MEETING MINUTES
April 12, 2018
2nd Floor Conference Room, Old Saybrook Town Hall
7:30 pm
The Vice Chairman Carol Conklin called the meeting to order at 7:30p.m.
Members present: Carol Conklin, Elizabeth Swenson, John DeCristoforo, James Keating, Sandra Roberts, David Cole. All members were seated.
Members absent: Matthew Pugliese, Joseph Arcari, Judy Ganswindt
Staff: Susan Beckman, Economic Development Director; Meryl Moskowitz, Recording Clerk
Guests: Larry Bonin, The Bonin Oyster Project and Chelsea Morrison; Joe Wren, 52 Spencer Plain Road
- PUBLIC QUESTION & COMMENT none
- GUEST
Larry Bonin, The Bonin Oyster Project
Director of Public Works Larry Bonin discussed re-initiation of the Old Saybrook Shellfish Commission. He, along with his niece Chelsea Morrison, also present, discussed their efforts to revitalize the oyster population, and ultimately, aquaculture. They will be planting oyster seeds this fall, will continue to have river water tested through the State in an effort to have our waters reclassified and opened for shelfishing. They are looking for funding to start a nursery at a pond on Van Epps property.
The Commissioners commented favorably in support of the project.
Joe Wren, 52 Spencer Plain Road
Attorney and Old Saybrook resident David Royston spoke to the Commission, expressing his regret that the Commission did not have the opportunity to hear from the Applicant, and to express his reasons why he felt the application is in the best economic interest of the community. Also present were Applicant and Developer, Eric Spungen, Jeff Spungen, development partner Michael Burke, Professional Engineer Joe Wren, Developer Ron Lyman of Westbrook.
J. Wren spoke on behalf of the Applicant, describing the overlay zone and activities that may be allowed, and noted that per the Town plan, I-95 is an “untapped resource”.
E. Spungen addressed the Commissioners, explaining he had followed the guidance of Zoning, described the isolated nature of the property, noting development would not affect other portions of town, and that per the Town Plan of Conservation & Development, was aiming to attract regional businesses.
R. Lyman addressed the Commissioners, stating he likes what is proposed and believes it is good for the town and that it will enhance the tax base.
Tedd Levy, Old Saybrook resident, addressed the Commissioners, voicing his concerns with the application, notably stress on infrastructure, does not see this as a benefit to the Town, and disputed the argument of an increase in tax revenue.
A. Approval of Minutes: March 28, 2018 Special Meeting
MOTION to approve the special meeting Minutes of March 28, 2018 as presented; MADE by D. Cole; SECONDED by J. DeCristoforo; VOTING IN FAVOR: C. Conklin, E. Swenson, J. DeCristoforo, J. Keating, D. Cole, S. Roberts; OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINING: None; APPROVED: 6-0-0.
B. Correspondence & Announcements
S. Beckman reported that the EDC had received a letter from the Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce thanking the Commission for their support of the Chili Fest, and a letter from Benjamin D. Mathieu of Halloran & Sage, attorney to the Zoning Commission, advising the Zoning Commission against consideration of a new recommendation from the Economic Development Commission regarding the proposed Gateway Zone text amendment, now that the Public Hearing was closed.
E. Swenson read correspondence from Town Planner Christine Nelson, regarding a Sustainable CT project, expressing her enthusiasm for the project, and thanked EDC for taking it on. It was agreed that E. Swenson would go to other Commissions and ask them to identify items they have accomplished, based on the Sustainable CT list of eligible criteria.
VI. OLD BUSINESS
VII. SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS
A. Town-wide Promotion – no report
B. Mariner's Way BAR Planning Projections – no report
C. Marketing Plan
S. Beckman reported that a plan was submitted and a line item of $15,000 is proposed for EDC marketing. The Town meeting is May 7, and the referendum is May 15.
- Recognition of Long Term Businesses – no report
E. Arts & Culture – no report
VIII. NEW BUSINESS
A. Make Music Connecticut
S. Beckman reported on an international event, of which “Make Music Connecticut” is part of, occurring on Thursday, June 21on the summer solstice. Seven to eight communities in the state are participating. C. Conklin asked that this information be shared with The Kate.
S. Beckman reported about an effort to display artwork in the hallways of Town Hall. She has spoken to First Selectman Carl Fortuna, who asked for a policy and application process. Commissioners gave their endorsement.
IX. Comments from the Chair
C. Conklin asked that the Commission Chair Matthew Pugliese be notified of what has been discussed.
X. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION to adjourn the meeting at 9:29 p.m. until the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Economic Development Commission which will be held on Thursday, May 10, 2018, 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, E. Swenson, J. DeCristoforo, J. Keating, D. Cole, S. Roberts; OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINING: None; APPROVED: 6-0-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Meryl Moskowitz
Recording Clerk
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