EDC Minutes

June 6, 2005

Selectmen’s Conference Room

Town Hall

Call to Order

Chairman Louis Bachetti called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.

Attendance

Members present were Louis Bachetti, David Reed,, Maura Gardiner, Robert Schmidt, and Richard Cheney. Ed Jekot was absent.

Approval of Minutes

Motion by David Reed and seconded by Maura Gardiner that the minutes of the May 2, 2005 meeting be approved without change. The motion passed. Voting in favor of the motion were Lou Bachetti, Robert Schmidt, David Reed, Richard Cheney, and Maura Gardiner.

Correspondence

1. A Walking Pedestrian Plan has been issued by CROG. Maura Gardiner will send copies to EDC members for review.

2. The Selectmen sent a letter to the EDC asking for participation with an advisory committee. This committee will establish guidelines for a Design Review Committee for buildings in Somers. David Reed volunteered to be the EDC representative.

New Membership - Chairman Bachetti introduced Ron Elliott. Mr. Elliott would like to become a member of the EDC. After some discussion, David Reed made a motion to recommend Ron Elliott to the Selectmen to become a permanent member of the EDC. Seconded by Richard Cheney. Unanimously approved.

Town Guide for Citizens - Permits and Applications –

Commission members decided to have the Land Use Office develop some additional permit guidelines for homeowners. Land Use officials agreed to do this after a discussion with Chairman Bachetti. The goal is to have this ready by the fall.

Committee Reports

Panning Commission Liaison Committee

1. Maura Gardiner will set up a meeting with the planning commission.

The EDC authorized Robert Schmidt to attend the June 20^th Zoning Commission meeting and to share the EDC’s goals with them.

Supporting Local Business and Industry

Richard Cheney brought a draft of a survey for local businesses to the meeting. Modifications were made. Maura Gardiner will send Richard Cheney the final draft. Mr. Cheney will mail and collect the surveys.

Tourism Development Discussion

1. David Reed has shared his power point presentation highlighting potential tourism sites and activities in Somers with the local historical society and Rotary. David received a positive reception from both groups.

2. David Reed will develop a Tourism Promotion Plan and report back at the next meeting.

Commercial. Industrial, and Retail Vacancies

David Reed and Lou Bachetti have almost completed a database of commercial, industrial, and retail vacancies in Somers that will be placed in a notebook. This notebook will be located at the Land Use Office for people looking for available properties in Somers starting next month.

Business Visitation Program

Mr. Bachetti had visited six or seven businesses in town. The program has been positively received. Chairman Bachetti sees a need to revise the questionnaire in the future.

Chairman’s Report – Lou Bachetti

New Businesses in Town

1. A bicycle repair shop will open next month at the Playhouse Plaza.

Adjournment

Motion to adjourn was made by Richard Cheney, seconded by Maura Gardiner and was unanimously approved. The meeting was officially adjourned at 9:00 p. m.

Respectfully submitted by,

Robert W. Schmidt, Secretary of the EDC

Minutes are not official until approved at a subsequent meeting.