PORTLAND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
June 20, 2007

1. CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Fred Knous called the EDC meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

2. ROLL CALL
Members present: Sandy Boiselle, Michael Elliott, Fred Knous, Peter LaMalfa, and David Rintoul
Others present: Deana Rhodes, Town Planner and Christopher Edge, Consultant to the EDC.

3. MINUTES
MOTION BY Fred Knous and SECONDED by Peter LaMalfa to correct the May 16, 2007 minutes regarding New Business to read as follows:

"In June, the EDC will present the 'Business of the Year' award to Pine Ledge Gardens for beautification of the Portland intersection near the Bridge. MOTION by Michael Elliott to elect Pine Ledge Gardens as 'Business of the Year' for community beautification that they have done over the years at the intersection of Route 66 and Main Street."

ALL IN FAVOR, MOTION CARRIED.

MOTION BY Michael Elliott to accept the minutes of May 16, 2007 as corrected. SECONDED by Peter LaMalfa, UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED, MOTION CARRIED.

4. CORRESPONDENCE
Correspondence received was discussed:

• Susan Bransfield advised that work is ongoing with the DEP regarding the site for the boat launch.
  
• Susan Bransfield has met with the Clean Energy Fund.
  
• The public hearing regarding abandonment of inoperable motor vehicles is scheduled for June 27.
  
• Memos from Deana Rhodes to be discussed further in the Roundtable Discussion.
  

5. DISCUSSION

A. Roundtable Discussion with Deana Rhodes.

• Mixed Use Development Proposal. The proposal was submitted on 6/19 and the development workshop is scheduled with the Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Commission for July 12. Deana Rhodes presented maps for EDC's review and comment.
• Development in Portland.
  - The building across from Sand Hill Rd on Route 66 is being refurbished for a new retail establishment.
  - P&Z staff will have a roundtable discussion on The Oakwood in Glastonbury (soccer field).
  - P&Z meeting on 6/26/07 regarding a potential new "deli" business on Main Street in Portland.
  - P&Z issued a permit for a "tattoo parlor" on Main Street. The EDC will review other personal service establishments for the village district.
  - P&Z met with Pretzels regarding the flood hazard area on the corner of Routes 17 and 17a to find a suitable location for a septic system and completing grading as per the plan in order to make it a more feasible location for potential business.
  - Daniels Oil's has submitted an application for propane storage.
  - Pending Middlesex Marina applications were discussed.
  - P&Z submitted a grant application to connect Middlesex Avenue with Brownstone Avenue in order to promote commerce and accommodate traffic flow in the area.
• Regulations. Deana Rhodes presented the second draft of the zoning regulations to the EDC for review and comment by July 16.
  Upcoming sessions:
  - July 16 - Second public information session
  - August 2 - P&Z commission will address public comments of 7/16
  - September 20 - Public hearing on the final draft of the regulations.

The EDC will review the draft of the regulations, in particular:

- Home Occupations
- Zoning Changes:
Table of Uses for Industrial and Business Zones
Riverfront Overlay Zone
B1, B2, B3, I Zones

B. Consultant Update
Chris Edge reported:

• There are now 41 properties on the Site Finder with 29 buildings, 14 sites and 1 business for sale.
  
• Discovery Park at the quarry will have a "soft opening" around July 7. Site Work and new buildings are being completed.
  
• Del Printing is moving from Brownstone Avenue to a new location in Portland.
  
• Floral Expressions opened at 278 Main Street, offering flowers and gifts.
  
• The Gulf Station across from Tri-Town Plaza has had interior and property renovation.
  
• Coupon Program - "Shop in Portland" is in full swing. There is interest for another program in the fall.
  
• Signage - Currently 80 Licks Ice Cream (new business) and LaMalfa Realtors (38 years). New signage will be for Dairy Queen (new ownership) and Signs & Designs (28 Years).
  

C. Insurance Coverage
All participating groups will provide a certificate of their own insurance coverage when using facilities on Town of Portland properties.

D. Farmer's Market

Paulette Buchanan had advised the EDC that the Farmers Market would not continue this year. Fred Knous thanked Ms. Buchanan for her effort.

E. Grants and STEAP
The Grant Writer Contract with consultant Ann Faust would provide research for the kinds of grants that are available.

MOTION BY David Rintoul TO APPROVE THE CONTRACT for Services between Community Consulting and the Town of Portland for Municipal Funding Research. SECONDED by Michael Elliott, UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED, MOTION CARRIED.

The EDC will add any suggestions and present the contract to Susan Bransfield, First Selectwoman for approval and signature. The EDC will set up a sub-committee to provide guidance and suggestions for the consultant.

E. Fiscal Year 2007-2008
Discussed in executive session.

F. Consultant Services
Discussed in executive session.

G. Brownstone Festival Sponsorship
Susan Bransfield requested that the EDC co-sponsor the Brownstone Festival in order to provide insurance coverage.

MOTION BY Sandy Boiselle that the Economic Development Commission officially sponsors the Brownstone Festival. SECONDED by Peter LaMalfa, UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED, MOTION CARRIED.

6. OLD BUSINESS
In June, the EDC will present the "Business of the Year" award to Pine Ledge Gardens for beautification of the Portland intersection near the Bridge.

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

8. PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no public comment.

MOTION BY Michael Elliott that the Economic Development Commission officially sponsors the Brownstone Festival. SECONDED by Sandy Boiselle, UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED, MOTION CARRIED.

Meeting Adjourned at 8:37 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Linda Edwards, Board Clerk
06/22/07