Georgetown
Economic Development Sub-Committee
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 7:30 AM
Location: Town Hall 3rd Floor Meeting Room
Regular Session Minutes
Nick Cracknell
Tillie Evangelista
Ted Kottcamp
Jim Lacey
Derek Olsen
Paul Pagliarulo
Phil Trapani, Selectman Liaison
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In Attendance:
Ted Kottcamp
Tillie Evangelista
Jim Lacey
Paul Pagliarulo
Gary Fowler, Selectman (~45 minutes of meeting)
Michael Farrell, Interim Town Administrator (~10 minutes of meeting)
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Ted Kottcamp called the meeting to order at 7:30 AM
We opened the meeting with an update by Tillie regarding the 43D suspension and the discussions with the BoS and Planning Board (in the absence of Nick). According to Tillie, the Planning Board voted to have the IPB defer final decision of the 43D application until October. This deferral will allow the Town to reevaluate the administrative obligations and funding options to support the program. The EDC discussed moving forward with the task of identify alternative funding sources through partnership with the North Shore Alliance for Economic Development; specifically, utilizing Alliance President Bill Luster to coordinate potential meetings with State Representatives. Tillie also indicated that she had contacted the offices of State representatives, Barbara L’Italien and Senator Tierney for
potential assistance. The EDC fully understands the conflict of interest concerns from both the BoS and Planning Board and will seek BoS approval before contacting the North Shore Alliance or any other potential funding source.
Note: The Georgetown Record article of Wednesday, August 12, “43D Zoning Hits a Snag in Georgetown” was also briefly discussed/clarified with Selectman Gary Fowler. Additionally, the committee’s intent to seek alternative funding to support the 43D program was clarified in response to the Lonnie Brennan article in the Valley Patriot.
The EDC moved to discuss other meeting topics, including:
1. Open Position- Paul Nelson indicated his interest in attending our next EDC meeting to further explore the opportunity to volunteer as a supporting member of the EDC. Applicant Jillian Belliveau did not respond to our invitation. The EDC will continue to identify interested candidates.
2. Approval of Meeting Minutes- The EDC voted unanimously to approve the meeting minutes of July 30 as written. Some discussion was made regarding prior meeting minutes but it was agreed that prior minutes were approved and should be submitted to the Town for posting.
3. Marketing of Georgetown- The committee discussed options to accelerate the process of marketing/promoting Georgetown and supporting local businesses. A short-term response to our first meeting with the business community and efforts to continue providing support was suggested by Jim. His suggestions and action items include:
a. Analysis of business stock/type to identify specific “clusters”- Jim, Derek
b. Schedule meetings with “cluster specific” businesses in order to identify wants/needs of these business types. For example, medical professionals, retail, convenience stores, etc.
c. Analysis of vacant properties- Tillie to contact the MVPC
d. Continue investigating web-site options; including linking with other sites and/or creating our own web-site. The EDC recognizes that this process requires budgeting and Town approval.
4. Other- Tillie provided an update regarding the “letter of support” for the 2010 Water Conservation Grant submitted by the Georgetown Water Dept. The BoS supported the grant application for the Water Dept. to donate matching funds. The grant application is to be sent to the State before an August 19 deadline. Tillie confirmed that the grant was accepted.
Next Meeting: Thursday, September 17, 7:30 am (3rd flr); posted by Ted Kottcamp
MOTION: Ted Kottcamp motioned to adjourn at 8:45 AM. Motion carried.
Respectfully Submitted
Ted Kottcamp, Sub-Committee Chair
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