East Hampton Economic Development Commission
Meeting Minutes
March 20, 2007
Eaton E. Smith Meeting Room, Town Hall
1. Call to order
Chair Mary Ann Dostaler called the meeting to order at 6:32 PM.
Present: Chair Mary Ann Dostaler, Vice-Chair John Hesen; Commissioners Patience Anderson, Bryan Jackowitz, (arrived 6:28) Jon March (arrived 6:45) and Cindy Rooth;
Also present: Glenn Chalder, Planimetrics
2. Approval of Minutes:
a. Regular meeting: February 20, 2007
Ms. Anderson made a motion to approve the minutes of the February 20, 2007 regular meeting. Ms. Rooth seconded the motion. The motion carried (5-0-0). (Yes votes: Chair Dostaler, Vice-Chair Hesen, Ms. Anderson, Mr. Jackowitz, Ms. Rooth. Yes votes: 5. No votes: 0. Abstentions: 0.)
b. Special meeting: March 8, 2007
Vice-Chair Hesen made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 8, 2007 special meeting. Ms. Anderson seconded the motion. The motion carried (5-0-0). (Yes votes: Chair Dostaler, Vice-Chair Hesen, Ms. Anderson, Mr. Jackowitz, Ms. Rooth. Yes votes: 5. No votes: 0. Abstentions: 0.)
3. Announcements & Communications
Chair Dostaler made the following announcements:
• Meeting: The Planning and Zoning Commission meeting will include a special workshop on Commission policies and procedures and revision of regulations. The meeting will be on 3/21/07 at 7 PM. Chair Dostaler will be unable to attend. Ms. Anderson will attend.
• Correspondence: Chair Dostaler sent letters regarding the applications of KOCO, T.S. and Sons Carwash, Belltown Square, and Magnum Group that were authorized at the previous EDC meeting. ATTACHMENT 1
• Announcement: Town Council is moving forward with efforts to establish a redevelopment agency. Chair Dostaler passed out the latest draft regarding the agency, and announced that there will be a public hearing at the Town Council meeting on 4/10/07. Previous comments from EDC members regarding the prior draft were presented verbally to the Town Council at the March 13 Council meeting. EDC Commissioners may comment further at the April 10 meeting or through Chair Dostaler.
• Correspondence: Chair Dostaler had forwarded, on behalf of EDC, a TPA summary on Village Center revitalization and on the first grant assessment to Liz Appell at DECD. Ms. Appell replied with a very favorable correspondence, including the fact that Representative Hamm has introduced legislation to designate East Hampton as a pilot project under the Act Concerning Brownfields. Ms. Appell awaits information from the CT Department of Health in order to decide how best to assist East Hampton. Chair Dostaler conveyed that this ongoing dialogue with DECD very encouraging.
• Correspondence: Through the Town Manager, from the State Department of Transportation, a correspondence has been received regarding the timing of Rte. 66 and Main St. intersection plans. The plans are complete. Bids are delayed because federal highway funds were not received in time for the 2007 construction cycle, but the correspondence confirms that the project will happen in the 2008 construction cycle.
• Correspondence: Howard Schwager sent a correspondence with technical corrections to the EDC letter of support.
• Correspondence: Engineers for the T. S. and Sons car wash property forwarded a correspondence and a concept design to EDC. Chair Dostaler read the correspondence and said that this letter was not received until 3/2/07. EDC's action was on 2/20/07.
• Chamber event: The next Chamber Breakfast will be on 4/2/07 at 7:45 to 9:00 AM. The speaker will be Gerald Howard, the CEO of the National Homebuilders Association. There will also be a workshop on affordable housing from 9:15 to 11:30 AM.
• Event: Micro Enterprise Resource Group will present a showcase at the Old Judiciary Room in the State Capital. It is a free event, 4:30 - 7:00 PM on 5/2/07
• Chair Dostaler asked EDC members if they wish to subscribe to the Downtown Idea Exchange. Ms. Rooth said the focus seems to be on towns of greater size than East Hampton.
EDC members ruled by consensus to not subscribe to the newsletter, Downtown Idea Exchange.
• Event: The 2007 CT Governor's Conference on Culture and Tourism will take place on 5/2/07 at the Omni New Haven Hotel from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with an evening awards program. EDC would sponsor a member's attendance. Ms. Rooth will consider attending. This conference is connected to marketing, arts, film, history, and tourism.
• Publications: CT Real Estate Journal and CT Business Magazine are available.
