Georgetown
Economic Development Sub-Committee
Thursday, September 17, 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
*************************************************************************************
In Attendance:
Ted Kottcamp
Tillie Evangelista
Jim Lacey
Paul Pagliarulo
Derek Olsen
Nick Cracknell
Phil Trapani, Selectman
Michael Farrell, Interim Town Administrator
Bill Luster, President, North Shore Alliance for Economic Development (guest speaker)
**************************************************************************
Ted Kottcamp called the meeting to order at 7:30 AM
Meeting agenda/topics of discussion included:
1. Approval of Meeting Minutes
a. August 19, 2009 meeting minutes were revised to further clarify comments made by Tillie related to the Water Conservation Grant. Committee vote to approve the meeting minutes was moved to the next EDC meeting.
b. An amendment to the previously approved July 30 meeting minutes was submitted by Nick to further clarify the discussion of 43D funding. It was agreed to review and consider possible adoption of the amendment at the next EDC meeting.
2. Update of the 43D funding/recent activity with MassDevelopment & Planning Board
a. Nick provided a summary of his Sept. 3 meeting with Nancy Radzevich of Mass Development (including Planning Board & EDC Member, Tillie). He provided a draft action plan that includes:
i. Identifying funding to develop a comprehensive “Development Guidebook” for the 43D program (estimated cost $10K +/-)
ii. Identifying funding to develop a “Strategic Plan” for the 43D districts (estimated cost $20K +/-)
iii. Identifying funding to develop a “Specific Development Plan” for the 43D districts (estimated cost $20K +/-)
b. The conclusion by MassDevelopment was that efforts would be made to continue seeking funding options; however, Nick & Tillie planned to investigate alternative assistance through Mass Highway and MVPC.
c. Phil Trapani also proposed to schedule a meeting with State Senator Bruce Tarr.
d. Bill Luster, President, North Shore Alliance for Economic Development provided an update of Alliance activity and their efforts to seek funding to support the 43D program. Mr. Luster made it clear that availability of state funds is limited under the current economic climate. Efforts were made by the Alliance to seek assistance from state representatives, including Secretary of Housing & Economic Development, Greg Bialecki. The Alliance will continue to seek funding and plans to contact DHCD as a next step.
3. Marketing of Georgetown
a. Business stock analysis- Derek provided a list of Georgetown businesses. It was agreed to target the healthcare related businesses first and invite owners to an upcoming EDC meeting. Jim Lacey had already contacted Sue Daigle, owner of Georgetown Therapeutic Massage (20 W. Main St.) and discussed contacting local healthcare professionals to propose a “roundtable” discussion with the EDC. According to Jim, Sue Daigle already knows many of the business owners and is an appropriate person to extend the invitation; however, the committee agreed that the EDC should have oversight over the invitation process so that the businesses are aware of the meeting
objective/purpose.
b. Vacant property analysis- Paul provided a list of available town properties obtained througthe internet that include:
i. 16 Carlton Drive
ii. 35 Wells
iii. 249 Andover
iv. Parish Road (#?)
v. 206 West Main
c. Action Items-
i. Jim & Sue Daigle to invite the healthcare practice business owners to a “roundtable” discussion with the EDC. Jim proposed to target the next EDC meeting.
ii. Paul & Nick to identify more available properties for the purpose of marketing them to the surrounding community; including utilizing data from MVPC. Nick suggested a review of the zoning options as an attempt to enhance their potential value in the marketplace.
4. Other
a. Spring Town Meeting-Phil voiced his concern about the progress of 40R and the importance of having 40R (village center overlay district) on the EDC agenda. Paul suggested that the committee develop an outline/action item list of issues related to the 40R project in preparation of Spring Town Meeting.
5. Next Meeting: Wednesday, October 14, 7:30 am (3rd flr); posted by Ted Kottcamp
MOTION: Ted Kottcamp motioned to adjourn at 9:00 AM. Motion carried.
Respectfully Submitted
Ted Kottcamp, Sub-Committee Chair
| 
