East Hampton Economic Development Commission
Meeting Minutes
February 20, 2007
Eaton E. Smith Meeting Room, Town Hall
1. Call to order
Chair Mary Ann Dostaler called the meeting to order at 6:37 PM.
Present: Chair Mary Ann Dostaler, Vice-Chair John Hesen; Commissioners Patience Anderson, Jon March and Cindy Rooth; Walter Smith, Managing Member, Magnum Group, LLC; Janet Santos, Assistant Director, Kids of Chatham Organization; George Lee, Principal, Belltown Square Project
Chair Dostaler introduced and welcomed Patience Anderson to the EDC Board. She announced that the EDC had elected Mr. Hesen as Vice-Chair, and that herself and Ms. Rooth were re-appointed by the Town Council for full terms. Chair Dostaler noted that there is still one more vacancy on the EDC Board, and she asked members to consider and recommend any individuals that they think would be good candidates to serve on the Commission.
Not Present: Commissioner Bryan Jackowitz
2. Approval of Minutes: a. Regular meeting: January 16, 2007
Mr. Hesen made a motion that the minutes from January 16, 2007 be approved. Ms. Rooth seconded the motion. The motion carried (5-0-0). (Yes votes: Chair Dostaler, Vice-Chair Hesen, Ms. Anderson, Mr. March, Ms. Rooth. Yes votes: 5. No votes: 0. Abstentions: 0.)
3. Announcements & Communications
Chair Dostaler reported announcements.
• Correspondence: The Town Manager is proceeding to work on $300,000 Small Cities Grant for the water tower demolition. This parcel is critical for progress on bringing the Airline Trail into the Village Center.
• Publication: EDC received a newsletter from the CT Mainstreets Program, which is also available on the web. The EDC receives several copies of the newsletter because it is a member of the Downtown Resource Center. Members may borrow these copies from the EDC box at the Town Hall.
• Correspondence: EDC received a newsletter from the Downtown Idea Exchange to which members can consider subscribing for $206.50 per year, and act upon their decision at the next meeting. The Town Manager will make copies of this for members to review. The Commission will consider subscribing at the March 20 regular meeting.
• Resource: the CT Development Authority (CDA) provides programs such as Tax Incremental Financing (TIF), which is an essential funding source for brownfields revitalization, and CDA is also the conduit to other state lending programs. Chair Dostaler recommended this resource and said their web site is helpful. She noted that CT is one of the leading states in utilizing this tool for brownfields revitalization. Mr. Bergren explained in detail how TIF funding works. Mr. Bergren said that future revenue offsets construction costs. It can spur private development but it has to be accessed through a municipality.
• Notice: There will be a free seminar on affordable housing after hours on 3/1/07 lasting a half day, in Norwich. There will be several speakers from the state.
• Conference: There will be a conference in Hartford, the Governor's Conference on Culture and Tourism. If EDC members wish to attend, money may be available in the budget for the registration fee. Ms. Rooth noted that this agency is connected to EDC’s effort to encourage the film industry in East Hampton.
• Chamber of Commerce Events:
1. Business After Work, a free event, will take place at Citizen's Bank in Middletown from 5 - 7 PM on 2/27/07.
2. Member Breakfast at the Crowne Plaza in Cromwell will take place on 3/12/07 at 7:45 AM. The cost is $18 per person. The speaker will be Peter Aresco of CBS TV.
• Copies of the Real Estate Journal are available.
• More correspondence was passed along to Mr. Bergren to be forwarded.
4. Town Manager’s report Mr. Bergren gave the Town Manger's report.
a. Tax Assessors report The Tax Assessor gave a report to Town Council, including the Grand List of property owners and taxpayers. The Grand List has grown. There is a transmittal letter from the tax assessor to the finance director. There is a significant increase in personal property. There are breakdowns and pie charts that describe the Town's tax makeup. The majority of income is from residences because East Hampton is a bedroom community. Chair Dostaler said residential taxpayers will grows as developers transfer their property. Mr. Bergren said that the Tax Assessor can discuss the Grand List in detail with the EDC and EDC can be more involved with her. Chair Dostaler thanked Mr. Bergren for the report and asked members to go over it. She also requested the Town Manager to coordinate with the Tax Assessor to provide a special
presentation to the EDC at the March regular meeting.
