ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MINUTES
April 10, 2008
REGULAR MEETING
I. CALL TO ORDER
The regular meeting of the Economic Development Commission was called to order at 7:34 AM in the Main Meeting Room of the Simsbury Town Offices. Chairman Louis George and Commission members Mark Deming, Nancy Haase, Derek Peterson, Alan Levesque, Alan Needham, Thomas Frank and Kevin Crimmins were present. Also in attendance were Alison Sturgeon, Commission Clerk, as well as other interested parties.
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Haase made a motion to approve the minutes of the emergency meeting with the BOS on March 6, 2008. Commissioner Deming seconded the motion.
Commissioner Haase made several edits to the minutes.
The motion to approve the March 6, 2008 minutes, as amended, was unanimously approved.
Commissioner Deming made a motion to approve the minutes of March 13, 2008. Commissioner Haase seconded the motion.
Commissioners Haase and Crimmins made several edits to the minutes.
The motion to approve the March 13, 2008 minutes, as amended, was unanimously approved.
Commissioner Crimmins made a motion to approve the minutes of March 20, 2008. Commissioner Haase seconded the motion.
Commissioner Haase made several edits to the minutes.
The motion to approve the March 20, 2008 minutes, as amended, was unanimously approved.
III. REPORTS
Main Street - Anita Meilert - Ms. Meilert distributed a copy of the Simsbury Main Street Partnership's Workplans for 2008-2009. The five major goals of Main Street are:
" Promote the downtown through marketing and special events
" Create a stronger economic development climate
" Create a downtown plan which addresses the physical layout, creates connections, and promotes a new mix of uses and density in downtown
" Emphasize and promote our cultural, natural and historic resources
" Build consensus and cooperation among groups that play a role in downtown
Ms. Meilert discussed some of the strategies for these goals, including: creating a brand for Simsbury; the gift check program; maintenance and repairs for Eno Memorial Hall; the streetscape, etc.
Chairman George stated that one challenge is getting people to the downtown area. He questioned why Main Street did not mention this in their Workplans. He feels that this should be a major goal of Main Street. Ms. Meilert stated that the goal of bringing people downtown is embedded in all of their other goals.
Regarding the marketing that will be done by Main Street, Commissioner Haase stated that there will be a great deal of visibility given to Simsbury. The goal of tourism is to bring people downtown.
Commissioner Haase distributed a flyer regarding the, "Making Downtown Parking Work" conference. She also offered applications to the members of the Commission to join Main Street.
Selectman Update - Mike Long - There was no report.
Metro Hartford Alliance Report - Jeff Vose - Mr. Vose distributed a flyer regarding their Business Champions Event, which kicks off the Business Expo at the Convention Center. This is a great way to recognize companies that have experienced good growth. Businesses can be nominated on-line on their website. He also distributed an application for a free subscription to the Hartford Business Journal.
Mr. Vose talked about the golf tournament and all of the many events associated with the tournament.
Commissioner Crimmins stated that at a recent meeting of the EDC, he had expressed his concerns regarding his experience with MHA. Since those comments were made, he has spoken with contacts from the MHA and learned that this was an isolated incident and was very impressed with the MHA's response to his concerns.
Regarding the revisions of the Zoning Regulations, Commissioner Frank questioned if Mr. Peck could update the EDC regarding this issue. Mr. Peck stated that the revision of the Zoning Regulations is underway. They have gotten 3 proposals that are within the amount of money that is available. The revisions will be able to be made by the end of this fiscal year. They do not involve any form-based regulations, but it does involve a reorganization of the Regulations, eliminating some of the references that are made to Regulations that are no longer there. They will also be updated to reflect the current Connecticut General Statutes.
Commissioner Levesque questioned if there was a requirement in the law that states the Zoning Commission must implement the vision in the POCD. Mr. Peck stated that there is no legal requirement that the Zoning Regulations adopt the POCD. The POCD is a recommendation under State Statues.
Commissioner Frank stated that a goal of the EDC has been to work with Town Staff to streamline the land use application process. He asked Mr. Peck were they were in this process. Mr. Peck stated that the Town currently has a very user friendly application process. There is a draft booklet that has been put together with regard to the whole application process. This draft will, hopefully, be completed within the next month or so and be made available to the public.
Commissioner Frank questioned the status of website improvements. Mr. Peck stated that there are a number of things that have been done recently. There are Economic Development links that are on the website now that were not there before; the link also directs people to CERC. He stated that the Regulations are also on the website. There is a lot of information on the website, although it is a matter of keeping that information current. Commissioner Haase stated that although the website can still be improved, it has come a long way. She stated that the POCD is now available on the website also, along with site locations. Mr. Peck stated that, in the past, he has recommended to the IT Department that the GIS implementation be pursued. The EDC can decide if this is something that they would
like to review and decide if it is worth pursuing. Ms. Glassman stated that Simsbury is going out to bid for IT services. The Commission continued discussing this issue.
