These minute are for informational purposes only. For official minutes, please contact the Town Clerk's Office.
MINUTES
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
SEPTEMBER 13, 2001
I. CALL TO ORDER
The Regular Meeting of the Economic Development Commission was called to order at 7:35 A.M. in the Main Meeting Room of the Simsbury Town Offices.
Present were Chairman William Sweeney, Members Louis George, Robert Cassot, Kevin North and David Ryan, First Selectman Anita Mielert, Director of Community Planning and Development William Voelker, Gerald Lintner and Thomas Horan of the Main Street Partnership, Richard Stoltz of Bartram & Cochran, Carol Cole and Robert Mule Co-Chairs of the Simsbury Township Joint Committee on Economic Development and other interested parties.
Chairman Sweeney introduced Mr. George, a new member of the Board. Mr. George is a seven-year Simsbury resident, husband, father of three and an attorney with the firm of Hasset and George.
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF JULY 12, 2001 AND AUGUST 9, 2001
On a motion made by Mr. North seconded by Mr. Ryan and passed unanimously, the minutes of the July 12, 2001 and August 9, 2001 meetings were approved as written
III. JOINT COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Chairman Sweeney gave the committee brief background information on the Joint Committee, stating that in 2000 Jeff Blumenthal former chair of the EDC convened a meeting of representatives from the Zoning Commission, Planning Commission, Economic Development Commission, Inland Wetlands and Conservation Commission, Design Review Board, Board of Selectmen, Board of Finance and Board of Education. As a result the bi-partisan Joint Committee on Economic Development was formed.
Carol Cole, co-chair of the Joint Committee on Economic Development presented a written report to the commission dated September 2001 highlighting the goal of the Joint Committee to raise the commercial tax base and the current EDC's initiatives to attract and expand businesses in town and to proceed jointly in creating positive economic growth. Ms. Cole emphasized that open and frequent communication between the various boards and commissions was essential to the success of economic development in the Town.
MINUTES
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
SEPTEMBER 13, 2001
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IV. TOWN STAFF REPORTS
First Selectman Anita Mielert distributed two handouts from a meeting of the MetroHartford Regional Economic Alliance that she had attended. The first hand-out contained the "The Region's Vision", "The Alliance's Mission", The Alliance's Accountability" and "Strategies." The second hand-out was the Strategy to Expand the Economic Base of the Region and Goals as follows: Provide value added economic development expertise and resources to build towns' capacity to support economic/business development; Retain existing business and facilitate growth and expansion; Attract new businesses to region; Focus on industry clusters; Recruit college students and alumni.
Ms. Mielert read and commented on the mission statements, strategies and goals as stated in the documents and on the diverse composition of the alliance.
V. MBIA BARTRAM & COCHRAN REPORT (RICHARD STOLTZ) (Addendum I)
Mr. Stoltz informed the committee that due to the tragic terrorist events of September 11, 2001 the Broker Open House was cancelled, will be rescheduled and that the original agenda will be followed.
Mr. Stoltz also spoke to the committee regarding the owner and developer of the CL&P property, Mr. Mark Greenberg. Mr. Greenberg's plan includes construction of approximately 250,000 square feet of office space on a 40-acre parcel. Each building would contain approximately 40-50,000 square feet and could be available within eight to twelve months after finding appropriate tenants for the space.
Mr.Voelker told the committee that Mr. Greenberg's plan suggests high-end tenancy looking to take advantage of the amenity and image values of the site. Mr. Voelker also informed the committee that Mr. Greenberg still has to appear before the Zoning Commission for site approval prior to starting construction.
Mr. Stoltz gave a brief overview of his contacts with a telecommunications firm from Rhode Island considering relocating to Simsbury, and that he continues to stay in touch with a firm from Torrington who has not as yet made a decision on relocation and expansion plans.
MINUTES
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
SEPTEMBER 13, 2001
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VI. MAIN STREET PARTNERSHIP REPORT
Mr. Lintner distributed the written Report of Main Street Activities 8/9/01 (Addendum II) and highlighted the activities of the Design Committee regarding the Old Drake Hill Flower Bridge fundraiser; the Promotion Committee's On Main Street Newsletter, the Our Town Tent at the Septemberfest and the Simsbury Skate Park; the Economic Expansion Committee's activities regarding the Intercept Survey, the "Community Forum" and the business owner's directory; and on the activities of the Outreach Committee.
VII. NEW BUSINESS
The commission discussed the cancellation of the Broker Open House and reimbursing Kane's Market for catering services for the event. After discussion between First Selectman Mielert and the commission it was decided that whatever costs Mr. Kane sustained would be reimbursed.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
On a motion made by Mr. North, seconded by Louis George and passed unanimously, the meeting was adjourned at 8:35 A.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
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Addenda (2)
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