Farmington Economic Development Committee
Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Members Present: Paula Proulx, Sylvia Arcouette, Barry Elliott, and Richard Stanley,
Members Absent: Debra Cantwell, Cindy Snowdon
Staff Present: None
Public Present: Joan Funk, Board of Selectmen
Paula Proulx called the meeting to order at 7:50 AM.
- Review Minutes of 10-14-09.
Richard Stanley motioned to accept the minutes as written, 2nd Barry Elliott. Motion carried with all in favor.
- Direction from Board of Selectmen to the E.D.C.
Paula Proulx opened the discussion.
Paula noted that the Board had suggested a questionnaire. She asked if that was the way the Board wanted to go. The Board agreed; Sylvia Arcouette stated the questions need to be direct questions, nothing open-ended.
Paula asked if everyone had a chance to review Chapter 5 of the Master Plan. Barry Elliott noted that the reading was depressing; he noted that nothing changes. He commented on how it is written. Barry stated that as it says, there is a great need for full time support to implement things and keep them moving along. He feels the only place that can come from is the Town of Farmington. Barry commented again that the E.D.C. needs direction from the Board of Selectmen; the E.D.C. needs to know where the Board of Selectmen is at. What are the Board of Selectmen desires for the Town, and that is where the questionnaire comes in. The E.D.C. needs to know what the Board of Selectmen want, not what they don’t want. Barry doesn’t feel that we, as a Town have done any of
the things that Chapter 5 suggests. Paula Proulx tried to explain the process of how the Chapters are created. Paula also noted that there is a time line for
projects to be worked towards, and agencies that should be worked with to go forward. Paula noted that none of these things have been initiated; due to other issues that have had to be addressed. Sylvia asked who would oversee this; Paula stated the Planner and Planning Department.
Barry commented that the Selectmen are the ones who should be responsible to be sure these issues and projects are moving forward.
Barry and Paula discussed the Residential part of Chapter 5. The Chapter discusses greatly about Fiscal Responsibility. Barry stated how the income is generated through the Code Enforcement Office and what is being brought in through that department. The Planner; is this person bringing in businesses and/or keeping businesses in the Town. Richard Stanley commented that the Planner has more on their plate than just Economic Development. He feels that other Town staff should be able to address this issue also. Barry is concerned with the process of the Planning Board; seems the applications are taking too long to address. If the Planner did not have to spend so much time with Planning Board, they may have more timed to address the economic development of the Town.
The application should be complete based on the requirements, before presented to the Planning Board. Sylvia commented that all of the T’s must be crossed and I’s dotted before it gets to the Planning Board. This should safe more time for the process. Paula thinks that the criteria are not established for this process to be done before it goes to the Planning Board. Barry stated that a criteria needs to be developed and that the Town has to have faith in their Planner. He also noted that the Town Boards are volunteers and that their time should not be wasted.
Richard Stanley stated that he has created some questions to present to the Board of Selectmen.
Rich presented 5 questions
Sylvia asked when the questionnaire would be given to the Board of Selectmen. Paula stated that she could give it out to the Board on Monday, November 23, 2009. Joan asked how the questionnaire would be completed. Paula stated that she would give out the questionnaire and ask them to return it prior to the next E.D.C. meeting, for discussion and review. Paula noted that we want to see what the commonalities are between the answers to the questions and go from there.
**Attached is the Questionnaire that was created. It was agreed by the Committee that the Questionnaires would be returned to Elaine Labrie, and emailed to the Committee members prior to the next E.D.C. meeting.
Sylvia Arcouette motioned to present the questionnaire to the Board of Selectmen at the November 23, 2009 meeting. 2nd Barry Elliott. Motion carried with all in favor.
Paula Proulx stated that she had presented to the Board of Selectmen, the request for a sign.
The Board agreed and at this time it is in the hands of Joel Moulton. Paula spoke to Joel as to where things stood at this time. Joel suggested the sign to state Industrial and Business. Paula asked Joel to get some ideas to get this process going. The Committee discussed some sign options to that could be considered.
- Sign showing the lots and what is available, with phone listing.
- Business Lots for Sale, with the phone listing.
- Business / Industrial Lots for Sale, with the phone listing.
Barry said that there should be a handout in the Sarah Greenfield property packet, to show what lots are available. Richard Stanley asked for one of these packets, he has not seen this. The phone listing that should show on the sign would be the Selectmen’s office; then distributed as necessary. The Committee questioned size sign would be needed and what should it cost. Sylvia suggested calling Riley Signs to get an estimate. Barry asked how many lots are available; it was determined that there are (2) Two.
The Committee also discussed having a sign at the location and a sign on NH Route 11. Barry asked about expansion of Sarah Greenfield to Route 11. He suggested that as being one of the questions to the Selectmen.
Paula Proulx commented that in working with Julie LaBranche, regarding Sarah Greenfield; there is access management. It was shown that a back road could be put on, and not disturb the esthetic of Route 11 and the Town of Farmington.
Paula stated that Sarah Greenfield expansion could fall under a TIF District project. This would be making an investment for future income, not just a onetime income. Joan Funk commented that sometimes we just have to stick our necks out.
- Next meeting agenda for 12/09/2009:
- Review Minutes of 11/18/2009
- Review & Discuss the answers to the Direction Questionnaire given the Board of Selectmen.
- Any Other Business to come before the Committee
Sylvia Arcouette motioned to adjourn the meeting, 2nd Rich Stanley. Motion carried with all in favor.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 AM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Elaine Labrie, Secretary
Department of Planning & Community Development
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