MEETING MINUTES
August 14, 2014
Economic Development Office, Old Saybrook Town Hall 7:00 p.m.
I. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by the Chairman at 7:05 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Members Present: Members Absent:
Elizabeth Swenson James Keating
John DeCristoforo Lauren Ashe
David Cole Maura Richards
Bruce Greenfield-Seated for James Keating
Carol Conklin
Dr. David Shearer-present via telephone
Staff Present:
Susan Beckman, Economic Development Commission Director
Joanne Kegel, Recording Clerk
III. REGULAR BUSINESS
A. Approval of Minutes: July 10, 2014 meeting:
MOTION: To approve the minutes of the July 10, 2014 meeting as presented; MADE: by D. Cole. SECONDED: by J. DeCristoforo. VOTED IN FAVOR: E. Swenson, D. Cole, J. DeCristoforo, B. Greenfield, D. Shearer. OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINED: None; APPROVED: 5-0-0.
B. Correspondence & Announcements:
1. Letter from Carol Conklin resigning as an EDC Alternate Member.
Carol Conklin is in the process of appointment as EDC Regular Member.
2. Zoning Commission Referral: “Eastpointe” Incentive Housing Development
The Commission discussed the “Eastpointe” development on North Main Street and had concerns regarding the quantity of the units, housing in a commercial area, infrastructure, and the impact to the town and the schools. The Director explained the purpose of Incentive Housing.
MOTION: To respond to the Referral request for “Eastpointe” Incentive Housing Development with a letter to the Zoning Commission expressing concerns from the EDC for the ZC meeting of August 18, 2014. MADE: by J. DeCristoforo. SECONDED: by B. Greenfield. VOTED IN FAVOR: E. Swenson, D. Cole, J. DeCristoforo, B. Greenfield, D. Shearer. OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINED: None; APPROVED: 5-0-0.
3. Zoning Commission Referral: “75 Main Street” Special Exception Application
The Director presented the Application and prints to the members for discussion of the renovation and proposed mixed use of the existing building of the former North Cover Outfitters at 75 Main Street. The Commission is in favor of the proposed use of the building and expresses its full support.
MOTION: To respond to the Referral request for “75 Main Street” Special Exception Application with a letter to the Zoning Commission expressing approval and full support from the EDC for the ZC meeting of Sept. 2, 2014; MADE: by D. Cole. SECONDED: by J. DeCristoforo. VOTED IN FAVOR: E. Swenson, D. Cole, J. DeCristoforo, B. Greenfield, D. Shearer. OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINED: None; APPROVED: 5-0-0.
4. Zoning Commission Referral: “Enterprise Rent-A-Car” Special Exception Application
The Director presented the application and prints for the “Enterprise Rent-A-Car” Modification to Special Exception Application for discussion. The EDC supports the concept of the garage, however, suggests that the garage door be placed on the side instead of in front if possible. EDC also supports ARB recommendation for improved landscaping in front for curb appeal. The Commission questions what impact, if any, this would have on Mariner’s Way.
MOTION: To respond to the Referral request for “Enterprise Rent-A-Car” Modification to Special Exception Application with a letter to the Zoning Commission expressing support with some concerns from the EDC for the ZC meeting of August 18, 2014; MADE: by D. Shearer. SECONDED: by D. Cole. VOTED IN FAVOR: E. Swenson, D. Cole, J. DeCristoforo, B. Greenfield, D. Shearer. OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINED: None; APPROVED: 5-0-0.
5. Invitation from the OS Chamber of Commerce – Business to Business Showcase
An invitation from the Chamber of Commerce was presented inviting the EDC to participate in the Business Expo at the Valley Shore YMCA as a non-profit exhibitor at a cost of $150.00. Last year the booth and cost was shared by S.C.O.R.E. Bruce Greenfield will approach S.C.O.R.E. to again share the booth and one half the cost. The Director will obtain a price to print a banner showcasing the Town logo and a table skirt. Carol Conklin will price a sign to be used as a backdrop.
MOTION: To approve EDC participation in the Business Expo as a non-profit exhibitor at a cost of $150.00 contingent upon S.C.O.R.E. approving to share the booth and one half the cost of the fee. MADE: by J. DeCristoforo. SECONDED: by D. Cole. VOTED IN FAVOR: E. Swenson, D. Cole, J. DeCristoforo, B. Greenfield, D. Shearer. OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINED: None; APPROVED: 5-0-0.
6. Invitation from OS Chamber of Commerce – 75th Anniversary Golf Tournament
The Director presented the invitation from the OS Chamber of Commerce 75th Anniversary Golf Tournament on Monday October 13, 2014 at Lake of Isles. Interested members can present their entry forms individually to the address on the entry form.
Many thank-you notes were received from the Chamber of Commerce Director for EDC’s participation in various events, including the Art Show.
7. A letter was received from the First Selectman dated August 13, 2014, re-appointing Bruce Greenfield as an alternate member on the Economic Development Commission for two years expiring in August of 2016.
8. The director presented an e-mail from Tedd Levy of the O.S. Historical Society with concerns about the blighted appearance of 75 Main Street and questioned procedures on how the town could persuade landlords to keep properties suitably maintained to help sell economic development. The commission agrees with Mr. Levy’s concerns. The Director will look into solutions, programs, or possible partnerships with businesses and will respond to Mr. Levy on behalf of the EDC.
IV. OLD BUSINESS
A. Mariner’s Way
1. Zoning Changes update: Zoning changes were presented to Planning & Zoning Commissions. The Director will inquire about new changes to the plan.
