ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MINUTES
January 10, 2008
REGULAR MEETING
I. CALL TO ORDER
The regular meeting of the Economic Development Commission was called to order at 7:38 AM in the Main Meeting Room of the Simsbury Town Offices. Chairman Louis George and Commission members David Balboni, Mark Deming, Nancy Haase, Derek Peterson, Alan Levesque and Thomas Rechen were present. Also in attendance were Alison Sturgeon, Commission Clerk, as well as other interested parties.
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Deming motioned to approve the minutes of the December 13, 2007, meeting. Commissioner Haase seconded the motion.
There were no corrections or changes to the minutes.
The motion to approve the minutes was unanimously approved.
III. DISCUSSION OF PDD STATUS
There was no update on the status of the PDD.
IV. REPORTS
Main Street – Sarah Floroski – Mr. Correia thanked the Economic Development Commission for their years of past support. He explained what the Main Street program is all about and what it does. Simsbury’s “Main Street” runs from Holloways to the north, down to Simsmore Square to the south, and West Street up to the High School. He stated that many business owners call their organization asking for help regarding how to improve their business. This past year, Mr. Correia stated that Main Street Partnership has helped Preserve America, they held an Auction to raise money, and Sarah Floroski is now writing stories in the Simsbury Post to highlight some of the small businesses in Town.
He stated that Main Street Partnership has an expanding role as an organization. Sarah has worked with the Talcott Mountain Music Festival; more will be happening with that this year. She has also been working with small businesses and helping to recruit small businesses. This organization is an economic development tool and they also have an education program. In January, their organization will be going before the Connecticut Main Street Board to talk about how their program works to all of the other communities that are members of this group.
Mr. Correia stated that from a budgetary standpoint, they are not asking the Economic Development Commission to give them money, however, they are asking for an investment in the community. They also have some grant money coming in from the Federal Government, from the State, and from the Connecticut Main Street Program. They want this Commission to invest their money and they want to leverage any monies they receive from the community to do even more for Simsbury’s downtown. Mr. Correia stated that they are requesting $50,000 from this Commission. He stated that they would leverage that into $150,000. He again stressed that this is not a donation, but an investment in Simsbury.
Commissioner Balboni questioned how many Main Street businesses there are and how many of those businesses pay in to Main Street and what their annual dues are. Mr. Correia stated that he does not have an exact number. Ms. Floroski stated that they are currently having a membership drive, and will get those figures to the Commission when they have them. Regarding the annual fees for each business, there is a scale. A business with less than 9 employees, they pay $100; for businesses with more than 9 employees they pay $150. There are also sponsorship opportunities and individual memberships, although she did not have the number of individual memberships.
Commissioner Deming questioned what percentage of the budget is covered by membership dues. Ms. Floroski stated that between membership dues and fundraising, it covers approximately 2/3 of their budget, although this does not include in-kind donations, which are professional services donated to Main Street Partnership. There is approximately $20,000 -$25,000 of in-kind services that they leverage through professional attorney fees, through printing fees, accountant fees, which are services that professionals can donate back to the community.
Ms. Floroski stated that Main Street Partnership is a twelve-year-old program. Economic development is not just one idea, it is very comprehensive. It is a combination of marketing, advertising, public relations, partnerships and projects. Main Street has trackable results. Looking at this request for $50,000 that is not a lot of money for what this organization does. They are creating a comprehensive, branding image of Simsbury. They also work with other organizations. They are not looking for a handout. They are a hard working organization and they are asking for this Commission to make an investment.
Commissioner Balboni questioned how big of a budget does Main Street Partnership have. Ms. Floroski stated that their budget is $95,000, not including grant money, with another $20,000 -$25,000 from in-kind services.
Chairman George stated that Main Street Partnership is asking for a substantially larger amount this year than in years past. He questioned what they would be doing with that additional amount of money. Ms. Floroski stated that their scope of services is increasing, and they would also like to hire administrative help in the office.
