East Hampton Economic Development Commission
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, August 19th, 2008
Eaton E. Smith Meeting Room - Town Hall
6:30 P.M.
UNAPPROVED MINUTES
1. Call to order
Chair Richard Leone called the meeting to order at 6:34 PM
Present: Chair Leone, Vice Chair Jack Hesen, Commissioners, Kim Fontaine, and David Shulman. Chris Edge; Connected to Connecticut and Melissa Engel Town Council Chair.
Absent: Cindy Rooth and Bryan Jackowitz
2. Approval of Minutes:
a. Regular Meeting June 23, 2008
b. Regular Meeting July 15, 2008
Dave Shulman made a motion to approve the minutes dated June 23, 2008 and July 15, 2008 as amended. Motion was seconded by Jack Hesen.
The motion carried (4-0-0). (Yes votes: Chair Leone, Vice Chair Hesen, Ms. Fontaine, and Mr. Schulman. Yes votes: 4. No votes: 0. Abstentions: 0.)
3. Announcements
Chair Leone congratulated Ms. Fontaine on the weekend skateboard event that was well attended and well received. A bike was donated and won by Mr. Art Marsden who immediately turned around and found a child that did not have a bike at the event and passed along the winning bike to that child.
4. Town Manager’s/Town Council Liaison Report
Melissa Engel, town council chair was present and thanked Chris Edge, Connected to Connecticut for bringing the council up to speed on the progress of the EDC in addition to supporting the Theater Square tax abatement in which the council did grant.
Melissa Engel also pointed out the No AL G banners that have been placed throughout the town along with a fact sheet.
Melissa Engel asked when the festival plan for downtown is in place to let the council know so they could support it enthusiastically or monetary if need be.
Melissa Engel reported on the council entertaining the idea of an ordinance that would exempt farm buildings from the tax role which will amount to a $10k savings to farmers and a $10k loss off the tax roles. This will be open for public hearing at the September 23, 2008 town council 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 which included meetings that took place in the past month, visitations, grand openings, and major project updates. There was a detailed discussion on the upcoming Holiday Event and how to go about obtaining support from the local businesses.
7. EDC Liaison Committee Reports
a. Town Council
There was a discussion that took place regarding local restaurant Angelico’s and some of the concerns neighbors have had about lighting and noise. The EDC thought it would be a good idea to reach out to Mr. Angelico in support of his business in town.
b. Planning and Zoning, ZBA.
Currently there is no liaison for these commissions.
c. WPCA
Mr. Hesen reported on the WPCA which included the water tank reconstruction update, Marlborough sewer project over route 66 status.
d. Chamber of Commerce
Chair Leone stated there was nothing new to report this month.
8. Old Business
a. Business update due to impact of Streetscape project Rt 66
Chris Edge stated there is nothing new to report on this item.
b. East Hampton Holiday Event update
Chair Leone stated a planning meeting needs to be scheduled in the upcoming weeks.
c. “The Mother Board”
Chair Leone reported on this meeting with the chairs of all the existing boards. The idea was to have everyone together and keeping the plan of conservation development a group discussion.
d. Blight Ordinance Action Plan
Chair Leone read into the recorded a letter received from Ms. Patricia Gauthier, Old Marlborough Road, stating her support of a blight ordinance. There was a brief discussion on the wording and home based businesses.
Jack Hesen made a motion to have the Blight Ordinance submitted to the Town Council as a draft for their consideration and that all workshop be postponed until after a response from the Town Council is received. Motion was seconded by Kimberley Fontaine.
The motion carried (4-0-0). (Yes votes: Chair Leone, Vice Chair Hesen, Ms. Fontaine, and Mr. Schulman. Yes votes: 4. No votes: 0. Abstentions: 0.)
e. American Distilling assistance/update
This item was previously discussed in Connected to Connecticut’s report.
f. Dr. Mantikas ground breaking
This item was previously discussed in Connected to Connecticut’s report.
9. New Business
a. Open Discussion
Dave Shulman asked for a breakdown of hours that are contracted with Connected to Connecticut. Mr. Edge will provided that information at the next EDC meeting in addition the EDC asked for Mr. Stevenson attend the next meeting.
Jack Hesen asked for suggestions on how to help support the craftspeople in our town. The EDC had a brief discussion.
10. Public Comments
None
11. Adjournment
Chair Leone moved to adjourn the EDC meeting at 8:34pm.
Respectfully submitted
Kamey Peterson
Kamey Peterson
Recording Clerk
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