TOWN OF OLD LYME
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
Minutes [Draft]
Wednesday, March 6, 2019 - 4:30 PM
Old Lyme Memorial Town Hall - Meeting Hall
1. Call to Order:
The Economic Development Commission held a regular meeting at 4:30 pm on March 6, 2019, in the Meeting Hall of the Old Lyme Memorial Town Hall.
The following members were present: Justin Fuller (Co-Chair), Howard Margules (Co-Chair), John Stratton, Robert Jose, Joseph Camean, William O’Meara, Gregory Symon.
The following guests were present: Edie Twining from~the Halls Road Committee, First Selectwoman Reemsnyder, and Courtney Hendricson (CERC – Vice President of Municipal Services).
2. Approval of Minutes: February 6, 2019, Special Meeting Minutes:
A motion was made by Robert Jose, seconded by Howard Margules, to approve the meeting minutes. Motion passed.
3. Old Business:
Free Municipal Community and Economic Development Training
Mr. Fuller summarized the status of the proposed project and highlighted the main phases:
- Free municipal community and economic development training (April 10, 2019)
- Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) workshop ($2,500 FY18-19) [date TBD – pending Board of Finance Approval]
- Business and Resident Surveys ($5,575 FY18-19) [date TBD – pending Board of Finance Approval]
- Feasibility Study ($27,500 FY19-20) [date TBD – pending Board of Finance Approval]
- Project Summary and Final EDC Recommendations (EDC led activity)
- On-site economic development support ($16,640 FY19-20) [date TBD – pending Board of Finance Approval]
The EDC discussed the planned training for Wednesday, April 10th at 6:00 PM. First Selectwoman Reemsnyder explained that this would be a public meeting, but is focused on training for all town commissions, boards, and committees. The EDC discussed the importance of ensuring that the training is well attended and that participation of all town committees and commissions is critical to its success. Mr. Fuller reminded EDC members to complete the pre-survey as soon as possible to ensure that CERC can tailor the training to the needs of the town. Mr. Fuller stated that if any EDC members cannot attend the meeting they can email their questions, comments, and concerns to him and he would ensure that they are considered during the training.
Ms. Hendricson stated that CERC would customize the training for Old Lyme. She also said that CERC had completed this training over 90 times across the state of Connecticut. Ms. Hendricson stated that CERC will provide participants with a significant amount of data that many town commissions and committees will find very helpful and informative.
Mr. Symon suggested that the EDC should work to improve cooperation with other boards, commissions, and committees and that this free workshop is a great first step.
SWOT and Survey Proposal Update - Discussion with special guest, Courtney Hendricson (CERC – Vice President of Municipal Services)
Mr. Fuller provided an update regarding the proposal to conduct the SWOT workshop and two surveys. Adding the survey of town residents and distribution via postcard, increased the cost of the proposal $1,075 ($7,000 to $8,075). He stated that the EDC sent a memo to the Board of Selectman requesting their approval and funding (for the current Fiscal Year) for this proposal and that the Board of Selectman unanimously approved the request. First Selectwoman Reemsnyder stated that the request requires Board of Finance approval and the EDC is on the agenda for their next meeting (March 12, 2019). The EDC discussed the idea of preparing a 1-page summary of key talking points for the Board of Finance.
Ms. Hendricson addressed several questions that EDC had provided regarding the proposals.
The EDC also discussed the status of the second proposal for the feasibility study ($27,500) and on-site economic development support ($16,640). The EDC discussed the its responsibility under Connecticut General Statute, C.G.S. §7-136 to conduct research into the economic conditions and trends, (2) make recommendations to town officials, and (3) coordinate and cooperate with unofficial bodies organized to promote economic development.
Mr. O’Meara suggested that it is critical that the EDC reach out to the local businesses to understand their concerns and their plans for continuing operation in Old Lyme. The commission discussed the importance of stepping through this project in a logical manner such that the results of the SWOT inform the survey and the survey results inform the feasibility study.
The EDC considered two paths forward. The first would be to request the $8,075 for the current fiscal year and wait until the next budget process to request the $44,140. The second option would be to request both the $8,075 and the $44,140 at the next Board of Finance Meeting. The EDC expressed concern that the second option would delay the feasibility study until July 1, 2020. Mr. O’Meara suggested that the town’s commitment to this project may provide local businesses the confidence that they need to continue operating in Old Lyme.
A motion was made by Gregory Symon, seconded by Howard Margules, for the EDC to request both the $8,075 and the $44,140 from the Board of Finance. The motion unanimously passed.
4. New Business: None
5. Other Business: [Not discussed – Tabled for next meeting]
6. Correspondence: None
7. Announcements:
- Board of Finance Meeting: March 12, 2019
Chamber of Commerce meet and greet; March 26, 2019, from 8:00 to 9:30 AM at Lyme Old Lyme High School. [EDC to be represented by Howard Margules]
Next meeting: Regular meeting April 3, 2019, at 4:30 PM; Old Lyme Memorial Town Hall; Meeting Hall
CERC led Municipal Training on April 10, 2019
Deadline for Summer Old Lyme Events article is May 3, 2019
8. Adjournment.
A motion was made by Justin Fuller, seconded by Howard Margules, to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 5:45 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Justin D. Fuller
EDC Co-Chair
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