In response to Commissioner Balboni’s question regarding the Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Correia stated that there are many businesses that are a part of both organizations. Main Street Partnership works well with the Chamber, although they each have their own functions and scope of services.
Regarding projects that Main Street Partnership will be taking on this year, Ms. Floroski stated that the grant work with all of their current activities would consume a huge portion of their time.
Commissioner Peterson questioned if Main Street Partnership gives businesses money when they are having trouble. Ms. Floroski stated that no money is given to these businesses, although, they do provide services and opportunities. Also, if needed, they might bring in outside consultants through Connecticut Main Street. This is a local program that has State and National connections, which they leverage all of the time.
Selectman Update – Mike Long – There was no report.
Director of Community Planning and Development Update – Hiram Peck – There was no report.
V. IRON HORSE BOULEVARD DISCUSSION
There was no report.
VI. BUDGET 2007 – 2008 DISCUSSIONS
Chairman George stated at the last meeting, there was a question of how this Commission had funded the Farmington Valley Visitor’s Association in the past. Nancy Anstey, FVVA, stated that she has checked their records. The $4,000 that was discussed at the last meeting is the Town of Simsbury’s annual dues to the FVVA; it is not what the EDC contributes. From the period 7/1/07 – 6/30/08, they have not received the $3,000 from the EDC. Chairman George stated that, historically, FVVA has received $6,000 from the Town of Simsbury ($4,000 for dues and $2,000 if there are special projects). He stated that the EDC has already budgeted $3,000 for FY 07/08.
Regarding the FVVA goals for this next year, Ms. Anstey stated they would be holding a “City & Country Canvases” event in July. Last year, they raised approximately $3,000 at this fundraiser. Not only is this an opportunity to raise money, it is an opportunity to showcase Connecticut artists. She stated that, in 2008, they will be working on The Film Forum and the Preserve America Grant.
Chairman George stated that the EDC has always been a member, as a Town, of the Metro Hartford Alliance. Mr. Vose, Metro Hartford Alliance, stated that their dues are based on 20 cents per capita; dues have not gone up in 6 years. The only way they would go up is if the population goes up, which it does slightly.
Giving the Commission the MHA’s one-year report, Mr. Vose stated that regarding Iron Horse Boulevard and the assessment of this area, he has already talked to an Environmental Consultant and now a date needs to be set. Also, next year, the MHA will be offering their membership to Hartford Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs, which has been a very successful program. They will also be having business visitation, which they are excited about having this hands-on approach. Chairman George stated that the Town of Simsbury has been a member of the Metro Hartford Alliance for a long time. They have helped the EDC provide services to the Town in a professional fashion i.e. an economic development seminar for public officials, business breakfast and site tour. Commissioner Haase stated that the conferences
and seminars in education have also been very beneficial.
Chairman George stated that $13,000 for MHA should be budgeted for these services plus $4,700 for dues, which would total $17,700, which includes what the EDC contributes to the MHA for their help.
The Commission reviewed each budgetary line item. Regarding conferences and education, $7,500 is budgeted, although not all of these monies have currently been expended. In part, this is because the conference to bring landowners and public officials together did not happen. Speakers would have also been brought in to this conference to talk about the Center Zone and the downtown area. Chairman George stated that he would like to keep this in the budget for this coming year. Commissioner Rechen suggested that this conference and the Developer’s Day program be incorporated together.
Regarding Public Agency Support, the Commission discussed the fact that dues come out of this line item. Chairman George stated that this would increase by $18,000 if the EDC agrees with Main Street Partnership regarding their request. Commissioner Balboni stated that he has requested some information from Main Street Partnership regarding membership data and before a vote is taken on this budge item, he would like that information submitted to the
Commission. He feels that this information is necessary when spending taxpayer’s money and because of such a high increase. Chairman George stated that this budget information needs to be handed in this week. He stated that this Commission should consider the information they currently have. Ms. Floroski gave an overview of what their organization and membership is doing and where the money is going, and who is primarily funding their organization.
