East Hampton Economic Development Commission
Special Meeting
Minutes
April 26, 2007
Eaton E. Smith Meeting Room, Town Hall
1. Call to order
Chair Mary Ann Dostaler called the meeting to order at 6:45 PM.
Present: Chair Mary Ann Dostaler, Vice-Chair John Hesen; Commissioners Patience Anderson and Jon March; Alan Bergren, Town Manager; Richard S. Korris, Northeast Retail Leasing & Management Co., LLC
Not Present: Commissioners Bryan Jackowitz and Cindy Rooth
Vice-Chair Hesen made a motion to move item 4b above item 3. Ms. Anderson seconded the motion. The motion carried (4-0-0). (Yes votes: Chair Dostaler, Vice-Chair Hesen, Ms. Anderson, Mr. March. Yes votes: 4. No votes: 0. Abstentions: 0.)
2. Approval of Minutes: a. Regular meeting: March 20, 2007
Ms. Anderson made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 20, 2007 regular meeting. Vice-Chair Hesen seconded the motion. The motion carried (4-0-0). (Yes votes: Chair Dostaler, Vice-Chair Hesen, Ms. Anderson, Mr. March. Yes votes: 4. No votes: 0. Abstentions: 0.)
4b. Special presentations Belltown Square Phase II: CVS pharmacy site plan application Mr. Korris, the developer of Belltown Square, said that they are sensitive to phosphates in the lake, and have also made mitigations off the site. Chair Dostaler said the EDC concern is for the façade of the building. There was a discussion of lighting fixtures. Mr. Korris will look into fixtures with a full cut off that do not glare. Mr. March suggested Penn Globe in Branford. Chair Dostaler said that would be in conformance with CT Dark Sky Initiative. Mr. Korris said his architect did not have full-scale views ready but he did have one elevation. He said that signage will be lit with downlights on the side, and there will be screening for the neighbors, and a lot of plantings. The CVS will be built with bricks in the same palette as the bank, but
not the same color. Signs will conform to zoning regulations. There was a discussion about the comparative sizes of the two buildings, and the difficulty in making a judgement without a more complete visualization. The CVS shows a story and a half, while the bank is one story. Ms. Anderson said it was difficult to understand the relative sizes of the CVS and the bank. Chair Dostaler asked Mr. Korris to consult with the Streetscape Steering Committee on such things as benches and trash baskets and other elements. Both EDC and Mr. Korris agreed they would want low maintenance and low cost elements. Mr. Korris said it is best if the Streetscape Steering Committee will send materials to the architect. Chair Dostaler thanked Mr. Korris for his presentation. Mr. Korris asked for EDC's support at the Planning and Zoning Commission. She said a letter of support would most likely not be ready for the Wednesday Planning and Zoning Meeting. She asked Mr. Korris to forward documents to the
Town Manager. Mr. Korris asked that the Streetscape Steering Committee forward their material. Mr. Hesen said he liked the building very much. Ms. Anderson said it was a significant improvement over the first design.
3. Announcements & Communications
• Correspondence: A letter of support from EDC for the Department of Recreation has been sent for Airline Trail improvements. ATTACHMENT 2
• Correspondence: Chair Dostaler received from Sharon Mason a correspondence regarding the Mason car wash location. It is available for members to read at the Town Hall. ATTACHMENT 3
• Report: East Hampton is involved in a free program with Marc Cohen from Atlantic Source-water Protection. Mr. Cohen spent the last year working on a source-water protection plan for East Hampton. Chair Dostaler handed out the plan and asked EDC members to review and send feedback, which she will forward.
• Event: Chamber Division Meeting - at Angelico's 5/2/07 at 8 AM, no fee. ATTACHMENT 4
• Event: Chamber Breakfast Meeting - 4/30/07 at Crowne Plaza in Cromwell. Douglas Bennet, the president of Wesleyan University will speak. The cost is $17. Registration required.
