2008-04-14
TOWN OF BERLIN
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MONDAY, APRIL 14, 2008
BERLIN TOWN HALL
7:00 P.M. – ROOM 8
MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE:
David Cyr, Chairman Michael Bragulla
Thomas Veronesi Edward Egazarian
Christine Fairwood Peter Campanelli
James Mahoney, Economic Development Director
Juliet Benjamin, Secretary
ABSENT:
Peter Rosso
GUEST:
Kate Fuechsel, Ex. Dir. Berlin Chamber of Commerce
Chairman Cyr called the meeting to order at 7:02 P.M.
1. AUDIENCE OF CITIZENS:
Berlin Chamber of Commerce - Kate Fuechsel, Executive Dir. of the
Berlin Chamber of Commerce stated that she thought the 55 Annual Meeting
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& Awards Ceremony of the Berlin Chamber of Commerce, held on Friday March
28 at the Hawthorne Inn, went very well. She noted that the only glitch was
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that the microphone was not working well and people in the back had trouble
hearing the program.
The Chamber is in the process of updating the Directory, which will be
done by MK Design.
The Chamber Golf Tournament will be held on June 23 at the Shuttle
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Meadow Country Club.
Ms. Fuechsel noted that she had submitted a letter to the Editor of the
Berlin Citizen regarding the closing of Wrap It Up Gift Shop and how sad she
was to see that the owner had made the decision to close and attributed it to
the economy.
Ms. Fuechsel stated that she would appreciate any suggestions for
upcoming meetings.
2. PRESENTATIONS:
Mr. Steve McLarty was scheduled to discuss his zoning text amendment
to allow a mixed retail, office development on property that he has purchased
on the Berlin Turnpike, south of the Best Western Hotel. He has asked to have
the item tabled until the next meeting.
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April 14, 2008
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES, MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2008:
Commissioner Bragulla made a motion to accept the Minutes of
Monday, March 10, 2008 as written. Commissioner Campanelli seconded the
motion and they were unanimously approved.
4. FINANCIAL REPORT:
Dir. Mahoney stated that the current budget is in line. He noted that the
Finance Budget Committee dropped the $25,000 request for the Streetscape
Plan. Dir. Mahoney noted that funding for Street Signs has been pursued
and it was found that the Street Signs are eligible for a LOCIP program.
Dir. Mahoney has discussed this with Councilman Bob Dacey and a request
will be made for $20,000 to start the program.
5. PROMOTION:
Directory - Dir. Mahoney asked whether the EDC would like to purchase a
joint ad with the Town as has been done in the past. Commissioners agreed for
him to go forward in obtaining a joint ad in the new Chamber Directory.
6. INCENTIVE PROGRAMS: (Tax Abatement & Façade Enhancement &
Infrastructure Loan Program)
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Jacunski Humes Application - Dir. Mahoney said that the Town
Council has approved the application of Jacunski Humes and an
agreement has been signed.
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Christian Lane West Application – Dir. Mahoney stated that Vincent
Brescia Jr. has filed an application for tax abatement for a new 12,000
sf building on Christian Lane, behind Archideck. The application stated
that the estimated value of the real estate improvements would be
$650,000. After discussion, Commissioner Egazarian made a motion to
approve Tax Abatement for 3 years @50% First Year, 40% Second Year
& 30% Third Year. The motion was seconded by Commissioner
Bragulla & unanimously approved. Mr. Brescia has also filed for an
Infrastructure Loan citing extensions of 8” sanitary sewer, extensions of
8” water main, hydrant & electrical conduits to the building in the
amounts of $54,839 for sewer/water & $10,359 for electrical. The
Commission discussed the fact that the word “extraordinary” has been
removed from the verbiage of the infrastructure requirements. Dir.
Mahoney stated that he was confident that the request for an
infrastructure grant was within the parameters of the Commission and
he recommended the grant at $7,500. After discussion, Commission
Egazarian made a motion to approve and forward to the Town Council
for their approval, the infrastructure grant of $7,500 to Vincent Brescia
Jr. for the new building in the Christian Lane Industrial Park West. The
motion was seconded by Commissioner Veronesi & unanimously
approved.
