Chairman Chas Stevens called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm on January 13, 2025.
Kevin Sluka conducted roll call and the following Board Members were present:
Present: Natalia Kleyman, RanD Pitts, Kevin Sluka, Beth Akkaway, Chas Stevens, Andrianna Popowych, Rick St. Pierre, Tania Althoff, Chris Edwards, Conlyn Chan
Prior to starting the meeting Andrianna and Chris were sworn in by Kevin Sulka
CHAIRMAN REMARKS
Chas Stevens opened the meeting up by wishing everyone a happy new year. He noted that the organization has learned a lot over the last year and he’s excited to start 2025 stronger than ever.
APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES
The board did not meet the month of December, Chas made a motion to approve the meeting minutes from November which were approved.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
- Infrastructure & Art (Kevin)
Olivia went over updates from the pse&g project noting that they are starting January 13th. DSA will have a url accompanied by social media posts with an overview of the project for businesses and visitors to keep them informed. DSA will continuously support the business community during the project. Construction should conclude prior to St Patrick’s Day. In case of questions, issues, or concerns, the public should know to contact pse&g directly, not the DSA.
Kevin updated the board on the King Tut property noting there are legal issues at the time. The Borough is hot on the issue and wants a resolution.
- Promotions
Olivia gave the promotions report as part of her Director’s report.
- Finance (Chas)
Olivia distributed the spend report for the month of December. The board voted to adopt the 2025 budget.
- Economic Vitality
Monty & Milo, a new book and gift store opened on division street in December. The Sweet Parlor will have a soft opening on January 6th. More grand openings hoping to happen soon are Main Street Cheese, and a new Boba tea spot on division street.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Olivia announced that December’s report highlights both challenges and progress. The quieter-than-expected holiday season underscored the need for proactive planning and targeted marketing. The Winter Village helped activate an empty storefront, engage the community, and spark tenant interest. A new Associate Director, Leah Horowitz, has joined to support ambitious goals for 2025. New marketing initiatives are launching to improve visibility and address declining district visits. The Main Street America Accreditation evaluation is ongoing, due February 15, and will guide organizational improvements. Volunteer committees will shift to active roles, with leadership driving efforts. Work with PSE&G continues, with excavation starting January 13 and plans for a BOGO downtown dollars program. Participation in the Tour of Somerville planning committee aims to strengthen community ties. An anti-bullying policy has been drafted in hopes of board approval, this will aim to foster a culture of respect, professionalism, and inclusivity within the alliance and extending to stakeholders, staff, board members, volunteers, property owners, business owners, and community members. The January meeting will set 2025 priorities, reorganize leadership, and prepare for key events and partnerships.
NEW ITEMS/UPDATE
- Executive Committee Appointments
- Secretary: Kevin Sluka
- Treasurer: Natalia Kleyman
- Vice President: RanD Pitts
- President: Chas Stevens
- Committee Chair Appointments
- Promotions: Natalia Kleyman, Andrianna Popowych
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 7:30pm, next meeting February 10th at 6pm