Economic Development Commission Minutes 10/08/2015
Economic Development Commission
Regular Meeting Minutes
October 8, 2015
“Subject to Approval”
1. Call to Order
Mark Deming, Chair, called the regular meeting of the Economic Development Commission to order at 7:33 a.m. on Thursday, October 8, 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, Leo George, Chuck Minor and Allan Raphael. Also in attendance were Thomas Cooke, Director of Administrative Services and other interested parties.
2. Approval of the September 10, 2015 minutes
Commissioner George made a motion to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of September 10, 2015. Commissioner Barnett seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
3. Reports: FVVA, SMSP
Nancy Anstey, FVVA, noted that they held their annual meeting in September at the Farmington Gardens with the presentation of the EF-VEE Awards. She stated that out of the nineteen categories, Simsbury businesses were awarded eight of those. Ms. Anstey listed the winners:
* Lodging – Simsbury Inn
* Golf Course – Simsbury Farms
* Event Facility and Catering – Millwright’s Restaurant
* Pizza – Little City
* Grocery Specialty Foods - Fitzgerald’s Foods
* Finer Dining – Abigail’s
* Ice Cream – Tulmeadow
* Local Farm – Flamig Farm
Ms. Anstey discussed their first Farmington Valley Discovery Tour called Fall Family Fun which started on September 17th and will continue thru November 1st. She noted that the object is to go to five out of the seven businesses participating to see what they have to offer and you will receive a rubber wrist band. Once you have collected five wrist bands, you would turn them in for an opportunity to win two tickets to a UCONN Women’s basketball game. The drawing will be November 1, 2015. Ms. Anstey listed the participating businesses:
* Bicycle Cellar
* Flamig Farms
* Tulmeadow Farms
* New England Air Museum
* Cake Gypsy
* Roaring Brook Nature Center
* Farmington Miniature Golf
Ms. Anstey noted that they are still working on their 2016 Guide. She stated that they will also be promoting their historic sites November lecture titled “A Train Runs Through It” to be held on November 15th at 2:00 p.m.
Sarah Nielson, SMSP, discussed the Connecticut Main Street Center award of excellence given to the Simsbury Main Street Partnership in June. Ms. Nielson noted that they are currently doing several business visitations to help roll out some of the State programs. These visits are to help keep some of these businesses in Simsbury and/or expanding their businesses in Town.
Ms. Nielson noted that Main Street is currently focusing on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. She discussed the $50 gift card purchased at participating businesses for $40 that was held last year and noted they will do this again this year and will be adding purchasing a “passport” from participating businesses sponsored by the Chamber. She noted that these purchases will allow them to enter into a grand prize drawing.
4. EDC Photo Contest Program Update
Commissioner Barnett updated members on the EDC Photo Contest. She noted that it was live two days ago and was picked up by social media. Theyhave already received submissions.
Mr. Cooke and Commissioner Barnett discussed the setup and ease of submitting photos. It was noted that all submissions can immediately be used by the Town.
5. EDC Website Update
In Nancy Haase absent, Commissioner Barnett and Commissioner Bligh updated members on the EDC Website. Commissioner Barnett noted that there was a business focus group consisting of approximately fifteen business owners who provided feedback on the template for the look of the site. Ms. Barnett noted that they did some minor changes with this feedback.
Commissioner Barnett noted that the marketing group will review the final template on Tuesday and then it will be sent to Mr. Bazzano. She noted that they will need to get a sub-group together to keep this project moving forward.
Commissioner Bligh updated members on the professional photographer’s submitted photos of the six locations requested by the Commission.
6. Chestnut Hill Associates of Simsbury (CHAS)
Mr. Correia discussed the Chestnut Hill property and introduced the individuals attending the meeting and their involvement in this building. Individuals included Mr. Arnie Sholovitz, Mr. John (Jake) Sokol, Mr. Dick Anthony and Mr. John McCarthy.
Mr. Sokol, Project Manager, distributed information to Commission members on the property.
Mr. Sholovitz, Attorney, discussed the history of the Chestnut Hill building and the interest in preserving this piece of property in Simsbury. He noted some unforeseen issues with Asbestos and lead in this building that will require additional non-recoverable costs as well as other issues with the property. They are looking for any ideas the Commission members have to offer for this property.
Ms. Barnett stated that, with her job experience, there is a high demand for 55 and older housing in Simsbury, especially in the downtown area.
Mr. Anthony discussed the history of Simsbury and how important preservation of this building is for the Town.
Mr. McCarthy discussed the challenges to develop this property, which included the current housing market for the 55 and older population. He stated they have applied for a tax abatement with the Town due to non-recoverable costs of approximately $1 million.
Mr. McCarthy is asking for a tax abatement of:
* No taxes for the first two years of the construction period, which are currently $36,000.
* After they are up and running, freeze the tax rate for the next seven years as a vacant building, and pay the $36,000 per year.
* After the seven years, have the property accessed at current market value and pay the appropriate taxes, which could be an estimate of $160,000 to $170,000 a year for a rental property.
Mr. Sholovitz also noted that this building will qualify for a historical tax credit from the State and Federal government.
Commissioner Balboni suggested that the Chestnut Hill owners approach the Ensign Bickford foundation to see if they could provide any financial assistance.
Commissioner Deming noted that members will review this information and discuss at the next meeting.
7. Old/New Business
Commission Deming noted that the new Tourist office has opened up in the Chamber of Commerce office.
Commissioner Deming stated that he will be absent from next month’s meeting.
Mr. Cooke discussed the recommendations of the Task Force and noted that the First Selectmen’s office will be more involved in the Economic Development process in Town.
Mr. Cooke noted the MSMP is working closely with two businesses in Town to make sure they get the grants they need for expansion of their business. He also noted that Ms. Heavner has started a monthly meeting series with MSMP to be sure they are properly coordinating efforts.
Mr. Cooke stated that there was a successful emergency drill at Dyno-Nobel this past week that included the Fire Department and Police Department.
Mr. Cooke distributed a copy of the Connecticut Council of Small Towns 2015 Summary of New Laws to Commission members.
Mr. Cooke informed Commission members that there are two additional locations being considered for the new Senior Center. The sites being considered are the old Andy’s Market building and the Chestnut Hill (old Webster Bank) building. He noted that there are no commitments at this time. Commission members discussed the site options with Mr. Cooke.
Commissioner George questioned the status of hiring a new Planning Director. Mr. Cooke updated members on the status of a new Planning Director as well as the new Zoning Enforcement officer hired.
Mr. Cooke updated members on the status of The Hartford property and noted there is a buyer that they are working with.
8. Adjournment
Commissioner Barnett made a motion for approval for adjournment at 9:03 a.m. Commissioner Raphael seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.