MINUTES
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
MADDEN ROOM WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 2011
SOUTH WINDSOR TOWN HALL TIME: 7:30P.M.
PRESENT: Chairperson Louise Neary, Susan Burnham, Joseph Carino, Linda Jeski, Dwight Johnson, James Murray, Bill Jodice, Joseph Kennedy and Mark Lillis (arr. 7:35p.m.)
ABSENT: Edwina Futtner, Marilyn Morrison, John Mitchell and Gary Waterhouse
ALSO PRESENT: EDC Consultant Craig Stevenson
- Call Meeting to Order: Chairperson Neary called the meeting to order at 7:31p.m.
- Roll Call: The above-mentioned members were introduced. Alternate Joseph Kennedy sat for Marilyn Morrison.
- Public Participation: None.
- Approval of Minutes
Minutes from Regular meeting on 3/23/2011: A motion was made by Commissioner Johnson and seconded by Commissioner Burnham to approve the minutes of 03/23/2011 with the correction to p.3 which should read “…medical building…” and was unanimously approved. Motion passed.
Minutes from Special Meeting on 4/6/2011: A motion was made by Commissioner Burnham and seconded by Commissioner Jodice and was unanimously approved. Motion passed.
CT Studios Update: Mr. Stevenson reported that the Studio is looking at acquiring (lease with an option to buy) another building (Mass Tech) to locate their equipment rental building. Some improvements will be made to the building such as raising the height of the roof to accommodate their needs. Office space will also be located in the building. Contracts are in place with three companies that support the equipment needs of the studios and include relocating one business to South Windsor. The studio is considering installing a solar panel component to the project. The final stages of due diligence are underway. The next step is having an appraisal done and final documents are beginning to be drawn up. The hope is to have the bonds sold by the end of this quarter as long
as everything is in place. The Town Council approved the special services district which is where CT Studios is located. Commissioner Jodice asked if they will be coming before the commission for abatement on the improvements to the Mass Tech building and Mr. Stevenson responded that he doesn’t anticipate that they will.
Report from Joseph Carino, Liaison-Water Pollution Control Authority: Commissioner Carino had nothing new to report
Report from Louise Neary and Sue Burnham-Discover South Windsor: Chairperson Neary stated that the meeting was delayed and will be held tomorrow, Thursday, April 28 at 10a.m. at Peter DeMaille’s office.
Report from Mark Lillis, Liaison-Joint EDC and Planning & Zoning Commission: Mr. Stevenson stated that the meeting was productive and there is work being done on the wording of the document to allow residential use on the first floor. A practical concern of the group was that a developer would only build the residential portion and not finish the commercial portion. The wording of the new document would allow for building both the residential portion and commercial portion proportionately. Commissioner Lillis reported that there was some debate about the bike ways and the surface to be used for them.
- Communications and Remarks:
Report from Louise Neary, Chairperson: Chairperson Neary had no communications to share.
Report from Craig Stevenson, Economic Development Consultant: Mr. Stevenson presented plans for combined residential and commercial development at Evergreen Walk. The design is similar to Wentworth Park. Mr. Stevenson talked about the success of Wentworth Park and the number of businesses that have located there. Commissioner Carino stated that WPCA has run into a problem with commercial sewer systems and recommends that they be prepared to make a presentation early enough to make appropriate corrections to plans. Mr. Stevenson handed out copies of his report and reviewed it verbally. On May 10, the Mayor, Peter DeMallie and Mr. Stevenson will be attending a conference to share what the town has done to attract businesses.
- New Business: Commissioner Burnham reminded everyone that the open house for the new fire house is on Sunday May 2, 2011. RSVP’s are due for the upcoming volunteer recognition banquet on May 13, 2011.
- General Discussion: Mr. Stevenson stated the film production tax credit includes positive tax incentives for CT Studios and will be going before the General Assembly in early May.
- Adjournment: A motion was made by Commissioner Lillis and seconded by Commissioner Burnham to adjourn at 8:08p.m. and was unanimously approved. Motion passed.
Respectfully submitted,
Catherine Potter
Approved as corrected: June 22, 2011
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