PORTLAND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
October 17, 2007

1. CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Fred Knous called the EDC meeting to order at 7:04 p.m.

2. ROLL CALL
Members present: Michael Elliott, Fred Knous, Peter Lamalfa, and David Rintoul.
Others present: Dave Sangenario of Shaws, Anthony Price, and Karen Mazza.

3. MINUTES

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

MOTION BY David Rintoul and SECONDED by Peter LaMalfa to amend the September 19, 2007 minutes and correct the spelling on B-3, Page 2 to read "Celler."
ALL IN FAVOR, MOTION CARRIED.

MOTION BY David Rintoul to accept the minutes of September 19, 2007 as corrected. SECONDED by Peter LaMalfa, UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED, MOTION CARRIED.

4. CORRESPONDENCE
Correspondence received was discussed:

" CIRC conference information was provided to EDC members.
" Legal Notice regarding hearing by Selectman on October 24 for approval of a multi-dwelling. There was discussion regarding costs for new Portland businesses.
" E-mail notification that Town of Portland staff will assist the EDC with placement of the signs.
" The Town of Portland placed an ad for the Business Ambassador in the River East. Deadline for responses is October 26, 2007. The EDC will ask that responses be sent to them for review prior to the next EDC meeting.
" Planning & Zoning (P&Z) is interviewing for the Village District Design Consultant position.
" P&Z Public Hearing on October 18 regarding proposed zoning regulation changes.
" P&Z Application for an outside hydrogen tank system being heard on October 18.
" P&Z Application for an office trailer by Triumvirate Environmental Inc.
" Correspondence from Anthony Price regarding the Business Ambassador position.
" Site Finder: Various Sites have been renewed and the Commission will verify properties that are currently active with the Planning & Zoning Commission.

5. DISCUSSION

A. Roundtable Discussions - Business Ambassador Position

" Anthony Price and Karen Mazza each provided a brief overview of their background and qualifications regarding the Business Ambassador position to the EDC. Formal interviews will be scheduled after all of the responses have been received.

B. Elmcrest Update

" Feedback from the local Chamber of Commerce meeting indicated that the project is currently on track.

C. Sale or Transfer of Excess Town Property
" To be discussed by the EDC in executive session.

D. Marketing Strategy
" A marketing plan will be developed with the new business ambassador.

E. Business Ambassador Job Description.
The EDC members will prepare a job description by utilizing the newspaper ad format and incorporating the following:
" Primarily a liaison for town government economic development with the business community.
" Promote and market the Town of Portland and services of the various town businesses
" Maintain the list of available sites (site finder)
" Work closely with the Portland Selectwoman's Office and the Economic Development Commission.
" Attend the local chapter meetings of the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce monthly.

F. Chamber Introductions. EDC members will invite new residents and business owners to attend and be introduced at local Chamber of Commerce meetings.

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 David Rintoul to adjourn the Economic Development Commission meeting at 8:30 p.m. and to begin executive session. SECONDED by Michael Elliott. MOTION WAS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED, MOTION CARRIED.

Respectfully Submitted,

Linda Edwards, Board Clerk
10/22/2007