ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MINUTES
NOVEMBER 8, 2007
REGULAR MEETING
I. CALL TO ORDER
The regular meeting of the Economic Development Commission was called to order at 7:37 AM in the Main Meeting Room of the Simsbury Town Offices. Chairman Louis George and Commission members David Balboni, Mark Deming, Alan Levesque, Nancy Haase, Derek Peterson, Thomas Rechen and Charles Minor were present. Also in attendance were Hiram Peck, Director of Community Planning & Development, Alison Sturgeon, Commission Clerk, as well as other interested parties.
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Dave Balboni stated that on Page 3, he would like to add that he did not see many cars, “in the artist’s rendition”.
Commissioner Rechen motioned to approve the minutes as amended.~Commissioner Deming seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
Commissioner Haase motioned to approve the 2008 meeting schedule as written.~Commissioner Deming seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.~
III. CERC PRESENTATION
Chairman George stated that this Commission has agreed to join CERC.~This presentation will provide information for the Commission members as to what is available and what can be accomplished by the use of CERC.~Also, Dave Richmond is here, who is working through the Chamber to get all of the developable, available land on the web.~
Dave Richmond stated that it has been difficult to get an idea of the inventory of buildings for rent, sale, lease, and land for sale or lease in Simsbury.~It is currently on several different sites, prepared by different brokerage firms.~CERC allows information to be put on the website that is accessible by anyone with a computer for no charge.~
Mr. Richmond stated that he would like to help EDC create their database.~This will help provide information for people who would like to move into Simsbury and it also lets people know that Simsbury is proactive.~As a group, Mr. Richmond stated that the availability of property could be monitored and that there should be a link to CERC on the Town’s website.~
Chairman George stated that he would like this Commission to work with Mr. Richmond to let Simsbury residents know about this website and the benefits of listing their buildings and/or land on the CERC site.
Melissa Pasquale, a representative from CERC, made a presentation to the EDC regarding the website.~She stated that CERC is an economic development, non-profit organization.~Their private company is approximately 50% funded by the utility companies in the State; the rest of their funding comes from fee-based work.~The web address for CERC is www.ctsitefinder.com.~This site is accessible to the general public.~Someone does not need to be a member to log in and search for properties, although, there are memberships for municipalities, developers, and real estate companies.~It is $550
annually for a municipality to join.~They also allow people to post up to five properties for free because they want to have the most comprehensive database.~
Ms. Pasquale navigated through the website for the Commission members.~She also showed them how to search for specific properties and the special features of the site.~CERC is an all encompassing website.~She also showed the Commission the link to EDDI (Economic Development Data & Info).~
Commissioner Haase questioned how the listings on the website would get updated.~Ms. Pasquale stated that each property listing has an expiration date.~Prior to that date, the contact person for that listing will receive an e-mail to let them know they need to update their listing.~Commissioner Peterson questioned if the information on the site was reviewed to keep people from posting residential listings.~Ms. Pasquale stated that anyone listing a property for free needs to be approved prior to posting.~
Commissioner Deming questioned if CERC was viewed as a competitor.~Ms. Pasquale stated that some view CERC as a competitor, although, CERC does not view others that way because they are trying to market their product and CERC is doing this as a public mission to try and help economic development in Connecticut.~
Commissioner Balboni questioned that because CERC brings the seller and buyer together if brokers are not happy with this site.~Ms. Pasquale stated that most brokers want to have their properties marketed more so they get more exposure.~She stated that this website has approximately 5,000-6,000 searches per month and there are approximately 30,000 visitor sessions per month.~
IV. DISCUSSION OF PDD STATUS
Chairman George stated that the Town will be developing a PDD Regulation.~The timetable for this is approximately 90 days.~He questioned if the Commission members would like to send a letter to the Zoning Commission regarding their concerns that a mixed-use regulation get completed within an efficient timeframe so projects can move forward that fit within this Regulation.~
