Town of East Hampton
Economic Development Commission
Regular Meeting
February 16, 2010
Eaton E. Smith Meeting Room – Town Hall
6:30 p.m.
MINUTES
Present: Chair Richard Leone, Kimberley Fontaine, Cindy Rooth, Jack Solomon, Diane Bohmiller.
Also Present: Kerrie Nielson, Sandy Downs, Chris Edge and Craig Stevenson from Connected to Connecticut
Absent: Todd Schrager, Dave Shulman.
1. Call to Order
Chair Leone called this regular meeting to order at 6:45 p.m.
2. Approval of Minutes
Mr. Solomon made a motion to approve the minutes of the December 15, 2009 meeting as written, seconded by Ms. Rooth., Vote: Yes: 4, No: 0, Abstain: Ms. Bo miller. Motion carried.
3. Announcements – None
4. Town Manager’s/Town Council Liaison/Community Dev. Director’s Report
Ms. Nielson had no report at this time.
5. Public Comments – None
6. Presentations
b. Sandy Downs, Chatham Historical Society
Sandy Downs, President of the Historic District was present to discuss signage; 2’ x 3’ signs would be designed pro bono by Sue Weintraub, cost of the five signs would be $900. The area that delineates the District is the length of Main from Rte. 16 to Rte. 66, some of E/W High Street, including St. Patrick’s Church, to a certain address on Summit Street, to a certain number on Barton Hill, to a certain address on Skinner St. No approvals have been sought from the State. This District, while having benefits (possible loans, etc.), is not a regulated area. The District is without funds for these signs, which could bring awareness to this asset. House plaques, which name and date, could be used as a
fundraiser. Ms. Downs showed an inventory of some 156 properties (pictures, narrative, etc.).
After some discussion, it was decided that Ms. Fontaine will help steer Ms. Downs in a direction for possible grants; Ms. Rooth will look into possible commercial building concerns, etc.
a. Connected to Connecticut Activities Report
Chris Edge was present to discuss his visitations (see handout): Napa Auto Parts, Electric, Total Auto Mart, Emergency Services of New England; Ribbon Cuttings and Grand Openings. Belltown Auto is looking to expand to a six-bay service building, Dr. Mantikas’ building – now working inside the building.
Chris was in touch with Connie regarding the Citizens Event for 2010. Approximately 280 invitations were put out.
Chris has been working informally with Scott Bristol from the Brownsfields/Redevelopment Agency regarding publicizing the area they are working on. Chair Leone would like to schedule a workshop to combine ideas and information.
7. EDC Liaison Reports
- Summary discussion of other Board and Commission Activity
None
8. Old Business
- Blight Ordinance Plan Update
Ms. Nielson discussed the Blight Ordinance. She discussed a model ordinance that would combine noise and blight in a nuisance ordinance. Noise is covered under the State DEP. Many ordinances cover commercial and residential properties. With no Home Based Business ordinance/policy, EDC is concerned that enforcement of a Nuisance Ordinance would endanger the livelihood of home based businesses. Ms. Nielson will continue research and development of this possible ordinance.
- Village Center Action Plan Update
Ms. Nielsen will request an update from Mr. Carey and get back to the Commission.
- EDC Sponsored Breakfast Event, 2/24/10
- Business of the Month Nominations for February/March
- EDC Website Overhaul
- Home Based Business Expo
- RFP Specs for EDC Consultant Bid
9. New Business
Other
Questions were raised and discussion ensued regarding the possible receipt of a grant to continue the Rails to Trails to Main St.
Ms. Fontaine mentioned that she noticed one of the grey information signs in back of the Savings Institute.
10. Public Comments
Craig Stevenson discussed comparison he was asked by Alan Pawlak to provide (demographics, traffic counts, etc.)
11. Adjournment
Mr. Solomon motioned to adjourn this regular meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Jennifer Carducci
Transcribing Clerk
All handouts are made part of these minutes and are available at Town Hall.
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