2016-05-02
Town of Berlin
Department of Economic Development
BERLIN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
MINUTES of Monday May 2, 2016
240 KENSINGTON ROAD, BERLIN - Room 8, Town Hall, 7:00 P.M.
MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE:
David Cyr, Chairman Ed Egazarian, Vice- Chairman
Michael Baczewski, Treasurer Chris Copolla
Robert Sisti JoAnn Angelico-Stetson
ABSENT:
Peter Campanelli
STAFF:
Chris Edge, Economic Development Director
Chairman David Cyr called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
1. Public Comments
o John Brogden from AECOM of Rocky Hill came to the meeting and asked
if the Commission was going to discuss the Brownfield RFP for CT Sand
& Stone. John was told that it would be mentioned briefly, but any
specific questions that he and Director Edge could speak later this week.
John said he would reach out to Director Edge.
2. Approval of Minutes – March and April meeting minutes presented.
Commissioner Angelico-Stetson made a motion to approve the March minutes,
seconded by Commissioner Baczewski and passed unanimously.
Commissioner Angelico-Stetson made a motion to approve the April minutes,
seconded by Commissioner Baczewski and passed unanimously.
3. Incentive Programs
o 83 Mill Street LLC – Starlight – no additional information provided
o 1224 Farmington Avenue – Mr. Edge presented an application for Simply
Beautiful Skin (Vickie Kay Robertson). She is looking to open up on the
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2 floor of the Subway building and has applied for 50% of a sign
costing $495 and a door costing $450. The Commission decided that the
door did not fit under the new sign program (up to $1500), but the sign
did. A mock-up of the sign was presented to the Commission. A motion
was made by Commissioner Angelico-Stetson to approve $247.50 or 50%
of the sign cost for Simply Beautiful Skin (Vickie Kay Robertson). The
motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Town of Berlin
Department of Economic Development
o 957 Farmington Avenue – Mr. Edge presented an application for Polished
Image (Christine Ziegler) for her business on Farmington Avenue. She is
looking to replace an old sign for her business. Her request is for 50% of
a sign costing $535.00. A mock-up of the sign was shown to the
Commission. A motion was made by Commissioner Angelico-Stetson to
approve $267.50 or 50% of the sign cost for Polished Image (Christine
Ziegler). The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
o 365 Main Street – Dr. Horn – Due to some changes in the project, there
was additional costs of $1,840.48 which included 3 doors, one window,
upgraded shutters and labor. The Commission questioned whether or
not any of these items were approved initially when he was approved for
just over $6,000. Until that can be determined and the numbers looked
at by Frank Van Linter, they would not take action. Accordingly, the
item was tabled until the June meeting.
o Trust of James J. Massirio – Massirio Building – Director Edge presented
a plan for 37 Mill Street for the renovation of the front of the building for
$88,973.92 which was broken down into specific items and the cost of
those items. The Commission discussed the figures, the plan and
decided that there may be a less costly way to redo the railings and that
they did not totally understand the project. They asked to set up a time
to visit the site and meet with Mr. Massirio. Director Edge would set that
up. The item was tabled until the June meeting.
4. Public relations/Promotion
o Amber & White – held on 4/29
o UPCOMING EVENTS:
o Kempokan Martial Arts – date TBD
o Fitness By Design – date TBD
o Labieniec – date TBD
o Ferndale Market Fresh – 6/14 @ 9 am
o MidState Air Compressor – 6/16 @ 5 pm
5. Grants – STEAP/Brownfield
o Veterans Memorial Park 2 ($500,000) – Mr. Edge noted that the
construction is complete. Concerns about the elevation of the walkways
was expressed by Commissioner Sisti. Mr. Edge said he would mention
this to Jim Horbal. Mr. Edge mentioned that a final walk-through was
done by Jack Healy, Jim Horbal and Director Edge to make sure all
things are taken care of before the last payment is made to the
contractor. A few items were found which Jim Horbal relayed to the
contractor to address. They should be addressed by 5/6.
Town of Berlin
Department of Economic Development
o Façade ($500,000) – It was noted that there is $30,000 left after the
approvals this meeting.
o Train Station Boulevard ($500,000) – A meeting will be held with CIL,
Town of Berlin and WMC, our consultant on the Boulevard for a final
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design on May 9.
o Kensington Sidewalks ($500,000) – Mr. Edge noted that Marone and
McBloom met with Jack Healy and Chris Edge on the areas of concern
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for sidewalks. A second meeting will be held the week of the 9 to
discuss further.
o Main Streetscape ($259,270, $204, 300) – Construction has begun.
