MEETING MINUTES
September 11, 2014
Economic Development Office, Old Saybrook Town Hall 7:00pm
Secretary John DeCristoforo called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m.
Members Present: Members Absent:
John DeCristoforo Elizabeth Swenson
David Cole Lauren Ashe
James Keating Maura Richards
Dr. David Shearer (via telephone)
Bruce Greenfield, Seated for Maura Richards
Staff Present:
Susan Beckman, EDC Director
Joanne Kegel, Recording Clerk
One member of the public present: Carol Conklin
- Approval of Minutes: August 14, 2014 meeting
MOTION: To approve the minutes of the August 14, 2014 meeting as presented; MADE: by D. Cole. SECONDED: by B. Greenfield. VOTED IN FAVOR: D. Cole, B. Greenfield, J. DeCristoforo, D. Shearer, J. Keating. OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINED: None; APPROVED 5-0-0
- Correspondence & Announcements
1. Bills: Invoice: Chamber of Commerce Membership Dues - $100 renewal
MOTION: To approve the bill for dues for renewal of membership of the EDC to the Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce-Invoice #687-$100.00 for membership through 8/31/15; MADE: by D. Cole. SECONDED: by J. Keating. VOTED IN FAVOR: D. Cole, B. Greenfield, J. DeCristoforo, D. Shearer, J. Keating. OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINED: None; APPROVED 5-0-0
2. August RiverCOG Report
The Commission reviewed the August report received from RiverCOG (River Council of Governments) with no discussion.
3. Letter from CERC re: marketing services
The Commission discussed correspondence received from CERC (CT Economic Resource Center) and its value to the EDC. CERC offers marketing communication services to municipalities, State agencies and other non-profits. They provide market research, and can provide statistical reports and information for economic development initiatives for a fee. EDC has membership in CERC and the Director noted that their services may be useful for planning “Mariner’s Way”.
1. Zoning Changes update
Zoning for Mariner’s Way is not clarified yet. Director Beckman is working with the Planning and Zoning Directors to review existing businesses and identify potential businesses and types of businesses that would fit within the plan. Dr. Shearer expressed that the plan needs clear definition for current potential new business owners now negotiating in the Mariner’s Way properties. He suggested pointing out economical features to universities and to other new and current businesses. The Commission agreed that Real Estate agents should have a Mariner’s Way plan document and an overlay should be given to developers. Carol Conklin suggested that a sign be installed along the corridor as an introduction to the future vision which includes beautification and marine related education and
activities. The commission expressed a desire to meet separately with Planning and Zoning Directors to clarify and identify intended uses for the corridor.
2. Brownfields Assessment Grant status-Recipients are to be announced in September.
3. Branding
The Commission suggested that a Logo be designed now to be used in signs and documents and as identification for the plan. Dr. Shearer suggested a design company that works with architects and supplies many samples at very low cost. The Director will look into it further and will draft a letter as an introduction to Mariner’s Way.
B. Chamber of Commerce B2B Showcase
The Commission has not had a response from SCORE regarding the request to participate in the Chamber of Commerce’s B2B Business Expo in October and share the booth and the cost. The EDC will seek another partner but decided it will participate on its own at the full cost of the $150.00 entry fee if another partner cannot be located. The director priced out a banner to be purchased to use as a backdrop for $100.00
MOTION: To approve EDC’s participation in the Chamber of Commerce’s B2B Expo in October as a non-profit exhibitor at the full cost of the $150.00 entry fee if no other business partner can be located to share the booth and the cost. MADE: by J. Keating. SECONDED: by B. Greenfield. VOTED IN FAVOR: D. Cole, B. Greenfield, J. DeCristoforo, D. Shearer, J. Keating. OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINED: None; APPROVED 5-0-0
MOTION: To approve the payment of $100.00 for the cost of a banner to be purchases and used as a backdrop for the booth at the Chamber of Commerce’s B2B Expo in October. MADE: by J. Keating. SECONDED: by D. Cole. VOTED IN FAVOR: D. Cole, B. Greenfield, J. DeCristoforo, D. Shearer, J. Keating. OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINED: None; APPROVED 5-0-0
C. Historic Sculptures
1. Causeway Cleanup
There has been news of complaints regarding the Causeway due to debris left by fisherman fishing off the bridge. The Commission is concerned, but agreed it is not an EDC issue. The First Selectman wrote a letter to DEEP for assistance in resolving the problem. The Kiwanis Club has volunteered to do a Cleanup at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday September 13, 2014 as was announced in the Harbor News.
2. Family Day
Family Day at Town Hall will be held on October 21, 2014. Carol Conklin from the Voter Registration office suggested that the EDC display some brochures and communication on their table. The Commission agreed.
The Director reported that she was out meeting current business owners and owners of new businesses on Route 1.
Press – The Harbor News ran an article by Becky Coffey that listed the businesses that have moved into Old Saybrook over the past year.
Chamber of Commerce – Holding their 75th Anniversary Cruise on the Lady Katharine Sept 27, 5-9 p.m.
“Eastpointe” Incentive Housing Development – 186 units (10.78 ac.) 7 North Main Street: The public hearing from the Zoning Commission meeting on September 2, 2014 was continued to the Zoning Commission meeting on October 6, 2014.
The Bowling Alley is on the market for $2.5 m. Offers have been made.
The Stanley Motors Building and 2 acre lot are under contract and scheduled to close Sept 19. The vacant 2 acre lot is still for sale.
According to Tim Londregan, several potential tenants are considering the 75 Main Street property for their retail businesses. They are hoping to sign anchor tenants first to set the tone. Mr. Izzo, the new owner of the property, has been invited to the EDC meeting on October 9.
The Director met with Dave Adams about space available in Saybrook Junction and the old Pat’s Country Kitchen building. He has 7500 sq. ft. for lease on the street level and 1500 sq. ft. for lease on the second level at Saybrook Junction.
Region/Statewide
The Director met with Bob Bell, President of the Valley Rail Road, who has been working with the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce to create a tourism commission. They want to create an inventory of the attractions that draw visitors to our region and the infrastructure (hotel rooms, public restrooms, restaurants, gas stations, etc.) available to support those visitors. Eventually they want to create a program to support and increase tourism in the region.
Industrial/Commercial
Yale New Haven Hospital signed a 13 year lease and will open offices in the former L&M Medical Office Building on Rte. 154. (Announced in the Harbor News, September 11, 2014)
Planning
Jim Keating is willing to review a draft of a plan outline to identify our overall goals, priorities, tasks and metrics to measure our progress. We will get it ready for review by the EDC for input.
MOTION: To adjourn the meeting at 8:10 p.m. until the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Economic Development Commission on October 9, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. at 302 Main Street, Town Hall, EDC Office, First Floor; MADE: by D. Cole. SECONDED: by B. Greenfield. VOTED IN FAVOR: D. Cole, B. Greenfield, J. DeCristoforo, D. Shearer, J. Keating. OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINED: None; APPROVED 5-0-0
Respectfully Submitted,
Joanne Kegel
Recording Clerk
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