Town of East Windsor
Economic Development Commission
11 Rye Street, P.O. Box 389
Broad Brook, CT 06016
Regular Meeting Minutes
October 16, 2006
Chairman Moffett called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. at the Town Hall Annex, 25 School Street, Warehouse Point, CT.
I. ESTABLISHMENT OF QUORUM
Members Present: Chairman Eric F. Moffett, Richard Covill, Sharon Aprea, Jim Richards, Josh Kapelner
Members unable Matt Crossen, Michael Maloney
to attend:
Also in attendance: Tim Howes, Acting Superintendent of East Windsor
Public Schools
Laurie Whitten, Town Planner
II. GENERAL DISCUSSION
Economic Development Issues
Chairman Moffett briefed the EDC members on his attendance at the latest Board of Education (BOE) meeting, relaying that this is the first step in letting people know that the Economic Development Commission is interested in working with other boards to find out the town's needs. Mr. Moffett pointed out the intent of the EDC is to set in motion; a grass roots approach to educate the citizens about the benefits of economic development. Mr. Tim Howes, Acting Superintendent of Public Schools, addressed the EDC members, noting that he is in agreement with the EDC and BOE working together. He is here tonight to understand the underlying foundation of economics as it relates to the town and report back to the Board of Education. Mr. Howes noted that attending some EDC meetings would help in finding out
information about the businesses in town and what employment opportunities there may be. Mr. Howes stated that he would be attending the EDC/Chamber event on October 26th for new and expanded businesses. Additionally, he will query the school’s guidance counselors as to their interest in attending for the purpose of meeting business owners. This venue may be a useful tool in finding out the business needs, thus helping the school curriculum. Mr. Jim Richards reiterated that the purpose of the October 26th event is also to thank the businesses for selecting the Town of East Windsor. It is also an opportunity for business owner's to meet others. Mr. Richards further added that the High School is a member of the Chamber of Commerce.
Discussion continued regarding the need to educate the residents. Mr. Covill noted the need to get factual information out to the citizens. He also stated that there are ongoing discussions and meetings concerning the need for a new elementary school. Chairman Moffett explained that if EDC is helping to educate the Board of Ed, it's a way of reaching out to the many people with children. He also noted that the EDC should meet with Planning & Zoning to support the Plan of Conservation and Development towards growth of the town while maintaining low taxes. Mr. Richards discussed the town's large business base. Mr. Howes confirmed that the high percentage of businesses rates the town as 6th in the State.
Chairman Moffett cited the importance of getting other commissions together to educate the people, who are sometimes misinformed regarding infrastructure and needs of the town, such as how a sewer system would bring in more business. Mr. Howes suggested that the BOE, working with the EDC could host an informational meeting. Mr. Covill recommended working with Planning & Zoning to find out potential projects coming to town and to see what direction P&Z is going. Mr. Richards added that each board could come forward to provide information and their future vision. Chairman Moffett stated that he would also like the Board of Selectman involved.
Cathy Pippin, a member of the audience, addressed the EDC members, questioning the significance of the lack of sewer, as it relates to potential new business. Commission member Sharon Aprea opined that the lack of education to the residents was one of the reasons why the Route 140 sewer was voted down. Town Planner Laurie Whitten cited the number of informational meetings and written documentation that was made available to the townspeople regarding the sewer on Route 140. Discussion entailed concerning the negativity that's raised with the issue of apartment complexes. Mr. Richards noted that renters pay property taxes on their vehicles. Mr. Covill cited the failed septic systems on Route 140, which results in existing businesses being at risk. Cathy Pippen relayed the importance of townspeople
utilizing local businesses. Chairman Moffett reiterated the idea of an informal round-table/open discussion on the needs for infrastructure, thus, educating the residents. It was decided that the EDC liaisons for communicating with other boards would be the following: Sharon Aprea will attend a Board of Ed meeting. They are scheduled on the 2nd & 4th Thursdays. Eric Moffett will attend a Planning & Zoning meeting. Town Planner Laurie Whitten explained that applications are minimal at this time, but the P&Z are going over the final revisions to the regulations. She suggested that Mr. Moffett attend the P&Z meeting held on the 4th Thursday in November. Jim Richards and Richard Covill will attend the Board of Finance meeting. Also noted were the Inland Wetland meetings that are held on the 1st Wednesday of each month.
The EDC/Chamber’s new and expanded business-networking event will be held on October 26th at 5:30 p.m. at LaNotte. The members went over the final plans and agenda for the evening. Mr. Covill will supply nametags. He will be at the entrance, along with Jim Richards. Chairman Moffett and a Chamber of Commerce representative will be involved in the awards presentation. Mr. Richards will be picking up the frames for the award plaques. It was noted that there are two applications for the landscaping beautification recognition.
The Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the first annual East Windsor Business Expo, to be held on November 3rd & 4th at the Scout Hall. Additional details can be found on the website: www.eastwindsorchamber.com.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION: To approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of September 18, 2006. Covill/Kapelner-Unanimous
IV. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: To adjourn the meeting at 8:16 p.m. - Covill/Aprea-Unanimous
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy J. Rudek,
Recording Secretary
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