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MINUTES
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
OCTOBER 11, 2001
I. CALL TO ORDER
The regular meeting of the Economic Development Commission was called to order at 7:40 A.M. in the Main Meeting Room of the Simsbury Town Offices. Present were Chairman William Sweeney, Members Kevin North, Louis George, Director of Community Planning and Development William Voelker, Tom Horan of Main Street partnership and other interested parties.
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Since there was no quorum, approval of the Minutes of the September 13, 2001 meeting was deferred.
III. REPORTS
Mr. Voelker informed the commission that he had spoken with the owner/developer of the CL&P property, Mr. Greenberg, and that he has no immediate plans for development of the property. Mr. Voelker also informed the commission that the Apollo owner had brought in his design drawings as they stand and that he had asked him to permit the work in phases. He reported that the Assisted Living Facility on the Belden House site is still looking for financing and that approval for the two offices buildings had expired.
Mr. North stated that the town needs to recognize that under current conditions there may not be demand for new projects in the immediate future. Mr. Voelker said the town was working with small business owners to ensure tenant retention.
Mr. Tom Horan distributed the Report of Main Street Activities 10/11/01 (Addendum I) and reported on the activities of the Main Street Partnership highlighting the following ongoing projects: The painting of the Main Street Offices, the paint being donated by Konover; participation in Opening Night with the discount program and the use of SMART banners; using the SMART banners throughout the year; the winter lights program using the single candle lights, and that the Arts Council has approached them regarding using string lights on the buildings and decorating the light poles; a spring fundraiser in conjunction with the Talcott Mountain Music Festival; the work of the Economic Expansion Committee; the work on the skate park fundraising and that the town will do the prep work for the site and that Konover will
provide the asphalt.
MINUTES
ECONCOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
OCTOBER 11, 2001
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Chairman Sweeney reviewed the Bartram & Cochran Report in the absence of Mr. Stoltz. (Addendum II) Mr. George said he would contact Mr. Stoltz regarding a networking get-together in November at the legislative office building where a large number of telecommunication firms will be represented.
IV. DISCUSSIONS - Combined Commissions Report
Chairman Sweeney reviewed the September 2001 Report of the Joint Committee on Economic Development highlighting the critical questions that it had raised. First: Is the goal of increasing the commercial tax base from 17% to 25% the correct increase? Chairman Sweeney stated that this may not be possible and when developing the plan for next year this would have to be reevaluated. Second: Is potential development bypassing Simsbury because of perceived difficulty in obtaining approval from the town? Chairman Sweeney stated that the real problem is the lack of access to the town as well as a shortage of property; that the approval rates and timelines were outstanding; and that the Zoning Commission can act without going to the Planning Commission unless there is a statutory requirement.
Carol Cole, Co-Chairman of the Joint Committee on Economic Development, stated that in the past developers considered the process to be somewhat adversarial and difficult and that the commissions, while working to preserve the rights of the town, should be accommodating to developers whenever possible.
Mr. Horan stated that it is important "to get the word out that things have changed" and that the town is more business friendly.
Third: Are there ways in which the town's commissions can facilitate the development process through better communication with each other? Chairman Sweeney said that there are specific suggestions in the report to foster better communication. Fourth: How do we define economic development for Simsbury and what kind of economic development can members of the various commissions support? Chairman Sweeney read from the report that the town could support elderly housing, restaurants, recreations and entertainment, financial and insurance services, printing and publishing, business support services, engineering and architectural firms and biotechnology companies.
Chairman Sweeney stated that he felt the main message of the report was to maintain communications. Ms. Cole felt that there should be a group of Board Chairs and representatives of the Board of Selectman and Board of Education meeting on a regular basis to keep the lines of communication open.
MINUTES
ECONCOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
OCTOBER 11, 2001
PAGE 3
V. NEW BUSINESS
Chairman Sweeney informed the commission that he had to file an annual report by October 17th and that it was also time to begin work on the budget. Currently $28,000 goes to Bartram and Cochran, $35,000 to the Main Street Partnership, $6,000 in dues to the Regional Economic Development Organization and $10,000 in discretionary funds. Chairman Sweeney said decisions needed to be made on whether or not to continue retaining the services of Bartram and Cochran and whether or not the Main Street Partnership should be under the Economic Development Commission or the Board of Selectmen.
Chairman Sweeney said he had contacted the Republican Nominating Committee regarding the vacancies on the Economic Development Commission.
Chairman Sweeney said that he had received a brochure from North Central Connecticut Tourism showing foliage tours and that Simsbury is noticeably absent.
Joyce Howard, Co-Chair of the Tourism Committee said that this has been discussed a number of times in their committee and she would check with Greater Hartford Tourism Committee.
VI. ADJOURNMENT
On a motion made by Mr. George and seconded by Mr. North, the meeting was adjourned at 8:15 A.M.
Respectfully submitted,
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Addenda (2)
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