Economic Development Council Meeting

Minutes:  May 16, 2007; 9:30 am

Judge Welsh Room

 

Present:

Members:  Chairman Steve Melamed, Alix Ritchie, Thanassi Kuliopulos, Gabrielle Hanna, Astrid Berg

Staff:  Acting Building Commissioner Matt Mulvey, Permit Coordinator Maxine Notaro, Acting Assistant Town Manager/Grant Administrator Michelle Jarusiewicz

Absent:  Todd Dever, William Dougal

 

Meeting called to order by Chairman Steve Melamed at 9:35

 

Staff introductions.

 

Motion made by Gabby

To approve minutes of the 4/18/07 EDC meeting

Seconded by Thanassi

All vote in favor; 3 for, 0 against, 1 abstain

 

Motion made by Steve

To approve minutes of the 4/26/07 EDC meeting

Seconded by Gabby

All vote in favor; 3 for, 0 against, 1 abstain

 

Vacant EDC positions.  2 applicants interviewed. 

 

Michael Carroll:  Applicant statement -- owner of Schoolhouse Gallery.  Arts & community oriented professional background. 

 

Martin Huey:  Applicant statement – member of Harbor Committee.  Accountant, actuary.

 

Motion made by Gabby

To approve Michael Carroll as a member of the EDC

Seconded by Alix

All vote in favor; 4 for, 0 against

 

Motion made by Alix

To approve Martin Huey as a member of the EDC

Seconded by Thannasi

All vote in favor; 5 for, 0 against

 

Positions vacant 6/30/07 and 6/30/08.  Michael to be slotted in the 2008 position and Martin to be slotted into the 2007 position.

 

Cape Tech Council meeting to be scheduled.  Dave Willard liaison.  Falmouth’s WiFi system became operational 5/15/07.  Tech Council has identified Provincetown as the next potential site.  Tech Council would advise on implementation and funding.  Additional potential funding stream from Department of Agriculture due to rural designation for town.

 

Discussion regarding demographic study that marketing should be geared towards 45+ age group.  The 20-40 age group is a flat demographic and therefore will not generate ongoing economic development.

 

Discussion on the MCC Adams Grant Task Force Meeting held on Tuesday, May 15, 2007.  Mary Jenkins from MCC involved/presented towards the goal of implementation of ideas.  Year three of the Adams Grant to be involved with the Wayfinding/Storytelling initiative.  Connect Arts organizations and business community for the benefit of both as well as how to not step on each others toes.  Individuals are available from the MCC for packaging, marketing and/or facilitating meetings.  Discussion on the effect of the Baby Boomers on tourism:  cultural tourism, eco-tourism.  Hidden assets of town would be of great interest to this generation of visitors. 

 

Discussion on ICON presentations.  Town to go forward with the small, do-able portions of the presentation that have been identified.  Separate the Wayfinding and Storytelling portions to determine what can be implemented immediately or in the short-term and what needs to be developed in conjunction with the Town’s paving project. 

 

Discussion on EDC election of new officers.

 

Motion made by Thannasi

To appoint Steve Melamed as Chairman of the EDC

Seconded by Martin

All vote in favor; 7 for, 0 against

 

Gabby nominated Alix as Vice Chair and she respectively declined.

 

Alix nominated Gabby as Vice Chair and she respectively declined.

 

Gabby nominated Michael as Vice Chair.  Postpone vote until next meeting and full council complement is present.

 

Discussion of presentation of Katherine Fulham Group marketing program directed at Baby Boomers.  Alix working with Chamber of Commerce and Looking for sponsors.  Would the EDC be willing to sponsor?  Copies of presentation given to members.

 

Discussion on Mt. Auburn analysis.   Develop of comparable communities for our unique situation – do not look for communities close to urban areas. 

 

Study of the licensing structure for town.  Cassandra Benson is the Chair of the Licensing Board.  Are there ways that the licensing fee structure be reworked to encourage/incentivize year round opportunities?  EDC should contact the new Licensing Board for their input.  Invitation to be extended to Licensing Board to attend the June 6, 2007 EDC meeting.  EDC analysis requested to be performed by Martin. 

 

Discussion to meet with new Town Manager regarding role of EDC. 

 

Discussion regarding Growth Management and water use as relates to economic development.  Available water supply is finite and limited and growth must and does lean towards low or no water usages businesses, such as retail. 

 

Discussion on issue raised at May 12, 2007 Selectmen Meeting.  Requesting help from Rep. Delahunt regarding the delay on the issuance of H2B visas and the problems that has presented to some town businesses.   Recommend to BOS to hire a lobbyist to work towards expediting/facilitating foreign workers.  Some businesses may be looking at busing day workers in.

 

Discussion regarding increase in insurance premiums and its effect. 

 

Discussion on MA Health Plan requirement for employers to provide health insurance.  Seasonal workers are considered workers of less than 16 weeks.  Some businesses may be looking at busing day workers in.

Information is not forthcoming and employers may elect to pay penalties in lieu of paying for providing health insurance.  Possibility of Cape self-insuring.

 

Meeting adjourned at 11:40 am.