ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
MINUTES CORRECTED MARCH 25, 2009
MADDEN ROOM TOWN HALL
PRESENT: Chairperson Janis Murtha, Roseann Williams, Susan Burnham, Joseph Carino, Edwina Futtner, Dwight Johnson, Louise Neary, Marilyn Morrison, James Murray and Alternates Joseph Kennedy and Linda Jeski
ABSENT: Mark Lillis, John Mitchell and William Jodice
ALSO PRESENT: Economic Development Consultant Craig Stevenson and Members of the Redevelopment Agency: Chairperson Barbara Barbour, Cile Decker and Scott Andrusis
1. Call Meeting to Order: Chairperson Murtha called the meeting to order at 7:32p.m.
2. Roll Call: The above-mentioned members were introduced.
3. Public Participation:
Presentation regarding CT Studios: Ralph Palumbo, Anthony Delvicario, Hal Katersky and Frank McMahon gave a presentation on their plans for building a film studio on eighty-five acres of land right off of Rte 291 at exit 4. Mr. Palumbo began the presentation by stating that the studio complex will be on thirty-acres and will consist of eight sound stages within four buildings, office space, a mill building for constructing sets, a visitor center and a post production area. The buildings will be a total of 400,000 sq. ft. A one hundred to one hundred and fifty room hotel will also be constructed and three to four restaurant pads will be included. Another area will be left open for future development. The company looked at many other sites but this site in South Windsor
is shovel-ready to build. The tiger beetle has been found on site and will most likely be relocated and the project should begin by this summer. Some of the economic benefits of the project are the $90 million dollar investment in the real estate and buildings for the studio and hotel, the personal property taxes on the sound stage equipment and the $5 million dollar investment in the PureCell 400 from UTC. There will also be an increase in taxable items when ‘star wagons’ are on-site during production.
Mr. Katersky informed the commission that there will be 1,500 to 2,000 new jobs created in South Windsor and that local businesses will benefit from their purchases. The use of the UTC power cell is a more environmentally sensitive way to provide power and that CT Studios will become first film studio in the world to use this type of power. CT Studios will also become the hub of a new industry in CT. On average the studio operates five days per week from early morning to about five p.m. The company will get involved in community projects and organizations. Last year the company filmed ‘Terminator 4' at their state of the art facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico. During construction there will be 500-600 union jobs available. The company will also create connections with local technical schools, colleges and
universities. Commissioner Neary commented that the use of the fuel cell technology is very exciting and asked about the proposed location of the entrance and road. Mr. Katersky stated that the entrance across from the exit off of Rte 291 will provide easy access.
Commissioner Morrison asked who pays for the actors and Mr. Katersky replied that they are paid by the production company. The production companies would also pay to rent space at CT Studios. Commissioner Morrison asked if the hotel would be open to the public and Mr. Katersky confirmed that it would and that it would be constructed using union labor.
Ms. Barbour asked if any X-rated films would be produced at the studio but Mr. McMahon stated that state law prohibits it. Ms. Barbour also asked about the need for increased police and fire activity. Mr. McMahon stated that the studio security force will work with the police department as needed and that they are working with the fire marshal to determine their needs. Mr. Stevenson spoke with the local fire and police officials on his recent visit to Albuquerque and they gave positive feedback. Mr. Stevenson also stated that use of pyrotechnics requires a permit from the state fire marshal and that if necessary an additional fire marshal may need to be hired in South Windsor but that they haven’t anticipated the need for any additional equipment. Mr. Katersky also stated that any filming done ‘on location’ (outside the studio complex) will require permits. Ms. Barbour asked for the percentage of the days of usage over the twenty month period that the Albuquerque studio has been
open and Mr. Katersky stated that it hasn’t been empty. Mr. Katersky informed the commission that they are in the process of moving a cable movie channel to the studio.
Commissioner Burnham asked what the studio will look like from the outside. Mr. Palumbo indicated that it will blend in with buildings in New England with a wall surrounding the site and foliage on the outside.
Commissioner Murray asked who the biggest competitor of the studio is and Mr .Katersky stated that they are building a similar studio in Pennsylvania but that no one is doing what they plan to do and that the benefits to production companies are greater outside of California. Mr. Katersky stated that industry wide there are about four hundred movies made each year and thousands of television shows and that the studio will be busy. Mr. Katersky stated that the visitor center will be open to the public and will offer limited tours of the facility. Mr. Stevenson informed attendees that more information is available on the town’s website www.southwindsor.org including information on the trip to Albuquerque studio and recent reports by Ernst and Young. Mr. Katersky shared that the movie industry is the second biggest exporter and that even in slow economic times, the movie industry still profits.
Commissioner Williams asked what the biggest concerns are with the project and they are the tiger beetle and the SAG situation.