4. Town Manager’s report
Chair Dostaler delivered the Town Manager's Report.
a. Water system and consent order update The Town Council water system meeting was held last week. EDC held a prior Special Meeting and agreed to support option 3 as a minimum. The next workshop will be on 4/25/07, to be confirmed.
b. Coordination of application process between boards and commissions The Town Manager is moving this initiative through and the first meeting with staff and chairs will be held on a Thursday within the next two-three weeks. Chair Dostaler will attend.
c. Other The Town Manager testified in Hartford to the Appropriations Committee and the CT Conference of Municipalities, advocating for funding of small municipalities. Representative Hamm sits on the Appropriations Committee and is cautiously optimistic, though nothing is guaranteed about the legislation she has put forward for East Hampton. Ms. Rooth asked if this is regular funding for Village Center. Chair Dostaler said this includes small appropriations for various entities and the designation of East Hampton as pilot program for brownsfields.
Mr. Hesen asked about the timing for the grant for demolition of water towers. Chair Dostaler will check with the Town Manager and send an email. Ms. Anderson commented on the workshop meeting. She was proud to be a member of EDC and the fact that EDC was fully prepared for the water system workshop, and she thanked Chair Dostaler for her leadership. She asked if EDC needs to prepare further for the next meeting. Chair Dostaler said there is an electronic file in color of the relevant power point presentation that is available, and she will stay in touch with the Town Manager on the issue.
5. Public Comments
• Mr. Dan Scroggin asked about the status of the Design Review Board. Chair Dostaler's understanding is that there are not enough people to man that board but the ordinance has been established. Anyone interested should contact the Town Council for details.
• Mr. Ken Dodson of Main Street spoke in regard to the KOCO daycare request for a zoning change. He said there is considerable opposition and asked EDC to reconsider approval of this project.
• Ms. Ellen Nosal of Main Street spoke in regard to the KOCO daycare request for a zone change. She said some neighbors had not received a timely notice. The location is not safe and traffic may impede ambulances. She noted that the area in question is in the National Register of Historic Places. She asked EDC to please reconsider supporting this application. ATTACHMENT 4
Ms. Rooth made a motion to discuss the KOCO application as item 10e on the meeting's agenda. Mr. March seconded the motion. The motion carried (6-0-0). (Yes votes: Chair Dostaler, Vice-Chair Hesen, Ms. Anderson, Mr. Jackowitz, Mr. March, Ms. Rooth. Yes votes: 6. No votes: 0. Abstentions: 0.)
6. Special Presentations
a. Belltown Square Phase II: CVS pharmacy site plan application
i. Consider, discuss and take possible action
Chair Dostaler said that the applicant, Mr. George Lee, is not present, and the applicant's partner has had a conversation with the Town Manager. The project's architect indicated that they had received comments from the Town related the design concerns and will return to present at the April EDC meeting. Commissioner March has a report related to this application.
EDC agreed by consensus to move item 6i to item 10d on the meeting's agenda.
Ms. Rooth made a motion to move item 9a to the current position on the meeting's agenda. Ms. Anderson seconded the motion. The motion carried (6-0-0). (Yes votes: Chair Dostaler, Vice-Chair Hesen, Ms. Anderson, Mr. Jackowitz, Mr. March, Ms. Rooth. Yes votes: 6. No votes: 0. Abstentions: 0.)
(9a) Draft home-based business regulation: presentation by Glen Chalder, Planimetrics (to current position…) Chair Dostaler introduced Mr. Glenn Chalder of Planimetrics who handed out draft regulations regarding home based businesses in East Hampton. ATTACHMENT 5 He wished to receive feedback from EDC members to fine-tune the document in order to prepare it for the P & Z for their consideration and amendment. He said that the draft breaks out home based business types on the basis of levels of intensity, and from a land use perspective, into four categories, and it also fits the designations into a Town framework. His work took into consideration negative impacts on neighbors and how to give neighbors a means to weigh in on the impact without forcing the operation out of business. He proposed that the regulations are in process,
and as the town gains experience they may be modified. Some particular concerns were: the extent of car traffic and parking spaces, the number and size of commercial vehicles, the amount of floor space used for the business in the home, notification of abutters, the number of non-resident employees, the use of hazardous materials, storage, product safety sheets, noise, enforcement, the status of artisans, blight, permit vs. registration, taxes, and permits with a time limitation. Chair Dostaler said that 42% of East Hampton businesses were identified as home based and they need to be legitimized. Mr. Hesen said that rental space suffers in hard times but that is not a reason to not have appropriate home based business regulations. Mr. Jackowitz' concerns were for a mechanism for the orderly interaction of neighbors, and that home based business people should interact with the economic community. Mr. March said there is no way to enforce regulations. Chair Dostaler said that Mr.
