Economic Development Council

Minutes

Meeting: January 4, 2006, 10 am

Judge Welsh Room           

 

Present:

Members: Chairman Steve Melamed, Thanassi Kuliopulos, Henry Tuttle, Bill Dougal, Alix Ritchie

Staff:  Acting Assistant Town Manager/Grant Administrator Michelle Jarusiewicz

Building Commissioner Douglas Taylor, Town Manager Keith Bergman

 

The Chair Steve Melamed called the meeting to order at 10:10 AM.  Gabby Hanna and Hunter O’Hanian had excused absences.

 

Dan Dray, Leslie Richardson, and Dave Willard from the CCEDC introduced themselves.

 

Steve gave the members of the CCEDC a briefing on discussions and functions of EDC.

 

Bill Dougal discussed genesis of council and presented the economic snapshot we are trying to capture – lack of affordable rental housing, tourism, employment opportunities, and the mission to sustain year-round economy.  How can we link afforadable housing w/economic development?

 

Alix Ritchie discussed purpose of the EDC and the EDC’s definition of Economic Development.  What can be done to help the town on the analytical and planning side?

 

Henry Tuttle discussed healthcare issues and the need for daycare.

 

Thanassi Kuliopulos discussed bringing the community together and making a better future for the town.

 

Keith Bergman discussed the EDC’s use of facilitators – look at the Town’s history exploring specific tasks.  What does EDC need to do, and can we subcontract to the county or others?

 

Bill states that the EDC is looking for an organizational model to work from in order to achieve goals to boost the economy.

 

Leslie recaps what she heard from members of EDC and what the EDC is looking for from the CCEDC.

 

A timeline to have an actions plan was tentatively set for the April Town Meeting – with the focus being largely on tourism and healthcare.  Discussions ensue regarding  where the main need lies – affordable housing, healthcare, employment, tourism.

 

Bill Dougal gave a working hypothesis – the issues he’s been hearing from people - guest houses are becoming more mixed (fewer gay people are booking stays and more straight couples are), fewer young are coming to Ptown, foreign workers cannot get healthcare, and the real estate concerns.

 

Steve invited Dan, Leslie, and Dave to join them in another meeting on Thursday, February 2nd.  Leslie said they would start collecting data and resources in preparation for that meeting.

 

Meeting adjourned at 11:45.