Members Present
Joe Cornelio, Frank Frago, Chris Lyons, Betty Rosania Cindy Jacobs, Ken Rizzio, Tom Grottke and Joan Hughes. Also present were, Bonnie Therrien, Peter Gillespie.
The meeting was called to order at 12:06 PM by Chairperson Betty Rosania.
Minutes
The minutes of the September meeting were reviewed. The approval of the minutes was moved by Frank Frago and seconded by Joan Hughes. Vote was affirmative.
Chair Report
Chair Rosania started the meeting by thanking John Breglio for his work on the Realtor''s Breakfast and Joe Cornelio for his work on the available property list.
Marketing and Communications Subcommittee Report
Joan Hughes noted that the Subcommittee had been working on the Realtor's Breakfast held on October 13 at the Country Club which was well attended and a great success. Additionally the Committee was reviewing the progress on the Business Visitation program and will be rearranging the teams to send out for phase 2 of the program.
Finance Subcommittee Report
Ken Rizzio noted that the last meeting was held on Sept 21 and work continues on the loan program and the possible use of the STEAP funds for the program. Discussion will continue with the banks with the hope that several will still sign on. November is budget time for the banks and it is a good time to follow up. Peter Gillespie will present the program to the Council for their approval. Hedco needs to be contacted to see if they will administer the program.
Development Subcommittee Report
Tom Grottke stated that the Silas Deane Highway appears to be the initial area to be targeted and a discussion was held with the Silas Deane Highway Committee and both parties agreed to this approach.
Agriculture Committee
Cindy Jacobs stated that a meeting was held with Seth Lerman from the USDA to discuss possible technical assistance and a more detailed follow up meeting will be held to determine if they can help us facilitate a discussion with the ag community.
Town Manager's Report
Bonnie Therrien reported on the progress of the Strategic Plan Committee and asked the members to review the information distributed. The referendum was discussed and all members were encouraged to get out the vote.
PZC Liason Report
Mr. Knecht was not present.
Town Council Liason's Report
No Council members were present.
Town Planner/Economic Development Manager's Report
Mr. Gillespie distributed his monthly report.
Silas Deane Highway Advisory Committee Report
Copies of the Oct 4 presentation made to Council had been distributed to the members and were briefly reviewed. Mr. Gillespie noted that the Committee will need some funding tocomplete its work and the use of the $25,000 in CIP funds was mentioned.
Development Summit
Chair Rosania summarized the September 29 workshop and noted the relevance of the experiences in Hamden and S. Windsor. Town Manager Therrien suggested that an All Boards meeting will be held in the near future similar to the S. Windsor experience.
Annual Business Survey
Frank Frago noted that the survey had been ailed out and the return date is Oct 15. The report will be presented to Council at the Oct 1 meeting and at the Salute to Business in December.
Budget 2004/2005
Tabled to next meeting.
Staffing
A new effort is underway to hire a part-time secretary.
Website
Peter Gillespie stated that Paul Montinieri agreed to work on this and some funding will be necessary. On November 3 there will be a training session sponsored by NorthEast Utilities on technology for economic development and web site development will be prominently discussed.
Bus Tour
Bonnie Therrien will provide dates for a possible tour of the Town and development sites.
Strategic Planning Committee
Members started to discuss the contents of the draft of the Plan which had been distributed to each member and it was determined that each individual member should review and get comments to Peter Gillespie.
Approval of 2005 meeting schedule
Upon a motion by Joan Hughes seconded by Tom Grottke the 2005 meeting schedule was approved unanimously.
Other Business
Cindy Jacobs noted the potential need for a residential welcome packet that could be used to promote and attract residents to Town and distributed by local realtors. Peter Gillespie noted that this item was discussed at the realtors breakfast and Cindy will work with Julie Montinieri.
The meeting adjourned at 1:24 PM.
Respectfully Submitted
Peter D. Gillespie, Economic Development Manager