South Berwick Economic Development Committee
Regular Meeting Minutes
Auditorium Hall, Town hall
November 15, 2006
7:00 pm
ROLL CALL:
Present: Chairman Dennis Fontaine (Sewer District), Douglas Letellier (Water District), Katherine Wolfe, Cliff Cleary, Michael Lassel, Steven Einstein and David Burke.
Absent: Sue Pullar (School Board), Jeff Grossman, ex-officio, Paul Schumacher, SMRPC ex-officio, and Terry Oliver ex-officio.
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairman Fontaine called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. Susie Scott was recording minutes.
Chairman Fontaine introduced the public attendees, Karyn Morin and Francis Graham.
MINUTES:
October 4th, 2006 - Regular Meeting: Motion by Mr. Einstein, 2nd by Mr. Lassel to accept minutes as amended, passed with Mr. Cleary abstaining.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Francis Graham stated that she attended the Public Hearing on Contract Zoning the previous evening. She said that because of the confusion regarding Contract Zoning, she raised her hand against it during the straw vote. She is attending this meeting in hopes of learning more about Contract Zoning as well as other Town activities.
CORRESPONDENCE:
- None.
WORKSHOP:
Mr. Dana Lynch, Civil Engineer and key figure in the development of the Dover waterfront for the past twenty years, made a presentation to the Committee the ways in which the Dover business community took it upon themselves to promote economic opportunity and prosperity in their city’s downtown. The catalyst for this happening was the need to relocate the sewer treatment plant that was originally located along the Cocheco River. The City Council assigned a task force comprised of planners, architects and local business owners to research possible opportunities for the City along the waterfront due to the treatment plant relocation. Mr. Lynch noted the importance of public input from the project’s beginning, and there were over 24 public meetings held. Through various events, public enthusiasm and a sense of
pride developed for the redevelopment of the waterfront. Mr. Lynch continued stating that in removing the project from a political form, a grassroots business movement developed in which businesses worked together. The ultimate goal of this endeavor was to turn non-taxable land into an area that would be a source of community pride, create jobs and a place for the City’s citizens to recreate. Mr. Lynch said the key to the project’s success was the following three items: Public involvement to spur genuine interest in the project, business community involvement and the desire to see local businesses not only survive but thrive, and lastly, patience and perseverance to continue forward even in the event of setbacks.
OLD BUSINESS:
1. South Berwick Industrial Park – Chairman Fontaine noted that per the Town Council and Town manager, this issue has been voted down and no longer an issue.
2. Discussion of Contract Zoning/Public Hearing – Chairman Fontaine opened the discussion up to Committee members. Mr. Burke recommended the Committee consider post haste to forward some form of recommendation to the Town Council on this matter, and that the Committee maintain a united front. Mr. Einstein discussed the importance the Council providing clear reasons for going forward with Contract Zoning for public benefit. Mr. Lassel stated that he felt Contract Zoning provides another tool to promote economic development in Town.
Motion by Mr. Cleary, 2nd by Mr. Lassel for the EDC Chairman to submit a letter to the Town Council in support of Contract Zoning, passed unanimous.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Presentation: Mr. Dana Lynch, City of Dover Waterfront Committee – See “Workshop” agenda item above.
2. Meeting between J. Grossman, J. Fisk and D. Fontaine, Wednesday, November 15 regarding the Economic Development Committee and the Comprehensive Plan. Chairman Fontaine stated that he requested more information from Mr. Fisk and Mr. Grossman prior to following up with this item.
OTHER:
1. Mr. Lassel discussed guest member, Ms. Karyn Morin as a potential candidate to sit on the Economic Development Committee. Ms. Morin submitted an application for the Committee.
2. Business Directory: Ms. Wolfe to contact Heather Webster to inquire if she could provide guidance on the development of an updated directory. Chairman Fontaine indicated he could put directory information into Access for future use.
3. Business letter draft: Instruction for Mr. Fisk to complete a draft of business letter. Letter is to be addressed to the property owners in the district. Letter to include an open invitation for the public to attend upcoming meetings.
4. Mr. Burke discussed the charge of the Economic Development Committee as one that should encourage opportunity and economic development in South Berwick. Mr. Burke discussed the role of the Economic Development Committee in supporting small businesses such as the proposed restaurant, “Margaux”, and recommended the Chairman write a letter of support for this proposal if the parking issue was the only concern.
Motion by Mr. Einstein, 2nd by Mr. Lassel for the EDC Chairman to submit a letter to the Planning Board in support of waiving the parking spaces for the proposed restaurant, passed unanimous.
ADJOURNMENT:
Motion by Mr. Lassel, 2nd by Ms. Wolfe to adjourn at 9:10 pm, passed unanimous.
| 
