Economic Development Commission
Colchester Town Hall
Monday, April 19, 2010 – 7:00 p.m.
Minutes
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Cohn, Andreas Bibiskos, Bruce Goldstein. Paul Catalano
MEMBERS ABSENT: Tom Crotty, Jeffery Koonankeil, Kele Issa, Kevin Burzycki
OTHERS PRESENT: Adam Turner, Town Planner; Gregg Schuster, First Selectman; Chris Rowlins; Rob Tarlov, BOF Liaison
1. Call to Order: Chairman Cohn called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
2. Acceptance of last meeting minutes: P. Catalano motioned to accept the minutes of the March 15, 2010 meeting, seconded by B. Goldstein. All members present voted in favor. MOTION CARRIED.
3. Citizen Comments: Chris Rowlins is interested in the vacancy on the Commission. He spoke briefly about his background and B. Goldstein gave him an overview of what the Commission does.
R. Tarlov introduced himself and gave an overview of the budget situation.
4. Old Business
a. Comments and thoughts on Mark Decker’s: Members found Mr. Decker’s presentation to be help and give insight as to what is being done in other areas to aid in economic growth. A. Turners reported that the Town is in the process of negotiating with a consultant to complete the work related to the STEAP grant.
b. Comments and thoughts on Tom Marano’s presentation: The presentation gave perspective on economic growth. Mr. Marano emphasized during his presentation the importance of keeping in contact and reaching out to current businesses in town. Members agreed in the logic of this concept.
c. Review and set action items to touch base with existing businesses in town: First Selectman Schuster said that CBA currently does much of what Mr. Marano had discussed and the Town is part of CBA. P. Catalano suggested that the Commission speak with Jack Faski about the possibility of a CBA liaison to EDC. He feels it could be a conflict of interest if he were to do both. He also suggested a business communication system through the Town’s website. He has opted out of Town e-mail notifications because he does not want to receive information impertinent to him.
d. Web site discussion and next steps: Funding is not available to do the website the Commission previously discussed. First Selectman Schuster said the Town’s existing site could be used at no charge. Items to and links to be included on the website were discussed including a link to CBA instead of duplicating information they will already have in place on their new website. The possibility of being able to submit Planning and Zoning applications and online payment of fees was thought to be beneficial and time saving and monetary saving.
e. Economic Education discussion and next steps: Members will become guest columnist for the Norwich Bulletin in efforts to educate citizens on and promoting economic development as well as clarifying misconceptions.
5. New Business: A. Turner handed out a flyer draft that contains demographics of Colchester. The flyer will go on the website as well as be used as a handout at business related functions he attends. Members were asked to provide feedback.
B. Goldstein was contacted by Steve Fedus and asked to discuss with the Commission fee structures. Fees had not been increased in quite some time. Last year fees were doubled. Mr. Fedus and other residents did not know about the increase despite the fact that it was notices were placed and new fee structure put before Town Meeting. Out fees are average compared to other towns. First Selectman does not want to detour businesses from coming in to town with high fees. He is proposing that a discount or waiving of fees be used to encourage business to come to Colchester. The process would be similar to that of a C-TIP and would apply strictly to commercial development. The one time fee waiving could encourage businesses to come to Colchester over another town and result in years of tax revenue.
6. Other Business for the EDC: First Selectman Schuster asked Chairman Cohn to let him know if there was any problem with attendance at meetings. Mr. Koonankeil is not able to make meetings due to his work schedule. He is willing to resign.
7. Adjourn: P. Catalano motioned to adjourn, seconded by A. Bibiskos. All members present voted in favor. MOTION CARRIED.
Chairman Cohn adjourned the meeting to 8:45 p.m.
Dawn LePage, Clerk
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