SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
March 28, 2018
2nd Floor Conference Room, Old Saybrook Town Hall
7:30 pm
I. CALL TO ORDER
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:30pm
II. ROLL CALL
Members present: Elizabeth Swenson, John DeCristoforo, James Keating, Sandra Roberts, Matthew Pugliese, Judy Ganswindt, David Cole
Members absent: Carol Conklin, Joseph Arcari
Staff: Susan Beckman
III. PUBLIC QUESTION & COMMENT
IV. GUEST - none
V. REGULAR BUSINESS
A. Approval of Minutes: February 8, 2018
MOTION to approve the regular meeting minutes of February 8, 2018 as presented; MADE by J. Keating; SECONDED by J DeCristophoro; VOTING IN FAVOR: J. DeCristoforo, J. Keating, D. Cole, M. Pugliese, S. Roberts, Judy Ganswindt; OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINING: None; APPROVED: 6-0-0.
L. Swenson joined the meeting 7:38pm
B. Correspondence & Announcements
- An Invitation was received for the Vista Life Innovations Fund Raiser Starlight Diner
- Kennedy Real Estate St Patrick’s Day card with scratch lottery ticket (Chair will scratch and use of any winnings will be determined by the Commission)
- Memo from ARB re: the Petition to create a Gateway B-4 Overlay Zone
VI. OLD BUSINESS
Referral from Zoning Commission on Petition to Amend Zoning Regulations
Commissioners reviewed all relevant materials to the referral. Questions: how much tax revenue would be generated? why is the overlay needed when most of the listed uses are allowed under Gateway B-4 zoning as permitted or special exception? is this the best possible use of this property? how does it impact other Gateway B-4 Districts?
The petitioner and agent were tied up in the Planning Commission meeting and intended to attend the EDC meeting to address questions but was delayed until 9pm after EDC adjourned.
MOTION to recommend denial of the petition for the proposed Overlay Zone because: the Gateway B-4 permits by right or special exception uses that would be a better fit for this particular location; and the proposed Overlay Zone would not be beneficial for all Gateway B-4 Districts throughout town. ; MADE by L Swenson; SECONDED by J DeCristoforo; VOTING IN FAVOR: E. Swenson, J. DeCristoforo, J. Keating, D. Cole, M. Pugliese, S. Roberts, J. Ganswindt; OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINING: None; APPROVED:7-0-0.
VII. SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS
A. ED PoCD Update – Matt/Susie
Committee of Kathy Sugland (Planning Commission), Tom Cox (Planning Commission), Matt Pugliese (EDC), Christine Nelson and Susie Beckman have met twice, are reviewing existing state, regional and town plans. May have join meeting at the end of April with EDC.
B. Mariner’s Way BAR Planning Project – Sandi/Susie
CivicMoxie completed their project on budget leaving $22,800 in the grant funds. The Town received permission to use those funds for additional BAR approved activities. The BAR Advisory Committee reconvened and approved of the use of the funds to explore Tax Increment Financing as an incentive and marketing. The BAR Advisory Committee will be dissolved and a Mariner’s Way Redevelopment Committee will be created as a sub-committee of the EDC to guide redevelopment efforts moving forward..
C. Marketing Plan – Jim/Carol/Susie No activity.
D. Recognition of Long-Term Businesses/Spirit of Saybrook – John/Dave – no activity
VIII. NEW BUSINESS
L. Swenson reported that The Preserve Ad Hoc Committee is coming along. Challenges remain and are slowly being addressed.
IX. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
X. PUBLIC QUESTION & COMMENT
EDC getting comments on Facebook about EDC not doing anything. Needs to do more to fill empty store fronts.
XI. STAFF REPORT - provided under other agenda items
XII. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION to adjourn the meeting at 8:55 p.m. until the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Economic Development Commission which will be held on Thursday, April 12, 2018, at 7:30 p.m., Town Hall, 302 Main Street, 2nd Floor Conference Room; MADE by D Cole SECONDED by J Keating; VOTING IN FAVOR: E. Swenson, J. DeCristoforo, J. Keating, D. Cole, M. Pugliese, S. Roberts, J. Ganswindt. OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINING: None; APPROVED: 7-0-0.
| 