Town of East Windsor
Economic Development Commission
11 Rye Street, P.O. Box 389
Broad Brook, CT 06016
Regular Meeting Minutes
July 21, 2008
Chairman Moffett called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. at the Town Hall, 11 Rye Street, Broad Brook, CT.
I. ESTABLISHMENT OF QUORUM
Members Present: Eric Moffett, Richard Covill, Jim Richards and Josh Kapelner
Members unable Matt Crossen and Michael Maloney
to attend:
Also in attendance: Laurie Whitten, Town Planner
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
MOTION: To approve the minutes from April 21, 2008.
Covill / Richards / Unanimous
III. GENERAL DISCUSSION
· MetroHartford Alliance Meeting
Mr. Moffett said that they need to reschedule the MetroHartford Alliance meeting. Three dates were suggested: September 15, 29 and 30. After some discussion, it was agreed that the meeting would be held on Monday, September 15, starting at 6:00 p.m. Mr. Moffett suggested that they schedule an EDC meeting some time before the MHA meeting. He said it would have to be noticed as a special meeting and noted that it should be strictly for the purpose of discussing the MHA meeting.
MOTION: To hold the MetroHartford Alliance meeting on September 15th which is the normal EDC meeting date, and to have a Special Meeting on September 11th at 6:00 p.m.
Covill / Kapelner / Unanimous
· Charter Revision
Mr. Richards noted that he had attended a Charter Revision Committee meeting. He said they have asked for input. The EDC members discussed making changes to the charter, particularly changing the number of members on the EDC, as they have had problems with all the members attending meetings. There are only 4 members who regularly attend meetings. Ms. Whitten read from the charter that currently calls for 7 members with terms of 4 years each. Mr. Kapelner suggested dropping it down to 5 members; then they would need 3 for a quorum.
MOTION: That we shrink the size of the Economic Development Commission down to 5 regular members with 2 alternates.
Richards / Kapelner/ Unamimous
· EDC Website:
The EDC members viewed the proposed videos for the Community Movie Showcase which will have a link on the home page of the Town’s website.
Discussion was held regarding the EDC website. The question was raised as to whether to continue to be on the Town’s website or get their own. Ms. Whitten said they can probably update the pages. Mr. Moffett said the Town’s website sells the Town’s services and the EDC sells the town. They are the marketing tool. He said they need a more dynamic website. Ms. Whitten said the First Selectman wants everyone to be more familiar with it, to get more involved. Mr. Richard suggested coming up with ideas to improve the website and forward them to Ms. Menard.
Some suggestions were made. Mr. Kapelner suggested using the town students to upgrade the site. It was suggested having other links on the EDC website, such as the Chamber, the Planning & Zoning Commission. They would like to have some type of “welcome kit” for new businesses. Also suggested was possibly hiring someone who has easy access to the website.
· Economic Development Issues
Ms. Whitten gave an update on recent activities in town. She said that she met with the new owners of the movie theaters. They are looking for ideas and have asked for help. Revay’s recently started having a Farmers’ Market on Tuesdays which will continue throughout the summer. There is a potential for a “big box” retail in town. Starbuck’s will be closing.
The board members indicated that they want to “go green” and have all agendas and minutes sent to them electronically.
IV. Adjournment
MOTION: To adjourn. Kapelner / Richards / Unanimous
The meeting was adjourned at 9:05 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Marlene Bauer, Recording Secretary
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