[NOTE: These minutes are made available to the public prior to Economic Development and Improvement Commission acceptance.]
Chair, Betty Rosania, Joe Cornelio, Howard Greenblatt, Kate Mullen, Joan Hughes. Late arrivals by: Ken Rizzio, Paul Montineri, Chris Lyons and Andy Adil
Also present were: Bonnie Therrien, Peter Gillespie, Phil Knecht, Charlie Forsdick and Christine Paul.
The meeting was called to order at 12:10 PM by Chairperson Betty Rosania.
Peter reported that the Council approved to hire a full time Assistant Planner. Several qualified candidates have applied, the deadline for applications is next Friday and they are expected to begin by the first or second week of May 2005. A special thanks to Andy Adil, Carmella Moore and Charlie Forsdick for lobbying for the assistant position. A committee will review the applicants. Any Commission members that would like to help in the review process are welcome and should contact Peter.
Kate Mullen reported that the committee will be meeting March 21st to look at the Business Survey and Salute to Business event. A report will be available for the next Commission meeting.
John Breglio was not present. Peter Gillespie reported that the March 16th event is cancelled, it will probably be held two weeks later, but the date is to be announced.
Ken Rizzio summarized. Last Monday the Council approved the Loan Program as well as the proposal to make the 25K CIP monies originally earmarked for the Silas Deane Highway available for other areas; given that we got the STEAP money. The next steps are to set a meeting with the Finance Committee to discuss marketing initiatives for the Loan Program and developing procedures to administer the Loan Program.
Mr. Gillespie mentioned that that would make the total available for the Loan Program to be 40K to start. However, we did ask for additional money from CIP for July 1st. There are some administrative aspects that need to be figured out. For example, technically there needs to be a closing on the loans, so the responsible parties have to be decided.
Town Manager Therrien mentioned that the maximum would be kept at 15K because that was what was submitted to the Council. Peter Gillespie said that those interested now can contact him while the procedures are being worked out. Also, the Design Review Advisory Committee will be reviewing all applications. Plans are to get the word out about these monies by May.
The chair welcomes and thanks Mr. Forsdick for coming; Mr. Forsdick returns the thanks. Mr. Forsdick reviewed the Tourism Commission's mission, accomplishments, current projects and future goals.
Work with other tours to have Wethersfield the first stop among several towns.
Tourism should cooperate with SDHAC to improve signage.
EDIC may want to use the same marketing professional that Tourism chooses.
Promo kits should get into Hartford sooner than later (Adrians Landing, hotels etc.).
Wondering what the Chamber of Commerce is doing to attract developers and others.
Working with Riverfront Recapture is a great idea.
Mr. Gillespie reported that six design firms were interviewed last week and is now narrowed down to two. Second interviews will be held on March 24 with revised proposals and scope. Once one is chosen, and after negotiations, costs should be available for the next EDIC meeting. Once EDIC is on board we can present the figures to the Council. This will be partly determined by STEAP money and the timing of that, which we hope to have by the next SDHAC meeting next Tuesday.
Town Manager Therrien reported that the budget is slightly worse than last year therefore any monies that ca be applied for from CIP etc. would be helpful. Mr. Gillespie mentioned that EDIC budget is about the same as last year, the Grants position has been moved from the EDIC budget to the town manager's office, the secretarial position will not be in the budget, the Planner will be in the Planning budget.
Mr. Gillespie explained this meeting as a new initiative from the Town Manager for all land use boards and committees and Chamber to share information and discuss issues. The meeting will be at the Community Center at 6 p.m. Groups included will be Historic District, P&Z, SDHAC, ZBA, the Chamber of Commerce, EDIC, as well as the new Design Review Advisory Committee.
Town Manager Therrien lastly mentioned that the Town is continuing its efforts to find a suitable property to entice WFSB (CH 3) to move to Wethersfield. WFSB would like 5-6 acres with high visibility, easy RT 91 access, and possibly an area suitable for a helipad.
Andy Adil discussed the following topics:
Town Manager Therrien commented that EDIC is legally the Development Agency, so maybe there needs to be discussion about what that means.
Mr. Gillespie gave the report.
The chair complimented Mr. Gillespie's work and the obvious increase in economic development. Chair Rosania suggested that Mr. Gillespie note in minutes etc. whenever he provides his assistance in meetings to make his many activities more visible.
Chairman Rosania commented on the design firm search, the high caliber of responses, the many useful ideas the panel heard; and the Office Depot and Starbucks openings.
Chris Lyons gave the report.
Ken Rizzio reported that the next meeting time has yet to be scheduled. He has been in contact with Frank keeping him up to date by email.
Tom Grottke was not present.
Mr. Gillespie discussed the following topics: one of the original roles of SDHC was to advocate for new projects to help them get through the permit process, Dunkin Donuts will not be going into the Carvel location, the appraisal for Carvel is about 200K the proposed bill to limit the ability of municipalities to use eminent domain.
Town Manager Therrien mentioned: that Ocean State Job Lot will not be going in for at least seven years, keeping it vacant, so she will try to talk to the Ocean State Job Lot owners in Rhode Island, the eminent domain issue should be decided by June, we should probably get a house bill out concerning this, and the list of blighted properties should be out for the next meeting and would have to go to Council.
The chair asked to entertain acceptance of the February minutes with the correction that Doug Sacks name has a k not an h. Kate Mullen motioned to accept the February 2005 minutes. Ken Rizzio seconded the motion, all members voted in favor.
Already given
Office Depot made some nice comments about the region and SDH.
Kate Mullen motioned to adjourn, Ken Rizzio seconded the motion, all voted in favor. The meeting adjourned at 1:30 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted
Christine Paul