2001/01/08ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MONDAY, JANUARY 8, 2001
Approved Minutes
Correction to # 12, Pa 2 - Change Mitchell to Unghire
MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE:
Thomas Stregowski, Chairman Mitchell Unghire
Lawrence J. Siembab John Garoyan
Ronald Stack
Kate Fuechsel, Executive Director, Berlin Chamber of Commerce
Jim Mahoney, Economic Development Director
Juliet Benjamin, Secretary
ABSENT:
Edward C. Egazarian
Chairman Stregowski called the meeting to order at 7:05 P.M.
AUDIENCE OF CITIZENS:
Ms. Kate Fuechsel noted that the Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a
Barns of Berlin Poster Contest.
She also noted that she is waiting on the "Welcome to Berlin" signs until
permitting issues are clarified.
2. MINUTES OF MONDAY, December 11, 2000:
Commissioner Unghire MOVED for approval of the Minutes of Monday,
December 11, 2000 as written. Motion SECONDED by Commissioner Garoyan
& UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.
3. FINANCIAL REPORT:
Div. Mahoney reported that the budget is on track for this year. A
budget hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year 2001-2002 Economic Development
budget is scheduled for review by Town Council Budget Committee on Jan. 29th
at 6:00 P.M. and any Economic Development Commission members available
are asked to attend.
Commissioner Siembab MOVED to accept Div. Mahoney's Financial
Report as presented. SECONDED by Commissioner Unghire & UNANIMOUSLY
APPROVED.
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PROMOTION:
· Website - Explaining that there are things the Commission can do to
improve the website, Div. Mahoney discussed his memo regarding
changes he would like to implement on the website. He is waiting for a
preliminary estimate of the cost of modifications from Lauren Kyle at
2 - Economic Development Commission 1/8/2001
CERC. Dir. Mahoney's Memo regarding this item is attached to these
minutes. He explained that the Economic Development Brochure and
other economic development information can be found on the Town
Website, but the information can be enhanced through the proposed
modifications.
Pinnacle Awards - Dir. Mahoney noted that an agreement has been
made with the towns of Plainville, Bristol and Southington regarding
sponsorship of the Pinnacle Awards at a cost of $250.00 for each town.
The Pinnacle Awards are given by the Greater Hartford Association of
Realtors Commercial Council and recognize the largest real estate
transactions completed during the last year.
Business Facilities Magazine - Dir. Mahoney noted that he is waiting for
agreement from CERC and Northeast Utilities that they will be part of
the marketing campaign in Business Facilities Magazine that will include
full-page ads, web page coverage and overprints for mailers along with
the seven member towns.
5. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN, PLAN OF DEVELOPMENT UPDATE:
Dir. Mahoney stated that an informational meeting would be held by the
Plan of Development Committee on January 10th in the Community Center at
5:30 P.M. TPA Design Group and AMS Services will be giving their first report.
Mayor Veronesi and Committee Chairman will also be giving reports on the
Long Range Strategic Planning process.. Dir. Mahoney has sent out a mailing
to all local business people inviting them to the meeting.
Ms. Karen Pierson has been contracted to do an open space inventory
and the Center for Research and Public Policy from New Haven, who has an
alliance with CCM, will be used for the telephone survey. Dir. Mahoney said
that as part of their services, the Center for Research and Public Policy will also
do a mail survey of the business community. He reviewed and discussed three
sample surveys. He plans to concentrate on the Business retention portion of
the survey. He noted that he is looking to find out whether a company plans to
expand or if they have a problem that the Town may be able to solve. A letter
outlining the reasons for the survey will be sent with each survey. Dir.
Mahoney is hoping for a positive response from the business community.
Commissioners were asked to review the survey and call Dir. Mahoney within
the next few days, if they had any input.
INCENTIVE PROGRAMS:
· Legislative Proposal - Dir. Mahoney reviewed wording of the proposal
for State Legislation regarding, "Designation of properties as business
retention facilities." The proposal has been sent to the Berlin
legislative delegation. He noted that the deadline for filing bills is
Jan. 10th. Town Manager Therrien and Mayor Veronesi plan to try to
set up a meeting with legislators to discuss the proposal.
· Tax abatement Application - Kennedy, Gustafson & Cole - Dir.
Mahoney noted that a tax abatement proposal would be presented to
the Town Council in January for approval. Kennedy, Gustafson &
3 - Economic Development Commission 1/8/2001
Cole have received a variance for parking requirements for their
addition. The Commission requested that parking requirements be
reviewed in the Plan of Development update process. He also
explained that warehouses are currently a special permitted use in
the PI (Planned Industry) Zone. This item should also be reviewed.
7. FARMINGTON AVENUE:
A new Nail Salon, Barbie Nails and a Chinese Restaurant, Chopsticks,
are in the process of locating at the former Sinisterra property. A second
Chinese Restaurant is planning to move into the former Tech II TV building.
Work also is progressing on the new car wash. Dir. Mahoney also indicated
that Kensington Hardware will close.
8. EPA BROWNFIELDS REVOLVING LOAN FUND GRANT:
Dir. Mahoney noted he is trying to finalize the grant agreement. Town
Manager Therrien will be presenting it to Town Council for their final approval
on Jan. 9, 2001.
The Greater Hartford Business Development Council, Inc. was the only
bidder to the request for proposal sent out by Dir. Mahoney concerning funds
manager services. He recommended that this company be accepted. Payment
will be based on services provided. MOTION by Commissioner Siembab,
SECONDED by Commissioner Unghire, to recommend to the Town Council that
GHBDC be hired as Funds Manager for the EPZ Brownfields Cleanup Revolving
Loan Fund. The motion passed UNANIMOUSLY.
9. COMPETITIVENESS STUDY:
Dir. Mahoney met with CERC today and plans to have the final draft
ready for the next Commission meeting.
10. BERLIN TURNPIKE PLAN:
Dir. Mahoney discussed his memo regarding comments by several area
businesses concerning the Route 5/15 Corridor Study, (copy attached). The
study was approved by the Town Council with comments to address the
business concerns.
Dir. Mahoney discussed the possibility of re-naming the highway the
Berlin Turnpike. Dir. Mahoney would need the support of the Commission and
Town Council in order to file a bill with the Legislature to adopt the name
change. Ms. Fuechsel agreed to discuss this with the executive board of the
Chamber of Commerce to get their views on the name change.
11. DIRECTOR'S REPORT:
As an additional item, Dir. Mahoney noted that he has scheduled a
meeting with local Realtors on January 23~'d at 4:30, in the Community Room of
the Peck Memorial Library.
12. OTHER MATTERS:
4 - Economic Development Commission 1/8/2001
Revision to the Schedule of Meetings for 2001 - Veteran's Day falls on
November 12 and the Commission agreed to change their meeting date to the
following Monday, November 19, 2001.
Chairman Stregowski noted that Commissioners Siembab and Unghire
come up for reappointment by Town Council tomorrow night. They have both
sent letters requesting reappointment and expressing their willingness to
remain on the Commission.
Chairman Stregowski also noted that Brian Vasques, an Eagle Scout
that worked on the Volunteer Park has received his award.
The garden clubs are planning to review Volunteer Park plantings and
make plans for new plantings for the summer.
13.
ADJOURNMENT:
Commissioner Stack MOVED to adjourn the meeting at 8:07 P.M.
SECONDED by Commissioner Unghire & UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.
Respectfully submitted,
Juliet K. Benjamin, Secretary