By Doug Marrin, STN reporter

The following are the current updates from the Director of Community Development and City Manager of Dexter that were submitted to City Council at its October 11, 2021 meeting.

Community Development Manager Report

Community Development Director Michelle Aniol and Assistant Planner Mike Auerbach submitted the following updates in their written report.

Variety die and stamping submitted a request to the Planning Commission for a site plan review of an addition of approximately 12,000 square feet to its existing facility of 81,000 square feet. The main purpose of the addition is to increase the storage capacity. CP voted to recommend approval of the plan to City Council.

Rechargeable electric vehicles: The Planning Commission has examined a draft regulation for rechargeable electric vehicles (PEV). The draft regulation authorizes plug-in electric vehicle stations in residential, commercial and industrial areas. Proponents of new commercial / industrial or commercial / industrial redevelopment projects are encouraged to provide a site for the SVEs, but would not be required. However, all new housing units and / or residential developments should be EPI ready. The Planning Commission will hold the required public hearing at its meeting on November 4.

Redevelopment of 3045 rue Broad: City staff met with the 3045 Broad Street committee to review and discuss the changes and scope of a new Request for Proposals (RFP) for the 3045 Broad Street redevelopment project. The Committee’s contribution was to put all options on the table. Staff will have a draft revised RFP for DDA review.

8180 Main St (the vacant lot between Mill Creek and the Pelham Stone Bridge): The owner of the lot has expressed interest in building a restaurant / nano-brewery on the site. He is asking for rezoning to remedy the lack of parking spaces.

City Manager’s Report

Recent updates to City Manager Justin Breyer’s written report include:

Collection of autumn leaves by the DPW will begin the week of October 11, 2021.

Fall clean-up day is scheduled for Monday, October 18, 2021. The fall clean-up day includes an expanded collection of garbage, appliances and other bulky items.

Mill Creek Park Volunteer Day is set for Sunday October 24 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The plan for the work day is to install additional plantings and mulch along the slope of Mill Creek Park.

Farmer’s market closing day will be Saturday October 30, 2021. The farmer’s market will close the season with an animal costume contest starting at 11:45 am.

Recording secretary: City staff posted a job offer for the position of Archivist Secretary of the City Council and the Planning Commission. Staff received an email from a town resident expressing interest in the position. Staff will meet with the resident for a further decision.

Dexter crossing road project is substantially complete. The City’s contractor will work on restoring the disturbed areas over the next few weeks. City staff received a number of compliments by email on how smoothly the project went.

Assistant to the municipal director: Staff conducted a second interview for the deputy city manager with two candidates between September 28 and October 4. Staff perform reference checks before making an offer to a candidate.

3515 Broad Street User Group Meetings: Staff participated in a user group meeting at 3515 Broad Street on October 5, 2021. A design presentation is scheduled for the city council meeting on October 25.

Slams and S’mores: The Arts, Culture and Heritage Committee hosted the Slams & S’mores event on Saturday October 2, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. at Monument Park after Apple Daze. Although the weather did not cooperate, the logistics of the event went well and a number of artists showed up to participate. Fun and s’mores were enjoyed by all participants.

Both reports can be found in full on the October 11, 2021 city council meeting file, which is posted on the city’s website.

Photo: Doug Marrin