MINUTES
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
SPRENKEL ROOM TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2009
SOUTH WINDSOR TOWN HALL TIME: 8:00P.M.
PRESENT: Chairperson Jan Murtha, Susan Burnham, Joseph Carino, Edwina Futtner, Dwight Johnson, Louise Neary, Marilyn Morrison, James Murray and Alternates John J. Mitchell, William Jodice, Linda Jeski and Joseph Kennedy (arr. 8:02p.m.)
ABSENT: Mark Lillis, Roseann Williams and EDC Coordinator Craig Stevenson
- Call Meeting to Order: Chairperson Murtha called the meeting to order at 8:00p.m.
- Roll Call: The above-mentioned members were introduced.
- Public Participation: None.
- Approval of Minutes:
Minutes of 10-28-2009: A motion was made by Commissioner Burnham and seconded by Commissioner Jodice to approve the minutes of October 28, 2009 with the following correction: Mr. James Murray should have been noted as being present and was unanimously approved. Motion passed.
CT Studios Update: Chairperson Murtha and Commissioners Futtner and Burnham attended the presentation of the land transfer. Governor Rell also attended. The event was nice and went smoothly.
Report from Joseph Carino, Liaison-Water Pollution Control Authority: Commissioner Carino reported that there were applicants asking for adjustments to their bills.
Report from Louise Neary and Sue Burnham-Discover South Windsor: Commissioners Burnham and Neary will be attending the next meeting this Thursday morning. Commissioner Burnham stated that there will be a booth on Sunday, November 22 at the Promenade Shops promoting the Discover South Windsor website. Commissioner Burnham stated that the subcommittee is finalizing plans for the photo contest that will be launched January 1, 2010. Commissioner Jeski is part of the proofreading committee, which will meet next Monday, and explained that their job is to make sure the information on the site is correct and they also review the comments to be sure nothing offensive is posted publicly.
- Communications and Remarks:
Report from Jan Murtha, Chairperson: Chairperson Murtha received the EDC meeting calendar for next year. The meetings will be on the following Wednesdays at 7:30p.m-January 27, February 24, March 24, April 28, May 26, June 23, July 28, September 22, October 27 and November 17. No meetings are scheduled for August or December.
Chairperson Murtha also received an email from the town manager about a presentation at the Manchester Town Hall on Monday, November 23. The presentation will be made by Bonnie Therrien who reviewed municipal services for several area towns. Chairperson Murtha will be unable to attend but if anyone is interested please let her know.
Report from Craig Stevenson, Economic Development Consultant: According to the Journal Inquirer, Mr. Stevenson is currently in New Mexico.
- New Business: A motion was made by Commissioner Mitchell and seconded by Commissioner Neary to add a presentation by Nu-Way Tobacco to the agenda and was unanimously approved. Motion passed.
A presentation was made by Nu-Way Tobacco representative, Jay Shepard regarding his request for a tax-abatement. Nu-Way Tobacco makes tobacco sheets that go on cigars and they are currently at max production working six days a week, several shifts a day. They have been approached by a customer interested in increased product. Nu-Way Tobacco is a family business and this expansion project is $7.5 million which will include additions on either side of the existing building and new production lines inside. They need to start production by mid-2010 and are looking for tax abatement or incentives. Commissioner Neary asked if the addition on the left side is flush with the front of the building and Mr. Shepard stated that it will be fifty feet back from the front of the building. The additions will add another
17,000 sq. ft. and they are working with P&Z on the exit. They have also filed applications with Inland Wetlands and the Design Review committee. Commissioner Johnson asked if trucks will have to back out onto Sullivan Avenue and Mr. Shepard explained that trucks will enter and be able to turn around in the parking lot. They will be entering and exiting on Rye Street.
A resolution was made by Commissioner Mitchell and seconded by Commissioner Murray: Where as the Nu-Way Tobacco Company has proposed an investment of $7.5 million dollars to construct an approximately 17,000 sq. ft. addition to house the operation of a new manufacturing line, The South Windsor Economic Development Commission does here by recommend to the Town Manager and Town Council that Nu-Way Tobacco Company be offered a seven-year 100% abatement of taxes on real property improvements. This proposal is on the recommendation of the Town Manager and Staff Committee and is endorsed by the Town Manager and review by the Finance Director, Tax Assessor and Town Council is pending. Motion approved unanimously.
Election of Officers: A nomination was made by Commissioner Jeski and seconded by Commissioner Carino to elect Commissioner Neary to Chair of the Economic Development Commission and was unanimously approved. Motion approved.
A nomination was made by Commissioner Morrison and seconded by Commissioner Mitchell to elect Commissioner Burnham to Vice Chair of the Economic Development Commission and was unanimously approved. Motion passed.
A nomination was made by Commissioner Neary and seconded by Commissioner Futtner to elect Commissioner Jeski to Secretary of the Economic Development Commission and was unanimously approved. Motion passed.
- General Discussion: None.
- Adjournment: A motion was made by Commissioner Mitchell and seconded by Commissioner Jeski to adjourn at 8:37p.m. and was unanimously approved. Motion passed.
Respectfully submitted,
Catherine Potter
Clerk
Approved: 1/27/2010
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