Economic Development & Improvement Commission
Regular Meeting
Thursday June 9, 2005 - 12:00 p.m.
Town Manager's Conference Room, Town Hall
Minutes

1. Call To Order - Chair Rosania called the meeting to order at 12:01 p.m. and introduced Denise Bradley the new Assistant Planner to the Commission.
2. Attendance - Members in attendance: Chair Betty Rosania, Joe Cornelio, Howard Greenblatt, Tom Grottke, John Breglio, Ralph Keleher, Frank Frago, Doug Sacks, Ken Rizzio, Joan Hughes.

   Also in attendance: Carmela Moore, Phil Knecht, Bonnie Therrien - Town Manager, Peter Gillespie - Economic Development Manager/Town Planner, Denise Bradley - Assistant Planner, Julie Montinieri - Town Councillor.

3. Reports of the Town Manager
   1. Town Manager's Report - Town Manager Therrien reported that the Town had a very successful bond rating presentation and bond sale with a rate of 3.78 for 20 years. Town Manager Therrien thanked all who participated in the rating including all of the work of the Town Boards, Commissions and staff. Copies of the rating from Moody's was distributed.

      Town Manager Therrien also reported that the International City Manager's Association was interested in have their annual conference in Hartford, however, there are not enough hotel rooms available within a 5 mile radius.

   2. Town Council Liaison's Report - Julie Montinieri stated that much of the bond rating report mentioned the economic development initiatives underway in Town and thanked the Commission for their hard work.
   3. Planning & Zoning Commission Liason's Report - Phil Knecht reported that at the last meeting 6 hearings were held and the Commission is very busy.
   4. Director of Planning and Economic Development's Report - Mr. Gillespie reviewed the May report.
4. Sub-Committee Reports
   1. Marketing and Communications - Betty Rosania reported on the successful Fam Tour event held on May 25 in a partnership with the Tourism Commission. Doug Sacks stated that the attendance was about 20% which is a typical response rate for an event like this. The Commission discussed the need for both Commissions to share resources and work together on joint initiatives.

      John Breglio stated that a realtor's breakfast is scheduled for July and a topic is still needed.

      Peter Gillespie reported that a meeting will be held shortly to get the visitation program back underway.

   2. Financial Strategies - Ken Rizzio reported that the brochure for the loan program was complete and a copy was distributed to the members. A press release is planned and a mailing to the qualified businesses will be sent out next week. The Commission members congratulated the committee for getting this program underway and Mr. Rizzio commented on the importance of future funding support from the Council.

      Mr. Rizzio stated that a brochure for the Tax incentive program will also be created.

   3. Development Initiatives - Tom Grottke reported on the progress of identifying and analyzing possible development sites on the Silas Deane Highway. Mr. Grottke reported that the Committee will work closely with Fuss and O'Neill on the analysis of these sites as part of the Master Planning effort for the Highway. The intent is to have this work ready by early September.
5. Old Business
   1. a. Culture and Tourism Partnership Grant - Mr. Gillespie reported that one of the grants was funded for $3,000 to update the Historic Wethersfield brochure.
   2. Fam Tour - Betty Rosania thanked Paul Montinieri for his work on this initiative and reported that a follow up meeting is planned with Destinations Connecticut to discuss how more benefit could be received from their efforts.

      It was noted that in the future the Town may want to work more closely with several of the local professionals involved in meeting planning such as Rob Gengras and Geraldine Munroe.

6. New Business
   1. SDHAC - Kickoff Meeting May 31 - Mr. Gillespie reported that a meeting was held at Rocky Hill Town Hall to get the planning efforts underway. Members of the press and public were present and several of the more significant issues were discussed. A public forum is planned for Mid July.
   2. Budget - Mr. Gillespie was directed to transfer $15,000 into the loan program before the end of the budget year.
   3. Meeting Dates and Times - Mrs Rosania reported that several members are having difficulty with the 12 noon start time for the meeting and suggested considering another start time. Frank Frago noted that the meetings used to start later in the day and attendance was poor and that is why it was changed to 12 noon. Frank Frago motioned to change the start date of the EDIC meetings to 4 p.m. starting at the next meeting in July, Ralph Keleher seconded the motion and the vote showed all in favor.
7. Chairman's Report - Chair Rosania reported on the following -
   1. Bev Pierz resigned from the Silas Deane Highway Committee and a Chair will be needed. Tom Grottke will attend the next meeting.
   2. Bob's Fruitstand has done a wonderful job with the remodeling and will be selling ice cream.
   3. The 3 Town Valley Book has been distributed and is a wonderful publication.
   4. Frank Frago suggested that the Commission take a year off from the annual business survey and distribute the survey every other year. The survey has been distributed for 12 straight years without a break. It was suggested that a Committee should look into the specific comments from the survey and try and focus on resolving any issues identified or meeting with those businesses requesting assistance. Peter Gillespie will report at the next meeting.
   5. Howard Greenblatt inquired as to whether the Town conducts follow up meetings with new businesses to determine if assistance is needed. Peter Gillespie stated that he does meet with the new businesses when he can and maybe a system should be established to formally conduct visits as part of the visitation program. Mr. Greenblatt suggested handing out town business cards to these local businesses to let them know we are available to help.
8. Minutes- Approval of May, 2005 meeting minutes - Ken Rizzio motioned to approve the minutes, seconded by Frank Frago, all voted in favor.
9. Correspondence
   1. Monthly Economic Development Report, May 2005
10. Adjournment - Chair Rosania adjourned the meeting at 1:15 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted

Peter D. Gillespie
Economic Development Manager/Town Planner