- Call To Order - Chair Rosania called the meeting to order at 12:02 p.m.
- Attendance - Members in attendance: Chair Betty Rosania, Paul Montinieri, Frank Frago, Ralph Keleher, Joe Cornelio, Ken Rizzio, Doug Sacks, Joan Hughes, Howard Greenblatt, Brian Silver, Cindy Jacobs and Chris Lyons.
Members absent: Bill Knapp.
Also in attendance: Phil Knecht - Planning and Zoning Commission Liaison, Andy Adil - Town Council Liaison, Peter Gillespie - Director of Planning and Economic Development and Denise Bradley - Assistant Planner.
- Old Business
- Silas Deane Highway Plan - Peter Gillespie reported that DeCarlo & Doll have proposed streetscape improvements for the Silas Deane Highway and front yard beautification plans for town hall. The proposals have been sent to the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) for review. Mr. Gillespie noted that he was unsure whether the original STEAP award could be used for the proposed activities. Doug Sacks commented that it is absurd to talk about grandeous streetscape improvements when minor improvements such as weed removal and the Fun Zone and Porch & Patio sites cannot be taken care of.
- RFP Marketing and PR Assistance/Tourism Commission - Keiler - No news to report.
- STEAP - Discussed within agenda item 3.a.
- New Business
- Double A Transportation Shuttle - Paul Montinieri reported that a list of the parties eligible for the discount is being compiled and a brochure package regarding advertisements is being put together.
- Silas Deane Highway Façade Program - Peter Gillespie reported that he has fielded several telephone inquiries and met with a few interested property owners to discuss the program but no complete applications have been submitted. Ken Rizzio asked whether any of those that have responded have been dire cases. Mr. Gillespie responded that those parties who have inquired about the program are reasonably responsible property owners who were thinking about redevelopment already and the overall impact would probably be minimal. He added that he would begin targeting properties and aggressively seeking participation by sites that could become catalysts from change.
- Preserve America Grant - Next Steps - Peter Gillespie reported that the deadline for the RFP was August 17th and 6 proposals were received. The committee met and agreed on a short list of 3 proposals. Meetings to interview the qualified teams will be held next week.
- Redevelopment Agency - Peter Gillespie reported that interviews of prospective candidates will be held on Monday, August 25th and then the recommendations will be sent to the Town Council for approval.
- Business Survey - Frank Frago reported that approximately 800 surveys had been mailed to area businesses and that the deadline for submission is September 30th.
- Salute To Business Event - The event will be held on Thursday December 7th at the Wethersfield Country Club. In October award nominations will be discussed.
- Cornfest Booth - Frank Frago made a motion to sponsor the event with a $400 contribution. Ken Rizzio seconded the motion and all voted in favor.
- Reports of the Town Manager -
Town Manager's Report - No report was presented.
Town Council Liaison's Report - Andy Adil reported on the following:
- The $4 million bond for open space acquisition question will be on the November ballot.
- Wethersfield was 1 of 20 municipalities awarded optical scan voting machines by the Secretary of State.
- The mandatory meeting for all boards and commissions to be held on September 12th at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room at the Police Department.
Planning & Zoning Commission Liaison's Report - Phil Knecht reported on the highlights on the September 5th Planning & Zoning Commission meeting.
Tourism Commission Liaison's Report - Paul Montinieri reported that the Tourism Commission will meet on September 26th.
Director of Planning and Economic Development's Report - Peter Gillespie reported that the Planning & Zoning Commission has begun to discuss the issue of rear lots.
- Chairman's Report - Chair Rosania asked the Commissioners if the regular EDIC meeting schedule was still a reasonably good time to meet. The Commission showed consensus that the schedule should remain as is.
- Sub-Committee Reports -
Marketing and Communications - Chris Lyons 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.
Financial Strategies - Ken Rizzio noted that the last meeting had been held at the end of July. Peter Gillespie reported that one loan could be scheduled for a closing as early as next week and that he is awaiting legal council on two others.
Development Initiatives - Peter Gillespie reported that the subcommittee would meet after the Redevelopment Agency members have been selected.
- Minutes- Approval of August meeting minutes - Frank Frago made a motion to approve the minutes of August 10th. Ralph Keleher seconded the motion and all voted in favor.
- Correspondence
- letter from Bonnie Therrien to all representatives of Boards and Commissions regarding a mandatory meeting to be held on September 12th at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room at the Police Department.
- The Monthly Economic Development Report
- Adjournment - Frank Frago made a motion to adjourn at 1:32 p.m. Ken Rizzio seconded the motion and all voted in favor.