Town of East Windsor
Economic Development Commission
11 Rye Street, P.O. Box 389
Broad Brook, CT 06016
Regular Meeting Minutes
October 20, 2008
Chairman Moffett called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. at the Town Hall (Planning Office), 11 Rye Street, Broad Brook, CT.
I. ESTABLISHMENT OF QUORUM
Members Present: Eric Moffett, Richard Covill, Jim Richards, Josh Kapelner and Matt Crossen
Members unable Michael Maloney
to attend:
Also in attendance: Laurie Whitten, Town Planner
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION: To approve the minutes of September 11, 2008.
Richards / Kapelner / Unanimous
III. GENERAL DISCUSSION:
Economic Development Issues
The EDC members briefly discussed the MetroHartford Alliance meeting (held on September 15, 2008). Mr. Moffett said that everyone seemed to like the meeting. He said they need to consider what is the follow-up.
Industrial Park Directory Sign:
Mr. Richards noted that the Economic Development Commission owns the industrial park directory sign (at Thompson Road) that is on the East Windsor Diner site. He said that the sign is in disrepair. He explained that the original park was not bought by town money. The original EDC was made up of business people who put up the money to build the industrial park. Mr. Richards suggested that in the spring they look at having a rededication of the sign. He said that would give us a chance to promote the industrial park. He suggested putting up a plaque to honor the people who originally built the industrial park. Mr. Richards said if they beautify the sign area, the whole area could be cleaned up. Mr. Covill recommended that they ask the Building Official to look at the sign
structurally. It was suggested that they collect money for the sign; possibly the businesses could come up with a stipend. Ms. Whitten said they should find out what the cost would be for a new sign.
Mr. Moffett suggested having a small gathering at LaNotte. He said they could send letters to the business owners in the park. One issue would be how could we help them grow. Mr. Kapelner noted that they should also try to determine how to help the places that are vacant.
Mr. Richards recommended having something at the East Windsor Diner and suggested starting at 10:00 a.m., and inviting all the business owners on Route 5 and the industrial park. He suggested bringing in Metro Hartford Alliance. Mr. Moffett said they could call it the “Route 5 Corridor Coalition.” He suggested bringing in someone like Rob Simmons who is a small business advocate.
The EDC members discussed when to have the get-together. Mr. Moffett felt they should have it after the holidays, possibly in February.
MOTION: To set the meeting for early next year (2009).
Crossen / Richards / Unanimous
EDC Website:
Mr. Moffett said the website is the best way to promote the town. He noted that Tim Howes has students in the Business Department who are willing to set up and maintain a website for them.
MOTION: To follow through with Tim Howes’ suggestion for the East Windsor High School Business Department to set up and maintain an EDC website site free, for an indefinite period of time. Richards / Covill / Unanimous
Mr. Moffett asked the EDC members to come up with a list of items to put on the website.
The suggestion was made to meet with the PTO; they have a network. They could help support the EDC and support the businesses. It was noted that they meet on Thursdays at the middle school. March was suggested as the month to go to a PTO meeting
IV. ADJOURNMENT:
MOTION: To adjourn. Kapelner / Richards / Unanimous
The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Marlene Bauer, Recording Secretary
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