EDC Minutes
March 13, 2014
Present: John DeCristoforo, David Cole, Bruce Greenfield, Liz Swenson, Lauren Ashe, Carol Conklin, Maura Richards and Susan Beckman
Guest: Bob Fish
1) The meeting was called to order by Chairman Swenson at 7:05 P.M.
2) On a motion (Cole/Greenfield) the Minutes from February 20, 2014 were accepted unanimously.
3) Comments from the Public and Correspondence - none
4) Introduction of Guests – Bob Fish
Bob Fish presented information about the Lyon Property (aka The Preserve) and current efforts to raise funds to purchase the property. A combination of state, town and private funds are being sought to purchase the property in a deal brokered by the Trust for Public Land (TPL) for $12 million. If successful, the title for the property within Old Saybrook boundaries will be given to Old Saybrook and the land will be set aside for passive recreation in perpetuity. The Conservation Commission has requested exceptions be granted to allow for a Nature Center with road access. Questions and concerns were raised by commission members.
Chairman Swenson will write a statement outlining the Commission’s concerns and Susie will coordinate a meeting time for Commissioners to discuss the issue with First Selectman Fortuna.
5) Old Business:
a) EDC Membership & Officer Elections– Nominating Committee Commissioners Jim Keating, Bruce Greenfield and Dave Cole talked with members and nominated the following slate of Commissioners to be elected in May:
i) Chairman – Liz Swenson
ii) Vice Chair – Carol Conklin
iii) Secretary/Treasurer – John DeCristoforo (on the condition that a Clerk is hired to take minutes)
b) Mullin Associates Report Review – the actions recommended by Mullin Associates were reviewed to determine which had been accomplished and which were still relevant goals for the Commission. Susie will use this information to help form new goals and guide efforts to update the Economic Development section of Old Saybrook’s Plan for Conservation and Development.
c) Mariner’s Way – Decision on EDC’s role to lead the implementation of the Mariner Way Plan was tabled until the April meeting.
6) New Business - None
7) Executive Director’s Report - A written report was distributed. The following were briefly reviewed:
a) The YTD Budget
b) The Economic Development Workshop March 26, 6:30-8:30pm – an additional invitation will be sent next week. Please respond if you are attending.
c) The Saybrook Events article was sent.
d) The Chamber of Commerce will give the Economic Development Office a 250 word article, space permitting, in their 75th Anniversary Guide. Article was sent.
e) Newly printed brochures were picked up and paid for from the printing budget.
f) A Post Card concept has been drafted and review was tabled to the April meeting.
8) Comments from Chairman Swenson – comments were made during the course of the meeting.
9) On a motion (Ashe/Cole) the meeting was adjourned by Chairman Swenson at 9:10PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan W. Beckman – Acting Secretary
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