Economic Development Commission Minutes 07/09/2015
Economic Development Commission
Regular Meeting Minutes
July 9, 2015
“Subject to Approval”
Call to Order
Mark Deming, Chair, called the regular meeting of the Economic Development Commission to order at 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 9, 2015 in the Main Meeting Room of the Simsbury Town Offices located at 933 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, CT. The following members were also present: David Balboni, Kristen Barnett, Co-Chair, Carolyn Bligh, James Devivo, Lou George, Chris Meile and Allan Raphael. Also in attendance were Hiram Peck, Director of Community Planning and other interested parties.
2. Approval of the June 11, 2015 minutes
Commissioner Balboni discussed that he did not believe that the minutes adequately expressed a discussion held at the last meeting regarding the frustration of having public hearings for the Business Improvement policy.
Commissioner Bligh made a motion to approve the Regular Meeting of June 11, 2015 minutes. Commissioner Raphael seconded the motion. Three voted in favor (Bligh, Deming and Meile) of the minutes and four voted against (Balboni, Barnett, George and Raphael). Commissioner Devivo abstained
Commissioner Barnett suggested that the comments/additions get discussed and voted on at the next meeting. She suggested that it needs to be clear that the incentive policy was discussed and the frustrations of the Economic Development Commission regarding the process of how these items are brought forth. Ms. Barnett stated that it needs to be mentioned in the minutes to be reflective of what the discussion was to summarize the fact that the policy was endorsed by the Economic Development Task Force and the Economic Development Commission members and how they are frustrated and do not understand why this is going to a public hearing and is up for discussion again.
3. Planning Director Update:assessor grant list; discussion of survey results
Mr. Peck discussed the projects that have been approved in Town. These projects included:
Dorset Crossing – regard to the medical office
East Apartments and specialty housing
132 Plank Hill – previous office building changing to four residential
155 Hopmeadow Street – convenience store
690 Hopmeadow Street – former Webster Bank building
34 Hopmeadow Street - apartments
Big Y
Carson Way – 74 units
Powder Forest PAD residential units
West Street – 88 apartments and 20 condos
Phonon – before and after addition
Hoffman Auto
44 Bushy Hill – construction of new bank
Mr. Peck discussed the results of the recent Town survey and also noted that the results are posted on-line. The survey was completed by phone to 400 residents.
Commission members asked questions regarding the survey and results. Some questions asked on the survey were the age of participants, location and taxes for the new community center, higher density housing and open space.
Commissioner George asked if there was an Economic Development Commission member involved in the meeting of the new Community Center. Mr. Peck noted that there are staff members and two members of the Board of Selectmen meeting on this.
Commission members discussed open space, including the funding and ways it could be altered.
4. Reports: FVVA; SMSP
Nancy Anstey, FVVA, noted that they are working on completing their 2016 Guide, as well as the Best of Farmington Valley awards. She also discussed the following items: Finalize Farmington Valley Discovery Tours, Annual Meeting on September 16th, member and non-member survey and the Haunted Mini Golf event in October.
Sarah Nielson, SMSP, reminded Commission members of the International 180/185 Club convention is being held in Simsbury from July 12th to the 17th. There will be planes flying in and out of Simsbury airport. She also discussed the Business Community meeting recently held and items that were discussed. Ms. Nielson also discussed the pond trail, Simsbury Library, Farmers Market and Taste of Simsbury, which is their major fundraising event.
5. EDTF update: Business Incentive and Tax Abatement Policy; review
Mr. Peck referred to the Economic Development Task Force – Working Group Meeting Recap handout to Commission members and noted that most of it refers to the website update.
Mr. Peck discussed the work currently being done on the Economic Development Commission web page and other proposed changes being discussed. He noted that they expect to have a meeting with the business community sometime in August for their input. Mr. Peck referred to the Simsbury Business Incentive Program handout to Commission members and noted that they have already received an application from a business owner for this program.
Commission members voiced their concern of adding residential properties to the Business Incentive Program and some of reasons this policy was created.
Commissioner Barnett discussed her frustration that the First Selectmen’s office is not making this a commitment to Economic Development of Simsbury by not issuing a press release to announce this program to local businesses.
Commissioner George made a motion that the Economic Development Commission prepares a letter to the Board of Selectmen that this policy be promoted by way of a press release website for the local businesses. Commissioner Barnett seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
6. Website Update
Commissioner Barnett stated that there have been many changes to the website. She noted that what was presented was inconsistent with the branding that we currently have and the look of the Economic Development Commission page that was proposed.
Commission members voiced their concern that there is not an Economic Development Commission member invited to the meetings to discuss the website to provide feedback. It was noted that this website had started in the Economic Development Commission meetings and they should be involved.
Commissioner Devivo made a motion to have a presentation of the current version of the draft of the website, as it currently exists, and the EDC page specifically, for the Economic Development Commission’s feedback and comment at the next Economic Development Commission meeting in August. Commissioner George seconded the motion. Six voted in favor of the motion and Commissioner Raphael voted no. The motion passed.
Commission members discussed the time spent on this website and why the Economic Development Commission should be involved in this process. It was noted that more photography needs to be on the website.
7. Old/New Business
Nothing was discussed.
8. Adjournment
Commissioner George made a motion for approval for adjournment at 9:07 a.m. Commissioner Meile seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.