Chair, Betty Rosania, Joe Cornelio, Howard Greenblatt, Kate Mullen, Joan Hughes. Paul Montinieri, Chris Lyons, Cindy Jacobs, Ralph Keleher, John Breglio, Tom Grottke, Ken Rizzio, and Andy Adil.
Also present were: Bonnie Therrien, Peter Gillespie, Julie Montinieri, Phil Knecht, Charlie Forsdick and Christine Paul.
The meeting was called to order at 11:35 by acting Chair Chris Lyons.
Real Estate Breakfast - March 16
Chris Lyons reported that the breakfast was the third one held and it was well attended by over 20 including staff and the Mayor.
Loan Program
Mr. Gillespie spoke with Mr. Fernando Rosa and said he could provide boilerplate agreements. Grants were discussed again but decided to keep as loans. Mr. Fernando suggested that it is possible to close loans of this small size without a closing cost. This could be a $500/loan savings. Administrative logistics should be squared away by May.
Culture and Tourism Partnership Grant
Mr. Gillespie reported that two grant s were applied for: 1) Assistance with the historical Wethersfield brochure and furthering distribution and 2) Assistance with the monies for way finding program. Tourism has agreed to put up the required matching cash because they have 6K left from last year.
SHDAC - Recommendation - Design Consultant Selection
Mr. Gillespie reported that the final two design firms have given their follow-up proposals and Rocky Hill and some here wanted to negotiate with the higher end firm. One concern is how cutting 100K would affect end product. Goal is to get our final recommendation to Council by the first meeting in May.
Budget 2005/2006
Town Manager Therrien included Budget summaries and explanation handout in packet. She suggested that members attend the public hearing. Sign-up is only in person at Town Hall or at 6:30 at the high school.
Mr. Forsdick is asking for double the money they got last year specifically for the following three projects: 1) promo kit 2) display ads in national magazines 3) 3K for way finding project.
STEAP
Mr. Gillespie mentioned that the first STEAP money will probably be available in early May for the landscape architect firm. The State is asking for a revised budget and design guidelines before STEAP money will be released for the Façade program. The design firm is the group that will be creating the guidelines, so money for the Façade program will probably not be available until the fall.
State of the Town - May 5
Mr. Gillespie stated that the registration form is in the packet and needs to filled out and returned the Chamber. Cost is $15 for members & $20 for non-members. Commission members and staff would be considered members.
Discussion with Bond Counsel
Doug Gillette from Day, Berry & Howard LLP discussed alternative financing available to municipalities for special projects. Sometimes alternative financing can help streamline the process, avoid a referendum, and not go against the debt load. TIF and Revenue bonds were two options discussed.
Town Manager's Report
Town Manager Therrien mentioned three items:
Town Council Liaison's Report
Andy Adil discussed the upcoming public hearing on the budget to be held next Monday. He suggested that members show up if they want more money for EDIC. Councilman Adil also mentioned that a statement could be submitted if unavailable to attend in person.
Chair Rosania mentioned that at this time less money is available for Land Acquisition. She stated that more education and persuasion is needed to improve this situation. Mr. Adil replied that if this is a concern that more money should be requested for this at the meeting.
Planning & Zoning Commission Liaison's Report
Phil Knecht was not present to give the report.
Director of Planning and Economics Development's Report
Mr. Gillespie included the monthly update in the packet and highlighted a few recent activities such as: Office Depot grand opening, Starbuck's ribbon cutting, Main St. Creamery ribbon cutting, Lasik Vision Plus, and Baby Boom opening soon in end unit at eh Golf Brook shops.
Chairman's Report
Chairman Rosania thanked John Breglio and Chris Lyons for a job well done on the Realtor Breakfast and began discussion on whether EDIC should continue to spend $400 on a booth at the Corn Fest. It was decided that EDIC wants to support/partner with the Chamber but not continue having a booth. Cindy Jacobs motioned to discontinue spending $400 for this event, Tom Grottke seconded the motion, a friendly amendment by Chris Lyons motioned to simply not have a booth; all voted in favor with Joan Hughes abstaining.
The chair asked that a discussion about Chamber friendly allocations/commitments be included on the next agenda.
Marketing and Communications
Chris Lyons welcomes Charlie Forsdick, Chair of the Tourism Commission to update commission. Charlie thanks Chris Lyons and Paul Montinieri. Charlie explained that a Fam trip of Wethersfield is being planned for those involved in planning local tourism events. The estimated cost would probably run $20 per person and 50 people would attend. When cocktails at the Old Village Tavern were mentioned Town Manager Therrien mentioned that it is best to not spend tax money on alcohol.
Tom Grottke motioned to provide $1,000 towards the Fam Tour as requested by Mr. Forsdick; Cindy Jacobs seconded the motion, all voted in favor.
Financial Strategies
Ken Rizzio reported on loan program. The goal is to have monies available by the end of May and also make this a permanent part of the budget. Administrative details are what are left to be worked out.
The Chair asked how we plan to get the word out. Mr. Gillespie stated that he plans to mail the information to potential applicants, press release, web site etc...
Development Initiatives
Tom Grottke reported on his discussion with Mr. Gillespie and Andy Adil with hopes to bring ideas before Council. He asked if this subcommittee should have a role with SDHAC and what role if any they could play in supporting the Town Manager and Town Planner.
Goals mentioned:
Few areas - groups - 1 year ago sited 20 sites
Lean toward multiple sites since business can slow up if only one site is done (Ex. Five development sites on the Silas Deane Highway)
The next meeting will be April 27th.
Ken Rizzio motioned to accept the minutes, all voted in favor.
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