1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Chairman Anthony called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
Members present: Chairperson Anthony, Vice-Chairman Carino, Susan Burnham, Edwina Futtner, Terrie Kyc, Mark Lillis, Marilyn Morrison, James Murray, and Janis Murtha
Members absent: Dwight Johnson
Alternates present: John Mitchell
Alternates absent: Carolyn Egan
Others Present: Deputy Mayor John Pelkey, Liaison to EDC
3. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Mr. Barry Pearson, President of HPC; and
Mr. Mark Larrabee, Vice President Finance
Chairperson Anthony introduced Mr. Barry Pearson and Mr. Mark Larrabee of HPC, who were in attendance to present their proposal. HPC Foodservice was founded in 1908. It is a family owned food distribution company, currently located in Bristol, Connecticut, they are relocating their business to the formerly U.S. Food Services location. Mr. Larrabee stated that this project would see the relocation of the entire 114-presently employees. They will add and additional 67 jobs over the next five years, creating a workforce numbering 81.
U.S. Food Services will require substantial investment to update and refit it for their needs. The budget for these leasehold improvements will range between $700,000 and $1,000,000. Mr. Barry Pearson stated that in order to fully implement their planned growth, they need the partnership of the Town. Therefore, they are requesting the maximum tax abatement.
Commissioner Murtha asked Mr. Pearson if they would be operating both businesses as stated in the application. Mr. Pearson responded no. They will be operating only the business located in South Windsor; however, they have the obligation of the lease contract.
The Commission is concerned on how the pass through of the tax abatement is going to be handled. Chairperson Anthony stated that Town Attorney Barry Guliano would be attending the next EDC meeting to explain the legalities about the pass through process of a tax abatement.
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
Motion to approve the minutes of February 23, 2005, Regular Meeting
Was made by Commissioner Murtha
Seconded by Commissioner Futtner
The motion carried unanimously
Motion to approve the minutes of March 1, 2005, Special Meeting
Was made by Commissioner Murtha
Seconded by Commissioner Murray
The motion carried unanimously
5. COMMUNICATION AND REMARKS FROM THE EDC CHAIRPERSON
Chairperson Anthony stated that Mr. Stevenson is not in attendance this evening. However, if the Commission has any questions or concerns regarding the Tax Abatement application for HPC Foodservice, Mr. Stevenson can be reached at his cell phone number and have a conference call.
6. OLD BUSINESS
a) Report from Liaison - Planning & Zoning Commission
No report was presented.
Report from Liaison-Inland/Wetlands Commission
No report was presented.
c) Report from Liaison Joseph Carino–Water Pollution Control Authority
Commissioner Carino reported that the sewerage line across Buckland Road is moving along. He feels this is a big improvement in the Town.
7. DISCUSSION ITEM
Report from Craig Stevenson on the following items:
No report was presented.
8. NEW BUSINESS
a) Tax Abatement for HPC Food Services
Chairperson Anthony submitted a copy of the application for the Commission to review, (Exhibit A). This application includes the Mission and the Vision of the company itself, the business plan, and some background and information of the company. Commissioner Lillis does not clearly understand the figures presented on the application, and what the Commission is abating. Commissioner Murtha agreed with him. Commissioner Lillis questioned if the abatement is going to be based on the cost of the improvements or on the difference in improvements. At this point a conference call was needed with Mr. Stevenson. The same question was made to Mr. Stevenson and he responded that it is going to be based on the assessed value. Everyone understood the concept of the abatement
and there were no further questions.
Motion to accept the Tax Abatement for HPC Food Services
Was made by Commissioner Lillis
Seconded by Commissioner Morrison
The motion carried unanimously
9. GENERAL DISCUSSION/CORRESPONDENCE
Chairperson Anthony stated that there was a subcommittee meeting regarding the EDC Showcase. A letter inviting realtors and developers is going to be mailed on March 24, 2005. This event will take place at Maneelys Restaurant. A continental breakfast will be served, followed by bus trip tour.
Commissioner Lillis asked what was the status on WFSB-Channel 3. Chairperson Anthony stated that she has sent them a letter inviting them to the Town of South Windsor. They responded back stating that the site in the I-291 corridor was very appealing to them and it would fit their needs, but they decided to stay in Hartford, CT. Since they decided to relocate from Hartford, Chairman Anthony has communicated with them several times, as well as the Town Manager has also communicated with them.
Commissioner Lillis stated that on the last EDC meeting the Commission approved the Tax Abatement for Generation2, Inc., DBA Wentworth Park. He was absent that evening, however, he would have abstained on the application for Generation 2, due to a conflict of interest.
10. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:17 pm
Was made by Commissioner Murtha
Seconded by Commissioner Mitchell
The motion carried unanimously
___________________________
Ether A. Diaz
Recording Secretary
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