Economic Development Commission Minutes 12/11/2014

Meeting date: 
Thursday, December 11, 2014

Economic Development Commission

Regular Meeting

December 11, 2014

“Subject to Approval”

 

1. Call to Order

Mr. Mark Deming, Chair, called the regular meeting of the Economic Development Commission to order on Thursday, December 11, 2014 in the Main Meeting Room at the Town Offices.  The following members were also present:  David Balboni, Carolyn Bligh, James Devivo, Lou George and Allan Raphael.   Also in attendance were Lisa Heavner, Board of Selectmen Liaison and Hiram Peck, Director of Community Planning and other interested parties.

 

2. Approval of the November 13, 2004 minutes

Commissioner Raphael made a motion to approve the Regular Meeting of November 13, 2014 minutes as amended.  Commissioner George seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

 

Amendment to Page 1, last Paragraph, 2nd sentence:  After discussion, the Commission {unanimously voted to support this effort} voted to approve this effort. Commissioner Balboni abstained from the vote.  Commissioner Balboni stated that he does support this effort.

(remove “unanimously voted to support this effort”)

(add “voted to approve this effort.  Commissioner Balboni abstained from the vote.  Commissioner Balboni stated that he does support this effort”)

 

Commissioner Deming requested a motion to add Elaine Lang, Executive Director of the Simsbury

Historical Society, to the December 11, 2014 agenda.

 

Commissioner George made a motion to add Elaine Lang, Executive Director, Simsbury Historical Society to the November 11, 2014 agenda under Old/New Business.   Commissioner Devivo seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

 

4. Reports update:SMSP; FVVA

Ms. Sarah Nielson, SMSP updated Commission members on the events in Simsbury including the Shop Locally event.

Ms. Nancy Anstey noted that their guide will be going to the printer next week and also updated Commission members on upcoming events of the FVVA.

 

5. EDTF update:Nancy Haase

 

Ms. Haase updated and discussed the progress of the Task Force, including the Tax Abatement program, with Commission members.  She noted that comments from the Task Force groups on the Tax Abatement program will be pulled together by Mr. Peck and put into a revised draft. 

 

Ms. Haase noted that the Chairs of the Task Force will be coordinating to get an update to present at the Board of Selectmen meeting in January.

 

 

3. Planning Director update:Hiram Peck

 

Mr. Peck informed Commission members that the Chamber is currently looking for new office space in Simsbury that is more visible and they welcome any suggestions or recommendations. 

 

Mr. Peck updated Commission members on projects currently going on in Town which included:

  • Simsbury Meadow study
  • Flood plain issues
  • Rental multi-family housing
  • GIS System
  • The Hartford property
  • Town shared parking
  • Temporary business signs
  • Powder Forest
  • Dorset Crossing
  • 34 Hopmeadow Street

 

 

7. New Minutes Procedure

Commissioner Deming asked members to read what the new procedures are for the new minutes in their packet and stated that this will be discussed at the next meeting if there are any comments or questions.

 

8. Old/New Business

Ms. Elaine Lang, President, Simsbury Historical Society, introduced herself and provided a brief update to Commission members.    Commission members also discussed the budget of the Simsbury Historical Society.

 

6. Proposed Meeting Schedule for 2015

Commissioner George made a motion to approve the Proposed Meeting Schedule for 2015.  Commissioner Balboni seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

 

9. Adjournment

Commissioner Raphael made a motion for approval for adjournment at 9:05 a.m.  Commissioner    George seconded the motion.   All were in favor and the motion passed.