SPECIAL MEETING
MINUTES
June 19, 2014
Economic Development Office, Old Saybrook Town Hall
7:00pm
Chairman Swenson called the meeting to order at 7:03p.m.
Attendant Members
Liz Swenson, Chairman
Dave Cole, Regular Member
Carol Conklin, Alternate Member
John DeCristoforo, Regular Member
David Shearer, Regular Member
Absent Members
Jim Keating, Secretary
Bruce Greenfield, Alternate
Lauren Ashe, Regular Member
Maura Richards, Regular Member
Attendant Staff
Susan W. Beckman, Economic Development Director
Guests
None
MOTION to approve the Minutes of May 8, 2014 as presented; MADE by D. Cole; SECONDED by J. DeCristoforo; VOTED IN FAVOR: L. Swenson, D. Cole, C. Conklin, J. DeCristoforo, D. Shearer; OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINED: None;
APPROVED: 5-0-0.
- COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC and CORRESPONDENCE
Scenic Roads Plan – MOTION to support the addition of the Scenic Roads Plan to the Old Saybrook Plan of Conservation and Development and to support action items as applicable; MADE by D. Shearer; SECONDED by J. DeCristoforo; VOTED IN FAVOR: L. Swenson, D. Cole, C. Conklin, J. DeCristoforo, D. Shearer; OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINED: None;
APPROVED: 5-0-0.
Discussion in connection with the Scenic Roads Plan included the possibility of using a mobile app to provide historic information at designated areas for anyone traveling the Scenic Roads and making information on Scenic Roads available along with bike trail and restaurant guides. Also discussed was that concessions be made for pedestrian and biker safety when road construction projects are underway.
ACTION: D. Shearer will draft a letter to be edited and approved by the Commission via email to send to the Board of Selectmen, Planning and Zoning Commissions and CT Department of Transportation requesting consideration of pedestrian and biker safety.
- The Lyons Property Update and Actions – The Board of Selectmen called a Special Meeting to pass the question of bonding for the purchase of the Lyons Property (aka the Preserve) to a Town Meeting on June 30th. The Town Meeting will then adjourn to a referendum on July 8.
ACTION: EDC Commissioners plan to attend the June 30 meeting to ask questions.
MOTION to write and publicize a list of questions that need to be asked at the Town Meeting to ensure the current deal to purchase the Lyons Property is the best way forward before sending the question to referendum; MADE by J. DeCristoforo; SECONDED by D. Cole; VOTED IN FAVOR: L. Swenson, D. Cole, C. Conklin, J. DeCristoforo, D. Shearer; OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINED: None;
APPROVED: 5-0-0.
- Mariner’s Way – The Town is going to apply for a grant from the Department of Community and Economic Development to assess potential brownfields issues on adjoining properties around 336 Boston Post Road.
- Post Card Mailing to Existing Businesses
Post cards were sent June 16 and many received June 18 & 19. The mailing resulted in one telephone call to the ED Office about office space. The survey will stay up for the remainder of June. Total cost of the mailing was $392 for printing, postage and mailing fulfillment and $100 for design services.
- Landscaping Under Welcome Signs
The EDC decided to forego planting under the signs this year.
- Google 360 Virtual Business & Area Guide
The Chamber of Commerce is already working on a virtual town guide and the EDC will provide assistance and support where appropriate.
Communications and Outreach
MOTION to spend up to $250 for the email newsletter service, Constant Contact, to keep recipients updated on economic development issues and to promote Old Saybrook; MADE by J. DeCristoforo; SECONDED by D. Cole; VOTED IN FAVOR: L. Swenson, D. Cole, C. Conklin, J. DeCristoforo, D. Shearer; OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINED: None;
APPROVED: 5-0-0.
MOTION to adjourn the meeting at 8:55 p.m. until the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Economic Development Commission on July 10, 2014, at 7:00 p.m., 302 Main Street, Town Hall, EDC Office; MADE: by D. Cole; SECONDED: by D. Shearer; VOTED IN FAVOR : L. Swenson, D.Cole, D. Shearer, C. Conklin, J. DeCristoforo; OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINED: None;
APPROVED: 5-0-0.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan W. Beckman, Economic Development Director
Acting Clerk
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