• Event: MicroEnterprise Resource Group Party - 5/2/07, 4:30 - 7 PM at State Legislature for businesses of 1 - 10 employees. Ms. Anderson asked how such information can be distributed to East Hampton businesses. Chair Dostaler will ask the web master.
• Event: Governor's Conference on Culture and Tourism with Jodi Rell, 5/1/07 and 5/2/07 in Hartford at the new convention center. The cost is $135 and the event requires registration.
• Seminar: CCM sponsored seminar on how to conduct public meetings under the FOI regulations, on 5/24/07, 6 - 9 PM, in New Britain. Ms. Anderson will attend.
• Notification: CERC (CT Economic Resource Center) works with municipalities to populate an economic development database. There is no charge. Ms. Anderson will look into it.
• Event: Conference sponsored by CBI, an accredited course on planning economic development on 5/15/07 from 3:30 to 8:30 PM at Northeast Utilities Auditorium. The cost is $50 per person.
• Newsletters from the CT Mainstreets Program are available.
• Event: East Hampton Poker Run sponsored by the East Hampton Hall of Fame.
4. Special Presentations
a. Tees on the Lake: new business presentation by Cherry Haddock
Ms. Haddock is not ready for a presentation. The grand opening for Tees on the Lake has been rescheduled to 5/5/07 at 10 AM. Mr. Hesen gave them the banner. It is a custom embroidery and screen print operation. Tees on the Lake will be a showroom, and the production will be at a facility in Hartford. Ms. Haddock may come to present at the May EDC meeting.
5. Public Comments None
6. Town Manager’s report
a. Water tower demolition We have filed a Community Development grant. We will hear the results in June. In order to pump water in the Village Center we are awaiting permits to dredge the stream that supplies water. The system is now down and there is no fire protection available, so this item is critical. The Fire Dept. can draft from the stream, but it is our goal to have hydrants working. The water tower is no longer a component and it is impaired. The tower will come down in summer or early fall.
b. Water system and consent order update The consent order deals with problems of the Village Center water system as it now exists with 29 customers. There are proximity violations and the yield isn't sufficient and not reliable. The Finance Director, with the assistance of the Public Utilities Administrator, prepared this booklet and they did a good job. ATTACHMENT 5 They showed maps for each phase along with proposals and costs and allocation of debt service, etc. for each proposal. Also 2 hybrids were created to modify rates so the system would be financially viable without financial subsidy. These are Proposal 4.1 and 4.2. We tried to make this understandable to the lay person. Chair Dostaler said that 4.2 seemed the best. The Brownfields Subcommittee sent an email ATTACHMENT 6 saying that there is a real need to ensure that known
contaminated areas are addressed. None of the proposals under discussion go up Main Street. She asked Mr. Bergren if the road layout can be reconfigured so that you have more customers and you do not increase the cost by going up Main Street. Chair Dostaler asked if EDC would recommend to Town Council to consider this plan. Mr. Bergren said the loop makes sense. Chair Dostaler said there is less likelihood of contaminating Chatham Fields. Chair Dostaler also shared that a Brownsfield Subcommittee licensed environmental engineer checked with DEP and found that General Equities has received reimbursement funds for an underground storage tank cleanup. This clean up account has a cap of $1 million per claim. General Equities could contribute toward the cost of the water system. The Town should look into this. Chair Dostaler will forward the email to Mr. Bergren and Mr. Hesen.
Ms. Anderson made a motion that EDC endorse proposal 4.2 of the water system report, as outlined in 4, with suggested modifications, and including Brownfields Subcommittee suggestions. Vice-Chair Hesen seconded the motion. The motion carried (4-0-0). (Yes votes: Chair Dostaler, Vice-Chair Hesen, Ms. Anderson, Mr. March. Yes votes: 4. No votes: 0. Abstentions: 0.)
