MINUTES
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
NOVEMBER 18, 2004
I. CALL TO ORDER
The regular meeting of the Economic Development Commission was called to order at 7:30 A.M. in the Main Meeting Room of the Simsbury Town Offices. Present were Chairman Lou George, Commission Members Dave Balboni, Scott Barnett, Sharon Craig, Mark Deming, and Nancy Haase, as well as other interested parties.
II. MINUTES – 10/14/04
Nancy Haase made a motion, seconded by Sharon Craig, and passed unanimously to approve the Minutes of 10/14/04.
III. PROJECT REVIEW
P.O.D. – Lou George reported he had attended the last Planning Commission meeting and the EDC was not discussed. He also stated Planning would be having Mark Goman from Main Street speaking in the future, and it would be a good idea to have an EDC member present. It was suggested Scott Barnett contact John Loomis in the next couple of weeks to find out when EDC will be on the agenda.
Banner – Members agreed the banner hung on Hopmeadow Street looked good. Feedback received had been positive, and the banner will be hung again in the spring. Nancy Haase reported that when speaking with school PTO Presidents, they were pleased to hear about Main Street Gift Certificates, and had not previously known about this.
Events Calendar – Nancy stated she did not think the calendar was on the site to date. Mark Deming will contact Dave Ryan to find out the status of this project. Nancy reported that Avon has a site (Avon.com) that announces Simsbury’s web site when on it. It was noted that Rich Bazzano maintains the Simsbury web site.
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IV. REPORTS
Main Street – Lou George reported that Rich Correia mentioned Main Street held their Silent Auction this past Saturday. Lou thinks Main Street can do a better job publicizing this event in the future. It was reported funds raised were as much as last year.
V. VISITOR CENTER
Lou George gave a recap of the meetings that took place to discuss the outcome and future site of the Visitor Center.
He stated the FVVA Board rejected the idea of moving to Simsbury (and having the center located in it) because it needed to be in a more central location.
A new option proposed by Rich Correia is to house the center in the open foyer of Fiddler’s Green. One designated tenant will be trained to facilitate, and answer questions, etc. The space will be leased by the Town on a monthly basis. Tom Vincent has given his approval on this idea.
A discussion took place by the EDC, and questions were raised about the phone line/answering machine to the Visitor Center and also the cost of the monthly lease. It was also suggested that the Town have an agreement with the landlord of the property.
Scott Barnett made a motion, seconded by Nancy Haase, and approved unanimously to have the EDC run a Press Release stating the Town is looking for a business to provide a host location for the Visitor Center.
Scott Barnett made a motion, seconded by Sharon Craig, and approved unanimously that the EDC stop funds given to the Visitor Center at the Arts Exclusive location effective immediately.
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Lou George stated at the December EDC meeting a motion would be made to send a letter to Tom Vincent about the decision of the Visitor Center.
It was agreed upon by the EDC members, at the next meeting scheduled for December 9th, members will tour the Fiddler Green property at 9:00 am.
VI. 2005 MEETING SCHEDULE
Scott Barnett made a motion, seconded by Nancy Haase, and approved unanimously to approve the EDC 2005 regular meeting schedule.
VII. NEW BUSINESS
Lou George reported to EDC members he had been in contact with the Simsbury Library Board regarding the proposed expansion of the library.
It is estimated the expansion will cost $7.3 million. The state has contributed $500,000 and $250,000 has been raised in fund raising efforts. In the end, there will remain a $2 million gap in the project.
A mission of the EDC is to provide more business development, and part of the expansion of the library will include a business resource center.
Lou George spoke on another topic regarding an article he read on cable vs. wireless communications in towns. Scott Barnett said more information should be given to EDC from a cable and wireless company. Bill Voelker suggested having Verizon presenting in January. EDC wants to promote our Town as “business friendly.”
Bill Voelker gave a summary of his meeting with the Phonon Company on Wolcott Road. They manufacture circuitry boards, etc. for aerospace and military staff. They need to expand their space by 15,000 square feet very soon.
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Bill said due to the delicate nature of their manufacturing, they could only expand out vs. adding a second floor. The company has been in the community for 22 years and brings major tax revenue to the Town. Bill stressed the importance of making this expansion happen and keeping this business from leaving Simsbury.
It was reported the Ensign Bickford Realty project is in the final stages, and after the meeting with the Planning Commission scheduled for the 23rd, they can start building.
Dave Balboni reported he attended the Charter Revision meeting and spoke on behalf of himself and not the EDC. There should, however, be an EDC contact for the Charter Revision Committee. Dave suggested putting together a list of items that EDC would like to discuss at the public hearing in January.
Nancy Haase reported that the Historical Society received funding making it possible to exhibit at the Smithsonian on “American Barns.”
The Town of Simsbury Tourism Committee Survey for 2004 that had been given out at Septemberfest was distributed (Addendum I) to EDC members.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
The Economic Development Commission adjourned the meeting at 9:15 A.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Laurie Lungarini
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