b. Coordination of application process between boards and commissions
• Our land use boards are becoming more active. The interaction of EDC with different agencies is important. Mr. Bergren has written a white paper for the Town Council on this topic. A group email system will be developed so that everyone will know of other agendas. All land use boards will get the same information. There is a multi-jurisdictional responsibility and everyone has a role to play. The Town may need to devote resources to funding and staffing. Also Mr. Bergren recommends that chair members come together with staff to discuss common understandings and goals to see how we fit in to the proper slots, and to improve communication. Mr. Bergren asked EDC members to please read the white paper and share comments. The Chair and Staff meeting will take place in the next few weeks. The budget may be beefed up to bring in a
consultant on management analysis, with perhaps other adjustments. It will be done before July 1. The intent is to involve staff. There was a discussion of available models and the unique qualities of East Hampton. Mr. March recommended his hometown of Middlebury, which has a good system and is similar to East Hampton in that it has a lake, open space, and a historic district.
c. Water system and consent order update The Town has submitted a request regarding the consent order to the State Department of Health. Regarding yield, the Town Council is looking at alternate scenarios vs. the $51 million project. The Town faces other infrastructure needs that preclude such a large expenditure. The CT Department of Health has verbally granted an extension of time to work on this. It is not yet known how long an extension the Town will receive. We need to bring all parties together for a workshop, including the EDC, and there will be more opportunity for expression of viewpoints. We will reschedule and have an open, rounded dialogue on options. Chair Dostaler asked that EDC be provided with the most current working document for the next EDC meeting and she said this is very critical to the future.
d. Facilities Committee update The Facilities committee has been working for 2 - 3 years to find out the Town's facilities needs such as the Town Hall, fire stations, and the schools. They are negotiating for land for future schools. There is a strong sentiment to move the Town Hall to the Village Center. But first we must look at brownfields. The Brownfields Report and the Village Assessment were passed out at the last facilities meeting so that the data can be used as they wrap up their recommendations. Things will dovetail. There is better information now. Chair Dostaler said the focus of the Facilities Committee was always centered on space rather than water, but the water issue is significant if the Town Hall were to move to the Village Center. Chair Dostaler asked Mr. Bergren to keep EDC apprised.
5. Public Comments None
6. Special Presentations
a. KOCO: zone change application from residential to commercial
• Janet Santos, Assistant Director of Kids of Chatham Organization, (KOCO,) presented the request for a zone change. KOCO is a non-profit child care organization, the largest child care organization in East Hampton. Currently KOCO has 150 children enrolled, many from the families of municipal workers, and the waiting list is full. There are 26 employees, most from East Hampton. KOCO has had a liaison with the Early Childhood Council, and has shared grants with partners in the town. The organization began in 1988 and has been leasing its present facility since 1998. The current lease on a remodeled former Agway building expires next year, and the hope is to expand 10% in a rezoned location adjacent to the Ambulance Association, which they see as a safe setting. East Hampton Dream Developers is developing the site plan and will present
it to Planning and Zoning Commission at their 3/7/07 meeting. KOCO hopes to hire 6 more workers, offer reasonably priced childcare at this new location, and open in time to celebrate its 20th anniversary.
i. Discussion and take possible action
Chair Dostaler thanked Ms. Santos and said that KOCO's service is incredibly valuable to the town. She asked if all the surrounding property is residential and Ms. Santos said that it is, except for the Ambulance Association. Ms. Rooth asked if there is access to safe water at the new location and Ms. Santos said that Dan Wolfram, who is on the Brownfields Subcommittee and has a child enrolled at KOCO, is investigating. A test is pending, and it can be no worse than the water available at the present location. Chair Dostaler asked if there is support from neighbors and expressed her concerns about parking and the impact on the residential neighborhood, and encouraged KOCO to have the facility designed with a residential appearance. Ms. Santos said the neighbors have been notified and the architect is very sensitive to the appearance. Mr.
March said that it is the hope of the EDC that, as the project potentially moves forward, there is outreach to the neighbors, and that the facility will fit into the neighborhood.
Ms. Rooth made a motion that EDC write a letter of support for Kids of Chatham Organization zone change application from residential to commercial. Ms. Anderson seconded the motion. The motion carried (5-0-0). (Yes votes: Chair Dostaler, Vice-Chair Hesen, Ms. Anderson, Mr. March, Ms. Rooth. Yes votes: 5. No votes: 0. Abstentions: 0.)
