Town of Wethersfield
Economic Development & Improvement Commission
Regular Meeting
Thursday, August 10, 2006 - 12:00 Noon
Town Manager's Conference Room, Town Hall
MINUTES

1. Call To Order - Chair Rosania called the meeting to order at 12:03 P.M.
2. Attendance - Members in attendance: Chair Betty Rosania, Joan Hughes, Joe Cornelio, Howard Greenblatt, Frank Frago, Bill Knapp, Ralph Keleher, Paul Montinieri, and Doug Sacks.

   Members absent: Chris Lyons, Brian Silver and Cindy Jacobs.

   Also in attendance: Bonnie Therrien - Town Manager, Phil Knecht - Planning and Zoning Commission Liaison, Peter Gillespie - Director of Planning and Economic Development and Denise Bradley - Assistant Planner.

3. Old Business
   1. Silas Deane Highway Plan - Next Steps - Peter Gillespie reported that Fuss & O'Neill presented a draft plan to a joint session of the Rocky Hill and Wethersfield Planning and Zoning Commissions on July 18th. Fuss & O'Neill is awaiting final comments and suggestions.
   2. RFP Marketing and PR Assistance/Tourism Commission - Keiler - Peter Gillespie reported that the Keiler & Co. was approved by the Town Council. He noted that a meeting had taken place on August 9th regarding the website and that Keiler has agreed to look at a larger portion of the website as a whole and complete an assessment and recommendations.
   3. STEAP - Peter Gillespie reported that the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) will ultimately need to sign-off on DeCarlo & Doll's proposal for the 1st phase of capitol improvements on the Silas Deane Highway.
4. New Business
   1. Double A Transportation Shuttle - Peter Gillespie noted that he would seek a report on usage of the shuttle and discussed the need to design a flyer advertising the user fees and group rates.
   2. Silas Deane Highway Façade Program - Peter Gillespie reported that Rocky Hill recently changed their original proposal and that the Wethersfield program flyers will be distributed in the business survey mail out.
   3. Preserve America Grant - Next Steps - Peter Gillespie reported that the deadline for the RFP is August 17th and a meeting to discuss the proposals will take place after Labor Day.
   4. Redevelopment Agency - Bonnie Therrien reported that several people have responded in writing with interest to being members. Ms. Therrien noted that those interested will be interested and confirmed by the Town Council possibly in September.
   5. Business Survey - Frank Frago reported that the survey will be distributed next week and the return date for response was set for September 30th.
   6. Salute To Business Event - Frank Frago noted that the Chamber of Commerce would like to continue their partnership with the town for this event. The event will be held on Thursday December 7th at the Wethersfield Country Club.
   7. Cornfest Booth - Frank Frago reported that the Cornfest has become successful at showcasing business. Paul Montinieri noted that the event encourages potential business. Bonnie Therrien reported that more businesses are participating each year. Doug Sacks questioned whether there would be a charge for admission. Frank Frago responded that there will be a $2 charge for anyone over 12 years of age. A discussion ensued regarding EDIC participation in the event. Peter Gillespie noted that if the EDIC sponsors a booth, volunteers will be needed to man it. Chair Rosania noted that the EDIC will meet again before the event and discuss designated time slots.
5. Reports of the Town Manager -

   Town Manager's Report - Bonnie Therrien reported on the following:

   • The opening of the Town Hall Lobby and renovations to the new Planning & Economic Development Office.
   • Porter & Chester Institute's move to Rocky Hill.
   • The presentation of a $200,000 check by Governor M. Jodi Rell for proposed renovations to the Community Center gymnasium; and
   • Blighted Property List progress.

   Town Council Liaison's Report - No report was presented.

   Planning & Zoning Commission Liaison's Report - Phil Knecht reported on the seating of officers as follows:

   Chairman - Joseph Hammer

   Vice-Chair - Peg Wagner

   Clerk - Phil Knecht

   Tourism Commission Liaison's Report - Peter Gillespie reported on the following:

   • Designing a Visitor's Itinerary
   • Difficulty getting people to submit information for the Events Calendar; and
   • The preparation of 200 packets for the Meeting Planners Conference.

   Director of Planning and Economic Development's Report - Peter Gillespie reported on the following:

   • There is a new broker for the Weight Watchers Building.
   • The Fun Zone is under contract.
   • A Planning & Zoning application to open a hibachi style Japanese restaurant called Sake Café at 1105 Silas Deane Highway.
   • The opening of Fireplace Finesse on the Silas Deane Highway.
6. Chairman's Report - Chair Rosania noted that the Old Wethersfield Shopkeeper's are sponsoring a social on August 24th from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Village Tavern.
7. Minutes- Approval of July meeting minutes - Bill Knapp made a motion to approve the minutes with word reappoint found in the first sentence of 4.g. Election of Officers - 2006/2007 be changed to re-elect. Frank Frago seconded the motion and all voted in favor.
8. Correspondence
   1. Hartford Courant Article - Trolley
   2. Cornfest Flyer
9. Adjournment - Frank Frago made a motion to adjourn at 1:21 p.m. Paul Montinieri seconded the motion and all voted in favor.

Respectfully submitted,

Denise Bradley, Assistant Planner