TOWN OF EAST HAMPTON
Economic Development Commission
Regular Meeting
September 20, 2011
Eaton E. Smith Meeting Room – Town Hall
6:30 p.m.
MINUTES -Draft
Present: Chair Rich Leone, Cindy Rooth, Todd Schrager Jack Solomon.
Absent: Diane Bohmiller
Also Present: Jennifer Carducci, Recording Secretary; several members of the public.
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 – 7-19-11 Regular Meeting
A motion was made by Vice Chair Rooth to approve the 7-19-11 minutes as presented, seconded by Mr. Solomon, Vote: Yes-4; No-0; Abstain-0, motion passed.
3. Announcements
Chair Leone advised the Commission that Diane Bohmiller has resigned, effective immediately, and Kimberly Fontaine’s term expired 12-31-10. Two, possibly three, vacancies exist. Prospective members should apply with the Town Manager’s office.
4. Town Manager/Town Council Liaison/Community Dev. Director
Town Manager Weichsel was not at the meeting. The Commission expressed desire to have a staff liaison representing the Town Manager’s office.
5. Public Comments
Kim Paige, 70 Main, advised the Commission of a Harvest Festival being held October 15, from 10-6 p.m. There will be street vendors, music (local musicians) all day, inside and out, face painting, food, fun and games. Anything Goes and Red Door have already committed to participating. Final participation is not yet known. Ms. Rooth suggested the RiverEast for publicity for the event, as well as possibly sending flyers home with day care children, putting flyers at the Library, Goff House, etc.
Discussions continued about a possible Village Merchant’s Association. Also discussed was the possibility of a “Friends of the Village Center”.
A suggestion was made to update the list of businesses on the Visitor’s Guide under the EDC page on the Town’s website.
A question was raised regarding the (old) Village Center sign; the sign was refurbished without the “Village Center” piece. Chair Leone will email Sue Weintraub.
Vice Chair Rooth mentioned that the participation of the Village landlords would be helpful with future endeavors.
Vice Chair Rooth mentioned there was not much going on with the Trail improvements. The Trail ending in the Village Center will stimulate economic development.
Police presence in the Village Center was discussed. Local merchants/landlords have been concerned about speeding and loitering.
Ms. Rooth discussed the possibility of the local banks coming in to discuss community loan opportunities with the Commission. She also mentioned that the lack of a water system hinders development in the Village Center. The possibility of breakfast meetings was discussed.
6. Presentations – None
7. EDC Liaison Reports
a. Summary discussion of other Board and Committee activity - None
- Old Business
- Sears Park amphitheatre change of use
Chair Leone sat on a committee for Sears Park project (Frank Grzyb, Rich Norkin, Ruth Plummer, and Rich Leone). The grant did shift over to the Park project. It was decided that the ampitheatre idea was too grand for the parcel. The multipurpose gazebo was a better fit. Eight bids have been received. The architectural firm that wins the bid will supervise the project.
- Business of the Month/Sandwich Boards – Not discussed.
c. STEAP money for Town Map display – None left.
d. STEAP Grant Update – Airline Trail – No activity.
e. Home Based Business Expo – Fall planning
Chair Leone mentioned that the Commission should revisit the home-based business regulations. Discussion ensued regarding enforcement.
- Blight Ordinance Plans/Comments/Suggestions
All were asked to read ordinance and be ready for discussion next month.
g. 82 Main Street Parking Lot
Since the building is in foreclosure, discussions will continue in the future. Chair Leone will investigate the limitations of the lease with the State.
Mr. Schrager discussed a cleanup day in the Village Center. This item will be discussed at the next meeting. Volunteers will be solicited.
h. Business List/website upgrade
An effort to begin a list will continue. Chair Leone will review web site content.
9. New Business
- Bidding Policy Favoring Local Businesses
Research into this item will continue. Vice Chair Rooth will compare other town’s policies and ordinances with ours to see if this is feasible.
- Support for August Village Center/local merchant initiative (outdated item)
- Other
Mr. Solomon spoke regarding Breakfast with Santa on 12-3-11.
10. Public Comments
A comment was made to investigate students to be involved in website overhaul.
11. Adjournment
Motion to adjourn was made at 7:59 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jennifer Carducci
Recording Secretary
| 
