MINUTES
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
MADDEN ROOM WEDNESDAY, May 23, 2012
SOUTH WINDSOR TOWN HALL TIME: 7:30 P.M.
PRESENT: Chairperson Susan Burnham, Joseph Carino, Alternate Gary Waterhouse sat for James Murray, Mark Lillis, Joseph Kennedy, Louise Neary, William Jodice, Alternate John Mitchell sat for Edwina Futtner, Linda Jeski and Dwight Johnson
ABSENT: James Murray, Edwina Futtner and Alternate Paul Burnham
ALSO PRESENT: ED Coordinator Shari Fiveash
1. Call Meeting to Order: Chairperson Burnham called the meeting to order at 7:30 pm.
2. Roll Call: Chairperson Burnham introduced the above-mentioned members.
3. Public Participation: None.
4. Approval of Minutes
Minutes from Regular Meeting on 4/25/2012:
A motion was made by Commissioner Jeski and seconded by Commissioner Lillis to approve the minutes of April 25, 2012 with the following corrections: Shari Fiveash should be referred as ED Coordinator and under item 7. “…haven’t been visited by the previous Economic Development Coordinator…” and was approved by a majority. Motion passed. Commissioner Mitchell abstained.
5. Old Business: None.
6. Committee Report
Report from Joseph Carino, Liaison - Water Pollution Control Authority:
Commissioner Carino reported on the following projects:
-the property at 459 John Fitch Blvd (formerly a scrap metal business) changed hands and is now becoming a car wash which will require that the internal water system is modified.
-Carla’s Pasta is now adding another building behind the existing building which requires changes to the indoor plumbing.
-the medical building on Sullivan Avenue that is part of Hartford Hospital is moving along.
Commissioner Carino introduced Fred Shaw, superintendent of the WPCA, who stated that rates are increasing everywhere. Mr. Shaw told the story of the replacement of a sewer line during an emergency and the need to plan ahead and anticipate changes in order to be better prepared and save money. Mr. Shaw explained that there is a challenge to balance the costs of running a water facility and the user’s ability to pay. There is a need for a forecasting tool to anticipate needs for the eleven pump stations around town providing collection and treatment of waste water via 130 miles of sewer pipe constructed of either PVC or concrete.
Mr. Shaw stated that there is currently $400 million worth of infrastructure and that there have been many changes in town over the years. State DEEP wanted to limit the growth of sewers because the state felt the towns had done a poor job of planning and could limit growth in this way. New requirements for development were based on old maps.
After the pipe collapse, a survey was done of certain areas of the town. Special attention was paid to areas with concrete pipes in locations in which sulfuric acid could be produced and add to the early demise of the pipe (survey isn’t finished-still in the process of completion) to determine the need for replacement. The survey of the eastern section of town determined that over 1,000 feet of pipe needed to be replaced immediately due to possibility of failure. This year’s budget includes money for relining sewer line, redoing manholes and fixing areas at the Clark Street and Chapel Road and the Chapel Road and John Fitch Blvd. areas and improvements to the Clark Street pump station. Upgrades will need to be done over the next several years to other areas of town.
Mr. Shaw reported that revenues of the WPCA include user fees but aren’t limited to those and also include fees for things such as dumping, permits, etc… There is a need to develop a new model to anticipate costs to stabilize the budget. Currently, the annual residential fee is $340 which is less than state average. There is an anticipated 10% increase amounting to about $34 per year or 65 cents a day. A survey was conducted by Tighe & Bond comparing water usage and sewage fees statewide which found that South Windsor was below average. Any increase to commercial fees would be based upon their usage.
There are ten miles of pipe in town made of concrete and five miles have been surveyed which determined that about 1000 feet of pipe needs to be replaced. Overall 83% of residents are connected to sewer. The WPCA is considering changing fee rate to actual usage not average usage for residential units. To make changes in the rate calculation meter expenses would be involved for the purchase, maintenance & reading of the meters. The second phase of the replacement project would take place about five years from now.
Report from Louise Neary and Sue Burnham - Discover South Windsor:
Chairperson Burnham stated that the group hasn’t met recently.
7. Communications and Remarks
Report from Sue Burnham, Chairperson:
Chairperson Burnham recapped a discussion from the last meeting about working with the Chamber to develop a list of available buildings in town. Commissioners Murray and Jodice responded and with information from two commercial realtors. Commissioner Neary stated that she went online and found a listing by another commercial realtor. Ms. Fiveash stated that each online list has a list of separate properties and that no list is complete. Most commercial realtors are working to keep their own listings current and have little time to share their information for a more comprehensive list.
Chairperson Burnham attended the May 15 groundbreaking ceremony for FedEx Ground and the May 18 fireworks celebration hosted by the Patriotic Commission which had a great turnout.
Report from Shari Fiveash, Economic Development Coordinator:
Ms. Fiveash completed fifteen more visits to town businesses and reported that some nursing homes are building and expanding, new banks are making inquiries and a pharmacy/convenience store is inquiring about locating in town. Ms. Fiveash also reported that J&J distributors will be locating on Route 5 and that a countertop company relocated from another town.
8. New Business
Chairperson Burnham commented that the commission used to sponsor activities such as an EDC breakfast and business tour by bus and would like to know if current members are interested in coordinating. Ms. Fiveash invited members to attend Chamber events such as tours. Chairperson Burnham forwards information about events to commission members. Commissioner Neary commented that the dynamics of the commission has changed since applications now go before the Town Council before being presented to the EDC. Commissioner Mitchell commented that these are different economic times but things aren’t as quiet as they seem. Ms. Fiveash reported that CT Studios is still in process and that they are still waiting on an approval for solar energy installation.
9. General Discussion:
None.
10. Adjournment:
A motion was made by Commissioner Mitchell and seconded by Commissioner Lillis to adjourn at 8:57p.m. and was unanimously approved. Motion passed.
Respectfully submitted,
Catherine Potter
Clerk
Approved as amended: June 27, 2012
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