Chair Dostaler will prepare a draft letter, send it for approval to EDC members by email, and submit it to the Planning and Zoning Commission.
b. Belltown Square Phase II: CVS pharmacy site plan application Mr. George Lee, Principal, Belltown Square Project, presented renderings and plans for Belltown Square Phase II, the CVS pharmacy site application. EDC requested that copies of these documents be sent for the record. Chair Dostaler said that, as the Streetscape Initiative proceeds, the applicant should connect with the Streetscape Initiative Steering Committee, and that design choices for Phase II should be compatible with Streetscape Initiative choices. Mr. Lee agreed that he will send a picture of their choice for lighting so that EDC can forward to the Streetscape Initiative Steering Committee. He described the 12,900-sq. ft. building plans, which will include a 2-lane drive-through in the rear of the building. He said that drive-throughs are a trend in pharmacies, and 10%
of the prescription business is earned from drive-throughs. He said that this is not a high traffic situation. Ms. Rooth asked about a gray area in the plan and Mr. Lee said it showed a retention pond. There was a discussion of the look of the project. Ms. Rooth said that the expectation had been that the pharmacy would tie in with the look of the Willimantic Savings Bank, as previously presented in a rendering. Ms. Rooth said that on the property across from the lake, the bank building will fit in, but not the CVS building as rendered. Ms. Rooth said this looks like slabs of cement, and she wants quality for East Hampton. Chair Dostaler said the archway is inconsistent, and a peaked roof is preferable. Mr. March asked Mr. Lee to drill down and find something better, and he said it is in the best interest of all if it looks appropriate, and he would be happy to work with designers. Ms. Rooth said that for EDC to support this plan, it has to be architecturally pleasing. She said we
already have pharmacies, and they are strained to maintain a sufficient labor pool as it is now. Mr. Lee said he understands what look EDC is looking for. Ms. Anderson said there is room to compromise, and she asked if designers have come to see the site and the town. Chair Dostaler said that the plans must be reflective of the Rte. 66 configuration as it is now, because there are no state plans to move forward on changes until possibly 2011. Mr. Bergren concurred that nothing will happen until possibly 2011, which is an optimistic projection. Chair Dostaler said that the owner of the Old Heidelberg property which is located behind and above the proposed CVS, wants more information relative to the back of the building, landscaping, and the drive-through. The owner intends to have a bed and breakfast with a view of the lake, and the surrounding property will have a serious impact. Mr. Lee said there will be buffers, dumpsters will be screened, and the rear of the building will be
like the front. Mr. Scroggin, the owner of the Old Heidelberg property, spoke from the audience. He said he intends to open a bed and breakfast to promote the Airline Trail, which will bring revenue to the town. He will add decks, a fireplace, and a pool that will overlook the lake. He said that everything CVS is doing will ruin the view, and putting this building in will be a disaster. Mr. March suggested possibilities for landscaping to shield the view, but Mr. Scroggin said that with the relative angle of the properties, landscaping will not help, and he also expects that graffiti will appear on the back of the CVS building. Chair Dostaler said this is definitely a concern and she hopes the two entities will work in partnership. She asked Mr. Lee if he can return to the EDC with revisions for its March 20th meeting. Mr. Lee said yes.
i. Discussion and take possible action
Chair Dostaler said there will be no motions on the application this evening.
c. Magnum Group: commercial/professional development site plan application
Chair Dostaler expressed her appreciation for Mr. Smith returning to EDC with his site plan. Walter Smith, Managing Member, Magnum Group LLC, offered his credentials in building and then presented a commercial/professional development site plan for a building of 7500 square feet. He will be building on speculation, he expects to have 5 tenants, and he will be looking for professional tenants, which will be less of a burden on the parking. There will be 53 parking spaces, with 3 handicapped spaces. There will be a lot of greenery, which is made possible by a variance from the ZBA to reduce the size of parking spaces. There are no wetlands involved and Mr. Smith intends to have underground retention for all of the water, which will be slowly discharged. This will be better for the lake than the present situation. Mr. Smith has enhanced the
building with gazebos. Mr. Smith expects to begin building this summer and complete the construction in four months.
i. Discussion and take possible action
Ms. Irene Curtis, speaking from the audience, questioned the brightness of lighting and the safety of the outlets. Mr. Smith expects to use 100% shielded white lighting, and the lighting will meet state regulations. There will be two outlets and they will comply with Town and CT regulations. Ms. Curtis asked about the dumpsters at the end near Lake Road and Mr. Smith agreed to enclose them with fencing/lattice/stockade to shield the view. He will use vinyl siding on the building for easy maintenance, and he agreed to add one more dormer as suggested by Mr. March.
