Economic Development Council

Minutes

Meeting: October 11, 2006, 10:00 am

Judge Welsh Room           

 

Present:

Members: Chairman Stephen Melamed, Todd Dever, Thanassi Kuliopulos, William Dougal, Alix Ritchie, Gabrielle Hanna. Astrid Berg, Henry Tuttle

Staff:  Building Commissioner Douglas Taylor

 

The Chairman Steve Melamed called the meeting to order at 10:05 AM.

 

Alix Ritchie made Motion to accept September 27 minutes

Gabby Hanna 2nd

7-0 in favor

1 Abstain

 

Public Statements

The Chair of the CPC Elaine Anderson, discussed the value of the EDC and affordable housing issue and recommended that the EDC and business owners take part in the housing summit.  She also discussed the Motion made by the CPC disapproving of the sale of Fire House #2 and other properties.

Discussion around the room as to thoughts on the CPC’s Motion.

Elaine also discussed the goals of the Economic Work Group which included, recommendation to the BOS, number of units, location, income eligibility criteria, financing plan, any necessary by-laws and measures necessary to implement plan, and time table.

 

Alix Ritchie suggests taking a vote to support the CPC’s Motion and conveying that at the next joint meeting with the BOS.

 

Alix made Motion that the EDC together with the CPC communicate today via email to the PPG and Chamber of Commerce that there is a need for strong business representation on Economic Work Group of Housing Summit and would like to request two or more members become involved with it from each group.

Bill 2nd

Discussion…

8-0 in favor

 

Bill made Motion to re-open public statements section

Todd & Henry 2nd

8-0 in favor

 

Mona Anderson discusses importance of having affordable commercial space as well as housing.

 

Discussion…

 

Steve invites Elaine to join the next EDC meeting on October 25 at 9:30.

 

Review and action from joint BOS/EDC meeting:  BOS gave the EDC permission to request meetings as opposed to waiting for them to schedule meetings.  The BOS agrees with licensing policy rewrites.

 

Discussion…

 

Todd will draft proposed licensing policy rewrites.

 

Health, Planning & Zoning - discussion regarding meeting wit the Board of Health.  Gabby suggests that the EDC open up the lines of communication between the boards.  Todd suggests regularly scheduled meetings, inviting all chairs of all boards to meet with the EDC.  Steve suggests that the BOS hold joint a meeting with all the board’s members who are interested in attending.

 

Alix made Motion that the EDC would like to express to the BOS its concerns regarding effective communication among and between various town boards and would like to request that the BOS hold twice-yearly workshop meetings with members of the boards

Thanassi 2nd

Discussion…

7-0 in favor

1 Abstain

 

Gabby suggests planning for Business Summit - perhaps in April after Town Meeting in the High School Cafeteria.  A preliminary meeting was tentatively set for Wednesday, December 6 at 6:30 pm.

 

Meeting adjourned at 12:40.