the city generated by these types of development on the landfill in comparison to the potential energy savings generated if the landfill were to host a solar array. When evaluating the potential uses for the landfill there are a variety of variables that need to be considered including the desirability of the location given real estate development costs associated with the removal and disposal of landfill materials and the engineering /construction costs associated with building on a landfill. The topography of the site may also present some challenges to real estate development. The Planning Department also estimated one parking space per 250 SF of office and did not assume a parking garage as it was assumed the market doesn't support it. Taxes generated from various types of land use (office, R &D; light industrial; warehouse) range from $33,104- $230,087 annually on the landfill property. The entire property would not be used for the solar array because of development potential. Bill Howard mentioned that there are indirect benefits to developing the landfill such as employees visiting area shops and restaurants. In addition, Phase 2 of the Exit 19 Interchange Improvement project would impact a number of other parcels in the area that are un/underdeveloped. Aaron pointed out that there are also negative impacts to development such as increased traffic. Construction potential on the landfill site is 7 -10 years out due to the potential timeline for completion of Phase II of the Exit 19 Interchange. Redevelopment of the landfill site also presents challenges due to environmental remediation that would be necessary.. The solar array could be sited on the landfill until market conditions render redevelopment of the property more feasible. There is also the question of whether or not the site would be suitable as a potential site for a fire /safety station. Blue Wave's analysis projects that using the entire landfill site for a solar array would generate $400,000 in energy savings while use of only half of the landfill would generate $100,000. The differential is due to economies of scale. According to BlueWave, if the landfill is included as one of the solar array sites, year one of the project would yield $177,250 in savings at the meter and by year 20 such savings would total $388,250 annually. Without the landfill savings would be $83,498 in the first year and $178,278 in the 20" year. At the next meeting of the ECDC Aaron will distribute a full proposal from BlueWave. The question remains as to whether or not the project is still worth doing without including the landfill. BlueWave is also looking at making improvements to the solar field at the high school. Discussion: Identify ways in which the Commission can assist the City in identifying and prioritizing economic development opportunities. Aaron Clausen distributed a document authored by Neiland Douglas that proposed ways in which the ECDC could assist the City of Beverly in identifying economic and community development opportunities. ECDC members were given the opportunity to read through the document and then comment on the proposals. As to the recommendation that the ECDC "provide Mayor with updated Annual report outlining specific economic and community development goals and programmatic strategies and initiatives to achieve goals" it was noted that this would be a significant undertaking requiring a substantial time commitment. As to the recommendation that the ECDC "develop recommendations for suggested modifications to [the] City's Master Plan and Zoning Ordinance to reflect an Economic Development Strategy" it was suggested that this would be very useful effort when the City updates its master plan. As to the recommendation that the ECDC "advocate for a city -wide road and traffic study prioritizing road improvements for inclusion in the Capital Budget and Program" the city currently employs a road - ranking system. However, the City could carefully reassess the needs of any roads that might impact a major economic development project. The City plans to propose several intersection improvement projects be placed on the Commonwealth's TIP (Transportation Improvement Program) list including the intersections at: Henry's Market; Balch/McKay Streets; River /Bridge Streets; base of Beverly /Salem bridge. The City must also work to identify sources of funding for transportation improvements and will work with Governor -elect Baker to do so. As for the proposal that the City "review all major economic and community development projects submitted to the City for permits to develop and utilize property with recommendations to appropriate Boards for support, modification or disapproval based upon economic and community development strategy" the City does currently review all such projects. The City formed a Project Review Team consisting of relevant staff which meets monthly As for the proposal to "develop and maintain a file of all major funded Federal and State programs providing resources, assistance, incentives for economic development utilizing when appropriate ECDC offices and membership for advice /and recommendations" it was agreed that this would be helpful. As to the proposal that the ECDC "maintain current quarterly file of basic economic trends" the City does currently provided some data on its economic development web page and it would like to make more available quarterly with its development scorecard. The City would like to know if the data we are currently providing on the website would help a business to make a decision to move to Beverly. Deschamps asked members of the ECDC to visit the economic development web page and provide feedback. As to the proposal that ECDC members "communicate with property owners as the Mayor and leadership may suggest and to assist property owners and developers to meet marketing and permitting objectives" ECDC members are open to meeting with members of the business community. ECDC member Neiland Douglas has met with members of the business community in the past. The Mayor expressed interest in having ECDC members help to project the mix of businesses that will be in Beverly in five years if we don't engage in any recruitment. The ECDC could also identify types of businesses that the City should be attracting to Beverly in the future and strategies for attracting these businesses. Bill Howard asked if Phase II of the Exit 19 InterchangeBrimbal Avenue Improvement Project will be completed in order to make room for additional businesses. It is challenging to drive the right type of business to a community. Beverly is missing the right retail mix downtown. What is the best way to promote Beverly? Should a complete package be completed for distribution to media outlets? Developers are still frustrated by Beverly's permitting process. The project underway at 130 Cabot Street, built by right, took two years to secure approvals. It is important that Beverly's various municipal processes, including the permitting process, be more efficient than those of other nearby communities. The permitting process can be cumbersome and time - consuming. A complete revision of the permitting process may be necessary. An important first step that has already been taken by the administration is improving communication between the developer and various department heads. Can the Project Review Team reduce the ping -pong effect. Instead of having businesses or developers bounce back and forth between Committees as they seek permits and approvals can the process be revised to include sequential meetings or joint meetings? Currently, many committees and councils weigh into the process because staff capacity is limited. The redevelopment of the McKay School will provide a test case for the project review team. The City may need to consider overall permitting reform. Bill Howard asked, on the average, how long it takes to navigate the permitting process. Aaron Clausen responded that it varies depending upon the nature and complexity of project. The City of Lowell moved all of inspectional services into one building so that, at least, all permits could be obtained in the same building. An important communication tool is the City's website. It has been improved but funds are not currently available for a complete redo. Charlene St. Jean cautioned that the City should check on the hosting fee to make sure that the City is not being overcharged. It is important we identify and prioritize existing challenges to development, beyond permitting, such as but not limited to infrastructure and zoning. Bill Howard asked if it would be helpful if the ECDC could be the eyes and ears of the Mayor. ECDC members could informally ask business owners how it is going. The Mayor and City should tell the ECDC what they need from the ECDC. Other: Downtown Parking Ban During Snow Emergencies Richard Marino asked that the City revisit its parking ban policy for the downtown area. Because the parking ban may be in effect up to 48 hours this impacts both customers and employees. Customers may cancel reservations on the first day of a snow ban and be reluctant to reschedule for the next evening because the snow ban may still be in effect. In addition, restaurant employees have no place nearby to park. Could the parking ban begin at 11 PM instead of 8 PM in the downtown area? Could the larger plows be targeted for the downtown area in the event of snow build -up due to postponing parking ban till later hour? Aaron Clausen will speak with Kevin Harutunian, Chief of Staff, regarding the matter. Denise Deschamps shared the City's brochure "Start Your Business Here in Beverly!" with the members of the ECDC. Agenda for next meeting Items to be included on the next agenda: (1) BlueWave proposal for review by ECDC; (2) City will suggest ways in which the ECDC might best assist the City; (3) Development Scorecard; (4) ECDC members will highlight items of import in the EDSAT report; (5) Report on meeting with CoStar.