Ms. Rooth made a motion that EDC write a letter of support for Magnum Group LLC's commercial/professional development site plan application. Ms. Anderson seconded the motion. The motion carried (5-0-0). (Yes votes: Chair Dostaler, Vice-Chair Hesen, Ms. Anderson, Mr. March, Ms. Rooth. Yes votes: 5. No votes: 0. Abstentions: 0.)
7. EDC Budget / Liaison / Committee Reports
a. EDC budget
• Vice-Chair Hesen said there is plenty of money in the budget. He said EDC is under-spending especially in Professional and Technical Services and Part-time Salary items. Chair Dostaler thanked Vice-Chair Hesen and said we can move forward on our goals and we will talk later on this topic.
• Regarding the proposed budget, Chair Dostaler said that $60,000 has been set aside for an economic development coordinator, and she, as Chair, will present on this issue to the Board of Finance on 2/23/07 at 3:30 at an open meeting. She encouraged members to attend.
b. Summary from DRC Jan. 19 workshop: Building Community Capacity
Chair Dostaler and Mr. Hesen had attended the DRC workshop. Chair Dostaler said it was very informative. Great information is available on the web at www.ctmainstreets.org/jan19-handouts. Mr. Hesen said it showed what a volunteer group can do to revitalize a downtown. This organization is ready to help when we are ready to move on Village Center revitalization.
c. Report from EDC liaisons to: PZC; ZBA; IWWA; WPCA Chair Dostaler reported on February P & Z:
• Public hearings on Hampton Woods will take place an 4/4/07.
• The KOCO application was set for 3/7/07.
• The Magnum Group application hearing was set for 3/7/07.
• Bell Town Square application hearing was set for 3/7/07
• Howard Schwager's application was continued to 3/7/07.
• A subcommittee for housing opportunity development was re-established and charged with making an inventory of affordable housing and making recommendations. Chair Dostaler will forward workshop dates.
• A P & Z workshop on written procedures and policies was very relevant. They will establish a policy that incomplete submissions will not be placed on the agenda. They will hold pre-application proposal talks with applicants prior to the formal application process.
• P & Z discussed prioritizing zoning changes and will look more holistically at properties around the intersection of Main Street and Rte. 66. EDC efforts to bring in someone to help with zoning will help EDC contribute meaningfully to the process.
• Chair Dostaler attended a positive meeting convened by Ruth Plummer called “Friends of Airline Trail” to loop in all parties that support bringing the trail into the Village Center. They will meet on 3rd Thursdays at the Town Hall Annex at 6 PM. Chair Dostaler will continue to serve as liaison. An application for a grant of $50,000 has been applied for to complete the trail from Smith to Watrous Streets. A $10,000 engineering grant to bring Watrous to Main is in process. Mr. Hesen reported on WPCA
• The Pollution Control Facility is operated as a joint facility of Colchester and East Hampton. They applied for $2 million grant for preliminary design for an updated plan. Chair Dostaler encourage other EDC members to act as liaisons.
d. Streetscape Steering Committee
The Town Manager sent a correspondence from DEDC representative Gary Pitcock, who reviewed data regarding consultant selection and has supported the hiring of TPA. The Town is working to finalize a contract. The state is pleased. The Town Manger will keep the EDC apprised. The Steering Committee had a good meeting with the consultant. They did a site walk. There is a delay because federal funds will not yet be released until the 2008 cycle, but this will provide welcome extra time. Liz Harris is willing to serve as Chairman of the SSC.
e. Brownfields Steering Committee Scott Bristol spoke from the audience. He said there is a schedule outlined in the memo sent to Chair Dostaler on implementing a grant at 13 Watrous. On 4/3/07 they will make a selection of a contractor and on 4/10/07 they will present to Town Council. Chair Dostaler thanked Mr. Bristol and said EDC will support. Two additional grants are in process.
f. State legislative update Chair Dostaler is tracking state legislature on proposed bills that could positively impact East Hampton, including one that will provide funding for revolving loans for Middlesex County, as well as acts to provide bonding for improvements in East Hampton.
8. Business Updates
Chair Dostaler presented the following updates:
• H & E appliances has opened in the NESCI Building with a great inventory. They will change their name to Belltown Appliances, and there will be an article on the business in RiverEast.
• There was a grand re-opening of Especially for You
• There is a new hair salon, Salon Ferrara Mr. March will outreach.
• Another new business opening, is Fit Tricks, a workout facility for kids. Jack Hesen will outreach.
