Simsbury, CT - Economic Development Commission Minutes

The regular meeting of the Economic Development Commission was called to order at 7:35 AM in the Main Meeting Room of the Simsbury Town Offices. Chairman Louis George and Commission members David Balboni, Mark Deming, Thomas Rechen, Derek Peterson, Alan Levesque, Nancy Haase, and Charles Minor were present. Also in attendance were Alison Sturgeon, Commission Clerk, as well as other interested parties.

Bill Thomas stated that the Fly-In would be held this Sunday, September 23, 2007. They are expecting approximately 8,000 – 10,000 people to attend, with approximately 100 airplanes. He also stated that on October 4, 2007, a national convention will be held in Hartford for the largest pilot group in the country. Simsbury Airport will be utilized during this event as a relief airport for two days; the day before and the first day of the convention. He stated that they are prepared to staff this event, although, they are still looking for volunteers to greet people as they come off their planes. Mr. Thomas stated that they have also arranged discounted coupons from local businesses for guests so that, hopefully, they will stay in the Simsbury area and spend their time and money.

In response to a question from Chairman George regarding how many planes would be landing at the airport for the October 4^th event, Mr. Thomas stated he did not know. This will depend on how many people utilize the airport by calling ahead. Some planes may also be diverted to Simsbury Airport from other full airports in the area.

Chairman George encouraged the members of the Commission to volunteer their time to help out at the airport on October 4^th. He passed around a sign-up sheet so members could sign up for when they would be available.

In response to Commissioner Haase’s question regarding transportation, Mr. Thomas stated that they would not be providing any transportation, although, they would be providing discount rate vouchers from Enterprise Rent-A-Car, which is located very close to the airport.

Chairman George stated that he noticed the lack of properties in Simsbury, that may be available, listed on the CERC site, although, there were some listed. He feels that this Commission should become a member of CERC, at which time they can more aggressively develop the site. After this is done, cards can be sent out to land owners letting them know that if they have sites or land available for sale, those properties could be listed on the site. Commissioner Haase stated that they had talked about putting a list of available properties on the Town’s website and having a link to CERC. Being members of CERC would also allow them to keep in touch with landowners and to know what is available throughout the Town. With regard to holding events, Commission Haase stated this would be a resource to include the appropriate people and businesses at different events.

Mr. Vose stated that if the Town becomes a member, they will have unlimited site availability. He stated that there would be a training session on October 3, 2007 from 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. to update people on how to use the site and to talk about some added features of the site.

Chairman George stated that he wanted to show the Commission this site today, although, it could not be called up onto the computer. He feels that this Commission should become a member of CERC; Hiram Peck is also in favor of them

Chairman George stated that Konover has withdrawn their application for a proposed PDD. He stated that the Town of Simsbury has now committed to continuing their proposal within the next 90 days. He believes that it is important for the Town to have a PDD in general and that a mixed-use regulation is important.

Main Street – Commissioner Haase stated that they have received their State funding, which is part of Preserve America; the total was $30,000. She stated that they would also be having an auction for their annual fundraiser, which will be located at Simsbury Bank.

The Commission discussed a letter that they received from a local business owner regarding his concerns with parking issues during big events downtown that he feels are having a negative effect on his and surrounding businesses. The Commission felt that this was a legitimate complaint, although there must be a solution where you can bring the people downtown, but at the same time, solve the parking issues. Chairman George stated that this Commission, as a whole, feels that it is important to bring people downtown as much as possible. He stated that there would be a meeting between this business owner and some Town representatives to discuss this issue. He will be involved with this meeting.

Commissioner Haase stated that there are some businesses downtown, for example Welden Hardware, which need to have parking spaces available in front of their store during business hours, although, these business owners are not trying to take events away from the downtown area either. There was some discussion by the Commission regarding shared parking.

Selectman Update – Regarding the Fee Ordinance, Mr. Ryan stated that it has passed 5-1. He stated that there had also been some discussion as to whether or not there would be peer review involved. Mr. Ryan stated that he feels that it is this kind of regulation that has driven the value of land down in Simsbury within the last 20 years.

Chairman George stated that over the years, the land use Commissions in Simsbury do not rely on their staff enough to provide them information and does not entrust that information and vote accordingly with what the professionals have worked out. He feels that staff does their work and when it is brought before the land use commissions, they start from the beginning and somewhat disregard staff’s involvement. Commissioner Rechen stated that he agrees with this; the Commissions need to trust Town staff to do their job.

Mr. Ryan stated that he has requested that a discussion of the rules for the use of the performing Arts Center be put on the agenda at the next Board of Selectman meeting. He stated that they would also be discussing the Revenue Fund results for the last fiscal year.

Regarding the FVVA, Commissioner Haase showed the Commission a handout announcing their fundraiser. She stated that they would be having the Show House at the White House Opening Gala, which would be held on September 28^th with tickets costing $25. The house will be open from September 29^th through October 21^st. She stated that she would be e-mailing more information regarding this event to the Commission members.

Commissioner Haase showed the Commission an article, which had appeared in the Real Estate Journal depicting Simsbury. She stated that in the article, they talked about the Fly-In and the conference in October. The Simsbury page showed how people could “Live, Work, Shop & Play” in Simsbury. She feels that they should advertise Simsbury in other newspapers, also.

Regarding the CT Film Industry, Liz Banko stated that a scout came out and took some photographs of Simsbury, which are now on file. When the Film Industry is looking for a specific site, they will now be able to pull up Simsbury to see if the Town meets their specific needs. She stated that she has had several meetings with many Town Officials regarding permits. They have received generic permits from other Towns so they can decide what is the best for Simsbury.