MEETING MINUTES
December 11, 2014
Economic Development Office, Old Saybrook Town Hall 7:00pm
I CALL TO ORDER
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
II ROLL CALL
Members Present: Members Absent:
Elizabeth Swenson Maura Richards
John DeCristoforo Lauren Ashe
David Cole Dr. David shearer
James Keating
Bruce Greenfield
Staff Present:
Susan W. Beckman, Economic Development Director
Joanne Kegel, Recording Clerk
III REGULAR BUSINESS
A. Approval of Minutes: November 13, 2014
MOTION: To approve the minutes of the November 13, 2014 EDC meeting as presented; MADE: by J. DeCristoforo. SECONDED: by J. Keating. VOTED IN FAVOR: D. Cole, J. DeCristoforo, J. Keating, E. Swenson. OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINED: None; APPROVED 4-0-0
B. Correspondence & Announcements:
1. Zoning Commission Referral: Petition to amend Zoning Regulations on signs.
Discussion began regarding the Petition to amend the Zoning Regulations Section 64, signs as presented in the Zoning Commission Memorandum dated November 12, 2014 to the EDC. The Director reminded the EDC that the proposal would affect all business in Town.
The current sign regulations were put into place recently in 2013. As per the Old Saybrook Planning Commission Minutes of December 3, 2014, the Planning Commission recommended denial of the Petition to Amend Section 64 “Signs” of the Zoning regulations to the Zoning Commission, citing that it is not in keeping with the Town Plan of Conservation and Development, and is not in keeping with the Town image.
John DeCristoforo agreed that signage should be tightly regulated to avoid a proliferation of signage. The Chairman stated that other larger towns and cities have strict signage regulations and it doesn’t seem to hurt businesses. David Cole noted the number of vacant business locations in Old Saybrook and said that businesses need help and not hindrances to stay successful. Jim Keating agreed that the Old Saybrook sign regulations may be stringent and not business friendly. The Commission agreed to respond to the referral request from the Zoning Commission and to support the petition to amend Zoning Regulations on signs.
MOTION: To send a response from the EDC to the Zoning Commission’s Referral Memorandum dated November 12, 2014, regarding the Petition to amend Zoning Regulations, Section 64, signs, with a favorable response in support of the petition as presented. MADE: by J. Keating. SECONDED: by J. DeCristoforo. VOTED IN FAVOR: E. Swenson, D. Cole, J. DeCristoforo, J. Keating. OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINED: None; APPROVED 4-0-0
IV OLD BUSINESS
A. Mariner’s Way – Update
1. Branding:
Mike Skiles is still willing to provide input on design plans for logos and to learn more about the project.
2. Zoning Changes Update:
The Zoning Commission has discussed possible text amendments to assist in the adoption of Mariner’s way and agreed that the EDC could consult with Branse & Willis for legal advice and guidance with this matter.
3. Brownfields Assessment Grant Status:
The Brownfields Assessment Grant receipt of $155,000 is moving forward and spending of the grant was approved at the recent Town meeting. Director Susan Beckman and the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) will work together to prepare the scope of work for the nine properties along Mariner’s Way.
B. Spirit of Old Saybrook Award:
Executive Session Commenced at 7:30 p.m.
MOTION: To commence Executive Session for discussion of a personnel issue and to discuss possible candidates for the Spirit of Old Saybrook Award. MADE: by J. DeCristoforo. SECONDED: by D. Cole. VOTED IN FAVOR: E. Swenson, D. Cole, J. DeCristoforo, J. Keating. OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINED: None; APPROVED 4-0-0
Member Carol Conklin arrived at 7:30 p.m.
Executive Session closed at 8:15 p.m.
MOTION: To close Executive Session to for discussion of a personnel issue and to discuss possible candidates for the Spirit of Old Saybrook Award. MADE: by J. DeCristoforo. SECONDED: by D. Cole. VOTED IN FAVOR: E. Swenson, D. Cole, J. DeCristoforo, J. Keating, C. Conklin. OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINED: None; APPROVED 5-0-0
V NEW BUSINESS
None
VI DIRECTOR’S REPORT
The Director gave a brief update on possible new businesses and renovations in Town, and will provide a January report to include a compilation of year end 2014 updates.
VII ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: To adjourn the meeting at 8:20 p.m. until the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Economic Development Commission on January 9, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. at 302 Main Street, Town Hall, EDC Office, First Floor; MADE: by J. DeCristoforo. SECONDED: by D. Cole. VOTED IN FAVOR: D. Cole, J. DeCristoforo, J. Keating, E. Swenson. C. Conklin. OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINED: None; APPROVED 5-0-0
Respectfully,
Joanne Kegel
Recording Clerk
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