EDC agreed by consensus that Chair Dostaler draft a correspondence to the Town Council to convey the EDC advisory opinion on the water system proposal.
Mr. Hesen said that, with the referendum, there is much work to do
c. Coordination of application process between boards and commissions Mr. Bergren has written a white paper report with recommendations and he is looking for a consultant on the issue. East Hampton has not supported land use boards. The process includes development of an email list; a meeting of chairs, hopefully later in May; and a review of consultants in other towns that have made analyses. He will take information to the Board of Finance and Town Council; we need funds, staff, and technology. Mr. Bergren will keep EDC apprised of progress.
d. The budget meeting is 4/30/07 and the referendum will be 5/8/07. He encouraged EDC to get people to vote, and have this adopted first shot. Mr. Bergren is working on an insert to the newspaper.
7. EDC Budget / Liaison / Committee Reports
a. EDC budget Vice-Chair Hesen said there are plenty of funds. He handed out a summary of the budget. EDC should make use of the printing budget. Chair Dostaler has 2 proposals from consultants for projects in support of EDC goals, see items 9c. There was a discussion of remaining invoices to be paid.
b. Report from EDC liaisons to: IWWA; PZC; WPCA IW 3/28/07 Chair Dostaler
• Belltown application continued
• Skyline Estates heard & continued
• Discussion of ordinance regarding phosphorus fertilizer P & Z 4/4/07 Chair Dostaler
• Belltown Square postponed
• Salmon Run Estates approved
• Hampton Woods opened and continued.
• Zone change for trike shop property approved
• Application for car-wash opened and continued
• Presentation by Thad King on implications of new regulations at state level in terms of public water supply wells. There needs to be more consideration earlier on at the town level in the application process. The Health Director encouraged the creation of a planning tool for planning for water in future.
Friends of Airline Trail 4/19/07 postponed to May
Chair Dostaler Town Council approved creation of a Redevelopment Agency
Chair Dostaler WPCA 3/27/07
Mr. Hesen
• The swimming hole issue has blocked progress on the Lyman viaduct.
• Mr. Hesen said also that Birmingham Utilities will be the water service provider for the Belltown Square area.
Board of Finance Month of April Ms. Anderson
• The $60,000 figure for an Economic Development Coordinator was considered too high. Instead, a $30,000 amount was approved for the purpose of working with contracted consultants, on top of the EDC budget as requested.
c. Streetscape Steering Committee
Chair Dostaler The Streetscape Steering Committee met with the consultant 4/4/07 to hear options and discuss preferences. On 4/18/07 they met to review and assess priorities. There will be a public meeting in June or July when the committee will give recommendations and ask for feedback. There was a discussion of landscaping for the corner of W. High St. and Main St. Mr. Bergren will speak with the property owner to open a dialog. Mr. Rux, liaison from PZC, asked if there could be a park on that lot.
d. Brownfields Steering Committee
On 4/17/07, Town Council approved Tighe and Bond to be consultants on the 13 Watrous Clean-up. We are waiting to hear from the EPA on grant awards. Mr. Bergren thought perhaps in May or June.
e. State legislative update Representative Hamm said that some bills have died and some are still alive. There will further updates as the session comes to a close in June.
8. Business Updates
a. Visitations
• Mr. March visited the Roadside Deli and Salon Ferrara. Salon Ferrara will consider using the grand opening banner.
• Mr. Hesen visited 4 business people in the Village Center in the attempt to move forward a Meet & Greet. It will take place at the Goff house, 5:30 PM, date TBD. Mr. Hesen also proposed a poker run activity to help business people from Route 66 and the Village Center mingle. At Angelico's, Mr. Hesen and Chair Dostaler met with the owner. The owner expressed concerns that the position the Town Council has taken regarding the issue of the adjacent parking lot, which was constructed last year and allowed by a decision of the Zoning Board of Appeals. A group of citizens (neighbors) has instituted a lawsuit to reverse the decision. The owner is disappointed that EDC is not supportive of business on issues like this with town government.
