Town of East Hampton
Economic Development Commission
Regular Meeting
May 18, 2010
Eaton E. Smith Meeting Room – Town Hall
6:30 p.m.
MINUTES
Present: Chair Richard Leone, Kimberley Fontaine, Cindy Rooth, Diane Bohmiller, Todd Schrager (6:33 p.m.)
Also Present: Jeffrey O’Keefe, Kerry Nielson, Craig Stevenson from Connected to Connecticut, members of the public.
1. Call to Order
Chair Leone called this regular meeting to order at 6:31 p.m.
2. Approval of Minutes – April 20, 2010 Regular Meeting
Ms. Bohmiller made a motion to approve the minutes of the April 20, 2010 meeting as written, seconded by Ms. Rooth. Vote: Yes: 4, No: 0. Motion carried.
(Mr. Schrager arrived at 6:33 p.m.)
- Announcements – None
- Town Manager’s/Town Council Liaison/Community Dev. Director’s Report
Town Manager O’Keefe mentioned that Epoch Arts has approached him asking if EDC would have any funds to help them purchase signage for their building. (Handout attached) Discussion centered on the fact that it would be unfair to offer money to just one business. Discussion ensued surrounding how EDC could help all businesses. Epoch Arts also requested Town Manager arrange visit from Town Council and EDC. Chair Leone will call Elizabeth Namen.
Craig Stevenson will get some information on CEDF to help businesses.
Town Manager O’Keefe went on to state that the Lake aeration bid and the signage bid are going out to bid.
The Town was ranked #1 on the State Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund Program. This moves the program forward, and it will go to the Board of Finance by June.
Town Manager O’Keefe stated that the Streetscape RFP would be on the street within two weeks, with signs up within two months.
The Town has lost its lease with CL&P, who is expanding operations. The Town Council will be discussing this at next meeting to talk about direction, maybe with some opportunities for the Village Center. The facilities group could be reenergized.
Ms. Nielson was present to advise the Commission on the success of Lake Cleanup day. There will be an article in the local paper thanking those who helped out.
- Public Comments - None
- Presentations
A. Scott Bristol and Brownfields Redevelopment Agency
Scott Bristol and William DeMore from Brownfields Redevelopment Agency and Ann Faust (grant writer) were present to explain the first-time EPA grant for planning (can be used to hire a staff member, consultant, mapping, charrettes, existing contaminated property fencing, signage). The group is under a two-week timetable to prepare all grant information and is seeking letters of support for inclusion. It would be a two-year program with the ultimate goal of returning the property to productive use, the end-use being key.
After discussion, Ms. Faust asked for report done on Commissions and will get examples of community support letters to people by email.
B. Connected to Connecticut Activities Report
Craig Stevenson, CTC was present and advised that Chris Edge will be taking a hiatus. He discussed the last months’ activities (handout made part of these minutes).
Discussions occurred around the process of communication between new businesses and the Town and EDC. Chair Leone will write a letter to the Building and Health Departments, asking for information regarding the process.
EDC was contacted by Outerlimits, asking to do a grand re-opening. It is now under the ownership; the previous owner still works there.
During discussions, Ms. Fontaine noted that EDC should focus on all East Hampton businesses, not just Village Center.
Chair Leone will do outreach, perhaps a focus article in the Rivereast, regarding the Happy Paddler.
A. Summary discussion of other Board and Commission Activity
No specific liaison assignments have been made. Tom O’Brien was present and stated that he is newly appointed to the Central Connecticut Tourism Board and well as his position on the Board of Finance. He mentioned information included on the State’s website/brochure is a great way to get the word out. He will circulate website address.
8. Old Business
A. STEAP Grant II Implementation
The Town Council voted to approve this and will move forward.
B. Blight Ordinance Plan Update
Ms. Nielson circulated a draft copy for the Commission’s review. Chair Leone will put this on next month’s agenda. The best practices, for commercial, of approximately 10-15 towns in Connecticut. Item tabled until next month.
C. Village Center Strawberry Fest ‘10
This event will be held June 12, 2010. Mr. Schrager passed out a flyer (handout made part of these minutes).
D. Sears Park 100th Anniversary Event
This event will take place 6-5-10.
The Commission discussed creating a town-wide calendar, possibly for publication in the Rivereast. Town Manager O’Keefe suggested creating a subcommittee to create a comprehensive marketing plan for EDC for the year with all the contact information and marketing information all in one place.
E. Princess of the Lake Parade
To be further discussed next month.
After discussions, it was decided that an information piece (calendar-like) be put in the RiverEast Memorial weekend or June 4, 2010.
Town Manager O’Keefe left the meeting.
F. Business of the Month Nominations for June
After discussions, Ms. Fontaine made a motion to nominate the Happy Paddler and Nelson’s Campgrounds as the businesses of the month for June 2010; seconded by Ms. Rooth; Vote: Yes: 5; No: 0; motion carries.
G. EDC Web Overhaul
Alan Pawlak will be resigning from EDC and this item has stalled. After discussions, Ms. Bohmiller will speak with Cathy Sirois at Town Hall and Kuhn regarding formulating website.
H. Home-based Business Expo – Fall?
This item has been pushed off until fall.
I. EDC Consultant/Community Development Director/Staff Position Discussion
Mr. Stevenson stated that he would be happy to help the Town on an interim basis, if the Town were to need those services.
After some discussion with Mr. Stevenson, he left the meeting.
At 8:50 p.m., the Commission took a five (5) minute recess.
Discussions ensued regarding the contracted scope of work for 09-10 for CTC, responsiveness to issues, etc. The Commission also discussed Ms. Nielson’s interactions with their function and that of the EDC consultant (or possible future part time consultant/employee).
Ms. Fontaine suggested that whoever were to staff the EDC position be available for a stated time period, so that the public could contact them, although flexibility of hours may be necessary.
More discussions will occur, with the Town Manager, and will be finalized at next month’s meeting.
9. New Business
- EDC becoming more proactive rather than reactive – small retail chain opportunities
Ms. Fontaine brought to the attention of the EDC and Chair Leone discussed possible opportunities for identifying business ventures; for example, mini chain stores. Discussion ensued. Ms. Fontaine volunteered to work toward attracting new businesses and researching to identify new businesses to possibly come into East Hampton. She spoke of Aldi, and Tractor Supply, which may fit in East Hampton.
B. Expectations of EDC members
Chair Leone mentioned that all members must rededicate themselves to doing some of the tasks required, accomplishing agenda items. The Committee needs to reorganize tasks and future direction. Members have been asked to come with ideas to the next meeting. It was decided that a member should contact Jim Carey in order to get a “heads up” on new businesses. The Commission will utilize email to keep current on items.
C. Other
Ms. Rooth mentioned that there will be an FOI presentation Thursday night. All members should attend.
Ms. Fontaine attended a Community Builders Institute Course, Fundamentals of Environmental Planning. Stressed was Planning and Zoning, and that EDC is not a lesser function than Planning and Zoning, and that we should be more focused on services available. This course will be offered again (Ms. Fontaine will email information regarding class and future class information to members).
- Public Comments – None
- Adjournment
This regular meeting was adjourned at 9:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jennifer Carducci
Recording Secretary
5-22-10
All Handouts are available at Town Hall and are made part of these minutes.
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