MEETING MINUTES
Economic Development Office
Old Saybrook Town Hall
September 8, 2016
7:30pm
Chairman Carol Conklin called the meeting to order at 7:30pm.
II. ROLL CALL
Members present: Carol Conklin, Jim Keating, John DeCristoforo, David Cole, Elizabeth Swenson, Joseph Arcari, Matthew Pugliese
Members absent: Bruce Greenfield, Sandra Roberts
Staff: Susan Beckman, Economic Development Director, Chris Costa, Zoning Enforcement Officer, Meryl Moskowitz, Recording Clerk
III. PUBLIC QUESTION & COMMENT
Tony Bacewicz, Old Saybrook resident and owner of Atlantic Vision Media, addressed the Commission to explain his work and that of Business Photos America, a Google trusted agency. He suggested that the EDC might be interested in speaking directly with Business Photos America to learn how they may help to promote Old Saybrook and the business community.
IV. REGULAR BUSINESS
- Approval of Minutes: August 11, 2016 MOTION to approve the minutes of August 11, 2016, amended to state in section VI.C “money to be spent” MADE by D. Cole,
SECONDED by J. Keating; VOTED IN FAVOR: C. Conklin, J. DeCristoforo, J. Keating, M. Pugliese, E. Swenson, D. Cole, J. Arcari; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: none; APPROVED: 7-0-0.
- Correspondence & Announcements
Economic Development Director Susan Beckman reported on the following items:
- invitation to Wendy Burry from S.E. Cultural Alliance to speak to the Commission at the October 13 meeting.
- the Conservation Commission hopes to partner with the CT River Coastal Conservation District in Middletown to host an environmental film series in Old Saybrook.
- SCORE wishes to partner with the EDC at the Chamber of Commerce's business expo with a shared booth. Members agreed.
- the Chamber of Commerce's Scarecrow Fest deadline is approaching. EDC approved $25 entry fee and agreed to participate.
- The Old Saybrook Garden Club and the Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce have expressed interest in sponsoring benches as part of the EDC's bench replacement effort.
V. OLD BUSINESS
EDC Chair Carol Conklin has mailed letters to civic groups outlining the bench replacement effort and requesting sponsorships. The Town finance director will set up an account for monies received for the benches.
Members discussed a joint meeting with the Zoning Commission to learn why the Mariner's Way petitions were denied. They will ask to be on the November 7 Zoning Commission agenda.
VI. SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS
A. Town-wide Promotion: Wednesdays in Old Saybrook – Carol/Susie
B. Mariner’s Way BAR Planning Project – Sandi/Susie
S. Beckman reported that a series of three meetings is under way with the BAR planning committee to start the branding process for BAR.
C. Marketing Plan – Jim/Susie
Will present ideas at October meeting.
D. Recognition of Long-Term Businesses/Spirit of Saybrook
There was a discussion of the presentation of Excellence in Business Awards.
E. Arts & Culture – Matt/Liz
F. Swenson reported that the piano has been painted, and will soon be tuned.
VII. NEW BUSINESS
C. Conklin reported that a knitting shop called The Knit had a ribbon cutting today with the Chamber of Commerce. The retail store Azul has closed.
STAFF REPORT
S. Beckman will be attending the annual meeting of the Northeast Economic Development Association.
She is submitting a grant tomorrow for “Innovation Places.”
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION to adjourn the meeting at 9:15pm until the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Economic Development Commission on October 13, 2016 at 302 Main Street, Town Hall, 2nd floor conference room; MADE by D. Cole, SECONDED by M. Pugliese; VOTED IN FAVOR: C. Conklin, J. DeCristoforo, J. Keating, M. Pugliese, E. Swenson, D. Cole, J. Arcari; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: none; APPROVED: 7-0-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Meryl Moskowitz, Recording Clerk
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