Higgins had spoken at the previous meeting of a level playing field for businesses. Ms. Anderson asked if the role of the EDC is to legitimize current home based businesses. Chair Dostaler said EDC's role is to legitimize current regulatory framework to ensure that businesses are appropriate. Mr. Chalder said he will offer EDC's amended regulations with strikeouts to show their considerations to the P & Z as a work in progress. Mr. Rux as the liaison from the P & Z, thanked EDC and Mr. Chalder for the work. He said that it is good to start this process and move forward. In order to implement, it will go to public hearing. He recommended that this be put on a list with other regulatory work. Chair Dostaler said the P & Z Chair has agreed there is a need for such a regulation. Mr. Rux recommended that a rough draft be sent to David Dodes to shorten the process. Mr. Scroggins asked if this is discriminatory to home based contractors working from a cell phone. Mr. Chalders
referred Mr. Scroggins to the definition of a home-based contractor. Chair Dostaler asked what is the process for education and outreach to the community. Mr. Chalders described possibilities and a timeline. He will supply his suggestions with the regulations.
Ms. Anderson made a motion to move item 10e to the current position on the meeting's agenda. Ms. Rooth seconded the motion. The motion carried (6-0-0). (Yes votes: Chair Dostaler, Vice-Chair Hesen, Ms. Anderson, Mr. Jackowitz, Mr. March, Ms. Rooth. Yes votes: 6. No votes: 0. Abstentions: 0.)
10E Discussion of KOCO application (to current position) Ms. Rooth said that KOCO had not heard of any opposition at the time of their presentation. Since then, new information has come up. Chair Dostaler said the EDC correspondence submitted to the P & Z identified questions not discussed at the EDC meeting but substantive. She relayed that the KOCO application was removed from the agenda at the last P & Z meeting at the request of the applicant. She is not sure if it has been formally withdrawn. Residents had an attorney at the P & Z meeting. Chair Dostaler will ask for status of the application. Ms. Rooth said if it is withdrawn and then reapplied, it is hoped that the applicant would return to us, and it is hoped that neighbors would also attend. Chair Dostaler said it is very significant that this is in an area that has
been designated in the National Historic Register. Chair Dostaler said she would draft a letter asking for clarification on the status of the applicant.
Ms. Anderson made a motion to authorize Chair Dostaler to draft a correspondence to the Planning and Zoning Commission to inquire about the status of the KOCO application and communicate EDC’s desire to be apprised of the status and review process. Mr. Jackowitz seconded the motion. The motion carried (6-0-0). (Yes votes: Chair Dostaler, Vice-Chair Hesen, Ms. Anderson, Mr. Jackowitz, Mr. March, Ms. Rooth. Yes votes: 6. No votes: 0. Abstentions: 0.)
There was a 10 minute recess.
7. EDC Budget / Liaison / Committee Reports
a. EDC budget
This Friday at 3:30 Chair Dostaler will present the budget to the Board of Finance. Chair Dostaler said it looks very different from previous years. It is more narrative and is incorporated into the Town Managers budget. Please give feedback, especially for the new $60,000 position for an EDC coordinator. The amount of current activity cannot be sustained by volunteers alone. She asked EDC members to support this line item.
b. Report from EDC liaisons to: IWWA; PZC; WPCA
Chair Dostaler will continue as IWWA liaison unless others are available. Chair Dostaler attended the 3/3/07 P & Z meeting. Items set for 4/4/07: Burt technical zone change; the application of TS and Sons. The application of Howard Schwager was approved; the KOCO application was postponed at the applicant’s request; Magnum Group application was continued; Belltown Square Phase II was postponed at the applicant's request. Mr. Burt had a pre-application conversation, including a potential zone change from C to RI for an area on Lake Pocatapaug. The Board suggested housing for "over 55". Chair Dostaler will communicate to the town planner that EDC needs to be informed and will have viewpoints. Chair Dostaler attended the 3/15 Friends of the Airline Trail meeting. They have immediate need for EDC letters of support sent to
the State of CT for a $50,000 grant to bring the Airline Trail from Smith St. to Watrous Street. The next grant for $10,000 to fund an engineering study will be more difficult to obtain. There was a discussion about parking for the trail.
Ms. Rooth made a motion to authorize Chair Dostaler to draft a correspondence to the State of CT to support the Town’s grant request for funds to finish the Airline Trail from Smith Street to Watrous Street. Mr. Jackowitz seconded the motion. The motion carried (6-0-0). (Yes votes: Chair Dostaler, Vice-Chair Hesen, Ms. Anderson, Mr. Jackowitz, Mr. March, Ms. Rooth. Yes votes: 6. No votes: 0. Abstentions: 0.)
Chair Dostaler reported on the Board of Finance. She said that the Board of Finance voted $3,000 for a traffic study on Rte. 151 in Middle Haddam. The Town hopes with this traffic study to articulate concerns for the State's consideration. Mr. Hesen asked about a Town Survey. Chair Dostaler said the Board of Finance heard a presentation from a representative from UCONN, which offers a survey service on overall town satisfaction but there is a $19,000 price tag. The matter was tabled until the next meeting. At the last The Town Council meeting, $10,000 was voted for an engineering study for the Old School House that may be used for municipal services. The Board of Finance supports this expenditure, hoping it will dovetail with the facilities committee.