• Dream Developers are in discussion to build a facility at the corner of Laurel Ridge and Rte 66. Chair Dostaler will outreach.
Mr. Hesen reported the following:
• At 10 Summit a new manufacturer of electric cars will produce cars made of aluminum, weighing 68 lbs., with a single seat, and an aluminum frame. They are in a class called NEV or neighborhood electric vehicles.
Ms. Rooth reported the following:
• She outreached to the owner of a fire-damaged building that housed a beauty salon. They are covered by insurance. The Town building administrator has said the owner may rebuild on the footprint. The owner is not planning on selling and she will remove the burnt out crust in a timely fashion. She is securing the building.
9. New Business
a. Draft Town Council ordinance to create a Village Center Redevelopment Agency
• At its last meeting, Town Council distributed a draft ordinance to establish a redevelopment agency for East Hampton, and also a copy of a state statute that enables such an agency to be established. This is an important step. It's purpose is to allow that agency to take over the planning function in terms of revitalization efforts, to be able to acquire parcels, negotiate, and interact with nonprofits and community organizations. Chair Dostaler encouraged EDC members to read the draft ordinance and the statute. This would be the enabling piece between the nonprofit and the municipality. This agency would be composed of volunteers. This is a first step. Chair Dostaler asked EDC to read and send feedback by 3/8/07 and she will compile comments and present to Town Council on 3/13/07 if this is an item on their agenda.
b. Station House 35 West High Street: application for zone change from PO/R to commercial In considering Mr. Burt's request to the P&Z for a PO/R to Commercial zone change, it was seen that, as a housekeeping measure, the small square lot where the Trike Shop is located should be changed to commercial also. Mr. Burt indicated to P&Z that he would submit the application, which he has done.
c. T.S. & Sons LLC: car wash site plan application
• Chair Dostaler referred to the December 19th meeting at which a zone change had been requested for land held by Timothy Mason. Chair Dostaler had specifically expressed opposition to a car wash at this location at that time, which was shared by the Commission. The Planning and Zoning Commission approved the zone change and the grace period for appeal has passed. To verify what had been communicated, the recorder prepared a verbatim transcription of the Dec. 19th presentation. Chair Dostaler read a segment of the transcription in which Mr. Christopher Burt, presenting for Mr. Mason, was specifically asked if there was an intention to pursue a car wash. The proposed square footage of the car wash is 15,000-sq. ft. Mr. March objected to a car wash at this gateway location. Mr. March said the timeline raises suspicion as it was not the
intention presented at the Dec. 19th meeting. Chair Dostaler said that this gateway location, still predominantly residential, and is not appropriate for a car wash. It will not create measurable employment opportunities, and a car wash is not a pedestrian location nor is it a magnet for other desirable businesses. Concerns were expressed regarding the adequacy of water in the area and water consumption. Ms. Rooth suggested EDC let the Planning and Zoning Commission know that members feel they have been misled. Chair Dostaler said we could offer an advisory opposing this proposed use. Members agreed the letter should include the verbatim transcript, that EDC reiterate its support of the prior zone change, that it was made clear EDC did not support a car wash in the prior letter of support, and that EDC feels misled. Also, the other issues of job creation, gateway and pedestrian appropriateness, and water impact issues should be included.
Ms. Rooth made a motion that EDC write a letter to the Planning and Zoning Commission to oppose the proposed site plan application for a car wash at the High Street location. Ms. Anderson seconded the motion. The motion carried (5-0-0). (Yes votes: Chair Dostaler, Vice-Chair Hesen, Ms. Anderson, Mr. March, Ms. Rooth. Yes votes: 5. No votes: 0. Abstentions: 0.)
d. Hampton Woods, Bear Swamp Road: active adult living community site plan application
Chair Dostaler showed application materials for a residential development in the DD Zone and she said this is especially relevant to EDC. EDC is concerned that there is less and less land for commercial use. At a January 18th meeting, Planimetrics and the Town Planner recommended that EDC as a commission conduct economic analysis of the DD Zone for both commercial and residential use of the area, so that an informed decision can be made as to the best use of the land. Ms. Rooth said that perhaps, tax-wise, residential may be the best use of the area. Chair Dostaler said we will use Planimetrics for the analysis. Chair Dostaler's recommendation is that EDC take a broader view and perform this analysis and look at the economics, rather than invite the Hampton Woods applicant to present to EDC. Mr. Hesen said that having a consultant carries
more weight. Ms. Rooth said a fiscal analysis will help decide what is the highest and best use and what offers the most positive tax impact for the Town.