Commissioner Deming made a motion that the EDC would like to reiterate that the website should be improved and become top priority. It should be a process of continual improvement and continued maintenance. Also, the EDC supports the creation of a sub-committee, of which the EDC will supply two members, in cooperation with the Building Department and the Computer Department to facilitate this recommendation. Commissioner Frank seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
Commissioners Crimmins and Haase volunteered to work together with Rick Bazzano regarding this issue.
IV. GOALS OF EDC 2008
Town Center - Charity Folk, Executive Director of The Chamber of Commerce, stated that the Town did a Charrette in 1998. After that, the Chamber, along with other groups, took the next steps to put together a Regulation to include the Center Zone language, which included retail on the west side and residential. The Planning and Zoning Commissions embraced the language, which is in the current POCD. The concept of the Center Zone was embraced. Ms. Folk stated that the Center Zone Regulation has always been a top priority of the Chamber. They do not feel that a Charrette or PDD Regulation in the center of Town is needed.
Ms. Glassman feels that what the Chamber has done is great. She stated that the BOS feels that the Town Center is a priority. She suggested having a joint meeting of the Zoning Commission, Planning Commission, EDC and BOS to discuss the Town Center as a priority and to discuss what tools the Zoning Commission needs to go forward to get this done. The EDC members were all in favor of having this joint meeting. Ms. Meilert stated that Main Street would also like to be involved. Charity Folk stated that the Chamber would be happy to be included in this process also.
Chairman George stated that he agreed with Ms. Glassman who said that if form-base were to be considered for the Town Center, given what the Town already has from the prior Charrette and the Design Review Guidelines, he believes that they have a lot of the pieces that can come together for one focus area. The Town Center is not something that should run parallel to any other mix-used or PDD; this Commission should separate the two and let this process move along. They are separate issues.
Iron Horse Boulevard Discussion - Chairman George and Commission Deming have been trying to determine what types of things can be done in certain areas at Iron Horse Boulevard. Many studies have already been done in this area. Commissioner Deming stated that Mr. Sawitzke has been working to get everything together to be put on one map. He stated that they are expecting to have a draft of this map by the end of this month from the Engineering Department.
Commissioner Crimmins questioned what they were looking to get funded and how does the EDC have the authority to get it funded. Chairman George stated the only thing that needs to be funded is the engineering to determine where things could go. The Commission discussed the possibility of lacrosse fields in this area. Commissioner Haase questioned if money is still needed for more information or to make the final document prior to going to the BOS to make their recommendation. Chairman George stated that in order to bring something forward, money is needed for additional final engineering and studies so that people are comfortable that these things can occur in that area.
Commissioner Haase requested that Mr. Sawitzke give the EDC an update regarding Iron Horse at their next meeting. Ms. Glassman suggested that the Parks and Recreation Department needs to be a part of this process; fields are in their purview. Chairman George and Commissioner Deming will talk to Parks and Recreation to discuss their goals and to see what their comments are.
Charrette Issues - Commissioner Minor stated that the EDC should decide, as a Commission, what their position is. He suggested that they discuss this at a special meeting, including taking a vote. He stated that all of the other Boards and Commissions have already weighed in on this issue as Ms. Glassman has asked them to do. It would be irresponsible for this Commission not to take a position. Commissioner Frank suggested having a special meeting to discuss this issue only. Commissioner Peterson questioned how much more talking about this issue is needed. He feels that a vote needs to be taken.
Regarding Commissioner Frank's suggestion, Chairman George stated that last month, they did have a special meeting where this item was on the agenda, although a special speaker was also added to that agenda. He then asked each member of the Commission to state their feelings and if they feel that more information is still needed.
Commissioner Crimmins stated that, although they have heard a lot of information regarding issues related to the Charrette, this Commission has not had the opportunity to discuss or debate the issue. He feels that a special session is needed, which is closed to other topics other than the Charrette.
Commissioner Frank agreed with Commissioner Crimmins
Regarding the joint meeting that Ms. Glassman had commented on earlier, Commissioner Peterson stated that this will set the tone for how things proceed. He, personally, does not feel that a Charrette is needed.
Commissioner Needham feels that the EDC needs time to have a lot of discussions regarding this issue. He is interested in getting more information before a debate takes place. He stated he also agrees with the comments made by Commissioner Crimmins.
