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PORTLAND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
Minutes of Meeting - April 18, 2007


1. CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Fred Knous called the EDC meeting to order at 7:06 p.m.

2. ROLL CALL
The roll call was taken and those present were: Fred Knous, Peter LaMalfa, David Rintoul and Consultant to the EDC, Christopher Edge. Also present were First Selectwoman Susan Bransfield and Honora Kenney of Quarryside Downtown.

3. MINUTES
MOTION BY Peter LaMalfa to accept the minutes of March 21, 2007 as read. SECONDED BY Fred Knous, UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED, MOTION CARRIED.

4. CORRESPONDENCE
Correspondence received was discussed:

  • The Portland Garden Club would have been required to pay $900 for insurance to hold their sale at the Brownstone Elementary School; therefore, the EDC agreed to sponsor the Portland Garden Club's sale on the Town Green.
  • Notice of the Governor's Conference on Culture and Tourism on May 1.
  • Chris Edge noted there were promotional articles in the Middletown Press, Hartford Courant and the WTNH website featuring Town businesses.

5. DISCUSSION
A. Roundtable Discussion on Main Street Banners.
Honora (Honey) Kenney spoke with the EDC regarding the purchase of a fourth set of 10 banners for Main Street. Mrs. Kenney and Carol deBerry have developed a theme of golf and boating, which would focus on two of Portland's main industries. The EDC stated it would provide sponsorship providing the cost would be shared by local commercial support.

MOTION BY David Rintoul that the EDC authorizes Honora Kenney to raise money for another set of banners under EDC sponsorship, not meaning that the EDC is agreeing to contribute to any cost of the banners. SECONDED by Peter LaMalfa, UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED, MOTION CARRIED.

Ms. Kenney and Ms. deBerry will send a solicitation letter to local boating businesses, golf courses and others, explaining the project and asking for cooperation and a pledge of financial support. They will follow-up on the letters and advise the EDC of the levels of support.

Chairman Fred Knous requested that the EDC generally support "Main Street Beautification" by way of a separate line item in the next EDC annual budget.

Portland has offered to fly banners for the Middlesex Community College's 40th Anniversary celebration during the summer and early fall.

B. Consultant Update
Chris Edge reported:

  • There are now 42 properties on the Site Finder with 31 buildings, 10 sites and 1 business for sale.
  • Dairy Queen, at the corner of Route 66 and Route 17, recently underwent extensive renovations. The grand opening is on Saturday, April 21st.
  • Drobka Scenic, located in the Industrial Park on Airline Avenue, provides services to theaters and multi-media outlets.
  • Tommy's Pizza, located in Tri-Town Plaza, has been a family-owned business for over 40 years.
  • Middlesex Marine on Main Street on the CT River. Owner Pat has been in business for 18 years.
  • Signage is up for Standard-Knapp (80 years) and Caveliere's Bakery (newer business).
  • Chris Edge met with Ann Faust (grant writer) concerning combining Portland with other towns to bring down the cost.
  • Chris Edge attended the Middlesex Chamber of Commerce breakfast and the P & Z meeting regarding the mixed-use zoning variance.
  • True Value is currently in negotiations with the property owner. An upcoming article in the Middletown Press featuring long-time customers will offer support.
  • "Shop Portland" coupon sheets will be distributed to Portland residents before summer.
  • The Industrial Park sign may need to be replaced. Chris Edge will investigate.
  • Chris Edge will contact the Slitting Company, which is requesting information.
  • Route 66 Inventories. Fred Knous requested a map of parcels (developable and currently listed) along Route 66. Chris Edge will obtain a map from the Assessor's office and identify the owner(s) of each parcel.

C. Grants Inventory
Regarding the last discussion of shared expenses between other Portland Town Boards, the EDC has funds allocated in the budget for grant inventory.

MOTION BY David Rintoul to allocate up to $1200.00 towards a grants inventory, which will be provided by Community Consulting (Ann Faust). SECONDED by Fred Knous, UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED, MOTION CARRIED.

P & Z and the EDC will discuss specific focus for future grants. Part of the inventory discussion with Ann Faust will include grants received, grants pending, and grants being implemented.

D. Sub Committees

  • Chairman Fred Knous will set up an informal EDC subcommittee to explore and discuss Main Street/downtown projects. An ad hoc town committee on downtown was also discussed.
  • At the next Middlesex Chamber of Commerce meeting on May 2, Portland will be on the agenda for an update on the economic development state of affairs. First Selectwoman Susan Bransfield will give an overview and members of the EDC will present the longer-term plan for structure for Main Street and ask for ideas and priorities. David Rintoul will contact Rick Morin, who is chairman for Portland.

E. Press Releases

  • The EDC will utilize the River East more aggressively for press releases to promote local business with pictures and articles.
  • The "Outstanding Business in the Community Award" will be on the next EDC meeting agenda.

F. MDC

  • The contract identifies how MDC will charge the Town of Portland for water. It does not reference surcharges. Therefore, the Town of Portland will seek a letter of confirmation stating that the MDC will not charge for anything more than specifically stated in that contract.

G. Special Permit Hearing

  • EDC members, Scott Adamson and others had testified at the last hearing.
  • Discussion: Supporting the Planning and Zoning Commission with consultation are the Town Attorney, Midstate Regional Planning, and Planimetrics. David Rintoul will suggest a special fee be allocated for retention of professional assistance in evaluating the MUD for this application.
  • The next special permit hearing is scheduled for May 3. EDC members will be present.

H. Zoning

  • Parking on Main Street. The EDC pointed out that parking regulations are overly stringent on smaller parcels.

6. OLD BUSINESS
There was no old business to discuss.

7. NEW BUSINESS
There was no new business to discuss.

8. PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no public comment.

MOTION TO ADJOURN by David Rintoul and SECONDED by Fred Knous. ALL IN FAVOR, MOTION CARRIED.
Meeting Adjourned at 9:15 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Linda Edwards, Board Clerk
4/19/07