PORTLAND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
March 13, 2008

1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER

Chairman Fred Knous called the EDC meeting to order at 7:09 p.m.

2. ROLL CALL

Members present: Fred Knous, Peter LaMalfa, and Michael Elliott
Others present: Karen Mazza, Consultant and Nicole Linteurer, Portland Assessor

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Minutes of the February 14, 2008 EDC meeting were reviewed.

MOTION BY Peter LaMalfa to accept the minutes of February 14, 2008 as written. SECONDED by Fred Knous and UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED, MOTION CARRIED.

Minutes of the December 19, 2007 EDC meeting were reviewed.

MOTION BY Michael Elliott to accept the minutes of December 19, 2007 as written. SECONDED by Peter LaMalfa and UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED, MOTION CARRIED.

4. CORRESPONDENCE

Correspondence received was discussed:

• Meeting on River Assembly. Distributed to the Commission for review was a copy of the bill affecting the Connecticut River and development along the Quarry Park area.
  
• A letter from the Chatham Health District raised similar concerns, as previously discussed by the EDC regarding the Town soccer field; i.e., sanitary facilities, and pesticides.
  
• An application was received regarding Sand Hill development.
  
• Pro Mold, a large plastics operation, will open for business on March 31.

5. DISCUSSION

• Roundtable - Assessor.

Nicole Lintereur, Assessor for the Town of Portland, gave a brief overview of Tax Liability figures for the 2005 and 2006 Grand Lists. The proportional relationship between the taxable classes of the Portland tax base showed change from the previous year. As of 10/1/06, the residential real estate share of the total increased 5.5%, the commercial/industrial share of the total decreased 1.3%, and the personal property share decreased by 4.6%. 2006's rising residential market shifted the tax burden onto homeowners across Connecticut. Due to the decrease of both the mill rate and the motor vehicle share of the grand list, motor vehicle bills for Portland residents' have dropped rather significantly.

Ms. Lintereur described the "open-door" atmosphere of the assessor's office and their effort to educate people on how the taxation system works in the State of CT, as well as, how resources are used to determine taxation.

Ms. Lintereur will provide the current list of top grand list payers, which will be included in the demographics and grand list information on the website.

Home-based businesses in residential zones and fair taxation practices were discussed. Also discussed were ways to stimulate growth for businesses and the grand list. Ms. Lintereur will inform any new businesses coming into Portland on personal property requirements.

• Consultants' Updates

Karen Mazza, Consultant, advised the Commission of monthly consultant activities.

1) The EDC is hosting a "Coffee Chat" on Monday, March 17, 2008 at the Portland Public Library.

2) The EDC will circulate a press release on the opening of Pro Mold on March 31. There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony on March 31 at 10:00 a.m. Mary Dickerson will provide a list of attendees for the EDC. EDC's signage placement was discussed.

3) Website revisions for EDC have been completed. A meeting will be set up to review the changes before "going live."

4) The "Existing business sign" is currently posted at the Hintz & Company site.

5) There was a request made by the Portland Marina for the Town to provide generic "Marina" signage near the boat launch area on Rt. 66.

• Budget Discussion

The EDC discussed a plan to reallocate the remainder of this year's budgeted funds and the budget request for 2008.

• Portland Bazaar

Michael Elliot reported that the organizer of the former Portland Farmer's Market offered ideas and interested vendors for the new Portland Bazaar. The event would begin in June and run until the end of September, featuring crafts and local farm produce. Insurance coverage was discussed.

• Development Vision
  Fred Knous reported that a Commissioner's group has been meeting under the auspices of Implementation of the Plan of Conservation and Development.

The EDC will develop a conceptual plan for its vision for Portland; i.e., Riverfront overlay, Route 66 development and expansion of sewers, and the Main Street overlay village district. In preparation for the plan, the EDC will review an inventory of available property on Route 66 and restrictions affecting development of Main Street.

• Election of Officers & Bylaws Discussion
  Revision of the by-laws discussion was be tabled until the next meeting.

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.

9. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION BY Michael Elliott to adjourn the Economic Development Commission meeting at 8:42 p.m. SECONDED by Peter LaMalfa. MOTION WAS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED, MOTION CARRIED.

Respectfully Submitted,

Linda Edwards, Board Clerk
3/15/2008