EDC Minutes

May 1, 2006

Selectmen’s Conference Room

Town Hall

Call to Order

Chairman Lou Bachetti called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m.

Attendance

Members present were, Louis Bachetti, David Reed, Robert Schmidt and Ron Elliott. Maura Gardiner and Richard Cheney were absent.

Approval of Minutes

Motion by David Reed and seconded by Robert Schmidt that the minutes of the February 6, 2006 meeting be approved without change. The motion passed. Voting in favor of the motion were David Reed, Robert Schmidt, Ron Elliott and Louis Bachetti.

Correspondence

The Chairman noted that he had received notification from member, Maura Gardiner that she would not be in attendance.

Debrief of Waterhouse Presentation:

Each member present took a few moments and provided their feedback of the salient points they heard during the presentation. Lou Bachetti made a list of six key items and discussion followed. As a result of the discussion, it was agreed that the group would hold a work session to identify potential businesses that would be both acceptable and desirable to compliment the current commercial base within the community. The work session has been scheduled for June 5, 2006 which is the date for the next monthly scheduled EDC meeting date.

Tax Incentive Discussion:

Lou Bachetti provided each member present a copy of the current Public Act description concerning tax abatements and copies of what a few surrounding towns have adopted for programs concerning tax incentives and abatements. Lou also appointed a smaller group consisting of himself, David Reed and Ron Elliott to review the programs and make suggestions to the Selectman concerning the adoption of a program for the town. A date will be set by Lou concerning the convening of this group.

Goals Reports:

Implementing Somers Plan of Development EDC Recommendations

There was nothing to report at this time.

Supporting Local Business and Industry

Lou appointed Richard Cheney as the key spokesperson for this goal and keeping the committee inform of its progress. There has been a tentative date of September 25, 2006 set for the after hours meeting of the local businesses and an agenda will be developed.

Promoting Somers Tourism

David Reed distributed an example of a “hand out” brochure which will showcase the various eating establishments in town and shared with the group an example of the other brochures which will be produced to promote town activities and points of interest.

Support New Business Development Activities

Lou assigned Ron Elliott to contact the owner of the new appliance store, that will be opening in town, and explain what the town can provide concerning a Grand Opening package. Lou also assigned David Reed to follow up with the company, On the Fly, to see if they also would be interested in announcing their business.

Expand Interaction with Other Town Boards and Commissions

Regularly scheduled meetings are being held amongst the Planning, Zoning and EDC. A meeting with Planimetrics has been scheduled by the Town Planner for May 22, 2006 and all three groups have been invited to attend.

Construct a Somers Economic Development Plan

There was nothing to report at this time.

Chairman’s Report:

Lou Bachetti announced that the Town Planner had scheduled a meeting with Planimetrics and the committee had been invited. Lou also announced the opening of a new appliance store in town. It was also noted that Lou had received notice that the stipend that the Selectman receive for their services could be directed to the EDC if the group can identify specific items that these funds could be used for before the end of June 2006. The group has been charged with identifying uses for these funds and be prepared to discuss them at the next scheduled meeting.

Adjournment

Motion to adjourn was made by Ron Elliott seconded by David Reed and was unanimously approved. The meeting was officially adjourned at 8: 42 p. m.

Respectfully submitted by,

Ronald L. Elliott, Acting Secretary of the EDC

Minutes are not official until approved at a subsequent meeting.