East Hampton Economic Development Commission
Special Meeting
Monday, June 23, 2008
East Hampton Library Annex Meeting Room
6:30 P.M.
MINUTES
1. Call to order
Chair Richard Leone called the meeting to order at 6:35 PM
Present: Chair Leone, Vice Chair Jack Hesen, Commissioners, Bryan Jackowitz Kim Fontaine, and Cindy Rooth. Connected to Connecticut: Chris Edge and Joan Talley.
Absent: Dave Schulman
2. Approval of Minutes:
a. Regular Meeting – May 20th, 2008-
Ms. Fontaine made a motion to approve the minutes of the May 20, 2008 regular meeting. Mr. Hesen seconded the motion. The motion carried (4-0-1). (Yes votes: Chair Leone, Vice Chair Hesen, Ms. Fontaine, and Mr. Hesen and Ms. Rooth. Yes votes: 4. No votes: 0. Abstentions: 1- Brian Jackowitz.)
3. Announcements
Chair Leone announced to the other commissioner members that due to a conflict with work schedule Mr. March provided the EDC with his written resignation effective June 9, 2008. Mr. March wished to thank the EDC members as he enjoyed his time spent on the commission.
Chair Leone announced the opening of Big Daddy’s grand opening in addition to a new skate park in town giving special thanks to Kim Fontaine for helping bring that together.
4. Town Manager’s/Town Council Liaison Report
Mr. Drewry was unable to attend this EDC meeting.
5. Public Comments
None
6. Presentations:
a. Connected to Connecticut activities report *ATTACHMENT*
Chris Edge, Connected to Connecticut provided the commissioners with a hand out.
7. EDC Liaison Committee Reports
a. Town Council
Ms. Fontaine reported on the recent Town Council Chair did request the EDC to further investigate putting into motion a Blight Ordinance which will be discussed later on the agenda.
b. Planning and Zoning, ZBA
Currently there are no members of the EDC to liaison these meetings. Chair Leone will look into this and see if there can be an assignment for the next meeting.
c. WPCA
Mr. Hesen reported on the public hearings that took place relating to installation of the sewer mains on Rt 66. The seconded public hearing that took place was in regards to the public sewers for Belltown Place located on South Main Street. Minutes for these meetings are on file in the town clerks office.
Mr. Hesen reported of the town center water station that will be rebuilt this summer starting in July.
d. Chamber of Commerce
Chair Leone was present at the last Chamber of Commerce meeting where the Chief of Police was a guest speaker with discussion on safety tips with your cars.
Chair Leone also reported on the State agency NERG and how this might be something the EDC could benefit from. This is a program that assists with small businesses.
8. Old Business
a. Possible Business assistance due to impact of Streetscape project Rt 66
Chris Edge, Connected to Connecticut met with Mr. Kilpatrick, owner of the Governors Tavern and Package Store. Mr. Edge explained a proposed solution for vehicles entering into the package store area and where additional parking spaces can be placed.
b. Feasibility Study for an East Hampton - Holiday Events
Ms. Talley recused herself from this agenda item so the EDC members could discuss.
Chair Leone expressed his concerns regarding the previous requests for changes to the contract that have not yet been made. Ms. Fontaine felt there was a conflict of interest with Ms. Talley’s relationship with this event and being a hired consultant with Connected with Connecticut. Overall the members of the EDC felt the town of East Hampton was not ready for a First Night, however did want to continue to focus of a holiday celebration for the month of December as they have supported in the past.
Mr. Hesen made a motion to for the EDC to set aside the pursuit of a feasibility study with simply just special event management. Mr. Jackowitz seconded the motion. The motion carried (4-0-1). (Yes votes: Chair Leone, Vice Chair Hesen, Ms. Fontaine, and Mr. Hesen and Mr. Jackowitz. Yes votes: 4. No votes: 0. Abstentions: 1- Ms. Rooth)
c. Village Center and DD Zone regulations, analysis and recommendation – Meeting with Jim Carey
The commission felt this was beginning to move forward, however would like to leave this item on the agenda for further discussion.
d. Endorsement letter, Connected to CT
Chair Leone reported the town council acted on the EDC request to extend the contract of Connected to Connecticut for the upcoming fiscal year. The EDC looks forward to the opportunity to continue to work with Connected to CT.
e. STEAP grant application, Part 2
Mr. Stevenson was not present for discussion of this agenda item. This item will remain on the agenda for discussion at the next regular scheduled meeting.
9. New Business
a. East Hampton POCD
Chair Leone attempted to obtain copies of the POCD and it seemed they have been exhausted and no longer available. Mr. Leone did find the document on the East Hampton web site and suggested the commissioners’ review.
b. Blight Ordinance
Brian Jackowitz needed to leave the meeting at 8:35PM.
Ms. Fontaine provided the commissioners with a copy of Municipal Blight Ordinances for review. The members of the commission will review the documents received and further discussion will take place as this item will remain on the agenda.
c. Middlesex Chamber of Commerce opportunity
Chair Leone addressed this item under agenda item 7d.
d. New Business Grand Openings
Chair Leone asked that Chris Edge contact Island Traders for some grand opening options.
e. Outreach/support for American Distilling
f. Other
10. Public Comments
None
11. Adjournment
Due to a power failure Chair Leone moved to adjourn the EDC meeting at 8:52PM.
The motion carried (4-0-0). (Yes votes: Chair Leone, Vice Chair Hesen, Ms. Fontaine, and Ms. Rooth. Yes votes: 4. No votes: 0. Abstentions: 0.)
Respectfully submitted
Kamey Peterson
Recording Clerk
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