Economic Development Commission Minutes 07/11/2013 ADOPTED

Meeting date: 
Thursday, July 11, 2013


ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
JULY 11, 2013

1. Call to Order
Mark Deming, called the regular meeting of the Economic Development Commission to order on Thursday, July 11, 2013 at 7:45AM in the Main Meeting Room at the Town Offices. The following members were also present: Allan R. Raphael, James Devivo, Charles Minor, Louis George, Kevin Crimmins and David Balboni. Also in attendance were: Hiram Peck; Planning Director; Lisa Heavner, Board of Selectmen; First Selectmen Glassman and other interested parties.

2. Approval of the minutes of May 2013
Commissioner George made a motion to approve the May EDC Meeting minutes, as presented. Commissioner Crimmins seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.

3. Reports: FVVA; SMSP
Sara Nielsen, SMSP provided an update on the recent marketing efforts that SMSP has been undertaking on behalf of local businesses. She provided information on the Talcott Mountain Music Festival and the impact of the concert series on local businesses. Ms. Nielsen spoke about the collaboration SMSP has with realtors in order to create a compelling marketing piece to highlight the excellent school system that can be distributed to prospective Simsbury home buyers. She then reminded everyone about the Farmer's Market and other upcoming Simsbury events. She spoke about SMSP website and the information posted.

Nancy Anstey, FVVA, provided an update on their 20th Anniversary Gala in 2014 as well as the 2014 Visitor's Guide. She provided dates on other upcoming events for the coming few months.

4. Status of the marketing study by Fairweather Consulting
Mr. Peck provided an update on the marketing study and the consultant's communication with local businesses. He said the consultant will be back shortly with his findings. Mr. Peck directed people to simsburystrategy.com in order to provide further input. He then provided information regarding the timing of Phase I of the study.

Mr. Peck then spoke about the Village District Study and said the next public meeting will be August 8th at the Library. He gave a brief history on the process thus far and what can be expected moving forward. The costs related to these studies were discussed.

5. Status of The Hartford Group charrette
Mr. Peck spoke about the three (3) firms left in consideration for The Hartford Group Charrette. He said by the end of this week, a firm will most likely be selected.

Mr. Peck then provided an update regarding Big Y, saying he expects them to start excavation in August.

6. Simsbury Meadows: an economic planning opportunity for recreation
Commissioner Deming provided a brief overview regarding this topic.

7. Presentation by the Simsbury Free Bike organization; biking as an economic driver by Pattie Jacobus and Ken Messier
Ms. Jacobus addressed the Commission and spoke about Simsbury Free Bike and how it interlaces with the other businesses in town. She spoke about the evolvement of the program and said they expect to exceed 1,200 riders by the end of the season. Ms. Jacobus said 71% of the participants are from out of town and spoke about the impact this statistic has on businesses. She then spoke about the Bike Advisory Committee and the importance of the Bike Friendly designation levels (getting to the Silver Level Designation).  She then spoke about the objectives for the coming year. Budgetary constraints and grant applications were then discussed by Ms. Jacobus in response to a question by Commissioner Deming. Signage needs were discussed. She asked for participation from EDC, and other town groups, in order to provide input.  Mr. Messier then addressed the Commission and spoke about a Bike to School program. He then spoke about the Open Space and the potential for mountain bike trails.

8. Old/new business
Commissioner Deming asked about attendance for the August Meeting, and it was decided the meeting would be held on August 8th, as previously scheduled. 
The topic of “Status of The Hartford Group Charrette” was reintroduced at this point in the meeting. Mr. Peck provided some additional details regarding the presentations at the most recent meeting and spoke about the three (3) different approaches proposed by the presenting firms. He then spoke further about the aggressive time frame of this process. The potential future of the property, and The Hartford’s goals/timing, were then discussed. This public/private partnership process was then discussed at length in terms of legal agreements that will potentially be in place in response to a question by Commissioner Balboni. At this point in the meeting, First Selectmen Mary Glassman provided a history on the partnership efforts of The Hartford and Simsbury and addressed Commissioner Balboni’s question further.
 

9. Adjournment Commissioner Raphael made a motion to adjourn the July 11, 2013 EDC Meeting at 9:15AM. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Crimmins and was unanimously approved.