Town Of Willington
Economic Development Commission Meeting
Special Meeting Minutes of
June 9, 2015
*Minutes are not official until approved at the next regular meeting.
Attendees: Kim Kowalyshyn Tom Treiber, Vice Chair/Secretary Tom Buccino
Jason Bracich
Opened Meeting at 7:00 PM
Public Present: Christina Mailhos, First Selectman, and Dick Symonds, a member of Willington’s Vibrant Communities Initiative (VCI) in South Willington. Dick advised that the VCI meetings had been rescheduled to June 25, 26 and 27, 2015
Approval of Minutes
On a motion by Kim seconded by Tom B. the minutes of the April 27, 2015 meeting were approved.
New Business
Correspondence/Email – Kim went over undeliverable postcards to businesses re the recent Business Networking Meeting – a number went to businesses in The Mill Works who Tom B. advised do not receive mail at The Mill Works. Tom B. will assist Kim in attempting to get correct mailing addresses. Also, a new business Reflectionz (a beauty salon) contacted Robin Campbell re being on our Facebook Page.
Proposed Gun Range – Christina provided an update, and there was discussion on the subject. There is widespread public opposition to the gun range. It was noted that the State is exempt from town PZC and IWWC regulations. There will be no revenue from the proposed gun range, which would be one of the largest buildings in town. In addition, the facility would occupy land on CT 320 in the I-84 corridor that could be used for future commercial development. Tom T. suggested that EDC take a position on the gun range. There was discussion and then on a motion by Tom T. seconded by Kim, it was agreed that the EDC did not favor the gun range from an economic development perspective. It
was also agreed that Kim would draft an official statement for EDC member approval.
Old Business:
Economic Development
- Dunkin Donuts – Closing took place in mid May on the part of the parcel that Dunkin Donuts purchased. The building and about one additional acre are still for sale.
FEDEX – Parking lot expansion plans are before PZC.
Love’s Travel Center – Alternate well location approved by DPH.
- New Business Activity and Contacts – Jason contacted a new business in Phelps Crossing, William Hall’s Kid’s First Archery Programs. They will be fully open in August.
Open EDC Activities
Business Directory – Kim suggested that we increase the price of ads to cover cost of printing and distribution as we now have a finished product to help promote ad sales. She suggested $10 for a short blurb below business name, $40 for a business card size ad, $75 for a half page ad, and $110 for a full page ad with half and full page ads getting a free blurb. Tom T. suggested raising cost of business card ads so they would get a free blurb as well. Small ads would decrease page count and thus printing costs. Jason favored encouraging larger more expensive ads with the free blurb incentive. Kim will determine the per page cost from Anything Printed to see how more ads will increase printing costs. In addition, Kim put forth a timeline that would enable distribution of the new 2016 business directory in
January 2016.
Business Networking Meeting (BNM) – Overall, the consensus was that the event went well and that Peter Fairweather did a good job of engaging attendees. We felt that the inability/failure to turn off the music in the meeting room was a negative. Leaving more time at the beginning of the meeting for networking and possibly not having tables was also discussed.
Business Profile – Tom T. will work on several businesses in The Mill Works.
Market Study – Christina has the contract on her desk. The town attorney suggested some minor changes. Kim suggested that we save time by making these changes and advising Fairwesther what they are.
2015 Goals
Process Mapping – discussion tabled.
Budget & Housekeeping
Budget/EDC Finances – Tom T. will contact Jackie about where we stand on budget. Kim said that she would email the Treasurer (Tish) to get details of what we have spent.
Commission Vacancies – one alternate position is open.
Meeting adjourned at 8:08 PM
Our next meeting will be on Monday June 22, 2015 at 6:30 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Tom Treiber
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