Simsbury, CT - Economic Development Commission Minutes 06/12/2008

The regular meeting of the Economic Development Commission was called to order at 7:43 AM in the Main Meeting Room of the Simsbury Town Offices. Commission members Mark Deming, Alan Needham, and Lou George were present. Also in attendance were Alison Sturgeon, Commission Clerk, as well as other interested parties.

A. Status of Airport Consultant Project - Mr. Peck stated that the study is going along on schedule. The original idea was for the consultant to look at various aspects of the airport to examine different scenarios, with some involving potential expansion of the runway. The consultant is also looking at the costs and benefits of various alternatives. After the consultants have finished their study, there will be a public presentation as to what those alternatives are.

Commissioner George stated that East Granby was interested in getting involved. He questioned if they were involved up to this point. Mr. Peck stated that they have been involved. Their Planner and their EDC have attended the meetings.

Commissioner Needham questioned if they were looking into extending the runway in order to take some traffic that currently goes to Bradley International Airport. Mr. Peck stated that this was not the major reason for discussing the extension of the runway. There has also been discussion regarding keeping the airport open, maintaining it and upgrading it to make it conforming as much as possible.

B. Rationale for and status of Economic Development Public Opinion Survey - Mr. Peck stated that they have put together an outline for the survey and will be sending it out to approximately 15 firms. He stated that he would like the survey to be done by August. Prior to the survey being sent out, the questions will be reviewed by the Board of Selectmen. It will then be up to the consultant if they decide to do a Town wide survey or just a sampling. The information from the survey would be very helpful during the Charrette process if it were to go forward. Mr. Peck stated that the Charrette has changed significantly from the way it started out, in that the focus of it would primarily be on the center of Town. The form-based code would be developed for the Center and then taking a look at the other areas around the Center that have already been talked about.

In response to Commissioner Needham's question regarding those other areas, Mr. Peck stated that the consultant would be looking at the Special Areas map and the Economic Development maps in the POCD. They would use the areas shown on these maps as a basis to make recommendations as to how to best proceed with these other areas.

Commissioner Needham questioned if a survey was typically used in the Charrette process. Mr. Peck stated that they are trying to get a consensus to go forward. In order to do that, this is something that they decided to do in order to get an additional public sampling.

Ms. Floroski updated the Commission regarding other things that the Main Street Partnership has been working on. She stated that they wrote a grant that was matched by Town funds through the Board of Selectmen to do a preservation study of Eno Memorial Hall. This study will get a better understanding of what the immediate needs as well as the long term needs of Eno are. They will then put a cost figure to these needs. The study should be completed by June 30th.

Commissioner George questioned if the structure would remain the same. Ms. Floroski stated that she does not believe that they will be reconfiguring the building; the consultant is only looking at improvements to the building.

Regarding the Talcott Mountain Music Festival, Ms. Floroski stated that they have vendors coming in for this event. She stated that Main Street Partnership has also finished their bridal review and open house at the River View. They are now moving forward with their summer plans.

Commissioner George stated that they are trying to determine what can be done in this area. They have already met and talked to various people, organizations and groups. Before they go any further, they need to complete environmental studies to determine what is there, what portions can and can't be used, how to protect the land, etc. Some studies have already been done, but they would like to now complete the process.

Mr. Sawitzke stated that the most critical and important part of the study is to put together what the constraints and opportunities are on the site. There have been studies done on this site which include a Phase I Environmental Assessment and several analyses of the wetlands areas. He suggest that all of the reports be looked at and have a consultant put together an overall comprehensive plan and report that would show those areas that might be appropriate for use.

Commissioner Deming questioned how long the additional studies might take. Mr. Sawitzke stated they could take up to 4-5 weeks at a cost of approximately $7,000. Commissioner Deming questioned if the EDC could help with the cost of the study. Mr. Sawitzke stated that any money allocated would help pay the consultant costs. Any amount that the EDC would be willing to contribute, up to the $7,000 would be helpful. Commissioner Deming stated that a special meeting prior to the EDC's July 10th meeting might be held. The Commission could discuss the possibility of allocating their $5,500 for this use at that time.

Sue Bednarcyk, a Planning Commission member, stated that she would like the Planning Commission to be involved with this issue. They put the Simsbury Center study together years ago as well as the Tariffville Design study.

Commissioner Deming stated that he feels that the Metro Hartford Alliance is very helpful to Simsbury; the relationship has been beneficial to this Commission and to Simsbury. He stated that he is in favor of maintaining their relationship with MHA.

Commissioner Needham feels the key is outlining what the EDC would be using the Metro Hartford Alliance for. He could be supportive of maintaining their relationship if he could see the uses. If the EDC has underutilized the MHA in the past, he would like to know what they will do to better utilize their services in the future.

Mr. Vose, MHA, stated that the EDC should define their needs; MHA is a resource that is here to help. He stated that it might be helpful if Simsbury had a point person to work with them. He stated that MHA offers many services including: HYPE (Hartford Young Professionals & Entrepreneurs), which is free for Town employees; their Business Retention Expansion Program, etc. They also work closely with CERC which allows Towns to get a discount for Site Finder.

Commissioner Deming questioned what the problem was that was trying to be solved by updating the Economic Development Plan. Mr. Peck stated that that there was a 1995 document that was done. In 2001 there was an updated of how to make the process more user friendly. Mr. Peck suggested that the EDC members review and become familiar with these documents so they can decide whether putting together a new, more strategic document would be necessary. He also stated that the public opinion survey would fit well into this document.

Commissioner George stated that he attended the Government Affairs Committee meeting of the Simsbury Chamber. There were in-depth discussion regarding where Simsbury has come over the last year, where the Town stands and what may be coming in the future with the PDD and Charrette process. Commissioner George stated that he would like to see these meeting happen on a more regular basis; he feels that they are very helpful. Some of the topics at this meeting were: where the Charrette currently stands; the funding for the Charrette; and the need for a traffic study prior to the Charrette. Mr. Peck stated that people at the meeting were also talking about the fact that the State continues to discuss smart growth. There may be money, in State or out, that could be applied to a smart growth program.