TOWN OF EAST HAMPTON
Economic Development Commission
Regular Meeting
October 19, 2010
Eaton E. Smith Meeting Room – Town Hall
6:30 p.m.
MINUTES
Present: Chair Rich Leone, Todd Schrager, Cindy Rooth, Jack Solomon.
Absent: Diane Bohmiller, Kimberly Fontaine
Also Present: Kerry Nielson, Director of Community and Environmental Planning; Jennifer Carducci, Recording Secretary, one member of the public.
1. Call to Order
Chair Leone called this regular meeting of the East Hampton Economic Development Commission was called to order at 6:37 p.m.
Chair Leone stated that Ms. Fontaine would be available for this meeting, but would be late.
2. Approval of Minutes
Kimberley Fontaine’s resignation never made it to Town Council; so she is willing to stay on board. Alan Pawlak’s resignation has yet to be received in writing.
A motion was made by Ms. Rooth to accept the Regular Meeting of September 21, 2010 minutes as written; seconded by Mr. Schrager, Vote: Yes: 4; No: 0, motion passed.
3. Announcements
The Town was awarded a $200,000 STEAP grant and this Commission would like to thank Ms. Rooth, Ms. Nielson, and the Parks and Rec Department, for their efforts.
4. Town Manager/Town Council Liaison/Community Dev. Director
Interim Town Manager Robert Drewry not present; however Chair Leone met with him today.
5. Public Comments
Richard Gosselin, P&Z, was present, discussing incentive housing zone. EDC will write a letter of support. There has been a perception incentive housing is “affordable, or low income” housing. Chair Leone would like to see this addressed to dispel any incorrect notions.
Mr. Schrager mentioned the owner of 82 Main Street has no subsidized tenants now and is attempting to rent the units. The owner is also interested in selling the building.
Mr. Schrager mentioned that 70 Main Street has not yet opened. Opening may be 10-30-10.
6. Presentations - None
7. EDC Liaison Reports – None
- Summary Discussion of other Board and Commission Activity
8. Old Business
- Blight Ordinance Plans/Comments/Suggestions
Chair Leone stated the draft ordinance looks pretty straight forward. Discussion ensued surrounding (staff) enforcement; time limits, fines, decision-making, appeal process, and Town Council review. Commission members will read through draft again before sending it to Interim Town Manager and Town Council.
Both signs are missing and will be replaced. Chair Leone stated he discovered that the Town Council must give permission to anyone wanting to use the Town’s logo. After discussion, Ms. Rooth made a motion to write a letter to Town Council requesting approval for use of the new logo (that is on the Wayfinding Signs) for Business of the Month signs, Grand Opening Sign and any other EDC signs; seconded by Mr. Solomon; Vote: Yes: 4; No: 0, motion passed.
After discussion, it was decided to run an article in the RiverEast News regarding Business of the Month. Chair Leone is seeking a local vendor to make signs.
Ms. Rooth made a motion to approve an expenditure to purchase two business of the month signs, and a Grand Opening Sign, not to exceed $600; seconded by Mr. Solomon, Vote: Yes: 4; No: 0, motion passed.
- Halloween Events/Promotion
A publication (Halloween Happenings in East Hampton) will be prepared and put in the RiverEast.
8:54 p.m. – Jack Solomon left room until 8:56 p.m.
Chair Leone will write a good size article for publication.
d. EDC Website Planning/Strategy
This item was tabled until next month.
e. Home-based Business Expo – Fall
This will not be occurring this fall, possibly in the spring. Possibilities of combining with neighboring towns were discussed.
- EDC Consultant/Staff Position Discussion
Discussion covered possibility of utilizing the services of the Community Development Director for possible grant applications, liaison work, etc., and arranging a presentation by the Portland EDC consultant to share approaches.
A motion was made by Ms. Rooth for an expenditure not to exceed $150.00 to hire Mary Dickerson to present to EDC at a Special Meeting on 11-4-10 at 6:00 p.m. in the Community Room; seconded by Mr. Schrager, Vote: Yes: 4; No: 0, motion carries.
g. Holiday Events/Parade/Tree Lighting
The Commission discussed the lighting of the tree, jingle parade and other holiday events happening. Chair Leone will contact Monica Kangley to obtain details regarding taking over the Goff House activities. Further discussion for a final plan will occur during the Special Meeting on 11-4-10.
9. New Business
Chair Leone met with Interim Town Manager today and a meeting will be arranged with all parties involved to update all on STEAP 2 and future steps. There has been money set aside for site development at Sears Park. Then the amphitheatre can be designed and RFQs can be sent out. When the meeting for STEAP Grant 3 happens (with mostly the same parties) trail work will be detailed. EDC members Leone, Rooth and Solomon will attend. Interim Town Manager was in favor of using Town employees and their equipment and volunteers to complete the trail work after the bridge is built and grant is exhausted.
b. Other
Chair Leone stated that once a formal resignation is received from Alan Pawlak, there will be a vacancy for Vice Chair. He would like to nominate Ms. Rooth. Other nominations will also be accepted.
Chair Leone did reach out to Chris Edge, for possible EDC involvement, but he has been rehired by CTC.
10. Public Comments - None
11. Adjournment
Motion to adjourn was made at 9:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jennifer Carducci
Recording Secretary
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