Commissioner Haase stated that she feels this Commission should meeting more often. She feels a special meeting prior to the joint meeting that Ms. Glassman spoke of would be necessary. There is still a lot of discussions that needs to happen. She stated that she would be in favor of a Charrette, although she would like to discuss it further.
Chairman George stated that he is in favor of public input for any projects that the Town is looking proactively to do. With regard to the Town Center, the process of public input has been great and the Town should begin to move forward. He stated that he is not in favor of a Charrette for the Town Center. With regard to other areas of Town, he feels that it would be inappropriate for the Town to take on a Charrette when there are applications that are ready to go forward.
Commissioner Deming stated that he agrees with Commissioner Crimmins. He also feels, like Chairman George, that the Town should move forward with the Town Center.
Commissioner Minor stated that Ms. Glassman has asked all of the Boards and Commissions in Town for recommendations regarding the Charrette initiative. He feels that the EDC will be rushed now in doing so. He stated that a special meeting should be held to discuss this issue, at which a vote should be taken so they can prepare a letter to the BOS.
Commissioner Levesque stated that he is not against another meeting to discuss this issue, although if a special meeting would be held, he would encourage members to look at the 1998 Charrette for Simsbury Center. He stated the problem he has is with implementation. Few of the recommendations were ever implemented.
Chairman George stated that a special meeting will be held to discuss the topic of the Charrette issue only. He would let the members know the date of this meeting at a later time.
Budget Priorities 2008-2009 Discussions
Chairman George stated that there is money available in the budget.
V. ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Commissioner Crimmins made a motion to nominate Commissioner Frank for Chairman. Commissioner Needham seconded the motion.
Commissioner Crimmins stated that he nominated Commissioner Frank because, as a new member, he brings a fresh perspective along with business and leadership experience to the Commission. Also, he has made many efforts to connect with leaders across the community. He feels that these things indicate that Commissioner Frank will be a strong and effective leader for the EDC. Commissioner Crimmins stated his reasons for feeling the need for the election of new officers. He stated that they are at a crossroads, in terms of the community. There is a lot of unrest in terms of how to resolve major issues. He feels that new leadership brings fresh perspective and fresh ideas.
Commissioner Peterson stated that he does not feel that he can make the recommendation that Commissioner Frank be the Chairman because he is so new to the Commission.
Commissioner Needham stated that he agrees with Commissioner Crimmins. He stated that this is not a vote against anyone, but only for someone.
Commissioner Haase would not be against Commissioner Franks, but there is a great deal of learning that needs to be done. The Town is at a very critical time, and she feels that experience is something she would look for in a Chairman.
Commissioner Minor stated that he would support Commissioner Frank as Chairman. He likes Commissioner Frank's approach on taking the POCD and the EDC's goals and using that as the driving force for setting objectives.
Commissioner Levesque stated that the EDC has made a lot of progress over the past few years, especially seeing that this is a voluntary Commission, there is a very limited budget, and there is no full-time economic development employee in the Town.
Chairman George stated that there are more experienced people for the position of Chairman at this time. This Commission runs the potential of losing the momentum over the last few years that they have built because of the great deal of education that needs to occur. He stated that if there needs to be a change, he would support Commissioner Deming as Chairman.
Commissioner Crimmins responded to several Commission members regarding the lack of education Commissioner Frank has. He stated that sometimes, there is value in challenging assumptions. Someone should not assume that questions are always asked because of ignorance.
Commissioners Crimmins, Frank, Needham, Deming and Minor approved the motion to elect Commissioner Frank as Chairman. Commissioner Peterson, Levesque, Haase and George were opposed.
Commissioner Frank stated that although there is a learning curve, he has made a commitment to work very hard to get up to speed very quickly. He stated that the possibility of his making a mistake as Chairman of the EDC is very low and virtually zero when he would be working with Commissioner Deming as Vice Chairman.
Commissioner Frank made a motion to nominate Commissioner Deming as Vice-Chairman. Commissioner Haase seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
Commissioner Haase recognized Mr. Balboni, who was seated in the audience, and thanked him for his service on this Commission.
Commissioner Haase also recognized Chairman George for his service as Chairman on the EDC. She stated there has been an outstanding level of commitment by him and she has seen tremendous economic development in Simsbury. She is very please that Chairman George will still be serving on this Commission.
Chairman George recognized Commissioner Haase and her service as Vice-Chairman on this Commission. He stated that she has been very helpful in getting so many things accomplished. When Commissioner Haase has been given a task, it gets done very well.
VI. NEW BUSINESS / CORRESPONDENCE
There was none.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Haase motioned to adjourn the meeting at 9:38 am. Commissioner Minor seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
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