Town of East Hampton
Economic Development Commission
Regular Meeting
April 20, 2010
Eaton E. Smith Meeting Room – Town Hall
6:30 p.m.
MINUTES
Present: Chair Richard Leone, Kimberley Fontaine, Cindy Rooth, Jack Solomon (6:35 p.m.) Diane Bohmiller, Todd Schrager, Alan Petell (6:35 p.m.).
Also Present: Jeffrey O’Keefe, Kerrie Nielson, Chris Edge from Connected to Connecticut, members of the public.
Absent: Dave Shulman.
1. Call to Order
Chair Leone called this regular meeting to order at 6:34 p.m.
2. Approval of Minutes
Ms. Rooth made a motion to approve the minutes of the February 16, 2010 meeting as written, seconded by Ms. Fontaine. Vote: Yes: 5, No: 0. Motion carried.
3. Announcements – None
(Jack Solomon arrived.)
4. Town Manager’s/Town Council Liaison/Community Dev. Director’s Report
(Alan Petell arrived at 6:38 p.m.)
Town Manager O’Keefe informed the Commission on the following items:
- $200,000 Brownsfield Assessment Grant received
Chair Leone will contact Scott Bristol, Redevelopment/Brownsfields to get together with EDC. Mr. O’Keefe suggested that State Brownsfields personnel could be contacted in order to make EDC aware of process of using the funds.
- Review of previously awarded assessment grant progress
- $200,000 STEAP Grant received (for purchase of land at corner and develop a pocket park)(Town originally requested $500,000).
Mr. O’Keefe stated that the purchase price being asked for the two parcels is more than the total amount awarded, so the direction of the project associated with these dollars has changed. The State was in favor of the Governor William O’Neill memorial project. (Mr. O’Keefe will investigate as to whether or not the Park must be opened to public to use these funds). Progress must take place since the State could take back the money if movement is not seen. The eligibility is on an annual basis and since the Town budget has
already created and being sent to the voters, so no request for any sort of accompanying funds can be made until 2011-12 budget.
Mr. O’Keefe has suggested that in the next budget a program be proposed for Village Center Façade Improvement Grant Programs.
Sidewalk and lighting improvements on Main St., from Rte. 66 to the Village Center were discussed.
- $50,000 Grant received for a wind turbine to be installed at Memorial School for the Town. It will be tied into the computers at the School.
- Mr. O’Keefe attended the Middlesex Revitalization Meeting. He suggested that we submit an application for open space mapping; agricultural (horses, greenhouses, planning, GIS, etc.).
- Mr. O’Keefe spoke regarding a recent visit with Elizabeth Namen, Epoch Arts. They are running many exciting programs, and suggested visiting. The physical surroundings have been improved and Mr. O’Keefe volunteered to facilitate a visit for EDC.
- The Community Buildings Institute (CBI) is putting on a crash course 4-29-10, showcasing and educating. Members are urged to attend.
Kerri Nielson spoke to the group regarding the Lake area cleanup on Saturday, 5/8/10. Pepsi Cola will be donating Pepsi and t-shirts, holding a picnic afterwards at the Park.
Town Manager O’Keefe stated that the Town is ready to release the RFP for the Lake Aeration System. The Town will own the system; the company installing it will be handling the maintenance.
Dale Shumbo and Mark Steele, Lakeside Automotive were present to introduce themselves. They are operating in the building across from Loco Perro. There will be a car show, open house, and ribbon cutting Saturday at 1:00 p.m.
Planning and Zoning liaison urged the Commission to follow the Planemetrics presentations. There have been three already. A long-term vision has been presented. The presentations are put on the agenda, it may be a workshop.
6. Presentations
- Connected to Connecticut activities report
Chris Edge was present to report on his recent business visits (see handout – made part of these minutes).
A discussion ensued regarding the PO/R Zone.
7. EDC Liaison Reports
- Summary discussion of other Board and Comm. Activity
Chair Leone stated that EDC members must keep up on the activities of other boards and commissions. Planning and Zoning meetings are held the first Wednesday of the month (Chair Leone will attend next meeting). Mr. O’Keefe would like an update for Town Council for the first or second meeting in May.
8. Old Business
- STEAP Grant II Implementation (already covered)
- Blight Ordinance Plan Update
Ms. Nielson is working on Ordinance and will get a date to EDC soon.
- Village Center Action Plan Update (already covered)
- EDC sponsored Breakfast Event, 2/24/10
Approximately thirty people attended. Information was disseminated by speaker and discussion was held. Mr. O’Keefe, Ms. Rooth, Ms. Bohmiller, and Chair Leone attended.
Ms. Bohmiller mentioned that organizations such as Kuhn, are looking for businesses that can utilize the talents of persons involved with their organizations. Ms. Bohmiller will speak to Kuhn to inquire as to them attending a meeting in the future.
- Business of the Month Nominations for April/May
After discussion, Mr. Solomon made a motion to nominate Devine Jewelers and Paul’s and Sandy’s Too for businesses of the month, seconded by Mr. Petell; Yes: 5, No: 0, motion passed.
A meeting will be scheduled with Craig and the EDC members who volunteered to proceed.
Ms. Rooth opened discussions regarding obtaining a booth for Old Home Days. Ms. Rooth to contact the Committee and look into obtaining a tent.
- (listed on agenda as “g”) EDC Consultant RFP
(will be discussed later).
9. New Business
Mr. Solomon spoke regarding plans for the Boat Parade on August 24, 2010. Ms. Bohmiller, Chris Edge and Ms. Rooth will help on a committee to make this happen.
Mr. Schrager spoke regarding plans for a Strawberry Festival in the Village Center on Saturday, June 12, 2010, all day. The high school jazz band will be playing as will Giggle Juice. A rain date has not been set. Chair Leone would like to support; look into possible vendors and will pursue an advertisement in the Rivereast News.
Ms. Bohmiller mentioned that the Rivereast News will no longer circulate its publication to businesses – just residential homes.
Mr. O’Keefe mentioned that the Town is still awaiting response from DOT regarding signage.
Ms. Rooth mentioned she would like to see more recreational activities in the Town Center; things to do (fitness, rock climbing).
- Town Manager O’Keefe mentioned that there has been recent sentiment to possibly look at eliminating the $30,000 consultant fund. A short discussion ensued. Please get information to Town Manager to address efforts to keep/cut money.
(Town Manager left 8:27 p.m.)
- Public Comments – None
- Adjournment
Chair Leone motioned to adjourn at 8:29 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jennifer Carducci
Recording Clerk
4-24-10
All handouts are made part of this meeting and are available at Town Hall.
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