MEETING MINUTES
July 12, 2018
2nd Floor Conference Room, Old Saybrook Town Hall
7:30 pm
I. CALL TO ORDER
The Vice Chair Carol Conklin called the meeting to order at 7:30p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Members present: Carol Conklin, John DeCristoforo, Joseph Arcari, James Keating, Sandra Roberts, Judy Ganswindt. All members were seated.
Members absent: Matthew Pugliese, David Cole, Elizabeth Swenson
Staff: Susan Beckman, Economic Development Director; Meryl Moskowitz, Recording Clerk
III. PUBLIC QUESTION & COMMENT none
IV. GUEST – Natalie Bush, intern at RiverCOG
V. REGULAR BUSINESS
A. Approval of Minutes: June 14, 2018
MOTION to approve the regular meeting Minutes of June 14, 2018 as presented; MADE by C. Conklin; SECONDED by J. Ganswindt; VOTING IN FAVOR: C. Conklin, J. DeCristoforo, J. Arcari, J. Keating, S. Roberts, J. Ganswindt; OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINING: None; APPROVED: 6-0-0.
B. Correspondence & Announcements
Pathway Lighting email re: intersection safety at Elm St. Ext
Economic Development Director Susan Beckman distributed an email from Brigitte Frank, Director of Communications at Pathway Lighting, regarding a safety issue with a pole at the end of Elm St Ext. She had previously addressed this with the First Selectman and has contacted S. Beckman for assistance moving this forward. C. Conklin had raised the issue at a Board of Selectmen meeting. The Town Engineer Geoff Jacobsen had been asked to come up with designs for reconfiguring the end of the road. C.Conklin will find out the timeline with the engineer.
Tantor Media email re: Zoning Petition for additional parking
S. Beckman reviewed an email from Kent Wilson of Tantor Media, whose company is in need of additional parking, as their company has expanded from 60 to 125 employees. They have gone before the Zoning Commission with a site plan for additional parking but have not received approval. He asks for support from the EDC. By consensus, members agreed that S. Beckman is to draft a letter of support to the Zoning Commission.
C. Conklin informed members of a kitchen incubator in Willimantic, a shared space/cooperative commercial kitchen.
VI. OLD BUSINESS
A. Sustainable CT Update
Natalie Bush, an intern at RiverCOG, updated the Commission on Old Saybrook's progress toward achieving 'silver certification' from Sustainable CT. She noted that one of the main goals of the initiative is for the towns that comprise RiverCOG to share and communicate their accomplishments.
VII. SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS
A. EDC PoCD Update-- S. Beckman reported that the group continues to work on the presentation, and aim to make a presentation in the fall.
B. Mariner's Way BAR Planning Projections – S. Beckman reported she is waiting for RFPs for marketing, and for a draft concept on the Tax Increment Financing, or TIF.
C. Conklin suggested posting of the Mariners Way logo on Facebook to increase its visibility.
C Marketing Plan - S. Beckman reported on the recent segment about Old Saybrook that aired on Better CT (TV) and reposted to Facebook, with 32,000 views, and 20,000+ click-throughs on Facebook.
D. Recognition of Long Term Businesses – no report
E. Arts & Culture
S. Beckman reported that she drafted procedures for hanging art in the hallways of Town Hall and submitted to the Board of Selectman. She is looking into obtaining grant funds to purchase a hanging system. She also reported on the possibility of acquiring a second piano for outdoor placement.
There was a brief discussion about possible ways to beautify areas of town.
VIII. NEW BUSINESS
A. Moving the date of the August Meeting
It was agreed to change the August meeting date to August 16, 2018.
IX. Comments from the Chair - none
X. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION to adjourn the meeting at 8:33 p.m. until the next special meeting of the Economic Development Commission which will be held on Thursday, August 16, 2018, at 7:30 p.m., Town Hall, 302 Main Street, 2nd Floor Conference Room; MADE by C. Conklin; SECONDED by J. DeCristoforo; VOTING IN FAVOR: C. Conklin, J. DeCristoforo, J. Arcari, J. Keating, S. Roberts, J. Ganswindt; OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINING: None; APPROVED: 6-0-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Meryl Moskowitz
Recording Clerk
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