Town of East Hampton
Economic Development Commission
Regular Meeting
September 15, 2009
Eaton E. Smith Meeting Room – Town Hall
6:30 p.m.
MINUTES
Present: Chair Richard Leone, Kimberly Fontaine, Alan Pawlak, Cindy Rooth, Jack Solomon, Todd Schrager.
Also Present: Craig Stevenson and Chris Edge, Connected to Connecticut; Kerry Nielson, Director of Community and Environmental Planning
Absent: Dave Schulman
1. Call to Order
Chair Leone called this regular meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
2. Approval of Minutes
Mr. Solomon made a motion to approve the minutes of the August 17, 2009 meeting, seconded by Ms. Fontaine, with the correction on page 3 – typo of the date of the motion made by Jack Solomon, vote Yes: 5; Abstain (Schrager): . Motion passed.
3. Announcements - None
4. Town Manager’s/Town Council Liaison/Community Dev. Director’s Report
Town Manager O’Keefe was not present as he was at a conference. Ms. Nielson had no formal items. Contract with Connected to Connecticut will be discussed at a later time.
5. Public Comments - None
6. Presentations
- 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.
Epoch Arts, X-Change for Change, and Sweet Cravings were all met with. Mr. Edge also discussed the holiday events.
Xchange for Change is looking for some support, in the way of a one-pager in the Rivereast, for Halloween events. Other participants and events were discussed. Paul’s and Sandy’s parade may be earlier this year since Halloween is on Saturday. EDC will promote all events being held/sponsored by businesses.
Mr. Edge also met with Sue Berescik, of Epoch Arts, regarding later holiday events. Sue indicated they are also very glad to be involved with the Halloween weekend.
Ms. Fontaine asked that a representative of the Brownfields/Redevelopment Commission to attend future meetings.
Mr. Edge met with Suby’s Cobalt Market, the former Pat’s Market, who has asked Chris to help with some PR and an event, since a lot of people believe the market is now closed.
Rocco’s Roadhouse (across from Bowling Alley) is now opened. They are waiting for menus to be printed. They are contemplating closing for the winter.
Island Traders – Business is ok for this time. His combo has been a big hit, but he is still very concerned with the economy. He mentioned he has to use the Marlborough branch of his bank, since local bank representatives have not been responsive.
Grand Openings – Cobalt Market - October or November, Rocco’s probably in the spring.
Major Projects: Brian Fazzina and the health club. He is still working toward getting a lease together – will take time. Chris will check to see if all P&Z issues are taken care of.
Rte 66 Package Store expansion. Very cursory discussion. Chris to sit down with owner and Jim Carey. He is looking to almost double building space and there are major parking issues. Chair Leone suggested changing entrance to Princess Pocotopaug Drive, rather than Rte. 66.
Mr. Schrager suggested Public Works issues in the center area that need attention (cleaning up the Municipal Parking lot) and will compile a list of other items as necessary. Chair Leone discussed trash receptacles.
Mr. Edge explained Halloween events occurring. He stressed getting the 10-18 year-olds involved and invested in the area, connected to the Village.
Chair Leone discussed that an expenditure amount might be appropriated at this meeting for the Halloween flyer.
Mr. Edge spoke to Sue Weintraub regarding the new “logo”; Town Manager suggested using the old logo at this time. Chair Leone sent a note off to Town Council Chair Engel for advice. No response yet.
Mr. Edge discussed an “after hours event”. Ms. Fontaine suggested a more formal “business forum/financing needs, etc.”. She has received comments in the past regarding dividing time between an event and the actual business. Chair Leone stressed that the location be varied. Timing of gatherings was discussed - breakfast at 7:30 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. was suggested.
Mr. Edge discussed reaching out for year end holiday participants/sponsors.
Chair Leone stated that the chrome shovels have been recovered.
7. Liaison Reports – skipped over for this month.
8. Old Business
a. Blight Ordinance update
b. Home Based Business Inititative
Chair Leone discussed a communication Ms. Fontaine sent around regarding items occurring in Portland.
c. Village Center Events (Halloween, Holiday, etc.)
Ms. Fontaine moved that EDC approve the appropriation of the not to exceed amount of $500 for a one page insert in the 10-23-09 Rivereast; or, the not to exceed amount of $750 for an ad in the 10-23-09 Rivereast, subject to determination by EDC chair and our consultant as to which is the best option to advertise our holiday events; seconded by Mr. Schrager. Vote Yes:5; No: 0. Motion passed.