9. New Business
a. Consider, discuss and take possible action on Belltown Square Phase II application
Mr. March said he does not like the new building design, and he said the designer paid no attention to the report presented by EDC. Ms. Anderson said she thought it a significant improvement over the first presentation. Chair Dostaler said she appreciates the sensitivity and efforts shown, but she is still concerned about the height and scale. She suggested EDC would benefit by waiting to make an advisory opinion until members could see full-scale renderings. PZC will not be able to act at the May 2 meeting so there is time for EDC to meet before the next PZC meeting in June.
By consensus EDC agreed to table the item until the next meeting and until there more information was available and more EDC members present to partake in the discussion.
b. 3rd Annual Connecticut Open House Day
The CT Commission Culture and Tourism encourages venues to host open houses on the same day of the year. Promotion and guidebooks will be supplied. It will take place on 6/9/07. Goff House, Chatham Historical Society and Epoch Arts will receive information. The Commission provides a host kit, signage, guidelines, tips for media promotion, key chains, ambassador pins.
c. Design Development and Village Center zoning regulations Village Center
Chair Dostaler received a proposal from TPA, which she handed out to EDC. This includes the proposed scope of services. The fee is $6000. Village Center regulations need to be looked at and brought up to date to encourage development. At present the zones are piecemeal. The goal is to create a framework on how the Town would like to see the area developed. The intention is to look at the way properties work together as dictated by zoning regulations. Chair Dostaler said the EDC role is to take this to the next level and present it as an advisory recommendation to P & Z. The hope is that the consultants, who are well-versed and experienced, will present a thought-out plan, and then collaborate with P & Z. P & Z has agreed that this should be done. We can use resources and have a plan ready for P & Z. EDC does not have
expertise to create this plan. This is similar to the home-based business initiative. TPA will work with Planimetrics. We have already asked P & Z of their opinion of this and they agree that the Village Center is a priority. This effects town realty values. We have time and resources and we can queue this item up for the P & Z.
Ms. Anderson made a motion to approve the agreement and the scope of services for development of the Village Center zoning regulations for an estimated cost of $6000. Vice-Chair Hesen seconded the motion. The motion carried (4-0-0). (Yes votes: Chair Dostaler, Vice-Chair Hesen, Ms. Anderson, Mr. March. Yes votes: 4. No votes: 0. Abstentions: 0.)
Mr. Rux, PZC liaison spoke from the audience and said he was offended because he was not asked by EDC for help on this issue. Chair Dostaler apologized that she did not see his hand raised. Mr. Rux as an individual member of PZC supports the EDC effort and he asked if he might be a part of future discussions on this topic. He agreed that PZC is very busy at present and does not have time to look at the Village Center zoning regulations. It is not one of their top priorities. He said he appreciated EDC’s interest in working on this to move it forward for the Town. Chair Dostaler said she will provide an opportunity for dialogue. Mr. Hesen saw no problem with liaisons speaking at meetings.
DD Zone
Chair Dostaler handed out a proposal from Planimetrics to do an economic evaluation as well as a review of zoning regulations of the DD Zone. The scope of work is in 2 parts. This will be an economic analysis based on physical and fiscal characteristics, as well as the financial impact of development. A quick analysis of Laurel Ridge conducted by the Town Planner in 2005 showed that the tax impact of the development was beneficial the tax base. ATTACHMENT 10 A more complete analysis would look objectively at the remainder of the DD Zone and consider what is the best case scenario. It would further look at regulations and see how they should be revised to support Town goals for the area. Mr. Hesen said there are limits to this in view of the owners' rights. Chair Dostaler said the Town has won a lawsuit on holding this land for a specific
purpose. This is consistent with the dialogues we have had. Ms. Anderson asked for the timeline. Chair Dostaler said we have money in the budget and we don't need to rush. Mr. Bergren recommended committing funds now before they evaporate in June. Chair Dostaler said we would be enabled to objectively evaluate the area from an economic development perspective. Mr. Rux said he as an individual member of PZC will support you on this. Mr. March said it was a good idea. Mr. Bergren said EDC ought to move on it.
