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East Hampton Economic Development Commission
Special Meeting
Minutes
Tuesday, October 2, 2007, 6:30 p.m.
East Hampton High School Library
1. Call to order
Chair Mary Ann Dostaler called the meeting to order at 6:56 PM.
Present: Chair Dostaler, Commissioners Patience Anderson, Brian Jackowitz (attended until 7:30), and Cindy Rooth; Craig Stevenson and Chris Edge, Connected to Connecticut
Not Present: Vice-Chair John Hesen, Commissioners Rich Leone and Jon March
2. Consider and discuss goals and priorities to direct the Economic Development Consultant
Chair Dostaler handed out copies of the scope. Mr. Bergren and the Town Attorney will review the contractual part. She expects to hear tomorrow on their approval. Mr. Stevenson said Mr. Bergren has said he will expedite the review. Chair Dostaler said EDC will look at the original RFP and goals articulated in the budget. Ms. Anderson said under General Administration, the third bullet, the wording is "Provide assistance… at his discretion or the discretion of the EDC," and it should be amended, "Provide assistance… at the discretion of the EDC." Ms. Anderson asked, in the Provide Assistance and Input paragraph, the fourth bullet, does that refer to the Implementation Tables? Chair Dostaler offered a copy of the POCD for reference. Mr. Stevenson said it should be clear in the contract that it refers to
aspects of the POCD as they pertain to Economic Development. Chair Dostaler agreed because of purview issues and she asked CTC to be familiar with the Implementation Tables. Ms. Rooth said we need to prioritize. Chair Dostaler said for purposes of the scope document we need to keep it broad, and then have the meetings on a month to month basis to look at priorities. Ms. Anderson agreed but she said she is anxious to see ways to measure results to justify expense. Mr. Stevenson said that one year is a short-term contract and it is necessary to be reasonable on results. CTC will provide a written monthly status report on realization of goals to be presented to the Board of Finance and Town Council. Mr. Jackowitz said the scope is a broad document. Mr. Stevenson said our responsibility is to make sure there is a compelling reason to continue any endeavor in monthly summaries. Chair Dostaler asked what quantifiables will be included in a monthly report. Mr. Stevenson said typical
measurements are activities, milestones, goals attained, meetings held and attended, objectives, goals, new leads, business visits, and outcomes of meetings. Chair Dostaler said there is no need necessarily to articulate monthly summaries in the contract, because reports to EDC are already in the contract. Chair Dostaler said CTC's work is to facilitate greater participation of agencies. Ms. Rooth feared time will be wasted in attendance at too many meetings. Mr. Jackowitz said a timeline could help. Ms. Rooth said a concern is the use of money. Mr. Stevenson said CTC will not be on the clock and will attend most meetings initially, then we need to prioritize which meetings. Consultants are already in attendance at some meetings. Mr. Edge and Ms. Parquette will read meeting minutes if emailed. Mr. Stevenson amended the scope, with an additional bullet, under General Administration, to read, "Maintain an understanding and a working knowledge of the work and status of other
local economic development related committees and projects."
2. Review and take action on the Economic Development Services Agreement and Exhibit A – Scope of Services
Chair Dostaler made a motion that EDC endorse the scope of services as amended and provide a recommendation to the Town Manager that it be adopted. Ms. Rooth seconded the motion. The motion carried (4-0-0). (Yes votes: Chair Dostaler, Ms. Anderson, Mr. Jackowitz, and Ms. Rooth. Yes votes: 4. No votes: 0. Abstentions: 0.)
Chair Dostaler said that a special priority is to support the Steering Committee. Mr. Jackowitz said supporting the Streetscape Steering Committee will dovetail with meeting businesses and other tasks. Chair Dostaler said construction is scheduled to begin in the Spring. The project is on a fast track. Ms. Parquette will work with the Village Center Redevelopment Agency and the Design Review Board. Ms. Parquette and Mr. Stevenson will work with the Streetscape Initiative and TPA. Mr. Edge will work with the Brownfields Subcommittee, pay calls to businesses, build relationships with property owners and businesses, and attend Chamber Division meetings. All will be available to attend EDC meetings. Chair Dostaler encouraged the consultants to reach out to chairs of commissions. A complete list of chairs is available from Cathy Sirois,
Executive Secretary in the Town Manager's office. Chair Dostaler said the application for the Presence of Place grant is complete. This grant would require the creation of design guidelines, and subsequently that would qualify the Town for Certified local Government Status. CLG status would enable nonprofits to access otherwise unavailable funds, and it would enable developers to get Federal tax credits. Announcement of recipients is scheduled to be 10/28/07. EDC would look to CTC on this project if the application is approved. There was a discussion of design guidelines. Mr. Stevenson said that design guidelines can be demanding and he would like the Town Planner to take an active role. Mr. Jackowitz said that he is happy that the scope is broad and that there will be monthly meetings, and he said the Streetscape Steering Committee is critical. Ms. Rooth said the Streetscape Steering Committee, business visits, and attention to home-based businesses are critical. Chair Dostaler
said the business inventory will be important. Chair Dostaler said the Old Bank Building in the Village Center is a unique property and she would like CTC to see the space and meet the new owner. She invited CTC to a walking tour of the Village Center on 10/20/07 at 9 AM. This will give perspective on the possibilities. The next EDC meeting will be 10/16/07 at 7PM. Mr. Stevenson said that the first business visit will be American Distilling. Mr. Jackowitz invited CTC and EDC for a tour and will coordinate a date.
Mr. Jackowitz left the meeting at 7:30.
Chair Dostaler asked for feedback from CTC. Mr. Stevenson had none at this time. Mr. Edge said he has begun taking pictures of commercial properties and is getting to know what is out there. He will start a spreadsheet. Chair Dostaler handed out copies of all EDC business surveys. That database exists online. Chair Dostaler gave an East Hampton printed directory for comment and possible updating to Mr. Stevenson who said that hard copies quickly become obsolete and such a brochure is not the best use of resources and an online version is preferred. Ms. Rooth said the library web site should have a link to the online directory and she will look into this possibility. Mr.. Stevenson said it is important to keep the directory up to date. Chair Dostaler asked CTC to contact Sandi Wielaba, the Town Clerk, who would like support to create a
welcome package with information about the Town for new residents. Chair Dostaler gave CTC copies of the Annual Report, the Town Guide, the Budget Policy Statement, and the POCD which included implementation tables. There was a Meet & Greet discussion on the date, time, location, method of invitation, refreshments, donations, etc. Mr. Stevenson will draft an invitation letter and include potential dates. Invitees will include home based businesses and there will be public advertisements. Mr. Stevenson will invite a speaker on home based & small businesses who will speak free of charge.
3. Adjournment
Ms. Anderson made a motion to adjourn. Ms. Rooth seconded the motion. The motion carried (3-0-0). (Yes votes: Chair Dostaler, Ms. Anderson, and Ms. Rooth. Yes votes: 3. No votes: 0. Abstentions: 0.)
Respectfully submitted Kathleen Wright Recording Clerk
Attachments referenced in these minutes can be viewed at East Hampton Town Hall.
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