Vice-Chair Hesen made a motion to authorize Chair Dostaler to proceed with discussions with Planimetrics about active adult residential development in the DD Zone, and extending that into other properties in the future. Mr. March seconded the motion. The motion carried (5-0-0). (Yes votes: Chair Dostaler, Vice-Chair Hesen, Ms. Anderson, Mr. March. Ms. Rooth. Yes votes: 5. No votes: 0. Abstentions: 0.)
10. Old Business
a. Draft anti-blight ordinance: status update
Chair Dostaler passed out a current draft of the anti-blight ordinance being considered by the Town Council, which hopes to bring the issue to a resolution. Mr. Bergren said that the Town will make public the date of the next meeting. The date will be posted on the web site and on the front door of the Town Hall, and all interested parties who have contacted the Town on the matter will be apprised.
b. Your Town Community Guide: project update Chair Dostaler said that this project will be at no cost to the Town. Letters have been sent to 90 businesses introducing the contact of Your Town Community Guide and alerting them to this project. She requested photos of East Hampton for the cover images, especially of Old Home Day. She showed some choices on a laptop and she has worked with Sue Weintraub to create a composite image. EDC gave approval for 2 pictures, and the third will be of Old Home Day. A decision must be made within the next couple of weeks.
c. Mail-a-Map ad: project update Chair Dostaler asked for the EDC's choice for the mail-a-map advertisement design, and for authorization to present that choice to Mail-A-Map. Ms. Rooth thought that one thing that is missing is some incentive to draw people to the web site.
Vice-Chair Hesen made a motion to approve the ad layout as presented for placement in the Mail-a-Map publication. Ms. Anderson seconded the motion. The motion carried (3-1-1). (Yes votes: Chair Dostaler, Vice-Chair Hesen, Ms. Anderson. Yes votes: 3. No votes: Ms. Rooth. No votes: 1. Abstentions: Mr. March. Abstentions: 1.)
Chair Dostaler said that the advertisement can be used as a business card, also. She will prepare this and have it ready for the next EDC meeting.
c. Review of zoning regulations: status update Chair Dostaler said topics include the Village Center zoning and the home-based business allowable use and the DD Zone (discussed earlier in the meeting). Current zoning regulations need to be reviewed and updated. There will be a review of all regulations and data by Planimetrics and they will get back with a proposal. David Dodes has done work on Village Center zoning regulations, and has been asked to provide his recommendations by 3/1/07 for EDC consideration.
d. Business survey and online business directory
Chair Dostaler said we need to cross-reference hard copy information with online information. Ms. Anderson volunteered to help. Also, a handful of businesses want to meet with an EDC member:
Travel Solutions Ms. Rooth volunteered.
Alternate Solutions Mr. Hesen volunteered.
Roadside Grill Mr. March volunteered.
Lithographics LLC Ms. Rooth volunteered.
Angelico's Ms. Anderson volunteered.
Serra Associates, CPA Ms. Anderson volunteered.
Once these tasks are done, EDC can announce the publication of the database.
11. Public Comments
• Mr. John E. Higgins spoke from the audience for two reasons. He praised Walter Smith and his project, and he spoke about the Anti-Blight Ordinance. He thought the ordinance should include residences, that the ordinance favored commercial over industrial, and that home-based businesses create empty rental space. Mr. Higgins wants a fair playing field. At present, legitimate insured electricians must compete with uninsured electricians working from their homes with no signage, and no signs on their trucks. Such a condition makes it very hard for fair competition. Ms. Rooth invited Mr. Higgins to meet and talk on this topic.
• Lionel Valuzo of 8 Summit St said if we have an anti-blight ordinance, why not have one for everyone, and he believes that an ordinance will not be enforceable. Chair Dostaler asked Mr. Valuzo to pass on his comments to the Town Council and she said EDC supported an anti-blight ordinance. Mr. Bergren will make sure to alert Mr. Valuzo to the future meetings regarding anti-blight.
12. Adjournment
Ms. Anderson made a motion to adjourn. Vice-Chair Hesen seconded the motion. The motion carried (5-0-0). (Yes votes: Chair Dostaler, Vice-Chair Hesen, Ms. Anderson, Mr. March, Ms. Rooth. Yes votes: 5. No votes: 0. Abstentions: 0.)
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen Wright, Recording clerk
April 4, 2007
Attachments referenced in these minutes can be viewed at East Hampton Town Hall.
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