REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Thursday, October 13, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.
Town Hall, 2nd Floor Conference Room
302 Main Street, Old Saybrook
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Carol Conklin called the meeting to order at 7:33pm.
ROLL CALL
Members present: Joseph Arcari, Carol Conklin, James Keating, Sandra Roberts, David Cole, Bruce Greenfield
Members absent: Matthew Pugliese, Elizabeth Swensen
Staff: Susan Beckman, Economic Development Director, Meryl Moskowitz, Recording Clerk
PUBLIC QUESTION & COMMENT
REGULAR BUSINESS
- Approval of Minutes: September 8, 2016
MOTION to approve the September 8, 2016 regular meeting Minutes; MADE by D. Cole, SECONDED by J. Keating; VOTING IN FAVOR: Joseph Arcari, C. Conklin, J. Keating, S. Roberts, D. Cole, B. Greenfield; OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINING: None; APPROVED: 6-0-0.
- Correspondence & Announcements
S. Beckman reported that the owner of James Farmacy has requested support from the Commission in her effort to secure renewal of a long term lease of the parking lot, which is leased from the State.
MOTION to send a letter of support in favor of the parking lot lease renewal for James Farmacy, MADE by D. Cole, SECONDED by C. Conklin; VOTING IN FAVOR: Joseph Arcari, C. Conklin, J. Keating, S. Roberts, D. Cole, B. Greenfield; OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINING: None; APPROVED: 6-0-0.
S. Beckman reported she spoke with Emily Traiforos who works with a freight rail lobby, seeking support of their efforts to defeat a plan by the U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) that would impose a series of regulations on freight railroads. They believe the plan would make railroads less efficient and reduce their ability to invest in infrastructure. They ask the Commission chair sign a letter of support and send to Senator Blumenthal. The Commission agreed by consensus to lend
support to GoRail and send letter of support to Senator Blumenthal to show the EDC is not supportive of the efforts of the STB's proposed regulations for freight rail.
S. Beckman reported she attended a meeting of Department heads in which information was collected on capital plans. Town Hall and Parks & Rec employees will soon be getting key fobs to access the building.
OLD BUSINESS
S. Beckman reminded members of the November 7 meeting with the Zoning Commission. Matthew Pugliese is to facilitate on behalf of the EDC.
SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS
C. Conklin reported that four benches have been purchased thus far as part of the bench replacement effort.
Guest—Wendy Bury & Deb Nathiasen – Southeastern Connecticut Cultural Coaltion
Wendy Bury & Deb Nathiasen gave a presentation on the Southeastern Connecticut Cultural Coaltion and their efforts in the region. The presentation also included statistics on the economic benefits of the arts. The organization is an independent non-profit started in January 2014 with a small business express grant from the Department of Economic and Community Development. The Coalition has 454 partners. It fosters community building by connecting partners to one another, through cultural summits, by enabling cultural conversations, to name a few of their efforts.
SUB-COMMITTEE Reports continued
A. Mariner's Way BAR
S. Beckman reported they are finalizing the brand for the BAR project; next week focus groups and interviews begin; November 3 is the public kickoff at Hunter's Ambulance. Market analysis has also begun.
B. Marketing Plan
S. Beckman and J. Keating spoke to CT Economic Resource Center (CERC). CERC will put together a proposal.
C. Recognition of Long-Term Businesses
The presentation of awards will take place at Town Hall on November 16, at 10:30am.
NEW BUSINESS
A. Sign Sweep Info & Update
S. Beckman reported that the Chamber of Commerce is assembling a group of business owners to come up with suggestions regarding signage and discuss with the Zoning Commission.
B. Business Expo
Members discussed having a raffle item for the Business Expo.
MOTION to approve expenditure of up to $50 on a raffle item for the Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce Business Expo, MADE by D. Cole, SECONDED by J. Keating; VOTING IN FAVOR: J. Arcari, C. Conklin, J. Keating, S. Roberts, D. Cole, B. Greenfield; OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINING: None; APPROVED: 6-0-0.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION to adjourn the meeting at 9:02pm until the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Economic Development Commission which will be held on November 10, 2016 at 7:30p.m., Town Hall, 302 Main Street, second floor conference room; MADE by D. Cole, SECONDED by B. Greenfield; VOTING IN FAVOR: J. Arcari, C. Conklin, J. Keating, S. Roberts, D. Cole, B. Greenfield; OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINING: None; APPROVED: 6-0-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Meryl Moskowitz
Recording Clerk
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