2. Brownfields Assessment Grant status: The Brownfield Grant will be announced in September.
3. Branding: Design guidelines and image identification of Mariner’s Way is in the process of discussion at the staff level. A working group for guidelines is in process of being established.
B. Bike/Pedestrian Safety Letter Sent
A letter was sent to the O.S. Planning Commission Chairman Janis Esty from Chairman Swenson requesting consideration of incorporating paths for safe passage for bicyclists and pedestrians on roadways and it included a sample of bike lane signage.
C. Fan Favorite Promotion – Old Saybrook ranked 19th
D. Historic Sculptures – The director shared ideas for placement of historic sculptures as artwork around the Town center to the Land Use Department. More discussion will be needed for support. The Director may present the ideas to the Tourism Bureau.
V. NEW BUSINESS
A draft of the EDC Annual Report was submitted by the Chairman and was approved by the commission.
VI. DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Economic Development Update
August 14, 2014
Grants
The Brownfields grants will be announced in September.
Outreach
1. New Businesses – we are receiving copies of the trade names applications from the Town Clerk so that we can capture new businesses setting up or changing hands in town.
a. New business contact info is being added to an Outlook database of business as they are received and I will draft a welcome letter that we can send. I have asked the Town Clerk if we can capture phone numbers and email addresses on the Trade Name application form. Sarah is looking into it.
b. Chief Spera has asked to be copied on these new businesses so that the police dept is aware of the locations of new businesses in case of emergency.
2. Press – no news
3. Chamber of Commerce – The virtual town guide is being filmed by CGI. Carl and I were both used on camera. There is no cost to the town or the Chamber. Businesses are now being invited to advertise on the virtual guide. If you know of any businesses that may have an interest in purchasing an advertising spot, they can contact Judy Sullivan at the Chamber of Commerce.
4. Website
a. Total Hits:
i. Feb = 187 Daily Avg = 6.71
ii. Mar = 216 Daily Avg = 6.97
iii. Apr =173 Daily Avg = 5.77
iv. May = 216 Daily Avg = 6.97
v. June = 212 Daily Avg = 7.07
vi. July = 149 Daily Avg = 4.81
b. Entrance Pages/Bounce Rate
i. Feb=46/18 39.13%
ii. Mar=45/13 28.89%
iii. Apr=65/26 40.00%
iv. May = 66/30 45.45%
v. June = 72/40 55.56%
vi. July = 71/35 49.30%
5. Local Developers and Commercial Real Estate Agents
6. Region/Statewide
a. Some Economic Development Directors in around Middlesex County plan to meet periodically to share information. We had our first meeting Mon, Aug 11 in Westbrook and then attended the Middlesex County Chamber After Hours event at Water’s Edge.
b. Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce is holding its Expo Tues, November 18 from 10am-3pm. This may be an event to attend or possibly have a booth with other shoreline Economic Development Commissions.
Programs
1. Route 1/Mariner’s Way
a. Custom Marine properties are generating some interest according to Penny Parker, Lyman Real Estate agent. She said the owners want to sell the properties together rather than breaking them up. The 9 lots are on the market for $10 million
b. Ocean Performance is interested in selling the property (not the business) and Chris is open to discussing various options.
c. Enterprise Rent-a-Car is making some façade changes and adding a garage bay for washing their cars. Zoning has referred this application to EDC for comment.
The ARB reviewed the application and offered a suggestion to do some plantings along the road. Susan Missel noticed a nicely kept garden across the street from the John Deere dealer so I took some photos (below) that may be used as examples until we come up with an improved scheme for the area.
2. Main Street - Placemaking
The idea of having sculptures of historically significant Old Saybrook residents was shared with Land Use staff. There were additional thoughts around the idea of sculptures such as having something that could be new or renewed each year. One example was West Hartford’s cows which were repainted every year according to that year’s theme. Any ideas we have should probably be shared with Zoning and Planning to get their support for the project.
3. Industrial/Commercial
a. Carl and I met with Nick Lombardi and his realtor Rich Lombardo. Nick is looking to purchase a building (approx. 8,000sqft) for his machine shop business. 175-2 Elm Street was discussed.
b. There are two people considering Old Saybrook for the location of their sports complex businesses. One is established in RI with two locations and the other is a start-up. The RI business wants to purchase property and needs 5+ acres for what is essentially a covered athletic field (490 ft x 170 ft). The other may be a complementary business that will have batting cages, and space for other athletics including volleyball in a leased space about 30,000 sq ft.
c. The Bowling Alley has closed and we expect the building will be put on the market.
Planning
We should develop an outline of a plan to help identify our overall goals, priorities, tasks and metrics to measure our progress. It will need Commission input once I get it organized. This could be a good project for September and October.
The Director noted some new businesses in Town or coming in and the fact that
the Old Saybrook Events Magazine deadline is coming up if anyone has any contributions.
Bruce Greenfield left the meeting at 8:30 p.m.
Carol Conklin left the meeting at 8:30 p.m.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: To adjourn the meeting at 8:45 p.m. until the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Economic Development Commission on September 11, 2014, at 7:00 p.m., at 302 Main Street, Town Hall, EDC Office, First Floor; MADE: by D. Cole. SECONDED: by J. DeCristoforo. VOTED IN FAVOR: E. Swenson, D. Cole, J. DeCristoforo, D. Shearer. OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINED: None; APPROVED: 4-0-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Joanne Kegel
Recording Clerk
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