Director Edge and the site manager (Dan Levesque) have connected with
businesses on Main Street including maps for off-street parking.
Additionally, Chris Edge put up signs at each end of Main Street that
businesses are open during construction and the off-street parking
options.
o Brownfield Assessment ($75,000) – Director Edge mentioned that more
investigation will need to be done at 586 Deming Road and 73 Woodlawn.
There are funds still available for 586 Deming, but the cost of the testing
at 73 Woodlawn is above what we have in the account. Director Edge
has applied for $50,000 from DECD for assessment of 73 Woodlawn.
o TOD Planning Grant ($150,000) – We have interviewed 3 firms and will
make a decision this week on selecting our consultant. This will be
presented to the Town Council at their next meeting.
o STEAP – Streetscape 2 ($500,000) – It was noted that the Town will not
hear for quite some time as announcements will probably happen in July
or August.
o TOD – Façade Program ($500,000) – It was noted that the Town has not
heard back yet.
o Brownfield Assessment ($100,000) – Mr. Edge explained that the Tax
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Lien has gone out for CT Sand & Stone and is due on May 19. The RFP
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for the environmental services is also out and due on May 26.
6. Downtown Revitalization
o Gateway Signs – Mr. Edge noted that the sign bases had some issues
(from the manufacturer) that Art Volz is working on.
o Train Station Update – Mr. Edge noted that a contractor, Judlau, has
begun the restoration on the Train Station. The up and over is still in
process and the hope is that the up and over and Train Station
restoration will be done by the end of 2016.
o Main Street Streetscape – Phase 1 and 2 – Mr. Edge noted that Phase I
has started and we are holding weekly update meeting with the
contractor.
Town of Berlin
Department of Economic Development
7. Projects/Concerns
o Sports Complex – Mr. Edge noted that he believes there should be
progress soon as the purchase options are due to expire in May.
Commissioner Egazarian expressed doubt as he is not sure if that
information is correct. Mr. Edge said he would follow up with Mr. Addi.
8. Berlin Manufacturers
o Mr. Edge explained that he met with Junior Achievement and a concept
plan was put together for a Career Day at the High School. It would
include a speaker (business owner) going to a number of classrooms nad
telling their “story”. That would be followed by some on-line career
exploration through Junior Achievement. Once that is complete,
students would come down to the gymnasium where we would have 20
to 30 businesses set up with booths, tables, etc. The businesses would
give information on their work, possible internships, etc. We are
awaiting work from Principal Kennedy if this is something to pursue.
Details to follow once we get an answer.
9. Plan of Conservation & Development/Planning and Zoning
o Agriculture - 3/31 – These regs were discussed in a public meeting with
many in attendance. The hearing was kept open and will likely remain
open into late May.
o Contractors in the PI and PI-2 zones – These regs were passed at the
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April 28 meeting. Contractors will be allowed in the PI and PI-2 zones
by special permit, but all machinery, equipment and trailers must be
inside.
o Brewery/Taproom – The request to add regulations to allow a
brewery/taproom in the CCD-1 and CCD-2 will be discussed at the May
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12 P & Z meeting.
10. Director’s Report
o Mr. Edge let the Commission know that the order against Pioneer
Precision has been lifted, so the property can now be sold to CIL. It is
some time off, but it is moving in the right direction.
o The MOU between CIL and the Town of Berlin should be signed this
coming week.
11. Other Matters
o The Commission discussed the competition among towns in Connecticut,
specifically those surrounding Berlin. This led to a discussion of
incentives (which the town is limited under State Statute 12-65b for a 3-
Town of Berlin
Department of Economic Development
year abatement. The only time this can be modified is if an investment is
made in excess of $3 million. Mr. Edge mentioned this would be pursued
with the Mayor and Town Council for the proposed development on
Christian Lane. Commissioner Copolla and Commissioner Egazarian
expressed concern that we are not doing enough to encourage
businesses. They recommended that we have phone calls made to
businesses considering Berlin by the Mayor, Town Manager, or even Joe
Aresimowicz. Additionally, there should be a welcome packet that is
given to new businesses in town. Mr. Edge said the brochure has been
updated and he has it on CD-Rom. It will be shared with Commissioner
Copolla to look at next steps. The Commission members said they would
like to have a to do list/checklist for businesses who are considering
Berlin. The last item mentioned is that our website is very unfriendly
and that we should look at what we can do with that.
12. Adjournment
Commissioner Angelico-Stetson moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded
by Commissioner Egazarian. Motion passed unanimously at 8:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Christopher Edge
Economic Development Director