Town of East Windsor
Economic Development Commission
11 Rye Street
Broad Brook, CT. 06016
Regular Meeting
December 21, 2009
I. ESTABLISHMENT OF QUORUM:
Members Present: Eric Moffett, Jim Richards, Josh Kapelner, Richard Covill.
Members unable
to attend: Matt Crossen and Michael Maloney
Also in attendance: Laurie Whitten, Town Planner; Deputy Selectman Mark Simmons, the Selectmens’ liaison to the Economic Development Commission; Peter DeMallie of Design Professionals
The meeting began at 7:10 p.m. at the Planning & Zoning Office, 11 Rye Street, Broad Brook, CT.
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES/September 21, 2009, and October 19, 2009:
MOTION: To APPROVE the Minutes of September 21, 2009, and October 19, 2009, as written.
Richards/Moffett/Unanimous
III. GENERAL DISCUSSION:
a) Discussion on the “Meet & Greet” Business Expansion Dinner - scheduled for 1-21-2010:
The Commission discussed preparation for the “Meet & Greet” event to be held at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 21, 2010 at La Notte. The focus of the event is to introduce new businesses and promote expanded businesses. The Commission determined the event will be open to the public, Town Boards, Commission, Officials and Staff.
The Commission discussed the proposed cost of the event vs. hosting the event under the EDC budget.
MOTION: That attendees be charged $5 per person, with the EDC to subsidize the event an additional $5/person.
Moffett/Covill/(no vote)
Discussion: The Commission considered other potential budget items.
MOTION: That the Economic Development Commission fund the cost of the “Meet and Greet” being held 1/21/2010.
Richards/Kapelner/Unanimous
AMENDMENT: That the Economic Development Commission cap the cost of the “Meet and Greet” event at $500.
Richards/Kapelner/Unanimous
AMENDED MOTION: That the Economic Development Commission fund the cost of the “Meet and Greet” being held 1/21/2010, and that a cap of $500 be set as the cost of the event.
The Commission noted the event will be free to attendees; cash bar at expense of patrons.
Mr. Richards suggested distribution of the event via the Chamber of Commerce membership list. Ms. Whitten noted the Planning Office will work with the Assessor’s Office to develop a list of businesses. Marlene Bauer, of the Planning Office, will be the e-mail/RSVP contact for the event. Senator LeBeau and Representative Graziani, and John Shemo, of Metro Hartford Alliance will be asked to be guest speakers. Certificates will be developed for distribution to businesses being showcased. The Commission revised the name of the event to “A Salute to New and Expanded Businesses”.
b) Discussion on Business Web Page:
Ms. Whitten suggested revising the Town website to include a Business Page, with a link to the EDC. Presently a user scrolls down to the bottom of the website to access EDC information.
MOTION: To develop a web page with a link to the EDC.
Discussion: Ms. Whitten to discuss additional options for displaying EDC information at the next meeting.
Richards/Kapelner/Unanimous
c) Discussion on ARRA Grant for Sewer Expansion:
Ms. Whitten noted the AARA grant is on hold, as it not only involves recovery funds but also bonding issues. Mr. Richards suggested continuing the proposed sewer line along Route 140/North Road past Mullen Road as presently proposed. The Commission discussed the EDC’s role in promoting this sewer expansion which will provide a new, much needed, business corridor. The Commission discussed various scenarios for development of the corridor, including the types of businesses and land uses needed locally, promotion options, education of the public regarding the need for this expansion, inclusion of the Planning and Zoning Commission regarding development of business corridor regulations. The Commission noted the following positives: low tax rate, proximity to I-91,
railroad, and Bradley Airport. The Commission to mull development ideas for the next meeting.
d) Economic Development Issues:
* The Commission reviewed the 2010 Meeting Schedule. The January 18th Meeting, which precedes the January 21st “Salute to New and Expanded Businesses”, was cancelled, and the February 15th meeting was moved to February 22nd.
MOTION: To APPROVE the 2010 Economic Development Commission Meeting dates as amended: cancel
January 18, and move February 15 to February 22nd.
Richards/Kapelner/Unanimous
* Deputy Selectman Simmons indicated the Board of Selectmen will be asking for a zero increase budget for 2010. They anticipate a significant drop in revenue collection.
IV. ADJOURNMENT:
MOTION: To ADJOURN this Meeting at 9:13 p.m.
Richards/Kapelner/Unanimous
Respectfully submitted,
__________________________________
Peg Hoffman, Substitute Recording Secretary
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