ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MINUTES
February 8, 2007
REGULAR MEETING
I. CALL TO ORDER
The Regular Meeting of the Economic Development Commission was called to order at timeMinute35Hour77:35 a.m. in the Main Meeting Room of the Simsbury Town Offices. Chairman Louis George and Commission members PersonNameNancy Haase, David Balboni, Mark Deming, Thomas Rechen, and Charles Minor were present as well as other interested parties. Commissioners, Jon Barney, Alan Levesque and Sharon Craig were absent.
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Rechen made a motion to approve minutes from the EDC meeting held on dateYear2007Day11Month1January 11, 2007. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Haase and passed unanimously.
Minutes for the Special EDC meeting held on dateYear2006Day27Month11November 27, 2006 are pending.
III. DISCUSSION
WIFI – Commissioner Levesque was not present. No update was provided.
Website – Nothing new to report. Hiram Peck continues to pursue a technology master plan. PersonNameNancy Haase continues discussions with Jeff Vose of MHA regarding the website project.
Developers’ Showcase – Discussion amongst the commission regarding the Showcase supported its value. The commission was unanimous in their opinion that the EDC should do it. Exposure and feedback has been good. Chairman George commented that it is beneficial in marketing to the commercial broker. Nancy and Alan were assigned to coordinate the Showcase. placeCityNancy will be talking to Jeff Vose regarding suggestions for what should be presented/offered at the placeCitySimsbury booth. Suggestions included a give-away, aerial shots of potential development sites and maybe a focus presentation on the “Riverview” approval process, possibly with inclusion of a testimonial from the developer.
Lou, Nancy, Mark, Chuck, Tom and possibly Dave will attend from EDC and will assist in manning the booth. The Showcase is scheduled for March 28th from timeMinute0Hour175-8:00 PM at the placePlaceNameHartford PlaceTypeConvention Center. Hiram, Rich Sawitzke and Tom Vincent should be invited.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MINUTES
dateYear2007Day8Month2February 8, 2007
REGULAR MEETING
Dave suggested that Rich Correia of Riverview be invited.
Mark Deming commented that Governor Rell’s budget message included funds for GIS implementation
IV. REPORTS
Selectman – Selectman Ryan reported that the budget process is over. The EDC budget was accepted. Dave provided the EDC with the highlights of the budget and commented on areas of ongoing concern, such as grand list growth and reserves necessary for post employment medical benefits.
Discussion continued regarding the addition to staff and consulting fees in the Planning Department, the study of the IT infrastructure, the GIS project and additional support staff in the Planning Department. This transitioned into discussion regarding the development of a true master plan for the downtown center zone, not just another study. Comments were made by Dave Ryan about how developers don’t really want instruction on what to do, they want the rules that they need abide by. Mark and Nancy both indicated that clearly defined walkways should be a very important consideration when developing the plan. The potential of the addressStreetIron Horse Blvd. area was noted by Chairman George and discussed by the commission and public audience. Hiram Peck agreed that only a
study is not what is needed, but he did indicate that studies can be valuable in the development of a very specific center zone master plan.
Dave expressed concern about the lack of adequate signage in the downtown area and how important it is for directing pedestrians and visitors, as well as for developers looking at the center zones potential. Responsibility for it should be assigned to a specific entity. Sara Floroski agreed that improved signage was extremely important and needs to be done in a uniform manner. Dave wondered in this could be funded by the Town. Hiram’s felt that it could be accomplished in a number of different ways. Sarah Floroski commented on the value of a market niche study when developing the master plan.
addressStreetMain Street – Sarah passed out for review a package that the Town of placeCityWinsted gives out to potential developers. Jeff Vose gave suggestions on different methods for putting a package like this together and how to make it most useful. Winsted is currently using it as supplement to what they already have on their website and seem to be getting results with the packet. EDC members liked the idea, but agreed that it cannot be accomplished in time for the Developers Showcase.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MINUTES
dateYear2007Day8Month2February 8, 2007
REGULAR MEETING
Jeff Vose will provide information from other towns that are also creating a promotional package of this type.
Planning for the ICSC conference in November has started. In the past this conference draws Developers, Real Estate Professionals, municipalities and some big players like CL&P. At Sarah’s request Howard Beach will sit on the committee this year.
MS is in the midst of their work planning for 2007. In March MS will have their 3rd annual Business Owners Meeting. More information will be forthcoming.
Director of Planning and Development Update – Hiram Peck reported that on 2/13 the PC will be meeting to discuss the section of the POCD that is still under discussion.
The Planning Department continues to work on the current in-process projects.
Lou questioned where the Hoffman project stood. Hiram indicated that the project is currently in the middle of the process and provided the EDC with a detailed update on the projects progress.
The Synagogue/Daycare project and Riverview have both been approved.
Dave Balboni questioned the timing of the approval process for the POCD.
V. PROJECT REVIEW
Plan of Development – Mark Deming asked for an update regarding adding to P&Z staffing. Hiram responded that a P&Z Enforcement position and a Secretarial/Administrative support position were in Planning’s budget.
Dave Balboni asked where the Konover project stood. Hiram has nothing specific at the present time. Dave brought up a communication that he received at home from SHARE. Hiram responded that it is his suggestion that communication of this type would be better presented at a public hearing. This form of individual communication can cause a tremendous amount of work for the town in the form of fulfilling FOI requests. When asked how he can control this problem, Hiram responded that he can’t, he can just make his opinion known. Hiram has suggested to Brandon Robertson that it would be beneficial to have the FOI Commission come into the Town to do a workshop.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MINUTES
dateYear2007Day8Month2February 8, 2007
REGULAR MEETING
MHA – Lou and Jeff outlined projects and plans for the upcoming year.
Jeff indicated that the MHA marketing budget will increase by $100,000 over last year, international efforts have increased and the SED’s document has been approved. The following events will take place in 2007:
- An Economic Development for Public Officials workshop on March 29th
EDC members Balboni and Haase will help coordinate
- Business Breakfast in April
EDC members Deming and Barney will help coordinate
- Developers Day, May/June timeframe
EDC members Rechen, Minor & Levesque will assist
- MHA Golf tournament in June
Discussion continued regarding the organization and completion of the above events and assignments.
Dave Ryan commented on wireless access in Town Hall and Eno. Ferg Jansen commented on the fact that SCTV will be purchasing HD equipment.
VI. New Business
General discussion ensued regarding maximizing the usage, realizing the possible draw and the potential economic value of the Town’s athletic fields. The possibilities are numerous and include food consumption, shopping exposure for downtown business. Sarah Floroski feels education is crucial so that organizations can learn about the advantages associated with using the fields.
Chairman George reported that Sharon Craig has resigned from the EDC. She will be relocating due to an employment change.
Liz Banco and Nancy Anstey report that the Tourism Committee and the FVVA will be hosting a CT Film Forum Night on February 28th at Eno. It will be a presentation on the economic value of filming in CT. The EDC was supportive of the idea and suggested that Tourism/FVVA consider putting together a portfolio that clearly outlines the uniqueness of the area and what it has to offer.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MINUTES
dateYear2007Day8Month2February 8, 2007
REGULAR MEETING
VII. Adjournment
Commissioner Rechen made a motion to adjourn; it was seconded by Commissioner Haase. The EDC meeting unanimously adjourned at timeHour9Minute29:02 AM.
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