Town of East Hampton
Economic Development Commission
Regular Meeting
November 18, 2008
Eaton E. Smith Meeting Room – Town Hall
MINUTES – Unapproved
Present: Chair Leone, Vice Chair Jack Hesen, Commissioners David Shulman, Cindy Rooth (arrived 7:05 p.m.), Alan Pawlak
Also Present: Town Council Chair Melissa Engel, Town Council Member Chris Goff, Chris Edge, Connected to Connecticut, Town Manager Jeffery O’Keefe (arrived 7:43 p.m., several members of the public, and Jennifer Carducci, Temporary Recording Clerk.
Absent: Bryan Jackowitz, Kimberley Fontaine.
1. Call to Order
Chair Leone called this regular meeting to order at 6:33 p.m.
2. Approval of Minutes
Mr. Shulman made a motion to approve the minutes of the September 16, 2008 and October 30, 2008 minutes as written, seconded by Mr. Hesen, vote unanimous in favor, motion passed. Votes 4-0-0.
3. Announcements
Chair Leone announced Vice Chair Hesen has resigned effective the end of December. Vice Chair Hesen has served four years for EDC.
4. Town Manager’s/Town Council Liaison Report
Town Manager O’Keefe not present at this time.
Town Council Chair Melissa Engel and Town Council Member Chris Goff were present for a discussion regarding the Blight Ordinance.
5. Public Comments
Skip Coons, 16 West Drive was present to discuss an area map depicting the Main Street business area in Manchester. Mr. Coons submitted a handout of an example of a proposed map/brochure/business directory that could possible be done for East Hampton. It was well received by the Commission and will be discussed further at a later 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. Holiday events and advertising were discussed. He also stated that the possibility of the Town actually receiving the STEAP grant is looking grim.
Mr. Shulman made a motion to spend up to $1,300 to cover insertion costs for Bell Ringer (for circulation in East Hampton, Cobalt/Middle Haddam, Portland, and Marlborough areas); seconded by Vice Chair Hesen, vote was unanimous in favor. Motion passed. Vote 4-0-0 (Ms. Rooth had not yet arrived.)
Town Manager O’Keefe arrived at 7:43 p.m. Mr. O’Keefe discussed the recent variance granted the Distephano property, noting that it must be cleaned up by spring.
Mr. Shulman discussed a possible business association vs. the Chamber.
Vice Chair Hesen complimented Chris Edge on the good job he has done for EDC and the Town.
Town Manager O’Keefe briefly discussed a referendum to be set for June 16th, as a result of an ongoing study and recommendations by the newly formed Facilities Implementation Task Force to relocate Town Hall to Center School and build new school accommodations. State reimbursement would be 64%.
A handout was circulated by Town Manager O’Keefe which he has shared from Santa Clarita, CA. The Commission will review and discuss.
7. Liaison Reports
a. Discussion on Possible Elimination of liaison activity
After a short discussion, Mr. Shulman volunteered to scan the minutes of the other boards and commissions and bring any pertinent information to the EDC.
8. Old Business
a. Business assistance update due to impact of Streetscape project on Rte. 66.
b. East Hampton Holiday Event update
c. East Hampton Holiday Event update
d. Blight Ordinance action plan
e. American Distilling assistance/update
f. Dr. Mantikas ground breaking
Items a-f were discussed elsewhere in the agenda.
g. Home-Based Business Initiative - Tabled
9. New Business
Chair Leone spoke regarding eliminating the liaison activity to delegate certain initiatives, time being short for all.
A short discussion ensued regarding the zone changing of Main Street from Rte. 16 to Rte. 66 to Professional Office and Residential Zone (POR). Site approval would be necessary under new zoning. It was felt that it is necessary to publicize the difference between the proposed and existing commercial zoning provisions, possibly a letter to all owners.
Ms. Rooth made a motion to draft a letter to Planning and Zoning supporting the change of zone on Main Street from Rte. 16 to Rte. 66 to Professional Office and Residential Zone (POR); seconded by Vice President Hesen, motion passed, Vote: 5-0-0.
There being no further business before the Commission, Vice Chair Hesen made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:44 p.m. All in favor. Motion passed.
Respectfully submitted,
Jennifer Carducci
Temporary Recording Clerk
11-23-08
All attachments made part of these minutes
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