Mr. Peck stated that once Konover withdrew their application for writing a PDD Regulation, the Town, once again, started the process.~He stated that they are getting information from different parts of the country that have successful PDDs already established.~There are also a number of different interests regarding what this Regulation should contain and how it should be applied.~There were a number of comments made by the public and by Boards and Commissions; they are taking all of these comments into consideration and making them into a workable Regulation.~The goal is to finish the draft by the end of the year.~As soon as it is drafted, it will go through the public hearing process prior to the Zoning Commission taking any action on whether to adopt it or not.~
Mr. Peck stated that they have predetermined 5-6 locations in Simsbury where a PDD would be appropriate.~If someone wanted to put a PDD somewhere other than these locations, they will have to make a case to the Zoning Commission. The Commission can then approve or deny that.~He stated that they would like to set up a flow process chart where an applicant would come in with a general conceptual plan.~The Zoning Commission would or would not then designate that property as a PDD.~If approved, the applicant can then come back with a more detailed plan and a public hearing would be scheduled for public input.~
Chairman George questioned the Commission members if they would like to send a letter to Zoning.~This Commission needs to be concerned with how the Town is being perceived in moving forward with economic development.~Developers
and other Towns are watching how Simsbury is handling this process; this should be a concern of this Commission and one that should be raised to Zoning.~The letter would state that although the EDC knows the process and that they believe it is proper, it should move in a diligent fashion. Commissioner Rechen stated that, in effect, they have a moratorium on mixed-use development applications coming to the Town.~He stated that Simsbury is perceived as a frustrating place to entertain those kinds of applications; this is a real setback for Simsbury.~This process has taken much too long and Commissioner Rechen stated that he is in support of encouraging the Land Use Boards to move diligently.~There is a real need within the Town to resolve this issue responsibly and to get the Regulations in place.~Commissioner Balboni
stated that it is the obligation of the Zoning Commission to detail their time commitments.~He agrees with Chairman George and Commissioner Rechen.~Commissioner Haase stated that she agrees that the public perception is not favorable.~In addition to the letter for the Zoning Commission, she feels that something should be written in the press to say that the EDC is appreciative of the Zoning Commission’s effort to get this done and look forward to having a Regulation in place that is a trend in mixed-use development. Chairman George proposed that the Commission develop a consensus as to whether a letter should go to Zoning.~He stated that he will then craft a letter with Commissioner Deming and send it out.~
Commissioner Rechen motioned to send a letter to the Zoning Commission acknowledging EDC’s concerns with the PDD in helping to move the process along.~Commissioner Levesque seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
Mr. Peck stated that the entire text for the POCD is on the Town’s website.~It also shows the 14 maps included in the Plan.~In response to a question by Commissioner Balboni regarding~if modifications could be made to the approved POCD, Mr. Peck stated that modifications could be made by the Planning Commission.~State Statutes require that the Plan be looked at for possible revision a minimum of every ten years from the date of adoption, although, they could go back at any time to modify the Plan.~
Commissioner Haase asked Mr. Peck to speak about CROCGs GIS and his efforts.~Mr. Peck stated that there was a discussion with Simsbury’s GIS Consultant, Engineering Staff, IT staff and the Assessor. Their consensus is that while CROCG’s information is good information on a regional basis, it does not provide enough specific information to be helpful on a local level.~
Mr. Peck stated that in addition to working on the PDD, they are also working on the Zoning Regulations.~They would like to have these finished at the end of the year, although there is a great deal more work to do.~
Mr. Peck stated that new staff member, Lynn Sherest, will be working with Howard Beach.~One project that they will be working on is streamlining and updating the application forms.~Part of this will be creating a flow process chart, which will help people see exactly what needs to be done. Mr. Peck introduced another new employee, Henry Miga, Building Official, to the Commission.
