TOWN OF EAST HAMPTON
Economic Development Commission
Regular Meeting
July 19, 2011
Eaton E. Smith Meeting Room – Town Hall
6:30 p.m.
MINUTES -Draft
Present: Chair Rich Leone, Todd Schrager, Cindy Rooth, Jack Solomon.
Late: Diane Bohmiller, Kimberley Fontaine
Also Present: Interim Town Manager John Weichsel, Town Councilperson Susan Weintraub, and Jennifer Carducci, Recording Secretary.
1. Call to Order
Chair Leone called this regular meeting of the East Hampton Economic Development Commission at 6:37 p.m.
2. Approval of Minutes – May 31, 2011 – No Meeting
3. Announcements
Kerry Nielsen is no longer with us. Cindy will ask the Building Department staff for items she was working on.
4. Town Manager/Town Council Liaison/Community Dev. Director
Chair Leone welcomed Interim Town Manager Weichsel and Town Councilperson Weintraub.
(Diane Bohmiller arrived 6:43 p.m.)
Town Manager presented a map showing traffic counts. A suggestion made was that the Economic Development Director attends an upcoming meeting to share knowledge, and possibly consulting time. A discussion ensued regarding finding a place for EDC documents, reports, etc. The Commission discussed with Weichsel, and gave background, the tasks facing the EDC, as well as area development and demographics, and the previous EDC consultant.
(Interim Town Manager Weichsel left at 7:35 p.m.)
Councilperson Weintraub spoke regarding the East Hampton (with bell) sign, refurbished by the boy scouts. The “Village Center” underneath was not restored. A sign representative, who lives in Town, is willing to donate some materials for restoration. Also historic district, restaurants, shops could also be signed. A drawing will be done and brought back for comments.
Chair Leone showed the new Grand Opening banner, done by Mimi Designs. The cost, including design, was approximately $80.00.
Mr. Schrager mentioned that the new parking lot next to the Library looks real nice and would it be possible to ask nearby businesses to clean up old cars, put up a fence, landscape, etc. Ms. Weintraub will discuss with John Weichsel.
5. Public Comments - None
6. Presentations – None
7. EDC Liaison Reports
a. Summary discussion of other Board and Committee activity - None
(Kim Fontaine arrived at 7:58 p.m.)
- Sears Park amphitheatre change of use
The STEAP grant will now be used for a multipurpose gazebo. The concept has passed P&Z. Ms. Rooth stated that EDC would like to be kept in the loop. The cost for the sound issues, etc. of the amphitheatre was growing large. Ms. Plummer will be given Chair Leone’s name as someone also involved in the Arts Commission to work with the process. Ms. Rooth would like to be assured this gazebo can be used for EDC purposes. Ms. Weintraub will speak with John Weichsel to develop a policy/procedure for open communications regarding anything EDC related.
- Business of the Month/Sandwich Boards – Tabled until next meeting
c. STEAP money for Town Map display?
Ms. Weintraub stated she believed that the last of the money was spent refurnishing the sign in front of Town Hall. The map display was going to take a longer time than what we had. The sign is on Century 21 property, is in disrepair and is inaccurate. Chair Leone will send Jeff Jylkka if there are funds for this project.
d. STEAP Grant Update – Airline Trail
Ms. Rooth showed the present Airline Trail map. The State will install a stop and street name sign and the Town will mark the spaces. The propane tanks are on State land. The trail has been shifted so trees do not have to be removed. Alternate items are $5,000 worth of landscaping. The contractor is willing to work with volunteers to help with erosion control and planting. There is no price yet as to precast stairs. EDC will contact non-profits to ask for help. Chair Leone will coordinate a two-person subcommittee.
A motion was made by Ms. Rooth for EDC to coordinate the effort of trying to get non-profits and volunteers to assist with Rails to Trails landscaping, possibly raising some funds for precast stairs, timber rails; seconded by Mr. Solomon, Vote: Yes: 6; No: 0, Abstain: 0, motion passed.
e. Home Based Business Expo – Fall planning
Chair Leone talked with Portland EDC coordinator who stated they no longer have funds for this effort. Ms. Rooth will speak with Dean Markham.
- Blight Ordinance Plans/Comments/Suggestions
Ms. Rooth will speak with the Building Department regarding Ms. Nielson’s materials. Ms. Weintraub will bring the matter up at the August Town Council meeting. Discussions will continue.
g. 82 Main Street Parking Lot
Ms. Rooth restated the history of this property for the group. It was decided that the agreement with the State will be researched for possible restrictions on use, etc., as well as the Town’s restrictions and Town liabilities.
(Ms. Fontaine, Ms. Weintraub left at 9:04 p.m.)
h. Business List/website upgrade
An effort to begin a list will continue.
9. New Business
- Bidding Policy Favoring Local Businesses
Ms. Rooth passed out Chester’s bidding policy as an example. The Commission was asked to do some research about other Town’s and bring to next meeting. After discussion, it was decided that Jeff Jylkka should be consulted as to the feasibility of this policy. Ms. Rooth indicated that Mr. Jylkka would be willing to come in and speak with us.
.
- Support for August Village Center/local merchant initiative
Ms. Bohmiller discussed this initiative. August is slow time for the businesses so this would be a good effort. Ms. Bohmiller stated that if we could pull it together before the end of the week, it could still go on.
- Friends of Lake Parade in August
Mr. Solomon stated that the Parade is all set to go. There can be up to twenty vendors. The vendor cost is free for a 10 x 10 space. There will be publicity. The Boat Parade is at 2 p.m. and there will be a shuttle bus from the high school for parking.
Chair Leone publicly thanked Ms. Rooth for all her efforts on behalf of the Commission.
10. Public Comments - None
11. Adjournment
Motion to adjourn was made at 9:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jennifer Carducci
Recording Secretary
All handouts are made part of these minutes and are available at Town Hall.
| 
