Economic Development Task Force Minutes 03/18/2014 SPECIAL MEETING ADOPTED

Meeting date: 
Tuesday, March 18, 2014

TOWN OF SIMSBURY – ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TASK FORCE

MEETING MINUTES – MARCH 18, 2014, 5-7pm                  

Approved 4.1.14

Page 1 of 2

 

The EDTF meeting began at 5:07pm in the Board of Education Conference Room. In attendance were Nancy Haase, Deputy First Selectman and EDTF Chairman as well as EDTF members Charmaine Seavy, Ron Jodice, Selectman Lisa Heavner, Kevin Crimmins, Jeff Dornenburg, Diane Nash, Debbie Bernard, Chris Meile, Wayne Cobleigh, Bob Ethier, Louis Donofrio, and Holly Beum.

 

Also in attendance were Carolyn Bligh (EDC), Lou George (SCOC), Derek Peterson (ZC), Bob Kulakowski (PC), Simsbury Main Street Partnership Executive Director Sarah Nielsen (SMSP), Linda Schofield (BOF), and CT Main Street Associate Director Kim Parsons-Whitaker, as well as Mark Deming and Kris Barnett, EDC Chair and Vice Chair.

 

  1. Introduction of Members and Staff

Members each took a turn introducing themselves, mentioning their professional background, what prompted them to get involved in the task force and some of the challenges the town faces regarding economic development.

 

  1. Discussion of Background of Economic Development in Simsbury

The history of the role of the former Economic Development Coordinator position and past use of the consultant Bartram and Cochran were discussed.A brief background on the 1995 Economic Development Study was given and the resulting establishment of Simsbury Main Street Partnership (SMSP) was reviewed. The current branding created 8 years ago by SMPS was shared with the members.

 

Members were then given an overview of past economic development studies and reports accomplished by the town as well as programs. It was explained that this comprehensive list of source material would be emailed to the group – with a primary focus on their review of the Marketing Study conducted by Fairweather Consulting. The list of materials discussed and to be provided included:

 

  • Market Study Phase 1
  • Center Zone Charrette
  • Route 10 Corridor Study
  • Planned Area Development (PAD)
  • Weatogue Village District
  • The Hartford Charrette
  • Tax Abatement Program
  • Infrastructure Program

 

The following items were suggested to be added to the list of source materials:

 

  • Town Survey
  • Plan of Conservation and Development
  • Annual Report
  • Market Study Presentation to the Board of Selectman

 

Additional current economic development efforts were also reviewed, including the EDC website page, the Innovation Initiative and updating the Zoning Regulations.

 

During the discussion, additional conversation ensued about Simsbury’s proximity to the highway and its reputation in the development community.

 

  1. Discussion of Vision and Mission statement for the EDFT

Members reviewed the draft of the vision and mission of the EDTF. They discussed the role the EDTF would play with other boards and commissions, specifically the EDC. It was suggested an organizational chart be created to better help members understand the various boards/commissions and other organizations like SMSP and the Chamber of Commerce. It was briefly explained that the key role of the EDTF would be that of strategic implementation of the Marketing Study and other economic development goals they agree are a priority for implementation.

 

  1. Economic Development Techniques and Alternatives in Simsbury

Discussion of this agenda item was combined with #2.

 

  1. Meeting Dates

Members concurred that meeting to two weeks to get started on outlining and prioritizing goals and to further solidify a meeting schedule for the year. A third meeting date was tentatively set for 1/15.

 

  1. Next Steps

Links to the Marketing Study as well as the consultant presentation to the Board of Selectmen will be emailed to the members. The next meeting will focus on the review of that report and its recommendations.

 

The organization chart will created to provide to the EDTF at its next meeting.

 

Watching the “TED” video interview with the Mayor of Oklahoma City was suggested by Kevin Crimmins.

 

  1. Public Audience

Sue Bednarcyk, 193 East Weatogue Street, commented on the projects she felt would have been a good fit for Simsbury that went to other communities. She also suggested the members review the Town Survey.

 

Kris Barnett, EDC Vice-Chairman, commented that economic development needs to be a vision that all town boards and commissions understand.Everyone needs to read the study, figure out how to use it – ideas funnel to leadership than staff.