2017-12-04 Town o f B e rlin
Department of Economic Development
BERLIN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MEETING
Monday, December 4, 2017
240 KENSINGTON ROAD,BERLIN - Room 8,Town Hall, 7:00 P.M.
MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE:
David Cyr,Chairman Ed Egazarian,Vice- Chairman
Robert Sisti Peter Campanelli
Chris Coppola
ABSENT:
Michael Baczewski,Treasurer
STAFF:
Chris Edge, Economic Development Director
Kristen Grabo�vski, Recording Secretary
Chairman David Cyr called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
1. Public Comments
There were none.
2. Approval of Minutes—November 2017
November 27`h—Coininissioner Campanelli moved to approve the minutes of
November 27, 2017, seconded by Coininissioner Egazarian. The motion passed
unanimously.
November 13`h—Con�unissioner Campanelli moved to approve the minutes of
November 13, 2017, seconded by Coinmissioner Coppola. The motion passed
unanunously.
3. Incentive Programs: Tax Abatement/FaCade Improvement
• SJC Investments - Sa1Ca1 Real Estate
Director Edge noted that the applicant was not present. It was noted that he is most
likely still�vaiting for the contractors to return calls. Mr. Edge continued, noting that
the properry is one of the bookend properties of the area, and it is an important
property to support.
Town of Berlin
Department of Economic Development
Commissioner Campanelli requested a working list of all businesses granted funding.
He noted that this would be helpful, especially�when approving grant funding.
4. Public Relations/ Promotion/ Let's Do Business
• Arricles —Berlin Citizen
Director Edge noted that he will be submitting an article once per month.
• Shop Small "Committee" and 2018
Director Edge noted that a "Shop Small" event is in the works for the spring of 2018.
• Schedule a Gathering in early December—Santa?
Director Edge noted that he would like to hold a holiday event in December in the
future. He opened the discussion to the Coinmission for suggestions on the future
event It was noted that the EDC could facilitate a friendly comperition between
businesses throughout December,with a culminating event near the holiday including
Santa. It was noted that the event could begin with the decorating along Farmington
Avenue and Main Street.
• Holiday Gathering in January
Director Edge noted that a gathering will be held to kick off the new year.
• Corporate Sponsorship @ Timberlin
Director Edge noted that he is exploring potential sponsorships along the 18 holes at
Timberlin Golf Course.
5. Grants —STEAP/Brownfield/TOD
• Streetscape 2— Full survey completed - meeting on 12/6
Director Edge noted that the parking aYea still needs to be done, and there are tweaks
that need to be completed on Main Street It��as noted that a meeting was held with
business owners at Kensington Pizza.
• Pistol Creek—bid out in January/construcrion in May
It was noted that handicapped accessible spots will be addressed.
6. Junior Achievement/Berlin High School
Town of Berlin
Department of Economic Development
• BOE Meeting— 11/24
Director Edge noted that he recendy spoke at the BOE meeting. At the meeting, he talked
about companies growing and non-traditional employment opportunities. He also addressed
Junior Achievement.
• Upcoming JA Events
The Cominission discussed potential opportunities for local businesses to get involved with
students. Director Edge noted that the panel discussion scheduled for March would be a
fantastic opportunity.
7. Downtown Revitalization
• RFQ—889/903/913 —5 firms expressing interest so far
Director Edge noted that four responses have come in. Interviews will be held in early
January.
• Main Street ProgYam—2018-9
Dixector Edge noted that he has recei�red an invite from the Main Street Program to join. He
noted that he needs more staff to make this a priority, as a Main Street Program is a
tremendous undertaking.
8. Planning and Zoning
• Pine Creek—Berlin Turnpike—approved
It was noted that the PZC approved the project.
• Vacant Planner Position
It was noted that interviews will be held on Thursday and Friday. Director Edge noted that he
will be on the interview committee.
• Sports Complex
Director Edge noted that he will be meeting with a real estate agent, engineer, and architect to
discuss the site.
• 1851 Berlin Turnpike—Centerfolds —will be closing on 12/31
It was noted that two new restaurants will be moving in.
9. Berlin Turnpike
• New Park Drive
Commissioner Egazarian noted that New Park Drive does not have a street sign. Additionally,
the street is quite littered. It�vas also noted that the Spruce Brook Industrial Park sign is
lacking business names.
10. Other Matters
Town o f B e rlin
Department of Economic Development
Director Edge discussed the 2018 meeting schedule, and he noted that the meeting time would
be changing to a 6:00 start time.
Director Edge noted that a meeting will be taking place regarding the travel agency pYoperty on
Mill Street, and specifically the DOT right of way.
Commissioner Sisti inquired about a networking event for the future. Director Edge confirmed,
noting that it would be held in February.
11. Adjournment
Commissioner Egazarian moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Coininissioner
Campanelli. The morion passed unanunously at 8:18 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Kristen M. Grabowski
RECEIVED FOR RECORD, ��RLiN TOWN CLERK
9�� Kathryn J.Wali
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