Economic Development Commission Minutes 09/10/2015

Meeting date: 
Thursday, September 10, 2015

Economic Development Commission

Regular Meeting Minutes

September 10, 2015

“Subject to Approval”

 

 

1. Call to Order

Mark Deming, Chair, called the regular meeting of the Economic Development Commission to order at 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 10, 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, Leo George, Chris Meile and Allan Raphael.   Also in attendance were Thomas Cooke, Director of Administrative Services, Christopher Kelly, Board of Selectmen and other interested parties.

 

 

2. Approval of the August 13, 2015 minutes

 

Commissioner Raphael made a motion to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of August 31, 2015. Commissioner Barnett seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.  Commissioner George abstained.

 

 

3. Update on Photo Contest:Tom Cooke

Mr. Cooke updated Commission members on the photo contest and noted that Commissioner Barnett put together a package of information for the contest that was submitted to Town Counsel.  The information has been reviewed and they are starting to put the competition together.

 

Mr. Cooke stated that he believes the contest could begin within a month.  Commissioner Barnet and Mr. Cooke discussed ways the contest could be announced to the public.

 

 

4. Reports FVVA, SMSP

 

Ms. Sarah Nielson, SMSP, noted that West Simsbury ranked 43rd for residential real estate, based on how long it takes real estate to sell.  She also stated that Simsbury hit the top ten of best places to live from Money Magazine and discussed ways to announce this to the public.

 

Ms. Nielson also discussed the following events:

  • Septemberfest
  • Taste of Simsbury
  • Pond Trail

 

Commissioner Deming reported on FVVA for Nancy Anstey and noted the following items:

  • Farmington Valley Visitor’s Association annual meeting is Wednesday, September 16 from 5:30 to 7:30 at the Farmington Gardens.They will be presenting their 2nd annual EF-VEE Awards.
  • Finalizing the November lecture on the topic of a River Runs Through It.
  • Finalizing the content of their 2016 Guide for the end of September
  • Preparing materials and schedules for participation in the Sam Collins Day, Avon Day and Arts and Crafts show to be held at the Avon Village Market Place.
  • In the process of creating their new Fall/Winter Farmington Valley Visitor’s Association menu guide.

 

 

5. Website Update

 

Ms. Nancy Haase updated Commission members on the Website and discussed the following items:

  • Photo Contest
  • Professional photographer for the website

 

Ms. Haase asked for support from the Economic Development Commission to bring in a professional photographer to assist with the photo contest and setting up the pictures in the website.

 

Commission members discussed how the pictures would be used, what the professional photographer would be required to do for the website and the cost of the photographer.

 

Commissioner Bligh made a motion to approve Keith Claytor, Time Frozen Photography, to photograph the six locations for $2,400.  Commissioner Barnett seconded the motion.  Six were in favor of the motion and Commissioner Balboni abstained.  The motion passed.

 

Ms. Haase and Commissioner Bligh discussed the Home page of the website with Commission members and provided a handout.  Ms. Haase invited members to attend the Focus Group meeting on September 22nd.

 

Commission members, Mr. Cooke and Ms. Haase discussed some of the content of the website.

 

Ms. Haase noted that the next step is for the Task Force process groups’ recommendations and updated Commission members and providing a copy of the draft that was approved by the Task Force on Tuesday.  The draft included two changes and Ms. Haase asked Commission members for their support on these two changes. 

 

Commissioner George discussed how the Economic Development Commission members are staffed by the Planning Director.  He also discussed Commission members and their knowledge of their role in the process and their orientation to the process.  Commissioner George also discussed the transparency on the voting records in the future.

 

Commissioner Barnett made a motion to have the Economic Development Commission recommend that the document from the Process Group be brought forth to the Board of Selectmen for their review and approval.  Commissioner Meile seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

 

6. Proposed: Friends of Simsbury Farms, Inc., 501c(3)

 

Commissioner Deming noted that he has been working on a Friends of Simsbury Farms 501c(3) drafted document with two other individuals.   He noted that this came about from individuals who have made donations to the golf course.   Commissioner Deming stated that this will allow anyone to make donations to any of the facilities at Simsbury Farms.  These contributions would be above and beyond the Town’s obligation for Capital Improvements and basic maintenance. 

 

Commissioner Deming discussed the steps to complete the 501c(3).  He stated that he like to see it up and running by January 2016.

 

7. Old/New Business

 

Commissioner George announced the Government Affairs for the Simsbury Chamber of Commerce has a legislative wrap up summary on Tuesday, September 15, 2015 at 8:00 a.m. at Eno Hall and invited everyone to attend.

 

Commissioner George also noted that Simsbury Chamber also has the Chili Challenge on October 31, 2015 at the Performing Arts Center from 12:00 to 6:00 p.m. 

 

Ms. Nielson noted that there will be a Visitor Center ribbon cutting at 4:00 p.m. on October 5, 2015.  Those who would like to attend you can RSVP with the New Visitor Center.

 

8.Adjournment                                                                                                               

Commissioner George  made a motion for approval for adjournment at 8:57 a.m.  Commissioner Bligh seconded the motion.   All were in favor and the motion passed.