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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 nd 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 th 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 th 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 th Lien has gone out for CT Sand & Stone and is due on May 19. The RFP th 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 th 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 th 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