Town of East Hampton
Economic Development Commission
Regular Meeting
September 16, 2008
Eaton E. Smith Meeting Room – Town Hall
MINUTES
Present: Chair Leone, Vice Chair Jack Hesen, Commissioners Kimberley Fontaine, David Shulman, Cindy Rooth
Also Present: Chris Edge, Connected to Connecticut, Town Manager Jeffery O’Keefe, Bob Kilpatrick-Governor’s Tavern, Monica Kangley-Goff House, and Jennifer Carducci, Temporary Recording Clerk.
Absent: Bryan Jackowitz
1. Call to Order
Chair Leone called this regular meeting to order at 6:32 p.m.
2. Approval of Minutes
Chair Leone noted a change from Tuesday, August 20 to Tuesday, August 19.
Ms. Fontaine made a motion to approve the minutes of the August 19, 2008 minutes with the correction of the date, seconded by Mr. Hesen, vote unanimous in favor, motion passed.
3. Announcements
Congratulations go out to Craig Stevenson on the birth of his child.
4. Town Manager’s/Town Council Liaison Report
Town Manager O’Keefe updated the Commission on Streetscapes project, Flanders Road Phase I, lowering of Lake Pocotopaug, beginning October 1 (Bevin will be lowering more than usual due to dredging scheduled); Rails to Trails grant for clearing.
(Cindy Rooth arrived at 6:37 p.m.)
Town Manager O’Keefe stated that the proposed farm ordinance will go to Town Council next Tuesday.
5. Public Comments
Bob Kilpatrick, Governor’s Tavern was present to express his issues around the project/parking accommodations in front of the Governor’s Tavern. Mr. Kilpatrick is experiencing difficulties getting in touch with John Massario from General Equities. Chris Edge will contact Public Works Director Drewry for possible assistance. Town Manager O’Keefe will get a start date.
6. Presentations
a. Connected to Connecticut Activities Report
Chris Edge was presented, reporting to the Commission (handout made part of the record) the contacts, visitations, and meetings during the last month.
7. Liaison Reports
a. Town Council – Ms. Fontaine mentioned she attended a portion of the last meeting. Town Manager O’Keefe stated that a Commission on Aging has been established and adopted. Commission members are being solicited. Other topics discussed by the Council were the research facility at Plum Island, Niles St., Angelico’s, Skate Park, nominal increases in sewer rates, and a presentation made by Vin Susco on the Village Center Water Restoration Project. The Council raised two alternates on ZBA to regular members.
b. Planning and Zoning, ZBA – No liaison as yet.
c. WPCA – Mr. Hesen reported (handout given) on the 2008-09 Sewer Fees. The Village Center Water system will be completed by the end of September. The sewer system in Marlborough is proceeding. Mr. Hesen reported that the Flanders Road project will add a few residents to the sewer system. Mr. Hesen also circulated, for informational purposes, two maps depicting present and future sewer areas. A presentation to this commission by Vin Susco was suggested.
d. Chamber of Commerce – Chair Leone attended the last two breakfast meetings as well as the local East Hampton Chapter meeting. Highlights of the topics and speakers were given. A presentation was given regarding identifying signs and symptoms of stroke. Information will be passed by chair Leone to Joanne Ewing at the Senior Center for possible interest.
8. Old Business
a. Business assistance update due to impact of Streetscape Project on Rte. 66 - None.
b. East Hampton Holiday Event Update
Chris Edge discussed the progress made in the event’s planning. There will be a booklet with advertising and a calendar, a parade, caroling, tree-lighting. A lengthy discussion ensued, with a consensus that Saturday, December 6, 2008 would be a suitable day for Village Center activities. The annual Santa’s Breakfast will be held that morning at the high school. Monica Kangley will check availability of Fire Department personnel, Goff House, etc. and report to Commission.
c. Blight Ordinance Action Plan
The Commission has forwarded the draft Blight Ordinance to the Town Council for their recommendations. Chair Leone will draft a letter to Town Council Chair Engel.
Vice Chair Hesen commented Cindy Rooth and Jon March for their work during the design phase of the CVS project.
d. Dr. Mantikas Ground Breaking
This ground breaking has not yet been scheduled.
e. Angelicos Assistance
Chair Leone stated this Commission should remain available to this business.
f. Tracking CTC hours/assistance
Craig Stevenson emailed information regarding hours. Chair Leone asked Commissioners to review the information.
Mr. Shulman made a motion to table the Connected to Connecticut information; seconded by Ms. Rooth. Vote was unanimous in favor, motion passed.
g. Craft Business Assistance
Mr. Shulman made a motion to table the Craft Business Assistance item, seconded by Mr. Hesen. Vote was unanimous in favor, motion carried.
h. East Hampton Business Association
Chair Leone would like the Commission to support this initiative. Discussion ensued regarding successful efforts in neighboring communities.
9. New Business
a. Open Discussion
Vice Chair Hesen stated the Commission has not gotten any plans since previous Town Planner left.
Town Manager O’Keefe stated he will be a frequent attendee at the Commission’s meetings.
Ms. Fontaine briefly shared a book, Creating an Economic Development Action Plan.
Chair Leone asked all Commissioners to call or email him if they cannot attend meetings, reminding all that our regular meetings are on the third Tuesday of the month at 6:30 in Town Hall. Chair Leone will email the 2008 meetings dates to all.
10. Public Comments – None
11. Adjournment
Chair Leone moved to adjourn this regular meeting at 9:12 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jennifer Carducci
Temporary Recording Clerk
9-17-08
Attachments made part of these minutes are available at Town Hall.
Approved as written 11-18-08
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