REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
February 11, 2016
7:30pm
Chairman Carol Conklin called the meeting to order at 7:31pm.
II. ROLL CALL
Members present: Carol Conklin, Elizabeth Swenson, James Keating, John DeCristoforo, Joseph Arcari, David Cole, Sandra Roberts, Matthew Pugliese
Members absent: Bruce Greenfield
Staff: Susan Beckman, Economic Development Director, Meryl Moskowitz, Recording Clerk
III. PUBLIC QUESTION & COMMENT
Susan Esty was present in the audience.
IV. REGULAR BUSINESS
- Approval of Minutes: January 15 and 19, 2016
- Correspondence & Announcements
Economic Development Director Susan Beckman acknowledged the thank you note from the Chamber of Commerce for the $100 sponsorship of Chili Fest. S. Beckman notified members of the membership renewal from the CT Economic Development Association.
S. Beckman also acknowledged a letter from Mathew Rubin of Old Saybrook Associates LLC, dated February 10, 2016 in favor of Mariner’s Way and opposing recommended text changes dated February 1, 2016 from Attorney David Royston with regards to the Mariner’s Way Plan. She also acknowledged a letter from DEEP issuing a favorable recommendation to the Zoning Commission for Mariner’s Way.
Also discussed: Carol Conklin inquired about displaying a previously produced aerial video of Old Saybrook; S. Beckman is to ask Larry Hayden about the feasibility of playing the video in an indoor space.
E. Swenson shared an idea for a public piano, one that other communities have implemented.
V. OLD BUSINESS
A. Mariner’s Way Zoning Update
C. Conklin recapped the February 1, 2016 public hearing of the Zoning Commission. It was agreed to that the E.D.C will hold a special meeting on February 25 to address some text clarifications and definitions, particularly with regard to a marine marketplace, and inconsistency of boundaries.
E. Swenson suggested inviting Old Saybrook resident and UCONN professor of Finance and Economics Fred Carstenson to the next public hearing for Mariner’s Way to offer his views on retail.
VI. NEW BUSINESS
The need for a tourism budget was discussed. First Selectman Carl Fortuna would like to see a plan detailing how funds would be used. What percentage would be used to solicit tourism versus business recruitment; where would ads be placed? Susan Esty offered to provide some data regarding revenue from non-resident parking fees for beaches, and data on duration of lodging in summer.
C. Conklin asked S. Beckman to review grants at the next regular meeting, and to explain the grant process.
C. Conklin asked for consensus on sending an acknowledgement to Luigi’s Restaurant to mark their 60th anniversary.
S. Beckman informed Commissioners that:
- the Economic Development section of the Town Plan of Conservation & Development should be reviewed to assess goals and priorities and be updated if needed.
- the Business Facilities ad was published and the cost of $250 was shared by six towns.
- the railroad parking lot officially opened.
- the deadline for Events Magazine is approaching, one topic idea is “Longevity in the Community”.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
Respectfully submitted,
Meryl Moskowitz
Recording Clerk
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