Ms. Rooth made a motion that the Chair write a letter to the editor of the Rivereast next week., requesting any business or organization having anything going on Halloween weekend, to let EDC know; Seconded by Mr. Solomon, Vote: Yes:5; No:0, Motion passed.
Chair Leone discussed winter holiday events (lighting, advertising, assistance to businesses, participation, etc.) December 5th has been determined to be the most appropriate date.
Discussion surrounded a possible special meeting or subcommittee regarding the holiday events. Consensus was a special meeting, date to be determined.
A blood drive and a possible adult party the night before Halloween, closing a portion of Main Street were discussed. Possibilities/logistics will be discussed at a later time.
d. Connected to CT contract renewal discussion.
Craig Stevenson, from CTC spoke to the group regarding the future of the activities that CTC will be involved with and the direction the Town is headed (i.e., Facilities, Redevelopment, Brownfields, future water system, exploring developer interest, necessary municipal steps, town wants/needs, etc.). Ms. Rooth mentioned a tour with the CT Film office. Craig will send outline of future projects to group.
Chair Leone asked if the monthly reports could be provided electronically to members, as well as past reports.
Mr. Pawlak asked how attracting the film industry would benefit East Hampton, what the cost/benefit ratio would be, and how it has affected other Towns and/or residents. Other towns have been used for filming and no local businesses were used. Identifying Town resources would be valuable prior to filming.
- Business of the Month Criteria and Signage
Portland’s process was discussed. In Portland they also have Community Partners, which will be discussed at a later time. Chair Leone will send out the paperwork he has.
Ms. Fontaine reviewed the information she found on the internet.
Mr. Edge will provide a bullet-point list; all will be sent around.
- Farmer’s Market Grant Opportunity
Mr. Stevenson spoke regarding the grant submitted by the Town. It was his impression that this grant was for existing markets, and we were on the outside of the criteria. It was an annual grant, so it could be submitted again now that one is existing.
At present, there is no website, or page, as such; it is part of the Town website. Chair Leone stated he has seen a greater presence on other town’s sites. It was suggested that a separate webpage be created for EDC. Chair Leone suggested that a page on the Town website be investigated. Mr. Pawlak will investigate possibilities and technical options.
Mr. Edge suggested that they could administer a web page for the Town.
Chair Leone mentioned that the Visitor’s Guide be updated (tourist-based) since in two years many businesses are no longer in Town. A listing needs to be established that is business-based. What we have on our website needs to be overhauled.
9. New Business
a. Assessment Deferral Application for Dr. Mantikas’ building at 142 East High Street.
Chair Leone referred (to attachment). Mr. Edge explained the assessment and how much the taxes would be. Total investment is $750,000 (which might be a low figure; it may not cover the full building).
Ms. Fontaine made a motion to recommend to the Town Council that they approve the Assessment Deferral Agreement for the Commercial office space as presented by Dr. Mantikas; seconded by Ms. Rooth, Vote: 5, No: 0, Motion passed.
b. Home Based Business Expo
Ms. Rooth stated that it would be helpful to get the assessor’s listing soon, if they were to be included in holiday events. Chair Leone suggested tabling this discussion until a later time.
- EDC Sponsored “After Hours Events” speakers
Discussion occurred earlier. It seems that this event has become a morning event.
d. Other
Ms. Fontaine mentioned four new businesses formed in Town (most sounded like home-based businesses).
10. Public Comments
Diane Bohmiller raised a question regarding signage on Rte. 16 and 66. Chair Leone discussed way finding signage. www.shoplocaleasthamptonct.com has been created to list locally owned and operated business. It was suggested that residents be informed as to what is available, hours, and uniformity, possibly staying open until Thursday nights, and getting rid of empty storefronts.
Chair Leone discussed getting Village Center business people together on action items.
Ms. Fontaine stated that EDC should be able to step out of the event planning and that businesses should step up an own the process.
Ms. Rooth stated that getting the land/building owners involved would be beneficial.
11. Adjournment
Chair Leone moved to adjourn this regular meeting at 9:24 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
(transcribed by): Jennifer Carducci
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