TOWN OF EAST HAMPTON
Economic Development Commission
Regular Meeting
March 15, 2011
Eaton E. Smith Meeting Room – Town Hall
6:30 p.m.
MINUTES - DRAFT
Present: Chair Rich Leone, Todd Schrager, Cindy Rooth, Jack Solomon, Diane Bohmiller.
Absent: Kimberley Fontaine
Also Present: Kerry Nielson, Director of Community and Environmental Planning; Jennifer Carducci, Recording Secretary.
1. Call to Order
Chair Leone called this regular meeting of the East Hampton Economic Development Commission at 6:32 p.m.
2. Approval of Minutes
Ms. Rooth would like the minutes of November 16, 2010 corrected as follows: under 8d. RFP instead of RFQ.
A motion was made by Ms. Rooth to approve the Regular Meeting of November 16, 2010 minutes as corrected; seconded by Mr. Schrager, Vote: Yes: 5; No: 0, motion passed.
A motion was made by Ms. Rooth to approve the Special Meeting Minutes of December 2, 2010, as written, seconded by Ms. Bohmiller, Vote: Yes: 5, No: 0, motion passed.
3. Announcements - None
4. Town Manager/Town Council Liaison/Community Dev. Director
Ms. Nielson and Ms. Rooth noted that bids were reviewed for the continuation of the Trail, and shared discussions with the Commission.
Ms. Rooth will request a meeting with Interim Town Manager Drewry and Public Works Director Hayden in regard to the parking next to the building at the corner of Main and Barton Hill.
Ms. Nielson advised the Commission there is concern regarding the new disaster recovery business (presented to Commission in November), on Carriage Drive. A neighbor of the owner was concerned about the parking of very large commercial trucks. The matter was turned over to Jim Carey for Zoning Enforcement.
A new business has opened across from Stop & Shop – 24/7 Fitness.
The plans for the amphitheatre and senior center addition are moving along.
Grant possibilities for the future were discussed.
Epoch Arts is in need of a new roof. Fundraising possibilities were discussed. Elizabeth Namen will be invited to the next meeting.
5. Public Comments
6. Presentations - None
7. EDC Liaison Reports – None
- Summary Discussion of other Board and Commission Activity - None
- Village Center Meeting 1-19-11
Ms. Nielson gave an overview of the meeting on 1-19-11. It was well-attended.
Ms. Nielson mentioned that 4-16-11 will be Lake Cleanup day sponsored by the Conservation-Lake Commission (with a rain date of the next Saturday).
8. Old Business
- Mary Dickerson presentation 12-2-10 – recommendations and plan of implementation
Chair Leone will send email to Commission again for discussion next month.
- Business of the Month/Grand Opening Banners – approval for use of logo and Mimi Sign proposal.
Chair Leone will get sign over to Mimi Designs.
- Holiday Events/Parade/Tree Lighting post mortem
Chair Leone stated he received a lot of good feedback on the event. The weather was better than the previous year and the turnout was great. Gaps in the day’s activities was the biggest complaint (i.e., people want a whole day of activities). More groups will be contacted, earlier, to join in (December 3, 2011).
d. STEAP Grant(s) Implementation – proposal review
This item was previously discussed. Thanks are given to Ms. Rooth and Ms. Nielson.
e. Home-based Business Expo – Spring/fall
This item should be pushed off until the fall. Interest is still high in manning a booth at Old Home Day.
f. Blight Ordinance Plans/Comments/Suggestions
This item will be discussed at the next meeting.
9. New Business
- Planning for Spring Village Center Initiatives now
The Strawberry Festival for June has quite a few vendors and bands coming.
b. Other
After a short discussion, Chair Leone made a motion to nominate Ms. Rooth for Vice Chair, seconded by Mr. Solomon, Vote: Yes: 5; No: 0, motion carried.
Speakers for an EDC Breakfast were discussed, as well as technology classes, disaster plans, and other informational seminars.
The website update was discussed. Ms. Sirois in the Town Manager’s office will be assisting when the content has been determined.
10. Public Comments
A local business data base was discussed. Ms. Rooth suggested that the Town consider accepting bids from local businesses that are not low bid, but within 15%.
Several new businesses were mentioned, a furniture shop, a shop that prepares a week’s worth of meals in your home.
11. Adjournment
Motion to adjourn was made at 8:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jennifer Carducci
Recording Secretary
3-20-11
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