Ms. Decker asked if the studio will prompt the permanent relocation of any of the company’s employees and Mr. Katersky stated that some employees may be interested in moving to New England and that many opportunities exist in the housing market to accommodate their needs.
Commissioner Futtner expressed her hope for the projects start as soon as possible.
Commissioner Kennedy feels that the project is a ‘win-win’. Ms. Barbour asked if there will be any training opportunities and how do prospective employees find out about job availability. Mr. Katersky stated that they are currently working with the local unions to let them know what will be needed, training will be ongoing within the company and that once ground breaks and a more firm time line has been developed, information on jobs will be available on the companies website. Mr. Stevenson stressed that the project will have a wide range impact on jobs and that the New Mexico studio has a connection to one hundred and fifteen different local businesses.
Mr. Stevenson informed the commission that the town has been asked to transfer twenty-two acres to CT Studios (the property is currently owned by the Redevelopment Agency and the procedure is being reviewed by the town attorney) and the studio will be asking for a TIF (tax incremental financing). Mayor Prague (arr. 9 p.m.) commented that weekly meetings have begun on the project, the goal is to have the TIF in place by May 15, 2009 and the state has offered an incentive plan. Mayor Prague stated that the town is in favor of the project. Town Manager Galligan (arr. 9 p.m.) stated that the feedback from the local community in Albuquerque was positive and that our local schools and universities will be improving their curriculum to meet the needs of the industry. The National Development Council provides guidance to
communities on Economic Development and has been consulted on this project. A special meeting may be needed to vote on the transfer of land and the TIF application.
A short recess was taken at this time (9:15-9:20 p.m.)
4. Old Business:
Report on Tourism Website from Bill Jodice, Sue Burnham & Louise Neary: Commissioner Burnham reported that there was a demonstration of the new joint website held at Nomads for local businesses and community groups. Chairperson Murtha commented that she observed some connections made between individuals and groups that were unaware that they each existed. Commissioner Neary encouraged members to visit the site and Commissioner Burnham stated that the community organizations have the ability to update the calendar with their events. Commissioner Neary explained that because Nomads became a platinum sponsor of the site, they have a header advertisement on the site. Commissioner Neary also reported that there is currently a photograph contest being run on the site.
Commissioner Burnham handed out cards with the website’s address www.discoversouthwindsor.com .
Bylaws: Chairperson Murtha handed out copies of the bylaws and stated that they do need to be brought to the town clerk for filing. Commissioner Carino pointed out that the revision date of March 28, 2007 should be added. The commission clerk will retype the bylaws for review at the next meeting before they are officially filed.
5. Committee Report:
Report from Chairperson Murtha: Chairperson Murtha reported that the annual Chamber Dinner will be held on Thursday, April 2 at Maneeley’s Banquet Facility and that the town will pay for commissioners to attend. The dinner is the Annual Business and Expansion Awards Ceremony and Dinner. Mr. Stevenson commented that many of the award winners were helped by the EDC and commissioner’s should be proud.
Report from Joseph Carino, Liaison-Water Pollution Control Authority: Commissioner Carino stated that new bids have been received for the update of the sewer facility and they are lower than previous bids. The technical staff now needs to review the bids. Commissioner Neary asked if the film studio will access the sewer and Commissioner Carino confirmed that they would.
6. Communications and Remarks:
Report from Jan Murtha, Chairperson: (above)
Report from Craig Stevenson, Economic Development Consultant: Mr. Stevenson reported that the internet videos from CGI are completed and that he can send a link to anyone interested in previewing them. The videos will be linked from the town’s website at this time. Mr. Stevenson is working with a business that may be sold out of state and explained that currently, there is no business retention program with incentives at this time. Evergreen Walk is moving ahead with their condominium project. ECHN has completed their second building and are interested in constructing a third. Mr. Stevenson would like to get the tax process started soon. The new building would be for a state of the art colonoscopy center.
Commissioner Neary asked if the metal recycling business is still moving forward and Mr. Stevenson stated that they are doing well and are trying to carefully plan the development of the rest of the site.
Commissioner Futtner asked if there is any land available for development along Rte 5 and Mr. Stevenson confirmed that there is.
Mr. Stevenson also reported that offers for the land for the film studio location have been made to the owners.
7. New Business: None.
8. General Discussions: None.
9. Approval of Minutes:
Minutes of 02-25-09: A motion was made by Ms. Burnham and seconded by Ms. Neary to accept the minutes of February 25, 2009 and was unanimously approved. Motion passed.
10. Adjournment: A motion was made by Ms. Burnham and seconded by Mr. Murray to adjourn at 9:43 p.m. and was unanimously approved. Motion passed.
Respectfully submitted,
Catherine Potter
Clerk
Corrected and Approved 04/22/2009
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