Town Manager's conference room, Town Hall
Members present
Joe Cornelio, Frank Frago, Joan Hughes, Cindy Jacobs, Phil Knecht, P&Z liaison, Ken Rizzio, Betty Rosania, Paul Montinieri, Tom Grottke and Chris Lyons Also present were Bonnie Therrien, Peter Gillespie, Andy Adil and Rita Scuris.
Minutes
The meeting was called to order at 12:09 p.m. Frank Frago motioned to approve the June 10 meeting minutes with Betty Rosania seconding the motion and unanimously passed to approve the minutes.
Welcome New Member
Mr. Paul Montinieri was introduced as the newest member.
Election of Officers 2004-2005
Mr. Frago nominated Betty Rosania as Chair of the EDIC for 2004-2005, Phil Knecht seconded the nomination. Mrs Rosania accepted the nomination Mr Frago moved the question and the vote showed all in favor.
Mr. Frago nominated Tom Grottke as Vice-Chair, Betty Rosania seconded the nomination. Mr. Grottke accepted the nomination, Mr. Frago moved the question and the vote showed all in favor.
Marketing/Communications subcommittee report
Chris Lyons reported the business visitation program is still underway. The Town Manager and Mayor have been actively meeting with businesses. There are 7 active teams. Wethersfield Life plans on writing an article and following one of the teams around. An additional realtors breakfast is scheduled for September.
The Committee presently consists of Chris, Betty, Joan, John Breglio and Charlie Ford. Andy Adil and Paul Montinieri agreed to form a bus visitation team.
Finance subcommittee report
Frank Frago reported that the letters have been sent to the 7 area banks inviting participation in the loan program, meeting to follow up at the Country Club and state legislators will be invited. Frank asked for 2 new members to join the Committee. Ken Rizzio stated that they will also start promoting the tax incentive program thru the creation of a brochure. The Committee presently consists of Frank, Ken Rizzio and Kate Mullen from the Chamber. Paul Montinieri agreed to volunteer.
Development subcommittee report
Tom noted that the work of the intern continues and that by the next meeting several potential sites will be identified.
Town Manager's Report
Bonnie Therrien stated that a decision on the awarding of the STEAP grant funds is expected in the Fall and that a joint Wethersfield/Rocky Hill meeting will be held shortly to discuss the next steps. Summarized successful State of the Town meeting held on June 16.
Town Council's Report
Councillor Adil urged completion of the loan program and noted that the Council had reviewed the Memo from Peter Gillespie on Development Statutes. The need for PR assistance was discussed and a possible RFP for these services.
Town Planner's Report
Mr. Gillespie reviewed his monthly Town Council report on economic development activity. Grand Opening for BBY will be held shortly and the site work at CVS has started with demo to start shortly. Work at Hughes Brothers, Wolcott Hill Rd. Office Building continues. Possible large tenant for Goff Brook shops and developer for 61 Arrow Road industrial site are under discussion. July 29 will be the public hearing about the new zoning regulations, and members were encouraged to attend. Tourism Commission looking to retain a consultant for Tourism Plan and Strategies. Iniated process to hire ED Secretary.
Planning and Zoning liaison report
Phil Knecht reported that he had spoken to Linda Kavanaugh the Town Planner in Farmington and she noted how important a business visitation program is for local business retention.
Silas Deane Committee
The Committee continues to make progress and is hoping for a September report date for Council. Bev Pierz appointed as Chair.
Development Agency
Andy Adil reported that a forum is being planned for the Fall to discuss the success stories of development Agencies in some of the surrounding Towns.
Tourism Commission - Wayfinding Signage
Mr. Gillespie requested clarification from the Commission as to whether they had agreed to pay $3500 for a Tourism signage report. Mr. Lyons stated that they had not agreed to pay for this as it was not a priority and the overall value to the Town was questionable. Mr. Gillespie suggested tabling the item to the next meeting.
CEDS Contribution
Mr. Gillespie noted that he will be carrying over $2,372 from this years budget as the towns contribution the the regional EDA study.
Annual Business Survey
Mr. Frago noted that after Labor Day the modified survey will be sent out.
Salute To Business
Mr. Gillespie stated that the Chamber of Commerce will not likely be a partner with the EDIC on this event. A Committee consisting Of Betty R, Frank Frago, Ken Rizzio and Peter Gillespie was formed to organize the event.
EDIC Ordinance
Betty Rosania suggested that it was time to update the Membership representation for the EDIC to include more people with specific experience or representation. A copy of section 10-51 of the Code of Ordinace was distributed and it was recommended that subsection 10-53 is modified to change the membership from 9 to 11 and the alternates from 2 to 4 in order to have better representation from the business community.
Meeting Schedule/Lunch reimbursement
Betty Rosania noted that the ordinance allowed for members to be reimbursed for expenses gathered in the course of EDIC business and suggested that these lunch meetings would be a legitimate expense. Mr. Lyons motioned to pay for the EDIC lunches from the EDIC budget, Mr. Knecht seconded the motion and the vote showed all members in favor with one abstention from Tom Grottke.
Agricultural Business Cluster
Cindy Jacobs had talked to Andy Wizner, Chair of the Conservation Commission about a number of possibilities for use of the Meadows; Garden Plots, Bike Trails etc and that a meeting is being set up with State reps from the Dept of Agriculture.
Distinctive Directories
Mr. Gillespie distributed copies of a planned business directory that would be combined with the three towns of Wethersfield, Rocky Hill and Glastonbury.
Betty Rosania noted that the Antiques show is scheduled for November 19 and 20.
Mr. Frago suggested that the Commission should review it's mission statement at a future meeting.
The next meeting is scheduled for August 5 at 12 noon.
Adjournment
Mrs Rosania adjourned the meeting at 1:46 p.m.