Economic Development Council Meeting

Minutes:  July 25, 2007; 9:30 am

Judge Welsh Room

 

Present:

Members:  Chairman Steve Melamed, Thanassi Kuliopulos, William Dougal, Bonnie Adams-Campbell

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

Absent: Gabrielle Hanna excused, Astrid Berg excused, Alix Ritchie, excused; Michael Carroll, excused Todd Dever unexcused

Other: 

 

Meeting called to order by Chairman Steve Melamed at 9:40 am

 

Review of Joint EDC/BOS meeting of 7/23/07

·        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

 

Discussion on Grease Trap Inspections/Cleaning Program

 

Discussion on Business Summit

  • Introductory remarks from BOS & Town Manager & Chairman of PHC
  • Develop common set of assumptions to work from – based on Mt. Auburn Study
  • Synopsis of Adams Grant process
  • Snapshot of current season:  Stats from ferry passengers, airport, trash/recycling collection, etc.
  • Status report on Commercial St. repaving
  • Focus on short-term goals/solutions, not on long-term issues
  • Break out into small working groups to develop specific recommendations for improvement of business climate/conditions in town.  What needs to be done, what resources needed?  Long-term needs to be considered if time allows.
  • End product to focus on 5 most important issues for the community for economic development
  • Volunteer group to takes recommendations w/ EDC, Chamber, PBG, VSB, Town Manager to further delineate action steps
  • Invitations to be extended to Chairs of all town boards and Department Heads of municipal services, CCEDC members
  • Further convene to develop into actions to be taken by BOS, PBG, VSB, Chamber, EDC or where necessary
  • Proceedings to generate email list for communication/updates

 

 

PTV has requested that EDC be put back on PTV on a per meeting basis

 

Update on Unwired Village (WiFi for town)

Nothing new with getting Chamber online

Any grant money available?  Still looking.

 

Gary Delieus (FinCom) invited to speak with EDC at next meeting on August 8, 2007.  Dave Willard (CCEDC) to be invited as well

 

Discussion/Questions on Mt. Auburn Report

  • Is there funding available for a Phase II?
  • Phase II may be open to other vendors rather than Mt. Auburn Assoc.?
  • Does EDC want to proceed with a Phase II?
  • Wait until after Business Summit to make decisions on possible Phase II.

 

Motion made by Bill to approve 7/11/07 minutes

2nd by Thanassi

All vote to approve, 4-0-0

 

Discussion on issue raised at BOS meeting of 7/23.  Parties/fundraisers/noise and police involvement.  This is an economic issue with far-ranging, potentially negative ramifications.

 

 

 Thanassi moves to adjourn

2nd  by Bonnie

All vote in favor, 4-0-0

 

 

Meeting adjourned at 11: 36 pm.