Mr. Miga stated that he is encouraged by this Commission to hear them talk about the application process that people have to go through and trying to simplify it.~He talked about how his department is trying to better serve Simsbury residents in a more timely manner.~
V. REPORTS
Main Street – Sarah stated that they had their Alliance Meeting last week; they held an alliance program on regionalism at the Rocky Hill Marriott.~This was very timely because they were talking about the State of Connecticut and how they are moving towards thinking more regionally.~They had 108 registrations from all over the State.~
“Say Cheese” opened this week.~The owner has now enlarged his business to 3 stores.~As he has grown, he has expanded his space and has moved closer to downtown.~Sarah Burns will be moving into the old “Say Cheese” space.~Also, Selig Jewelers is celebrating their 30th anniversary on November 15th, 16th & 17th.~
Sarah stated that they have received $80,000 in grants.~They have also received a third grant of $6,900 from Connecticut Main Street Center.~There are no matching requirements for that grant.~They will be bring a $100,000 marketing program to downtown Simsbury.~They are currently meeting with business owners to get them involved.~They are also helping the FBBA, Tourism, and The Trails Council.~
Finally, Sarah stated that the auction, which is a fundraiser for Main Street, will be held this Saturday at the Simsbury Bank.~Riverview will be catering the event.~She stated that tickets are still available.~
Selectman Update – Mr. Ryan stated that there was a meeting several weeks ago and they discussed the transportation situation.~People have been complaining regarding the DOT putting in timed lighting in the area of Hopmeadow Street.~He stated that although the State recognizes the bad timing situation, the Selectman decided to wait until the next term to discuss this issue further.
VI. IRON HORSE BOULEVARD DISCUSSION
Chairman George stated that back in May 2007, he and Commissioner Deming met with Mr. Peck to discuss this issue.~Iron Horse Boulevard is an asset that can help the downtown area.~He stated that during this time, he was approached by several organizations in Town that need more playing fields.~There have been discussions regarding using Iron Horse for this in the future.~After some discussion, they feel that they need to determine what areas of Iron Horse are available for recreational needs.~In order to determine a long term plan and to use it in a fashion that fits within the character of the downtown and keeping it a natural recreational destination point, a plan needs to be developed to see what space is available, and what areas are ecologically sensitive that cannot be touched.~
Commissioner Deming stated that this parcel is more than 300 acres; Simsbury and the State both have an interest in this property.~A lot of this land is in or very close to wetlands.~In order to have a better understanding of what can be done with this land, a thorough inventory and analysis of the property and of the wetlands regarding the soils and wildlife, needs to be done.~After this is done, the Town will be in a position to say what part of this land can be used.~An analysis needs to be funded, which starts with an initial analysis.~Some analysis can only be done before winter sets in and would then continue into the spring.~This analysis will cost approximately $75,000 - $80,000, although the initial cost would be about $8,000.~Mr. Vose stated that there may be some grant money available if there are any environmental
issues on the property.~Chairman George stated that there is money available to begin funding this analysis, although a vote would need to be taken.~Regarding the steps to be taken in this process, Mr. Peck stated that a meeting with Town staff should take place to gather information that already exists on this property as the first step in this process.~
Commissioner Minor stated his concerns regarding spending this amount of money.~Although he would like to proceed with the study, he would recommend that it be investigated much more in terms of cost and what kinds of studies would need to be done.~This should be placed as a line item in the budget.~Commissioner Balboni agreed with Commissioner Minor.~He stated he was not sure the EDC has the jurisdiction to be doing this.~Getting information is worthwhile, although he feels that the EDC may be the wrong Commission to be proposing money to get this study done.~Although he is not opposed to spending the money, Commissioner Rechen feels that they would benefit from having a better understanding of what work has already been done and what scope of work would need to be done along with the potential costs.~Chairman George stated
they will work with Mr. Peck to better understand what has already been done and what is still needed.~
VII. NEW BUSINESS/CORRESPONDENCE
Commissioner Balboni stated the Town has payment in lieu of taxes for schools, which are not taxable entities.~Ethel Walker makes donations to the Town, which is not classified as a tax to cover services that the Town provides (i.e., fire protection, police protection).~He stated that this issue should be reviewed.~Not only is this a source of revenue, it is a source of expense.~
Kevin Meyer, 3 Eastview Drive, stated that at the last meeting Mr. Goman stated he would get a list of similar mixed-use projects to the Commission.~Mr. Meyer questioned if he had submitted that list yet.~Chairman George stated he has not yet submitted it, although, it will be distributed when they get it.
Nancy Antsey from the Farmington Valley Visitors Association, asked to be put on the agenda for the December meeting.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Rechen motioned to adjourn the meeting at 9:40 am.~ Commissioner Haase seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
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