MINUTES
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
MADDEN ROOM WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2011
SOUTH WINDSOR TOWN HALL TIME: 7:30P.M.
PRESENT: Susan Burnham, Joseph Carino, Edwina Futtner, Dwight Johnson, James Murray, Louise Neary, Joseph Kennedy, Alternate John Mitchell, Alternate Gary Waterhouse and Linda Jeski
ABSENT: William Jodice and Mark Lillis
ALSO PRESENT: EDC Coordinator Craig Stevenson
1.Call Meeting to Order: Chairperson Neary called the meeting to order at 7:31p.m.
2. Roll Call: Chairperson Neary called attendance. Alternate John Mitchell sat for Mark Lillis.
3. Public Participation: None
4. Approval of Minutes:
Minutes from Regular Meeting on 4/27/2011: Commissioner Burnham proposed the following corrections: changing ‘Mess Tech’ to ‘Mass Tech’ on page one and adding ‘…fire house on Sunday, May 2, 2011’ and …banquet on May 13, 2011’. A motion was made by Commissioner Burnham and seconded by Commissioner Futtner to approve the minutes of April 27, 2011 and was approved. Commissioner Mitchell abstained due to non-attendance.
5. Old Business:
CT Studios Update: Mr. Stevenson gave an oral report and will send out copies of the report via email and postal mail within a few days. Mr. Stevenson stated that the town is in the process of applying for a grant for the I-291 area for infrastructure improvements and it will be submitted June 23, 2011.
The ‘Special Services’ district was approved but Mr. Stevenson isn’t sure if there is any other legal process that needs to occur. The due diligence is going forward for the TIF bonds. A funding date is getting closer and final preparations for investment are in process. The current legislative session has closed and the funding for film tax credits remains in the State’s budget. There are plans for a solar power component for the site and discussions with CL&P are taking place. A new hotel developer has been chosen, First Bristol Group, a leader in the Marriott hotel chain. Chairperson Neary asked if there is a new construction date and Mr. Stevenson confirmed there is not because a closing date for the TIF bonds needs to be set and new bids for construction need to be
acquired because last year’s bids are stale.
6. Committee Report
Report from Joseph Carino, Liaison-Water Pollution Control Authority: Commissioner Carino reported that construction in South Windsor has virtually come to a standstill. Commissioner Carino stated that there is an ongoing discussion with the Town Council on how bills will be paid in the future.
Report from Louise Neary and Sue Burnham-Discover South Windsor: Commissioner Burnham reported that the group had a booth at the Strawberry Festival for informational purposes. A change is being made to the platform for the site.
Report from Mark Lillis, Liaison-Joint EDC and Planning & Zoning Commission: Chairperson Neary reported that meetings have been suspended because a public hearing for the new regulations has been scheduled for June 28, 2011. Commissioner Futtner asked if discussion of apartments will take place and Chairperson Neary confirmed that any changes to the regulations will be discussed and encouraged members to attend to speak in favor of the changes. Mr. Stevenson will be at the meeting. Mr. Kennedy plans to attend to speak in favor of the changes on behalf of the commission. Mr. Stevenson explained the importance of having stand-alone residential areas in order to obtain financing and to encourage retail development. Commissioner Carino warned that changes to regulations can adversely affect
other areas of town and Mr. Stevenson stated that the regulations are restricted to the Gateway Zone only.
7. Communications and Remarks:
Report from Louise Neary, Chairperson: Chairperson Neary had no new business to report.
Report from Craig Stevenson, Economic Development Consultant: Mr. Stevenson is expecting to hear from FedEx this month on their relocation decision.
There is an application waiting for approval of the Gateway Zone regulations before proceeding.
Mr. Stevenson discussed the senior housing project by HEPA and an application has been submitted to the federal government for funding.
Gerber Headquarters will now house Ticket Network from Vernon. They will be purchasing the building but during the transitional period Gerber Scientific will retain some office space. There will be a significant investment in the building. Ticket Network is a ticket-reseller and software developer.
8. New Business: None.
9. General Discussion: None.
10. Adjournment: A motion was made by Commissioner Burnham and seconded by Commissioner Mitchell to adjourn at 8:06p.m and was unanimously approved. Motion passed.
Respectfully submitted,
Catherine Potter
Clerk
Approved: July 27, 2011
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