East Lyme Economic Development Commission

Regular Meeting

September 9, 2008

Members Present:    Ed Shapiro, Richard Gada,

                                    Mary Royce, Steve Santino,

                                    John Jensen, Camille Alberti

                                    and Charles Ambulos

Also Present:             Dave LeBrie

A.  PRELIMINARY BUSINESS

            1.  Call to Order.   Chairman Shapiro called the East Lyme Economic

Development Commission Regular Meeting of September 9 to order at 7:02 p.m.

            2.  Disposition of Meeting Minutes of July 8, 2008.  Mr. Shapiro asked for additions, deletions or corrections to the July 8, 2008 Regular Meeting of the Economic Development Commission.

MOTION:      Mr. Gada moved to accept the July 8, 2008

                        Regular Meeting Minutes of the Economic

                        Development Commission, as presented.  Seconded

                        by Mary Royce. Messrs. Shapiro and Ambulos

                        abstained from voting.  (5-0-2) Motion carried.

            3.  Delegations.  There were no delegations.

            4.  Public Comments.   There were no other public comments.

B.  REPORTS

            1.  Ex-officio Report.   Mr. Formica was unable to be present, and there was no Ex-officio Report.

            2.  Chairman’s Report.   Mr. Shapiro reported there was no e-mail correspondence.

            The Economic Development Commission’s Operating Budget Report, as of September 2, 2008 indicates that $4,881.19 remains in the budget.

            3.  Presentation of Bills.  The Recording Secretary presented a bill for secretarial services from July 8 to September 8, 2008 for 2.75 hours of secretarial work for the Economic Development Commission

MOTION:      Steve Santino moved to pay the bill from the Recording

                        Secretary for 2.75 hours of secretarial services for the

                        Economic Development Commission from July 8 to

                        September 8, 2008.  Seconded by Richard Gada.  (7-0)

                        Unanimous.

C.  OLD BUSINESS

            1.  Website Promoting East Lyme   Camille Alberti suggested collecting data for the webpage.  She asked Commission members to visit other towns’ websites and develop ten reasons to do business in East Lyme.  She asked that Commission members send her their ideas, and she agreed to collate it.

            Dave LeBrie felt it may be worthwhile to list available properties in Town, as well as a contact person.  Mr. Jensen stated the Commission could link to the CERC site.

            It was suggested that a list of business people in Town who would be willing to talk to a business that is considering coming to East Lyme would be helpful.  Mr. Jensen suggested referring prospective businesses to the East Lyme Division of the Chamber of Commerce.

            2.  New Business Info-Town Hall Help System.  Camille Alberti agreed to incorporate suggestions to improve the information packet.

D.  NEW BUSINESS

            1.  EDC Vision for East Lyme Over the Next Ten Years (For the Plan of Development Update.)   The Plan of Development, which is available on the Town website, needs to be updated every ten years. 

            It was felt water and sewer capacity will impact Economic Development.

            Mr. Ambulos felt the Town needs a better tax base.  The tax base will be funded only by residents who can afford to live in this Town.  Mr. Jensen stated the Gateway project addresses affordability through its residential area.  It will have condos and apartments.  Mr. Ambulos asked what percentage is affordable?  Mr. Jensen replied approximately 20%.

            Mr. Gada stated we need a mix of age groups in Town.  We need younger residents for our volunteer firemen and EMTs.  Youngsters who grew up in East Lyme cannot afford to live here.

            Mr. Ambulos asked if this Commission is looking at additional property to be used for retail businesses?  Mr. Jensen replied this will ultimately be decided by the Zoning Board.

            Mr. Jensen felt Rt. 161 and Rt. 85 would be an excellent place to have an Industrial Park.

            Ms. Royce felt 38 Hope Street may supply foot traffic to help businesses.

E.  ADJOURNMENT

MOTION:      Mr. Gada moved to adjourn the Economic Development

                        Commission Regular Meeting of September 9, 2008 at 8:45 p.m.

                        Seconded by John Jensen.  (7-0) Unanimous.     

                                                Respectfully submitted,

                                                Frances Ghersi, Recording Secretary