MINUTES
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
AUGUST 12, 2004
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 Commission Members Scott Barnett, Nancy Haase, and Dave Ryan, as well as other interested parties.
II. MINUTES – 7/08/04
There were not enough Commission members for a quorum, and the July 8th Minutes will be voted on at the next EDC meeting.
III. PROJECT REVIEW
Dave Ryan reported that a press release had been done for the Simsbury Events Community Calendar. The calendar now on the website, will be updated and ongoing as necessary. Another press release will be done in approximately 3 months, and the calendar will also be shown by SCTV.
Scott Barnett reported that the EDC has presented all information regarding the Plan of Development to the Planning Commission. When Planning notifies the EDC that their section is slated for review on the Agenda, an EDC member will attend the meeting to respond to any questions.
Nancy Haase reported on the status of the EDC Booth to be set up at Septemberfest. A brochure of information, including Town projects to be listed at the event, was given to members present (Addendum I).
Nancy stated while some of the material that had been shown at the Developer’s Showcase could still be used, it was of more importance at this event to show people the different projects going on in Town.
Members discussed on what form of material the eleven projects would be featured on.
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The costs involved for foam core boards versus banners that have scanned information and photos were discussed. It was decided using the banners is more cost effective in the end. The lead-time for information needed to be put on the banners is 10 days.
A mock-up of how the business projects are to be featured was shown, (see Page 2 in Addendum I), and it was agreed that the total tax benefit to the Town would be listed as one number at the end and not listed individually by business.
Business cards are being printed for EDC (with Lou George’s name on them) to be handed out at the booth for people to have a contact. Members who distribute them can write their name on the back of the card.
Fact sheets for people manning the booth will be printed with information to respond to questions.
Nancy Haase also showed a mock-up of the Town of Simsbury EDC sign that will be hung on the booth. It will be put on weather friendly material that can be used again in the future.
The costs of gift-give-aways were discussed and what item, if any, to be given out. An example of water bottles was used, and it was reported that 500 pieces would cost $400. A refrigerator magnet/clip with the EDC telephone number and name on it was suggested. Dave Ryan said he was opposed to the gift idea, and Nancy said she would e-mail all members to get their feedback.
Dave Ryan suggested it would be helpful to have something published on the Special Town Meeting that is scheduled for September 14th regarding the school athletic fields.
Tom Vincent, who was attending the EDC meeting, stated there would be a vote at the September 14th meeting for all registered voters who attend.
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It was suggested having a hand-out with information on the upcoming September 14th meeting, the Rails To Trails meeting before the Board of Selectmen September 13th, and the Band Shell project would be beneficial in getting the word out one more way.
Tom Vincent reported that groundbreaking for the band shell is expected the middle to end of September. A realistic cost for the project is estimated at $1.3 million. Fund raising efforts have come close to this number, and the State granted $500,000 and $150,000 for this project. Future construction/additions to the band shell, which may be done, would bring the package cost to $2.6 million.
IV. VISITOR CENTER CORRESPONDENCE
A letter written by Tom Vincent stating support for the Visitor Center was discussed. The Center budget will run out in 3 months and help is needed to keep it going. The First Selectman has asked the support of EDC in fundraising efforts.
Lengthy discussion took place regarding the importance of the Visitor Center, businesses that supplied a “one time” contribution, the future location of the Center, hours staffed necessary, and what is done elsewhere. Nancy Antsy, from FVVA said tourism is done regionally elsewhere and there is nothing done like in Simsbury.
Scott Barnett said he would draft an RFP with critical components for the Visitor Center and this will be discussed at the next EDC meeting.
V. FVVA
Nancy Antsy distributed to the EDC members the quarterly Geiger Recap (Addendum II). She reported since the last report media placements rose from 60 to 78 and potential visitors reached went from 4 million to over 6.5 million.
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Nancy Ansty asked the EDC if a letter should be written to them regarding the $2,000 that EDC budgeted as a contribution to FVVA. It was stated she should send a letter to Lou George, and this will be put on the agenda for the next EDC meeting.
VI. OTHER BUSINESS
Nancy Haase reported that the Ensign Bickford meeting with the Planning Commission and Zoning Commission combined, scheduled for September 20th, does not meet the application deadline (confirmed by John Loomis), and EB would need an extension filed. She expressed concern with the process and the perception the Town is making in not making good attempts at keeping the timeline.
Another matter is the very outdated EDC web page. This is a topic to be discussed at the next EDC meeting to determine the game plan to bring this web page up-to-date with recent information and Minutes that already exist.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
The Economic Development Commission adjourned the meeting at 9:30 A.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Laurie Lungarini
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