April 13, 2026 Meeting Minutes

6:00 PM – In-Person, DSA Conference Room

The meeting was called to order at approximately 6:00 PM on April 13, 2026. Roll call was conducted and the following Board Members were present:

Board Members Present: Natalia Kleyman, Kevin Sluka, Tania Althoff, Conlyn Chan, Allison Reilly Snyder, Theresa Bonner
Board Members Absent: N/A
Professional Staff Present: Dana Kessel, Becky Pollard

CHAIRPERSON REMARKS

Nataliya Kleyman welcomed attendees and commented on the start of the spring season and the increasing activity throughout Downtown Somerville. She noted that the organization continues to see strong momentum in beautification efforts, business openings, and community engagement initiatives heading into the busy spring and summer event season.

APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES

A motion to approve the March 2026 meeting minutes was made, seconded, and unanimously approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Finance

• Nataliya Kleyman shared that the Board packets had been distributed in advance and noted that the organization’s finances remain in good standing with no major concerns reported for the month.
• Discussion also included ongoing sponsorship efforts and operational planning for upcoming spring and summer initiatives.

b. Design/Infrastructure

• Dana Kessel reported on the status of the DSA’s recently issued RFPs for downtown cleaning and gardening/watering services. After review by a task force of the Infrastructure Committee, the committee recommended awarding both contracts to Mike Watson’s company, Growing Anyway, which currently provides downtown planting services.
• Board members discussed the company’s responsiveness, attention to detail, and ongoing beautification efforts throughout downtown. Staff highlighted improvements in planter maintenance, watering systems, bench restoration projects, and restoration work completed on the community message board.
  • A motion was made to approve the committee’s recommendation to proceed with the contracts. The motion was seconded and unanimously approved.
• Additional infrastructure and beautification updates included:
  • The current downtown cleaning contract expires May 31, 2026.
  • The gardening contract was consolidated into a single comprehensive agreement for efficiency.
  • Seasonal planting installations along Division Street and Giardina Alley are scheduled to continue after the risk of frost has passed.
• The Community Message Board restoration project is substantially complete, including repainting, stabilization, and installation of solar lighting. Final dedication plaques are pending installation.
  • Staff outlined new guidelines for community board usage to maintain appearance and prevent misuse.

Main Street Transformation Grant Updates

• Dana Kessel provided an update on the organization’s Main Street Transformation Grant application process. The DSA is eligible for an additional $20,000 grant opportunity following its prior award in 2025.
• Staff reported receiving more than 300 community survey responses to help guide future public art and infrastructure planning efforts. The organization has also received significant interest from artists interested in participating in future projects.
• Kevin Sluka provided additional context regarding the long-term federal community funding request associated with Division Street improvements. While no funding decisions are expected until 2027, initial feedback from state representatives has been positive.

Dog-Friendly Initiative

• The Board reviewed progress on the downtown Dog-Friendly Initiative, including:
  • Installation of dog convenience stations
  • Launch of the dog-friendly business map on the DSA website with continued opportunities for businesses to opt into the program
• Board members noted positive public feedback regarding the initiative.

Garbage, Maintenance & Public Cleanliness

• Extensive discussion took place regarding overflowing garbage cans, litter, and shopping cart issues throughout downtown.
• Topics discussed included:
  • Increased weekend garbage volume during warmer months
  • Coordination with the Borough and DPW regarding pickup schedules
  • Potential future replacement of garbage can lids/caps
  • Improvements anticipated through the new cleaning contract
  • Ongoing conversations with ShopRite management regarding abandoned shopping carts
  • Monitoring of Parking Lot 4 maintenance concerns
  • Kevin Sluka shared that the Borough recently awarded a new downtown garbage collection contract that will include seven-day-per-week service during peak months.