The Commission continued to discuss line items for education, consultants, public agency, postage, advertising, etc. The total for the EDC budget for FY 08/09 was $86,100. Commissioner Balboni, again, stated his concern regarding the increase under Public Agency from $40,000 to $62,000. He feels that the Main Street Partnership should be able to justify the increase. Commissioner Rechen stated that the work of the Main Street Partnership should be commended, although he does not feel that Commissioner Balboni’s request for information is unreasonable. He stated that there is an increase in the budget of over 50 percent, although he would be in support of the increase. Commissioner Haase stated that with the percentage of the money that the EDC contributes, there would be a much greater return on their
investment. Main Street Partnership is a great resource to the Town of Simsbury. She stated that she is in support of the increase. Commissioner Peterson stated that he feels that Commissioner Balboni’s request is justified. He stated that Main Street Partnership should keep better track of their in-kind services, although, in general, he would support this increase. Commissioner Deming stated that the work of this organization is great, however, when making a request of this kind, they should be able to distribute a proposed budget so the Commission could have a better understanding of their needs. He stated he would be in support of this increase, although he would still like them to submit their current and proposed budgets so this Commission would have a better understanding of where the Town’s money is going. Commissioner Levesque stated that he agreed with Commissioner Deming, although he would be in support of the
increase.
Chairman George stated that this Commission will vote on and submit their budget. It will then go through a process of budget workshops. He stated that he will be before the Board of Selectman during this process, and so will the Main Street Partnership. They will be able to answer questions regarding why there is a need for such an increase. He stated that he hopes that this meeting today has helped them to prepare for this meeting before the Board of Selectman. This is a work in progress between now and when the budget is finalized.
Regarding the Main Street Partnership portion of the budget, Commissioner Haase motioned to approve the Main Street Partnership contribution of $50,000 by the Economic Development Commission. Commissioner Levesque seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved, except for Commissioner Balboni, who was opposed.
Regarding the budget that Chairman George set forth during this meeting, Commissioner Levesque motioned to approve the budget for the Economic Development Commission of $86,100. Commissioner Deming seconded the motion. Commissioner Balboni stated that he was not opposed to the budget except for the Main Street Partnership increase. The motion was unanimously approved, except for Commissioner Balboni, who was opposed.
Chairman George stated that he would be submitting this budget along with a letter of explanation to the Board of Selectman. Commissioner Haase will be helping draft the letter and narrative to be submitted along with the budget. Chairman George stated that this letter will discuss other items that may not be within the EDC’s budget. He stated that last year they discussed the Planning Department’s need for additional staff, which did occur, and some master planning of the downtown area. The Commission also discussed the need for an Economic Development Director this next fiscal year. Chairman George questioned if they should incorporate this issue in the letter. Commissioner Levesque stated that it should be mentioned for consideration. The letter will also discuss the master plan and
Iron Horse Boulevard.
VII. NEW BUSINESS / CORRESPONDENCE
Commissioner Balboni stated that the revaluation assessments have gone out. He stated that he is trying to understand the methodology they used to calculated this. He feels that this is very important from an economic development standpoint. The three main components of the increase/decrease are: residential property owners; condo property owners; commercial and industrial property owners. Commissioner Balboni stated that this is a big issue concerning a lot of people. He would like someone to come in to educate this Commission; Chairman George agreed.
VIII. DISCUSSION OF NEW MATERIALS FOR EDC AND CONTENT ON WEBSITES
Commissioner Haase stated that she feels they need more information on the brochure. Ms. Floroski stated that currently, they are requesting consultants. Commissioner Haase stated that if the EDC handles their tasks separately from Main Street Partnership, they will have to go through the same procedures. She feels that there should be some discussion regarding this; it would be ideal to simplify the process and minimize the expense. She would like a discussion regarding the content of the brochure to be added to the February agenda.
IX. ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Deming motioned to adjourn the meeting at 9:58 am.~ Commissioner Levesque seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
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