Page 3 – Town of Berlin - Economic Development Commission
April 14, 2008
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Earl Wicklund Inc./Kids LLC – Dir. Mahoney noted that he had
anticipated a portion of the building to be retail, which is not eligible for
tax abatement. As of this date Mr.Wicklund has two tenants, a Physical
Therapist and an Engineering/Land Surveying firm, which both are
office occupancies. Mr. Wicklund plans for two additional tenant spaces
and if they were retail then the tax abatement would be prorated. The
estimated value of real estate improvements is $500,000 and personal
property $100,000. Dir. Mahoney recommended the standard 50, 40
30% three-year abatement. After discussion, Commissioner Bragulla
made a motion to recommend approval by Town Council of the Tax
Abatement of 50% year 1, 40% year 2 and 30% in year 3. The motion
was seconded by Commissioner Campanelli & unanimously approved.
7. GRANTS:
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Small Town Economic Assistance Program Projects:
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Town Center l – Town Center Park Improvements & Site
Remediation, $500,000. – Dir. Mahoney stated that the Town
Council has approved the scope of Phase 1 of the Town Center
Park.
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Town Center 2 – Town Center Site Remediation $500,000
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STEAP 3 – Town Center Public Improvements, $350,000
Remediation, $150 Streetscape
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STEAP 4 – Streetscape $400,000
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STEAP 5 - Train Station Match $400,000 approved – Dir.
Mahoney noted that the $400,000 STEAP 5 Train Station
Matching Grant has been approved.
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Train Station Grant- pending funding initiative including
local match - $1.700,000
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Farmington Avenue Underpass Project - $17,600,000. –
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Economic Development Fund – $94,000. – Dir. Mahoney will
check to confirm that the balance is still $94,000.
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Town Center Remediation Bonded Local Match - $850,000.
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Town Center Remediation Other Local Match - $166,000.
8. DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION:
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Streetscape – Dir. Mahoney noted the Town Council has approved
the scope of Phase 1 of the Streetscape project. He has a proposal
from BL Companies and since most improvements will be on State
roads he recommended BL because they have had extensive
experience working with the DOT and that was a main factor in their
initial selection for the Streetscape master plan. Commissioner
Bragulla discussed the price structure as outlined in the proposed
contract. Dir. Mahoney stated that the contract would have to be
negotiated with BL. Dir. Mahoney stressed that the Town needs to be
sure to get a really good survey, such as the one BL is proposing,
especially when the project goes out to bid. Chairman Cyr discussed
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April 14, 2008
the additional pocket parks as proposed in the streetscape plan. He
was concerned whether there would be too many of these parks and
if the town had the resources to maintain them. Chairman Cyr
discussed the empty property next to Center Hardware and if it could
be utilized for parking. The Commission generally supported Dr.
Mahoney’s recommendation to use BL for the design phase.
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Façade and Landscape Incentive Project – Dir. Mahoney noted that
he is hoping to get $25,000 for the program. He hopes to promote
the program in the vicinity of the overpass to start, in order to help
beautify the area near the overpass.
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Train Station – Dir. Mahoney noted that the Town has started to
coordinate with Amtrak on restoration and remodeling of the
building.
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Town Center Remediation Project – Dir. Mahoney noted the
remediation project is pretty much complete and reseeding will take
place shortly if necessary.
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Town Center Park – Dir. Mahoney stated that they have staked out
the path of the walkway near the Stop & Shop portion of the park. A
site walk was made and the location of the 30’ diameter Gazebo was
confirmed. He discussed where the entry to the park might be and
noted that the Landscape Architect Mark Roming will be submitting
some suggestions related to relocation of the entry point. The Town
is looking for an easement from Michael Cassetta for the walkway to
go over a corner of his property and skirt the pond. Some dense
vegetation at the pond has been cleared out by the Town Public
Grounds Department. An electrical consultant has been retained to
work with Landscape Architect Roming to configure the electrical
service.
