1999/04/12 TOWN OF BERLIN
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MONDAY, APRIL 12, 1999
Approved Minutes
MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE:
Thomas Stregowski, Chairman
Ronald Stack
John P. Garoyan
Brian P. Reilly
Larry Siembab
Scott Veley
Mitchell Unghire
Juliet Benjamin, Secretary
MEMBERS ABSENT:
None
OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE:
Karen M. Pierson, Public Policy Specialist
Edward Stockton, Consultant
Jim Mahoney, Economic Development Director
Chairman Stregowski called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. He noted that
he and other members had just attended the Department of Transportation
meeting in the Council Chambers regarding widening the Wilbur Cross
Highway to six lanes.
1. AUDIENCE OF CITIZENS: None
MINUTES OF MONDAY, MARCH 8, 1999: After review, Commissioner
Siembab MOVED to approve the Minutes of Monday, March 8, 1999, as
written. SECONDED by Commissioner Stack & UNANIMOUSLY
APPROVED.
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FINANCIAL REPORT: A copy of the current budget was included, for review,
in the Director's mailing. Dir. Mahoney noted that $10,000. remains in the
loan account.
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DEVELOPABLE LAND STUDY - Karen M. Pierson, Consultant: Ms. Pierson
presented the draft final results of her research listing vacant
commercial/industrial land on property containing 1.5 acres or more. She
explained that the chart was done in Excel. The Excel database also lists
vacant properties with less than 1.5 acres in a separate worksheet in the
workbook. The listing of smaller properties does not contain as much
detailed information as the larger properties. She noted that this is a final
draft because a few items still need to be updated. Ms. Pierson explained
that the commercial/industrial sites fall into clusters, which she divided
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into eight sectors. Sectors are denoted in the Key column on the chart. Ms.
Pierson also noted the areas on a draft map and provided information about
the various areas.
Dir. Mahoney noted that the list and map would be circulated among
departments in the Town Hall for further input on planning, wetlands, etc.
Further research will be aimed at properties which are re-developable and
commercial/industrial properties with excess land. He stated that he would
recommend appropriating an additional $1,000.00 to Ms. Pierson, for her
continued research. He recommended shifting $1,000.00 from loans to
consulting fees.
Ms. Pierson stated that eventually every site would be labeled and
numbered. Her goal is to 1) Identify areas & 2) Identify utility constraints,
(sewer, water, etc.) which will provide a rough estimate to make a decision
whether a property is developable. Dir. Mahoney stated that he wishes to
do a Farmington Avenue inventory in the future.
Dir. Mahoney noted that although the chart and map are rough drafts, they
could be given to developers if requested. Mr. Stockton plans to take copies
of the map with him on the New York trip. After further discussion,
Commissioner Garoyan MOVED to transfer $1,000.00 to consultant's fees,
for Ms. Pierson's continued research. SECONDED by Commissioner
Unghire & UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.
PROMOTION: Mr. Stockton stated that he intends to send out the special
sections from CT Business Magazine tomorrow and he plans to spend two
days doing follow-up phone calls.
Mr. Stockton noted that the Town plans to have a booth at the IOREBA
(Industrial & Office Real Estate Brokers Association), meeting on April 26,
in New York. Actually the meeting will be held in New Jersey because it has
grown into such a large event. Mayor Olson & Councilman Bajorski will
join Dir. Mahoney and Mr. Stockton to promote the Town at the event.
Mr. Stockton discussed a call he received from the Commercial Record.
They would like to send a representative to speak to the Commission on
advertising. Chairman Stregowski stated that they are welcome to come to
the next meeting, provided they limit their presentation to approximately
fifteen minutes. Mr. Stockton was cautioned to be sure to tell the
Commercial Record that only limited funding is available at this time.
6. FARMINGTON AVENUE REVITALIZATION:
· Loan Program - Dir. Mahoney has provided information on this item
in his packet. The informational chart, dated April 1, 1999, lists all
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active loans along with current balances. He noted that he has been
working with the Town Treasurer and discussed the administration
and servicing of loans.
Volunteer Park - Chairman Stregowski noted the park committee is
actively pursuing this project. Town Manager Therrien is heading up
the effort. Commissioner Garoyan stated that he hopes a local
nursery will be providing plantings. An existing backflow device will
be used to provide underground irrigation to the park.
7. TAX ABATEMENT PROGRAM APPLICATIONS: Dir. Mahoney stated that he
has no applications for consideration at this time.
8. TAX INCENTIVE COMMITTEE UPDATE: Dir. Mahoney noted the Brescia
project did get approval.
BERLIN TRAIN STATION: Dir. Mahoney noted that the issue of what the
Town would like the future of the Train Station to be has come up. He will
discuss this further at a future meeting.
10. DIRECTOR'S REPORT:
· Director's Report included in Agenda package.
discussed.
Items have already been
11. PRESS RELEASE: None.
12. OTHER MATTERS:
· Joint Meeting scheduled with Planning & Zoning this Thursday, April
15, to discuss a design review process.
13. ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Unghire MOVED to adjourn the meeting
at 8:40 P.M. SECONDED by Commissioner Veley & UNANIMOUSLY
APPROVED.
Respectfully submitted,
Juliet K. Benjamin, Secretary