Economic Development Commission
Colchester Town Hall
Monday, March 15, 2010 – 7:00 p.m.
Minutes
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Cohn, Tom Crotty, Kevin Burzycki, Andreas Bibiskos, Bruce Goldstein
MEMBERS ABSENT: Paul Catalano, Jeffery Koonankeil, Kele Issa
OTHERS PRESENT: Adam Turner, Town Planner; Mark Decker, Director of Public Works; Tom Marano, Northeast Utilities, Bacon Academy Civic Students
1. Call to Order: Chairman Cohn called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
2. Acceptance of last meeting minutes: T. Crotty motioned to accept the minutes of the February 16, 2010 meeting, seconded by A. Bibiskos. All members present voted in favor with K. Burzycki abstaining.
3. Citizen Comments: None
4. Old Business
a. Marc Decker presentation and review of last comments
i. Quick review: From Marc Decker (2/2/10): The infrastructure project is critical to the development of the commercial properties on the southern side of the town. We issued the RFQ about a month ago and are opening the qualification submittals today at 2:00 and will begin reviewing them very soon.
ii. If the number of meetings and calls I’ve had from consultants is any indication, we should have a good number of respondents. I would expect it will take us much of this month to go through the packages and then schedule interviews. I expect we will have a consultant on board in late March (we need approval from DEP and BOS before negotiating a scope and fee and then need to go back to them for ultimate approval of a contract).
iii. (My attendance for the EDC) March meeting will be timelier because we will probably be in the scope definition stage. This project is unquestionably something that will take a considerable amount of teamwork to develop and pull off and the EDC will play a key role
M. Decker gave the history of the sewer and water in town. The Borough and the Town consolidated in 1991. He then showed a map outlining where currently there is sewer and water and where he would like for it to be extended to. Extending the sewer and water would place the Town in a better position as the economy improves. The Town has received a STEAP grant of $130,000. A portion of this grant will be used to develop a plan in which to extend the sewer and water as well as how to finance the execution of it. The Town is currently has
an adequate supply of water for future development. Less than half the later supply is used on a daily basis. The Town has filed for a
Federal grant for the 2011-2012 fiscal year. If received, the grant would be a 55% funding and a 45% match. There is another possible source of funding available for drinking water which is 505 grant funding and 50% at a 0% interest loan. Having a project that is worthy of the money and can create jobs increases the chances of receiving the money. Mr. Decker will continue to update the Commission.
b. Tom Marano, NU ED presentation: Tom Marano, Business Development Manager from Northeast Utilities provided an in-depth presentation that detailed Guilford’s ED plan from early stages to present day. The guide can be used as a source of guidance. He encouraged Colchester’s involvement in regional planning through Sector as well as reaching out to existing business. 85% of economic growth comes from existing businesses. He also encouraged educating the Community on Economic Development.
Mr. Marano informed the Commission of the resources, seminars and training events that NU offers.
5. New Business: None
6. Other Business for the EDC: None
7. Adjourn: B. Goldstein motioned to adjourn, seconded by K. Burzycki. All members present voted in favor. MOTION CARRIED.
Chairman Cohn adjourned the meeting to 8:50 p.m.
Dawn LePage, Clerk
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