PSE&G / Division Street Infrastructure

• Kevin Sluka and Dana Kessel updated the Board on meetings with PSE&G regarding roadway restoration and Division Street infrastructure repairs following utility work.
• Discussion included:
  • Timing limitations due to pavement settling requirements
  • Coordination with downtown event schedules
  • Potential artistic or decorative patch treatments
  • Long-term considerations for broader Division Street reconstruction planning
• The Infrastructure Committee will continue evaluating restoration options and recommendations.

c. Promotions

• Becky Pollard presented a summary of March marketing and engagement metrics.
• Highlights included:
  • Significant increases in Instagram and Facebook engagement, largely driven by St. Patrick’s Day promotions
  • Strong growth in website traffic and newsletter subscribers
  • Increased engagement from non-followers across social media platforms
  • Initial TikTok analytics tracking and successful experimental video campaigns
• Board members discussed the success of more interactive and personality-driven social media content, including themed business features and collaborations with local businesses.
• Staff also reported:
  • Approximately 322,000 downtown visits tracked through Placer.ai data during March
  • Increased visitor dwell time compared to previous years
  • Strong turnout associated with the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and related promotions
  • Dana Kessel noted that the DSA worked closely with the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee to assist with marketing, promotional graphics, billboard placement, and social media coordination.

Upcoming Events

Staff reviewed upcoming programming and event updates, including:

• Candlelight Concert Series
• Puppy Paw-looza (April 26)
• Girls Night Out: Hollywood Glitz & Glam (May 14)
• Somerset Patriots partnership activations and “Bark in the Park” promotions
• Ongoing social media collaborations featuring Sparkee

Puppy Paw-looza vendor participation and community engagement were reported as exceptionally strong, with approximately 75 participating vendors, organizations, and businesses.

Holiday Banner Sponsorship Program

The Board discussed the potential creation of a sponsored holiday banner program for the downtown district.

The proposed initiative would:

• Introduce decorative holiday banners during the winter season
• Allow businesses, families, or organizations to sponsor banners
• Include a defined lifespan and replacement cycle for banners

Board members discussed pricing structures, installation logistics, sponsorship terms, and maintenance considerations.

• A motion was made to move forward with development of the holiday banner sponsorship concept, with final program details to be reviewed by the Executive Committee. 
• The motion was seconded and unanimously approved.

Additional discussion occurred regarding future opportunities to recognize additional cultural heritage celebrations and community groups through Borough proclamations and collaborative initiatives.

d. Economic Vitality

Dana Kessel reported that the DSA website has undergone a significant reorganization and visual refresh aimed at improving usability, engagement, and accessibility.

Additional updates included:

• Improved newsletter sign-up functionality on website
• Enhanced “Weekend in Somerville” promotional content for social media
• Expanded use of Google Analytics tracking

Planning for the upcoming Spring Mixer networking event at Village Brewing. 

Staff also reported multiple upcoming business openings and ribbon cuttings, including Little Honey Children’s Boutique and several additional businesses expected to open prior to summer.

e. Director’s Report

Dana Kessel reported that the Downtown Somerville Alliance successfully renewed its accreditation through the Main Street America program.

• Additional operational updates included:
  • Continued focus on downtown maintenance and beautification
  • Coordination with Borough departments and property owners on sanitation issues
  • Ongoing monitoring of infrastructure conditions throughout the district
  • Quarterly collaboration meetings with West End business representatives to improve communication and collective promotion efforts
  • “History on Tap” series scheduled for March and April.
  • Spring Mixer networking event planned for local businesses.
  • Puppy Paw-looza scheduled for April 26, with strong engagement and sponsorship support.
  • Girls Night Out ticket sales are underway and performing well.
• Other Initiatives:
  • Free parking in municipal lots is being pursued for select events.
  • Ongoing coordination with partners and stakeholders for event execution and sponsorship growth.

NEW BUSINESS

• No additional new business items were formally introduced.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

No public comments were made.

ACTION ITEMS

• Finalize and execute new cleaning and landscaping contracts
• Submit Main Street Transformation Grant application
• Develop pricing and operational recommendations for the Holiday Banner Sponsorship Program
• Continue coordination with PSE&G regarding Division Street restoration planning
• Monitor downtown sanitation, garbage, and shopping cart mitigation efforts
• Continue marketing and promotional efforts for upcoming spring and summer events

EXECUTIVE SESSION

A motion was made and seconded to enter Executive Session for board-related matters. The motion was unanimously approved.

FINAL REMARKS AND ADJOURNMENT

Following the executive session, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:00 PM.

The next meeting is scheduled for May 11, 2026 at 6:00 PM.