MINUTES
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
SEPTEMBER 9, 2004
I. CALL TO ORDER
The regular meeting of the Economic Development Commission was called to order at 7:35 A.M. in the Main Meeting Room of the Simsbury Town Offices. Present were Chairman Lou George, Commission Members Dave Balboni, Scott Barnett, Sharon Craig, Nancy Haase, and Dave Ryan, as well as other interested parties.
II. MINUTES – 7/08/04 & 8/12/04
Sharon Craig reported that under III. Reports, paragraph 2 of the 7/8/04 Minutes, it should read “Tom Horan” reported, and not Commissioner Haase reported.
Scott Barnett made a motion, seconded by Sharon Craig, and passed unanimously to approve the Minutes of 7/08/04 with the above change.
Dave Ryan made a motion, seconded by Scott Barnett, and passed unanimously to approve the Minutes of 8/12/04.
III. PROJECT REVIEW
Simsbury Events Coordination – Dave Ryan informed the EDC members that Brandon Robertson receives responses to letters that had been sent out. Nancy Haase said Sara Floraski told her responses had not been great. Nancy will do a second run of press releases in the coming weeks.
P.O.D. – Scott Barnett said this is in the final drafting stages with the Planning Commission. Ferg Jansen stated the Planning Commission is making major changes, and per Dave Ryan the P.O.D. is scheduled to be complete by November 9th, 2004. The EDC portion will be up for review in October.
Septemberfest – Nancy Haase gave the final details to the EDC members. Past materials being used, that had been used at the Developers Showcase, were with Alan Levesque and not available for review.
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Nancy Haase explained the set-up that would take place at the Septemberfest, distributed the business cards that had been printed for the EDC, and said all name tags would be at the booth for members upon arrival.
IV. REPORTS
EDC members were reminded of the Town meeting to be held September 14th at the High School regarding the track and field improvements.
First Selectmen, Tom Vincent, reported the 7:00 meeting is expected to have large attendance with the spillover being sent to classrooms with audio piped in. Discussion will take place only on the petition and concluding with a yes/no vote. He explained the wording of the petition (see attached) to the EDC members.
Lou George inquired if a representative from EDC speak at the meeting. It was agreed a member or members should be present speaking as private citizens and a member should speak on behalf of EDC.
Scott Barnett made a motion, seconded by Dave Ryan that an EDC representative speak at the Town meeting stating the majority and consensus of EDC is to have more research be done, therefore voting “No”, on the $1,905,014 petition for Simsbury High School Track and Field Improvements.
The EDC members discussed the topic of the improvements to be considered at the High School. Lou George explained the history of this event explaining that by State Statue it should have gone to Planning first and did not.
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The appropriate process was not taken. The petition went from the BOE to Finance, who approved it with the addition of lighting, and then it went to the Selectmen who voted on it, and finally it went to Planning who did not have enough information.
Dave Balboni wanted the above motion to be amended to read that the EDC vote was 5 to 1 in favor of a “no” vote at this time.
Lou George asked the EDC members to vote whether they wanted the motion to read “majority and consensus” or “5 to 1”. EDC members voted it should read “majority and consensus” with one saying “nay.”
V. VISITOR CENTER
Lou George said EDC had voted to provide funding of $1,000 per month for 3 months starting in July. A letter and a follow-up letter received by EDC from the First Selectman suggested EDC embark on fundraising for the Visitor Center.
Scott Barnett said it had already been discussed at past EDC meetings an RFP would be done to come up with options. The original RFP had been done in 1999. Copies of this will be sent to EDC members for revisions and this will be on the agenda for the next EDC meeting.
VI. NEW BUSINESS
Nord and Jeanine Christensen, Property Managers of Simsmore Square, addressed the EDC members explaining the approval process in Town “moves like a slug.” They said Bill Voelker has been a great deal of help, but Planning and Zoning did not meet in August and things came to a screeching halt. They reported they are making changes to building 540 at Simsmore Square, and the crew will be gone before the next meeting is held.
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Jeanine explained because of the slow process they have lost tenants.
Dave Ryan said the Planning Commission had indeed had 2 meetings in August, but the Christensen’s were not put on the agenda.
Lou George explained special meetings can be scheduled if necessary and to keep EDC notified of the process and of any assistance needed.
FVVA – Lou George advised the EDC members they had not yet made their donation to the Geiger Tour, which had been budgeted for the new fiscal year.
Dave Ryan made a motion, seconded by Sharon Craig, and passed unanimously to donate $2,000 to the Farmington Valley Riders Tour.
Nancy Haase said Apollo’s Restaurant had done an excellent job in the renovating of their plaza, however the sidewalk in front was in terrible shape.
It was suggested EDC approach Brandon Robertson on this subject to see if it can be taken care of.
A question was raised regarding the construction taking place on Great Pond Road, and it was reported McLean Living is under construction creating adult apartments for rent.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
The Economic Development Commission adjourned the meeting at 9:15 A.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Laurie Lungarini
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