ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
MINUTES PAGE 1 SEPTEMBER 24, 2008
MADDEN ROOM TOWN HALL
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER: Chairperson Murtha called the meeting to order at 7:30p.m.
2. ROLL CALL:
PRESENT: Chairperson Jan Murtha, Susan Burnham, Joseph Carino, Edwinda Futtner, Dwight
Johnson, Louise Neary, Marilyn Morrison, James Murray and Roseann Williams
ABSENT: Mark Lillis and Joseph Kennedy
ALTERNATES PRESENT: William Jodice sat for Mark Lillis and Linda Jeski
3. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: None.
4. OLD BUSINESS: Chairperson Murtha reported that the Referendum on the land transfer to
Evergreen Walk passed. The town attorney has advised the town that individuals serving on boards and
commissions can give individual support for referendum items once it has been approved for
referendum but commissions as a whole can not take a stand.
5. COMMITTEE REPORT:
a)REPORT FROM CHAIRPERSON MURTHA: Chairperson Murtha passed around
information she received from the Chamber of Commerce and Murtha & Culina. Ms. Burnham
reported that several EDC members and Mr. Stevenson attended the Chamber of Commerce's Annual
Meeting and Business Person of the Year event. Chairperson Murtha attended the open house of Boston
Pizza. All members are invited to attend a ribbon cutting for Massage Envy to be held on Thursday,
September 25, 2008 at 5:30p.m.
b)REPORT FROM JOSEPH CARINO, LIASON-WATER POLLUTION CONTROL
COMMISSION: Mr. Carino stated that there were no residential or commercial applications.
c)TOURISM WEBSITE: Mr. Jodice and Ms. Burnham announced that the collaborative
website will be called 'Discover South Windsor' and will be jointly funded by the Town Council and the
Chamber of Commerce for the next three years. A final design selection will be made Friday,
September 26, 2008. The main sections will be: dine, shop, stay, family fun and entertainment. Ms.
Neary asked if the site will be easy to navigate. An invitation for all EDC members to view the site will
be sent and suggestions are encouraged.
7. COMMUNICATIONS AND REMARKS:
REPORT FROM JAN MURTHA, CHAIRPERSON:
REPORT FROM CRAIG STEVENSON, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
CONSULTANT: Mr. Stevenson reviewed his report. A new STEAP grant will be sought to be used for
the installation of roads and sewers. Ms. Neary asked if the interior refurbishing of a large building will
be included in this application. Mr. Stevenson stated that the old application was not capital intensive
enough, and that the new application will not include the refurbishing project.
Mr. Stevenson reported that a hotel is interested in constructing a 150 room building and that they have
requested TIF. The town would need to vote to approve this financing and that the amount and the rate
still need to be negotiated. The TIF would be underwritten by an investment bank on Wall Street. Mr.
Carino asked if this is the first time TIF has been used. Mr. Stevenson stated that it would be a first for
South Windsor but that it has been used in Stamford, East Hartford and other towns around
Connecticut. The TIF allows for the builder to pledge future taxes as collateral as a loan to build the
project. The TIF would not affect taxes on personal property. Ms. Neary asked if the TIF could go on
longer than a typical abatement. Mr. Stevenson stated that all the information will be provided to the
MINUTES PAGE 2 SEPTEMBER 24, 2008
MADDEN ROOM TOWN HALL
town before they are asked to take a position. Mr. Stevenson will ask them to make a presentation to
the EDC when they are ready.
Mr. Stevenson stated that the Down East Associates application for the project near JoAnn Fabrics is
still pending.
8. NEW BUSINESS:
ELECTION OF VICE-CHAIRPERSON: A motion was made by Ms. Williams and seconded
by Mr. Murray to nominate Ms. Neary for the vice-chairperson position and was unanimously
approved. Motion passed.
A motion was made by Ms. Morrison and seconded by Mr. Murray to close the nominations for vicechairperson
and was unanimously approved. Motion passed.
9. GENERAL DISCUSSION: None.
10. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
MINUTES OF JULY 23, 2008: TABLED
11. ADJOURNMENT: A motion was made by Ms. Morrison and seconded by Ms. Williams to
adjourn at 8:23p.m. And was unanimously approved. Motion passed.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED,
CATHERINE POTTER
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