South Berwick Economic Development Committee
Regular Meeting Minutes
Council Chambers, Town Hall
September 6, 2006
11:00 am
ROLL CALL:
Present: Cliff Cleary Chairman, Katherine Wolfe, Douglas Letellier (Water District), Dennis Fontaine (Sewer District), Dennis Burke (Planning Board), Michael Lassel, Steven Einstein, Jeff Grossman ex-officio and Jim Fisk ex-officio.
Absent: Sue Pullar (School Board), Paul Schumacher, SMRPC ex-officio, and Terry Oliver ex-officio.
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairman Cleary called the meeting to order at 11:06 am. Susie Scott was recording minutes.
Chairman Cleary asked the public attendees to introduce themselves: Norm Tutelian and Russell Tarason.
MINUTES:
No minutes to approve due to the August 2nd, 2006 meeting not having a quorum. Transcript of minutes to be unofficial.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
- None.
CORRESPONDENCE:
- None.
OLD BUSINESS:
1. Introduction of new Committee members:
Steve Einstein introduced himself as a South Berwick resident of 5 years. He has a background in town government in Ogunquit. He believes in providing an environment in which all parties are involved in a “Win Win” approach. His strengths include negotiation and mediation.
Mike Lassel introduced himself as a South Berwick resident of 21 years, 16 of which he has owned an architecture firm in town. He studied urban architecture in Europe. He believes in finding common ground and common goals through a common language in order to work cohesively with all parties involved.
2. Discussion of By-laws, Election and Meeting Time:
Mr. Fisk is to write up the Committee By-laws and include quorum rules and membership terms that were established at the June 26th, Town Council meeting.
Elections were as follows:
Dennis Fontaine – Chairman; Motion by Mr. Letellier, 2nd by Mr. Burke, passed unanimous.
Mike Lassel – Vice Chairman; Motion by Mr. Burke, 2nd by Ms. Wolfe, passed unanimous.
Steve Einstein – Treasurer; Motion by Mr. Fontaine, 2nd by Mr. Burke, passed unanimous.
New EDC meeting time determined: First Wednesday of every month at 1:00 pm; Motion by Mr. Lassel, 2nd by Mr. Einstein, passed unanimous.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. South Berwick Industrial Park:
Mr. Fisk opened by highlighting the recent article from the Sentinel newspaper. He stressed the importance for economic development for the town of South Berwick. By attracting new business to the area, it would be beneficial in revitalizing the district.
2. Regional Industrial Park grant:
Mr. Grossman discussed the idea of a joint facility and regional industrial park with the neighboring towns of Eliot, North Berwick, Berwick, Wells and Kittery. The advantages of a regional industrial park include spreading overall risk as well as costs of the project. Mr. Grossman discussed applying for grant money in order to conduct a feasibility study. Grant monies could leverage costs for each town. The Town Council agreed for Mr. Grossman to sign a Purchase and Sale agreement for 70-acres located on Route 236 that is currently owned by Barletta. The agreement has not been executed. The total purchase price is $1.4 ± and will
require a deposit. Mr. Grossman indicated that they are still working on the terms of the project. Mr. Grossman is to meet with Craig Seymour in the next week to discuss the status of the marketing report at which time a Special Town meeting will be scheduled. The Economic Development Committee can play an
essential role in the development of this project by marketing to local and regional businesses.
OTHER:
It was agreed upon that the preferred form of contact would be through email. All members will receive an updated contact list prior to the next EDC meeting.
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned at 12:00 pm.
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