Mr. Hesen reported on the WPCA. There is much activity. They had proposals for 6 new developments to be added to the town’s water system. Also, Mr. Hesen cited the Village at Long Crossing, 52 units Edmund's Pond, Hamden Woods, and 122 units at Knotts River Landing. Skyline Estates is underway. There was a resolution passed for 22 lots with sewer, and improvements to Clark Hill. Skyline Estates will fund that pump station. They requested additional units under Phase II.
Chair Dostaler asked for a volunteer to be liaison to the Board of Finance. Ms. Anderson will be the liaison.
c. Streetscape Steering Committee
The contract with TPA is final. The next meeting will be on either 4/4/07 or 4/5/07.
d. Brownsfield Subcommittee
The Brownsfield Subcommittee will make its recommendations to EDC and Town Council Chair Dostaler said we may need to convene a special meeting before the next Town Council meeting.
e. See Town Manager's legislative update.
8. Business Updates
• Val Ferro brought NY developers, Meridian Development Partners, to East Hampton. They specialize in brownsfields and underutilized properties. They toured the town and there was a very positive meeting. Conversations may continue. TPA will be in touch with them. They are well capitalized and would partner with the redevelopment agency.
• Dream Developers intention to build medical and dental offices on Rte. 66 hit a snag but they intend to move forward and present an application.
• Mr. March will visit a new hair salon and offer the grand opening banner.
• Donut Depot has renamed itself Fresh Start. Mr. Hesen will outreach.
• The Bank Building is being considered for apartments, a bakery, and a restaurant.
• Mr. Hesen will outreach to the new Fit Trix business
9. New Business
a. Draft home-based business regulation: presentation by Glen Chalder, Planimetrics
i. Consider, discuss and take possible action See above.
10. Old Business
a. Your Town Community Guide: project update
Your Town Community Guide is moving forward. Chair Dostaler provide the list of essential numbers to Mr. Crawford. He has had conversation with 26 businesses and was well received. He has asked what does EDC want as the back page map: an attraction map, a regional map with surrounding towns, or a CT map. EDC would like a regional map highlighting attractions.. Mr. Crawford also wants to know where to make maps available. EDC listed libraries, schools, police, Town Hall, Sears Park, Historic Museum, Goff House.
b. Mail-a-Map ad: project update
This project is all set. Business cards may be considered next month.
c. Business survey and online business directory
Ms. (Commissioner) Anderson found typos and duplicates and reported on corrections. Chair Dostaler will give these to the town web master. Chair Dostaler has an Excel export of just names and businesses and she will send thank you letters to the businesses that have responded. She also will send an announcement to the Rivereast when it goes live. The next step is to analyze data, which is too much for one person. Chair Dostaler will coordinate a meeting with the town web master to discuss how to move forward with data analysis. Ms. Anderson and Ms. Rooth volunteered to support this effort. Ms. Anderson communicated that she had spoken with the owner of Angelico's, who indicated in his survey that he wanted to meet with EDC. However, he wants to have a private session with the full board of the EDC, which would not be a legal meeting. Chair
Dostaler suggested that Mr. Angelico could meet with up to 3 members. Ms. Anderson will coordinate with Mr. Angelico.
d. Belltown Square application
Mr. March presented research he had compiled on what is desirable and undesirable for the design of the proposed CVS building. There was a discussion of presenting his research to the P & Z and the applicant.
Ms. Rooth made a motion to submit a report on CVS design for East Hampton to the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Town Planner and the applicant. Vice-Chair Hesen seconded the motion. The motion carried (6-0-0). (Yes votes: Chair Dostaler, Vice-Chair Hesen, Ms. Anderson, Mr. Jackowitz, Mr. March, Ms. Rooth. Yes votes: 6. No votes: 0. Abstentions: 0.)
The report will be forwarded with a cover letter. Ms. Anderson asked that it be made clear that this is not an endorsement of the project, but an advisory tool.
11. Public Comments
Mr. Scroggins commended EDC on their work regarding the CVS project.
12. Adjournment
Ms. Anderson made a motion to adjourn. Ms. Rooth seconded the motion. The motion carried (6-0-0). (Yes votes: Chair Dostaler, Vice-Chair Hesen, Ms. Anderson, Mr. Jackowitz, Mr. March, Ms. Rooth. Yes votes: 6. No votes: 0. Abstentions: 0.)The meeting adjourned at 10:15 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen Wright Recording clerk
Attachments referenced in these minutes can be viewed at East Hampton Town Hall.
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