MEETING MINUTES
November 9, 2017
2nd Floor Conference Room, Old Saybrook Town Hall
7:30 pm
The Chairman Carol Conklin called the meeting to order at 7:35p.m.
Members present: Carol Conklin, John DeCristoforo, Joseph Arcari, David Cole, James Keating, Matthew Pugliese
Members absent: Elizabeth Swenson, Sandra Roberts
Staff: Susan Beckman, Economic Development Director; Christine Nelson, Town Planner; Meryl Moskowitz, Recording Clerk
- PUBLIC QUESTION & COMMENT – none
- GUEST – Christine Nelson, Old Saybrook Town Planner
Economic Development section of the Plan of Conservation & Development
MOTION to move agenda item IV “Guest—Christine Nelson, Town Planner after item VII. “New Business” MADE by J. Keating; SECONDED by J. DeCristoforo; VOTING IN FAVOR: C. Conklin, J. DeCristoforo, J. Keating, J. Arcari, D. Cole, M. Pugliese; OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINING: None; APPROVED: 6-0-0.
Approval of Minutes: October 11, 2017
MOTION to approve the regular meeting Minutes of October 11, 2017 as presented; MADE by J. DeCristoforo; SECONDED by J. Arcari; VOTING IN FAVOR: C. Conklin, J. DeCristoforo, J. Keating, J. Arcari, D. Cole, M. Pugliese; OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINING: None; APPROVED: 6-0-0.
B. Correspondence & Announcements
Referral from Zoning Commission: Petition to Amend the Old Saybrook Zoning Regulations and Map
Town Planner Christine Nelson explained the proposed amendments to Section 53 Text & Map as pertains to the Incentive Housing Zone (IHZ); to change the name of Marine Commercial District to Marine Industrial MI District to reinforce that marine, water dependent use in Old Saybrook are encouraged in this district and amend 35.1.1 to remove single family residential uses as permitted to allow single family in existence to expand; and to the drive-through regulations for financial institutions and pharmacies for consistency with Section 63 Landscaping.
Members found consistency with the Town Plan of Conservation & Development with proposed amendments to the IHZ, and with landscaping and drive-throughs, and expressed reservations with the proposed amendments to the Marine Commercial District and concerns about restriction of the rights of marina property owners.
MOTION to send a favorable recommendation to the Zoning Commission for “Referral from Zoning Commission: Petition to Amend the Old Saybrook Zoning Regulations and Map;” with the stated reservation with proposed amendments to the Marine Commercial District; MADE by C. Conklin; SECONDED by D. Cole; VOTING IN FAVOR: C. Conklin, J. DeCristoforo, J. Keating, J. Arcari, D. Cole; OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINING: M. Pugliese; APPROVED: 5-0-1.
VI. OLD BUSINESS
A. Benches – Update
S. Beckman reported that the second group of twelve benches has arrived and awaits installation. Locations for the benches have been identified by the O.S. Garden Club.
VII. SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS
A. Town-wide Promotion - no report
B. Mariner's Way BAR Planning Project
S. Beckman reported that the final report of the BAR Planning Grant will be presented on December 5 by the consulting firm Civic Moxie at 8:30am at the Vicky Duffy Pavilion.
- Marketing Plan – Jim/Carol/Susie . Rich Scierka update
C. Conklin suggested that the EDC business brochure be provided to Saybrook Point Inn and made available to their corporate guests.
Rich Scierka with the firm Scierka Lang gave a marketing update and reported that October online numbers increased, due to more Facebook posts, paid boosted posts, and paid ads. Eight forms were submitted as a result of the online ad campaign, which were inquiries to learn about business opportunities.
D. Recognition of Long-Term Businesses/Spirit of Saybrook – no report
E. Arts & Culture – no report
VIII. GUEST – Christine Nelson, Old Saybrook Town Planner
Economic Development section of the Plan of Conservation & Development
C. Nelson explained that State statute requires the Town to update the Town Plan of Conservation and Development every ten years. She offered several approaches that the Commission might take, such as hiring an outside consultant, or undertaking an internal audit. Members agreed to undertake an internal assessment to determine what level of help is needed, and then likely hire a consultant. They discussed inviting guest speakers to talk about relevant topics, such as a speaker from the D.E.C.D. C. Conklin asked that C. Nelson and S. Beckman research and recommend appropriate consultants.
VIII. NEW BUSINESS
A. DRAFT of 2018-19 EDC Budget Request – no discussion
IX. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
X. PUBLIC QUESTION & COMMENT
XI. STAFF REPORT
S. Beckman circulated a written report to members prior to the meeting.
XII. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION to adjourn the meeting at 9:10 p.m. until the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Economic Development Commission which will be held on Thursday, December 14, 2017, at 7:30 p.m., Town Hall, 302 Main Street, 2nd Floor Conference Room; MADE by D. Cole; SECONDED by J. DeCristoforo; VOTING IN FAVOR: C. Conklin, J. DeCristoforo, J. Arcari, D. Cole, J. Keating, M. Pugliese; OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINING: None; APPROVED: 6-0-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Meryl Moskowitz
Recording Clerk
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