9. BERLIN TURNPIKE IMPROVEMENTS:
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Design Standards, Median Plantings – Dir. Mahoney noted that
Valerie Ferro is under contract to develop Design Standards for
the Berlin Turnpike.
10. LEGISLATION:
Dir. Mahoney had nothing new to report on this item.
11. PUBLIC RELATIONS:
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Street Signs – Chairman Cyr stated that he had asked the designer
to make up a drawing of the Street Sign Blades (nameplates) that fit
into the wrought iron signposts. He submitted drawings of the 9”
blades of different colors. Dir. Mahoney also submitted artwork of
the accepted Town Seal. Another unofficial seal has been used on
different items, but the one Dir. Mahoney has is the one that was
approved by Town Council as the official seal.
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Gateway Signs – Dir. Mahoney noted that the State wants the signs
to be green. He plans to meet with State Officials to discuss and try
to resolve the issue.
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April 14, 2008
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A Periodic Column in the Berlin Citizen – Dir. Cyr is still
anticipating writing a column for the Berlin Citizen.
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Photos for Display – Dir. Mahoney stated that he would be taking
some spring update photos.
12. SPONSORS FOR DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS:
There was no report on this item.
13. PLAN OF CONSERVATION & DEVELOPMENT SUBCOMMITTEE:
The subcommittee met on Wednesday, March 12. The Planning &
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Zoning Commission made a presentation at that meeting and other
Commissions provided updates.
14. DIRECTOR’S REPORT:
Dir. Mahoney noted that the report contained a great deal of information
and if any commissioner had questions he would be glad to explain.
The application for a special permit for a drive through and site plan
approval for a 3,000 sf. addition to the retail plaza @869 Mill St., (behind Mill
Street Diner), was tabled by the Planning & Zoning Commission at their
meeting of April 10.
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CIL’s site plan application is pending before the Inland Wetlands &
Watercourses Commission. The Town is still working with CIL on site
remediation funding issues.
Unitech purchased a new industrial condo building @600 Four Rod Rd,
Cornerstone Industrial Park. They are in the business of installing sound
systems and handle large contracts.
A lease has been signed for a new Chinese/Japanese Restaurant next to
Stop & Shop.
Blue Lobster has purchased their new building on the Berlin Turnpike.
B & F Machine on Edgewood Rd., New Britain-Berlin line, received a
variance from the ZBA for a 20,000 square foot addition. They now need to
submit a site plan application to Planning & Zoning.
The ZBA denied an application for a use variance for a repairer’s license
@870 Four Rod Rd.
A ribbon cutting was held for Fred’s Deli on Main St.
Quantum of Berlin II, LLC (former Indalex Site) @500 Four Rod Rd. has
requested a subdivision of the property into two lots.
The Berlin Station Café has closed.
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April 14, 2008
A request for proposals was issued for the sale of tax liens related to 889
Farmington Ave. One proposal was received. The Town Council has asked
staff to negotiate with the developer including a restriction of the re-use to
commercial (not industrial).
The Berlin Housing Authority has indicated that they will grant the Town
a pedestrian easement to connect the Town Hall Complex to Percival Field.
The Mattabassett District has indicated that they will grant the Town an
easement for a walking path along its property at the rear of Beckley Road.
The Town signed a License agreement with property owner Lucien
Slepski to allow pedestrian access from Main St., Kensington to the Railroad
Pond via 138 Main Street (Fred’s Deli on Main).
The Town Council approved the use of an On-Call list for consultants to
be determined through an RFQ process. The Council also approved bid
waivers for peer review consultants selected from the On Call list for contracts
up to $30,000 if the Town Manager determines that time is of the essence.
15. OTHER MATTERS:
16. ADJOURNMENT:
Commissioner Fairwood made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:35
P.M. Seconded by Commissioner Campanelli & unanimously approved.
Respectfully submitted,
Juliet K. Benjamin, Secretary