MEETING MINUTES
May 11, 2017
2nd Floor Conference Room, Old Saybrook Town Hall
7:30 pm
I CALL TO ORDER
John DeCristoforo called the meeting to order at 7:30pm.
II ROLL CALL
Members present: James Keating, David Cole, John DeCristoforo, Matthew Pugliese
Members absent: Carol Conklin, Elizabeth Swenson, Joseph Arcari, Sandra Roberts, Bruce Greenfield
Staff: Susan Beckman, Director, Economic Development; Meryl Moskowitz, Recording Clerk
III PUBLIC QUESTION & COMMENT - none
IV REGULAR BUSINESS
Approval of Minutes: April 20, 2017
MOTION to approve the April 20, 2017 regular meeting Minutes; MADE by D. Cole, SECONDED by J. Keating; VOTING IN FAVOR: J. DeCristoforo, J. Keating, D. Cole, M. Pugliese; OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINING: None; APPROVED: 4-0-0.
B Correspondence & Announcements
S. Beckman reported the following:
Dog Days is looking for space; is holding a fundraiser, June 8.
The Old Saybrook Historical Society is presenting a talk and guided tour of Upper Cemetery, May 28.
Two inquiries were received from residents expressing interest in possible commissions on the EDC.
Inland Wetlands Commission is looking for a representative from EDC to IWWC.
V OLD BUSINESS
Scierka Lang Media Solutions Contract
The contract with Scierka Lang has been signed by First Selectman Carl Fortuna, and S. Beckman has met with Rich Scierka this week to work on marketing.
VI SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS
A. Town-wide Promotion—Wednesdays in Old Saybrook. S Beckman is meeting with artists in town to to bring their arts into public spaces. Some artists will be performing on Wednesdays. S. Beckman met with Judy Sullivan, Executive Director, Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce, Commission Chair Carol Conklin, and Marie McFarland, President, Old Saybrook Historical Society to organize the Wednesdays in OS promotion for this year.
B. Mariner’s Way BAR Planning Project – A meeting was held in early May with Civic Moxie, the consultant, and representatives of different industries to test their plan. TIF (Tax Increment Financing) was discussed, which the Town will further explore.
C. Marketing Plan - A brief discussion was held on measurements of success of the marketing plan and members are asked to email S. Beckman with thoughts and ideas for benchmarks. S. Beckman to report on measurements of marketing in June.
D. Recognition of Long-Term Businesses/Spirit of Saybrook – D. Cole asked for nominations of businesses and people. Commission members are asked to email D. Cole with suggestions.
E. Arts & Culture – Arts Group. The group is growing, brainstorming ways to bring arts into the public realm.
S. Beckman added that a contract for the Main Street parking lot has been awarded and work should begin in June.
VII NEW BUSINESS
A. EDC Commission Terms Expiring - Brief discussion about term renewals.
VIII STAFF REPORT
S. Beckman distributed a Director's Update.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION to adjourn the meeting at 8:30pm until the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Economic Development Commission which will be held on June 8, 2017 at 7:30p.m., Town Hall, 302 Main Street, second floor conference room; MADE by M. Pugliese, SECONDED by J. Keating; VOTING IN FAVOR: J. DeCristoforo, J. Keating, M. Pugliese, D. Cole; OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINING: None; APPROVED: 4-0-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Meryl Moskowitz
Recording Clerk
| 