Economic Development Council

Joint Meeting with Board of Selectmen

Minutes: July 23, 2007; 6:00 pm

Judge Welsh Room

Present:

Members: Alix Ritchie, Thanassi Kuliopulos, William Dougal, Bonnie Adams-Campbell

Staff: Acting Assistant Town Manager/Grant Administrator Michelle Jarusiewicz,

Meeting called to order by BOS Chairman Mary-Jo Avellar at 6:00 pm

1B JOINT MEETING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL & BOARD OF SELECTMEN

Alix Ritchie gave a brief overview of what the EDC has been working on and the proposed town-wide goals for FY 2008. The EDC needs direction from the Board of Selectmen regarding what they want the EDC to pursue – long term, short term and strategy.

Bill Dougal - How to get business engaged - we don’t know how to do that? Businesses don’t trust Town government. We have to have a business conference and the Board of Selectmen have to be involved.

Open discussion ensued.

· Alix delivered brief report of EDC activities, goals, request for BOS actions;

· Year round economy with multiple sectors v. tourism economy;

· Consideration of evening meetings;

· Licensing;

· Intangible end results out of EDC à need for short term goals with more immediate impact and benefit to business owners in town;

· Business Conference/Summit to be scheduled for 10/18/07 – Sharon Lynn to be point person [Solution Zone/No Griping Zone]

· WiFi installation to proceed

· EDC would like to be involved in Commercial St. repaving project

· Streetscape project

MOTION: Move that the Board of Selectmen vote to have a business summit of Thursday, October 18, 2007 at a time to be determined.

Motion by: Austin Knight Seconded by: Michele Couture Yea 5 Nay 0

Meeting adjourned at approximately 7:00 pm.