TOWN OF EAST HAMPTON
Economic Development Commission
Regular Meeting
April 17, 2012
Eaton E. Smith Meeting Room – Town Hall
6:30 p.m.
MINUTES
Present: Vice Chair Cindy Rooth, Mimi Perrotti, Jamie Bell, and Jack Solomon, Jon March. Also present was James P. Carey, Administrator, Building, Planning, and Zoning. Absent: Todd Schrager.
1. Call to Order
Vice Chair Rooth called this regular meeting of the East Hampton Economic Development Commission at 6:35 p.m.
2. Approval of Minutes – 3-20-12 Regular Meeting
The minutes of the March 20, 2012 regular meeting were approved unanimously.
3. Announcements
Vice Chair Rooth read announcement regarding an Open House to Celebrate Volunteers on Sunday. Perhaps a signup for June 9th could be placed there.
Vice Chair handed out information regarding Portland EDC; our monthly balance sheet, and the EDC’s items to accomplish per our Bylaws. She also announced Middlesex Chamber breakfast, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on April 23, 2012, 7:45 – 9:00 a.m.
4. Planning, Zoning & Building Administrator – James P. Carey
Mr. Carey spoke briefly about the project on Rte. 66 (West High Street) project, as well as Steve Motto’s project on East High Street. He spoke of the changes that are sought in the regulations, which will be worked on this summer. There is an application in preparation for a gas station at the intersection of Rte. 16 and 66. Data regarding it’s possibly being located in the acquifer is still being studied. The location was previously used as a shooting range and a gas station among other things. The tanks have been removed and came out clean.
Mr. March asked Mr. Carey if the regulations could be or is there a document that has been crafted to limit the types of businesses allowed in Town. Mr. Carey discussed the difficulties of the position of the Town, it’s boards and commissions as well as the official Town documents in place. Mr. Carey invited the Commission members to be involved in the process when the regulations are being changed, condensed, etc.
5. Public Comments - None
6. Presentations – None
7. EDC Liaison Reports
a. Summary Discussion of other Boards and Commission Activity.
Mr. Carey spoke briefly regarding the proposed Village Center water system.
Finance Director Jylkka held a meeting regarding STEAP grants. Vice Chair Rooth attended. It was mentioned that Epoch Arts is not in a Town-owned building. Building space availability, façade improvements; soccer fields and possibilities for other properties were also discussed.
Mr. March spoke of the possibility of a future Town beach area where residents could access the Lake, boat rides, etc. Mr. Carey spoke of a possible local initiative.
8. Old Business
a. Town Directory Sign – Corner of Rte. 66 and Main Street
Ms. Perrotti discussed the sign on the Century 21 property. It is in deplorable condition, its structure is unstable, and the sign area needs to be reworked. The wood needs to be refurbished. Vice Chair Rooth asked Mr. Carey if someone, perhaps Public Works, could look at the sign for a determination of what is necessary.
Ms. Perrotti spoke of possible layouts. She suggested that we brainstorm as to more uses for this sign; such as a business directory. A suggestion was made that this be open to art work, etc. It was also suggested that the present sign area be covered for now. Discussion will continue next meeting after assessment.
b. EDC Corner Feedback
More notice is needed for events mentioned in the EDC Corner publication. A month ahead to three months in advance was suggested, as was a three-time frequency. A twelve month master tentative calendar was suggested. Resources will be investigated and discussed further at next month’s meeting.
Ms. Perrotti made a motion that Ms. Rooth and Mr. March will work on calendar resources and bring findings to next month’s meeting; seconded by Mr. March; Vote: Yes: 5: No: 0; Abstain: 0, motion passed.
c. EDC Business of the Month
The subject of selection criteria was tabled until next meeting. Ms. Perrotti showed a mockup of a sign suggestion for Business of the Month sandwich boards.
Ms. Bell made a motion that Ms. Perrotti move forward with the mockups for the sign with borders, and email to Commissioners for approval, seconded by Mr. March; Vote: Yes: 5; No: 0; Abstain: 0, motion passed.
d. Home Based Business Initiative
Vice Chair Rooth discussed the Town of Montville’s step-by-step procedure page for new businesses. In East Hampton, new businesses register with the Town Clerk’s office. Mr. Carey discussed small business guidelines, etc. At the State level, regulations regard how to license your business, with a statement to check your local zoning regulations. Vice Chair Rooth suggested that our regulations include information regarding home based businesses. Mr. Carey discussed the issues regarding licensing with Town Clerk and going to Zoning. Vice Chair Rooth will discuss with Town Clerk.
9. New Business
EDC workshop meeting Thursday, 6:30 p.m. at the Library. Mr. March volunteered to send an email reminder to all.
Vice Chair Rooth showed the EDC’s 2005 East Hampton Visitors and Community Guide, that we could possibly create for June 9. She will look at what needs to be updated.
a. Shop Local Initiative
10. Public Comments
A citizen stated that he is always given out directions for other business locations.
Roy Gauthier mentioned the bow and arrow sign. It is being completely reconstructed and will go up within the next few weeks.
11. Adjournment
Motion was made by Ms. Perrotti to adjourn at 8:15. Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
MINUTES TRANSCRIBED FROM DISC BY
Jennifer Carducci
Recording Secretary
4-22-12
All handouts are made part of these minutes and are available at Town Hall
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