TOWN OF EAST HAMPTON
Economic Development Commission
Regular Meeting
September 21, 2010
Eaton E. Smith Meeting Room – Town Hall
6:30 p.m.
MINUTES
Present: Chair Rich Leone, Todd Schrager, Diane Bohmiller, Cindy Rooth,
Jack Solomon (arrived 6:54 p.m.)
Note: Alan Pawlak, Kimberley Fontaine have resigned.
1. Call to Order
The regular meeting of the East Hampton Economic Development Commission was called to order at 6:37 p.m.
Chair Leone corrected the agenda to reflect that we have two sets of minutes, Regular Meeting of May 18, 2010 and Special Meeting of July 27, 2010 to consider approval. The date on the agenda was wrong; should say July 27, 2010.
2. Approval of Minutes
A motion was made by Ms. Rooth to accept the Regular Meeting of May 18, 2010 minutes as written; seconded by Mr. Schrager, Vote: Yes: 4; No: 0, motion passed.
A motion was made by Ms. Rooth to accept the Special Meeting of July 27, 2010, as written; seconded by Ms. Bohmiller, Vote: Yes: 4, No: 0, motion passed.
3. Announcements – None
4. Town Manager/Town Council Liaison/Community Dev. Director
Ms. Nielson informed the Commission the October 19, 2010 meeting with P&Z (regarding POR Zone) has been postponed and a rescheduled date will be announced at a later date.
Ms. Nielson will follow up on a suggested candidate for EDC consultant position.
Ms. Nielson advised one of the Business of the Month signs (was at Nelson’s Campground) seems to be missing. She asked Finance Director Jylkka for information regarding their original purchase. Consensus was to have signs remade by a local company utilizing Town logo.
5. Public Comments
Tom O’Brien was present, providing copies of driving tour circulars for Commission to see. Next year they hope to do a bus tour map/circular. Suggestions included adding the Village Center, the Airline Trail, Petting Zoo.
(Jack Solomon arrived – 6:54 p.m.)
Mr. O’Brien stated there are links to grants available on the CT Commission on Cultural and Tourisms’ website: www.cultureandtourism.org. and outlines how to obtain grants.
6. Presentations
- Village Center Gallery/Coffee Shop
Ruby Maynard and Kim Paige were present to talk to the Commission regarding their new business “70 Main” at 70 Main St. The owners will operate a coffee house and art shop, opening between 10-1 and 10-15-10. On one side of the space artists (six already signed) will be showcased, and coffee (local and green) and open mike nights. The coffee will be organic, free trade, open possibly six days a week. Food will be available; sandwiches, salads, quiche, premade wraps, etc. Saturdays will be gallery openings.
7. EDC Liaison Reports – None
- Summary Discussion of other Board and Commission Activity
8. Old Business
- Blight Ordinance Plans/Comments/Suggestions
After a short discussion, this item was tabled until next month’s meeting. Ms. Nielson will email to members again for their convenience.
The missing sign will be replaced, as discussed earlier. Ms. Rooth made a motion to highlight C & Z Equipment as the business of the month for October 2010; seconded by Ms. Bohmiller, Vote: Yes: 5, No: 0, motion passed.
- Princess of the Lake Parade Post-Mortem
Mr. Solomon said the Parade and events were a great success. There were seven (7) vendors at
Sears Park and a large attendance. The Friends of Lake Pocotopaug would welcome a volunteer to be at Sears Park during the Parade next year. EDC will continue to explore options to utilize the day to promote businesses.
d. EDC Website Planning/Strategy
Ms. Bohmiller has done work on website planning and strategy and has circulated her presentation to the Commission. She will send again for members to review for next month’s meeting.
e. Home-based Business Expo – Fall
This will not be occurring this fall. Possibilities for next year’s Expo were discussed.
- EDC Consultant/Staff Position Discussion
Colchester has hired a 22.5 hour EDC consultant. Chair Leone will reach out to their EDC for job description, etc.
9. New Business
This item was discussed earlier.
Chair Leone will forward all information he has regarding holiday events to members. Discussions of how to prepare for Halloween events occurred.
Ms. Rooth stressed her concern for Home-based Business Regulations, and it be moved forward.
Ms. Rooth made a motion to draft a letter to the Town Council stating concern about new businesses not willing to locate in East Hampton due to the change in the ordinance eliminating the Chief of Police; no second; motion failed.
10. Public Comments
Ms. Bohmiller stated that since Thanksgiving, ten young people have died. There should be an effort to reach out to businesses to serve our young people.
It was mentioned that Traditional Innovations is moving forward through the permitting process.
11. Adjournment
Motion to adjourn was made at 8:28 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jennifer Carducci
Recording Secretary
9-26-10
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