TOWN OF EAST HAMPTON
Economic Development Commission
Regular Meeting
October 16, 2012
Town Hall Meeting Room
6:30.m.
MINUTES
Present: Chair Rich Leone, Vice Chair Cindy Rooth, Jamie Bell, Mimi Perrotti, Todd Schrager.
Absent: Jon March
Also Present: Michael Maniscalco, Town Manager, Jennifer Carducci, Recording Secretary, and several members of the public.
1. Call to Order
Chair Leone called this regular meeting of the East Hampton Economic Development Commission at 6:30 p.m.
2. Approval of Minutes – September 18, 2012 Regular Meeting
Mr. Schrager made a motion to accept the minutes as presented for the EDC Meeting of 9-18-12; seconded by Ms. Bell; Vote: Yes: 5; No: 0; Abstain: 0). Motion passed.
3. Announcements - None
4. Town Manager; Staff Liaison - Planning, Zoning & Building Administrator
Town Manager Maniscalco was present and reported on the following:
- The transition between James Carey and himself as liaison to this Commission has occurred. The Commission was asked to continue working with Daphne Schaub in Mr. Carey’s office on items such as agendas, etc.
- Upcoming events: Harvest Fest and the Rails to Trails Ribbon Cutting 10-20-12.
- Matt Bevin is again making bells in East Hampton in a new location on Watrous Street. He is not yet up to 100%, but hoping to soon.
5. Public Comments
Dick Gosselin, new P & Z Liaison, introduced himself to the Commission.
Mr. Gosselin also noted there is a place on the Trail which may need attention. After the switchback, if you look left, there is a large ravine, and the drop-off could possibly endanger someone. He believes there should be a fence installed.
6. Presentations – None
7. EDC Liaison Reports (Summary Discussion of Other Boards and Commissions’ Activities) -
None.
8. Old Business
a. Formulation of Budget
This item should be under New Business. The Commission will discuss the present budget at next month’s meeting. A copy of the present budget allocations will be emailed to members.
9. New Business
a. Bevin Bell Parking Lot on Watrous Street
Town Manager Maniscalco reported to the Commission that Mr. Bevin has approached the Town regarding a Town-owned parcel at 13 Watrous. This parcel and the building on it have been determined to have significant PCB contamination and is a Brownfields site. Mr. Bevin is looking to rent for an unknown period of time and the Brownfields/Redevelopment Agency will be providing a written report for the Town Manager and Town Council to consider. Town Manager Maniscalco asked the Commission to write a letter of support for the use of this property for parking and the economic affect on the downtown area and the Trail.
After further discussion, a motion was made by Vice Chair Rooth to provide a letter of support to be written by Chair Leone, for the use of 13 Watrous Street for parking; seconded by Ms. Perrotti; Vote: Yes: 5; No: 0; Abstain: 0, motion passed.
b. Discussion regarding Tax Deferral Program
Town Manager Maniscalco explained that the program in effect now is a resolution and should be an ordinance. The Town Council has asked that he rework it to include an incentive. As of now, it is cumbersome and vague. The State Statute can be used as a guideline, and Town Manager Maniscalco has received 12 other town’s ordinances from CCM. This new ordinance could be used to help new or existing businesses. After discussions, it was decided that the Commission would have a workshop on this to be held Thursday, November 1, 2012 at 6:30 p.m. at a place to be determined. The Clerk will investigate meeting locations and produce the notice. The East Hampton Tax Assessor will be invited for possible input.
c. 82 Main Street
Town Manager Maniscalco reported that there is a new owner of the building at 82 Main Street. There are only four tenants left. The building is being spruced up the outside, the apartments are being updated and improved, contractors are re-roofing the building and the owner’s representative is working with the Town on the parking situation. The Town put notices on the cars parked in the municipal lot next to the building and signs will be put up this week advising of 12-hour parking only. The owner is looking into providing new striped spaces behind the building for tenants, and is advertising for new commercial tenants. The owner’s representative has requested more police attention and Town Manager Maniscalco has set a meeting with Chief Reimondo. There has also been work
done on the heating system and the building will be painted. Mr. Schrager noted the owner’s representative may attend next month’s meeting.
9d. Christmas Parade – Yuletide Singers
Before discussion, a motion was made by Vice Chair Rooth to allow public comment during this item, pertaining to this item; seconded by Mr. Schrager; Vote: Yes:5; No: 0: Abstain:0, motion passes.
Sheila Tomlinson, Schoolhouse Lane, was present to explain what Laurie Cartright and the Yuletide Singers could provide for the Christmas festivities on 12-2-12 in the Village Center. The Yuletide singers consist of four professional singers, dressed in Dickens-era costumes. They perform 90 minutes for approximately $325. The group was present asking for EDC to fund this activity to bring a more professional appearance to the day. Vice Chair Rooth would like to see the Arts and Cultural group involved with this in the future.
After a lengthy discussion, Vice Chair Rooth made a motion to spend up to $350 for the Yuletide Singers for 12-2-12, seconded by Mr. Schrager, Vote: Yes: 5; No: 0; Abstain: 0, motion passes.
Also discussed was the Community Calendar for the Holiday Season. After discussion, a motion was made by Vice Chair Rooth to spend up to $1,000 for half page spreadsheet advertising n the River East; seconded by Ms. Perrotti, Vote: Yes: 5; No: 0; Abstain: 0, motion passes.
Mr. Schrager reported that Bonnie Sweet-Riley, Friends of the Village Center, is working with others to have the tree shaped so the lights look more symmetrical.
9e. Goff’s Gas Station
Vice Chair Rooth introduced Chris and Steve Goff and Tim Casey, contractor from Hebron, to the Commission. Mr. Casey has been working for the Goff’s; talking to companies regarding restoring the station to a working gas station. He knows that Stop and Shop is interested in having a gas station, location not determined; and believes there will be another station in Town within two years. The Goff location already has tanks in the ground, but the station needs to be renovated. He is looking for a letter of support for there being another gas station in Town.
After discussion, Ms. Bell made a motion Vice Chair Rooth write a letter of support for another gas station in Town; seconded by Ms. Perrotti, Vote: Yes: 5; No: 0; Abstain: 0, motion passes.
10. Public Comments
Diane Bohmiller questioned the Commission regarding the Grand Opening Banner. Chair Leone made a motion to open up discussions regarding the purchase of a new Grand Opening Banner; seconded by Mr. Schrager, Vote: Yes: 5; No: 0; Abstain: 0, motion passed.
After discussion, a motion was made by Vice Chair Rooth to allow the expenditure of up to $150.00 from the EDC budget for the purchase of a Grand Opening Banner; seconded by Mr. Schrager; Vote: Yes: 4; No: 0; Abstain: 1 (Ms. Perrotti – due to any appearance of conflict, motion passed.
Jason Pearce, Lake Drive questioned the Commission regarding the possibility of hiring a grant writer. He mentioned there is one in the Town of Oxford who also does consulting work. Town Manager Maniscalco stated the Town will be working with Larry Wagner for the time being.
11. Adjournment
There being no further business to be conducted, this regular meeting was adjourned at 8:22 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jennifer Carducci
Recording Clerk
10-21-12
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