Ms. Anderson made a motion that EDC move forward with the proposed agreement and scope of work for developing a physical and fiscal analysis of the Design Development Zone in the amount of $6000. Mr. March seconded the motion. The motion carried (4-0-0). (Yes votes: Chair Dostaler, Vice-Chair Hesen, Ms. Anderson, Mr. March. Yes votes: 4. No votes: 0. Abstentions: 0.)
d. Printed promotional materials
Chair Dostaler passed out mock-up business cards. She will have a better example next month. She said we have a print budget. A request from the Board of Education for promotional materials in order to recruit teachers made Chair Dostaler realize that East Hampton print materials are out of date. She showed a welcome packet from Manchester as an example of the competition. Mr. Hesen suggested that EDC hire someone to update the Town brochure and similar materials. Chair Dostaler offered some names of local resources who could assist in this project. Possibly different aspects of this printing project could be given to different designers. Mr. March will move the project forward and return to the May meeting with a proposal.
e. EH Business Meet & Greet
f. Incentives for blighted properties
Chair Dostaler handed out an article on the progress of Rocky Hill STEEP grants. Mr. Bergren said Rocky Hill approached businesses with offers of grants if they improve their façades. With the grant the Towns reimburse businesses for makeovers. Chair Dostaler said something like this might be done in East Hampton in conjunction with the anti-blight ordinance. Mr. Bergren will look into what is available for incentives or whatever we can implement.
10. Old Business
a. Draft home-based business regulation Chair Dostaler passed out revised HBB regulations prepared by Glenn Chalder of Planimetrics. ATTACHMENT 12 Chair Dostaler had a conversation with the P & Z chairman and the P & Z is too busy at the present time to put this on the agenda. However we have this for the future. Members were asked to please review and send feedback. There was a discussion of details on payment to Planimetrics. Mr. Bergren suggested Mr. Hesen check with accounting and make sure to encumber the full amount with a purchase order and have signed contracts.
b. East Hampton Community Guide
Clay Crawford has been making rounds and working on small and large maps. The Village Center shops did a group ad, a half page. Mr. Crawford is doing well and he will talk to the local postmasters about being locations to distribute maps... Mr. Crawford is working on mapping and the cover, and by the next meeting we should have a mock-up.
c. Business survey and online business directory
Chair Dostaler handed out information and asked for feedback. Chair Dostaler and Ms. Patience Anderson met with Kathleen Anderson and went over changes to the online business directory. Chair Dostaler said we are ready to announce, send out thank you letters to participating businesses, and issue press releases. Vice-Chair Hesen found it difficult to read and scan the online directory. Chair Dostaler said it was the best that can be done with the graphical framework the web master has to work with. The search options are not done yet. Chair Dostaler said we will have the ability to add new businesses and data. We now have an EDC email address. Going forward, the next step is for the web master to complete the full build out of the database so that all information collected in the survey can be entered. This will also be a budget item.
Chair Dostaler will contact the web master to get a cost estimate.
d. Ms. Anderson asked for a membership roster. Kathleen Wright will update.
11. Public Comments
12. Adjournment
Ms. Anderson made a motion to adjourn. Mr. March seconded the motion. The motion carried (4-0-0). (Yes votes: Chair Dostaler, Vice-Chair Hesen, Ms. Anderson, Mr. March. Yes votes: 4. No votes: 0. Abstentions: 0.)
The meeting adjourned at 10:30 PM.
Respectfully submitted, Kathleen Wright Recording clerk May 8, 2007
Attachments referenced in these minutes can be viewed at East Hampton Town Hall.
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