South Berwick Economic Development Committee
Regular Meeting
Conference Room #1, Town Hall
February 1, 2006
11:00 am
ROLL CALL:
Cliff Cleary, Dennis Fontaine (Sewer District), James Howell, , Barbara Paterson, Katherine Wolfe, David Burke (Planning Board) Sue Pullar (School Board), Jeff Grossman, ex-officio, Hap Ridgeway Jim Fisk, ex-officio, present. Absent Paul Schumacher ex-officio, Terry Oliver, ex-officio, and Douglas Letellier (Water District).
Guests,Carrie Eisner, GYRCC and Norma Tutelian, Council, were in attendance.
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairman Cleary called the meeting to order at 11:00 am. Jim Fisk was recording minutes.
MINUTES:
The January 4, 2005 minutes were approved by unanimous consent.
PUBLIC COMMENT: None
CORRESPONDENCE: None
MEMBER COMMENTS: None
OLD BUSINESS:
Business Letter
Chairman Cleary presented a letter to businesses that also could be used in the Town Report. It introduces the Town’s new EDC, purpose, and Director of Planning and Economic Development.
ACTION: The EDC requested Mr. Fisk add contact information. Passed with unanimous consent.
Contract Zoning
Mr. Howell introduction to research mused about minutes and noted that it was vociferous objection to the initial consideration of the concept. He presented his research on the issues in other states and compared with Maine, and Maine law. Noting that 17 states allow contract zoning (including Maine) and spot zoning is not allowed in Maine constitution. Key to the use is that municipalities can not require conditions in contract such as a quid pro quo arrangement, or a settlement to allow unspecified uses such as consent agreement, and that the public policy process of the council and planning board be based on transparency. The best source document is the Comprehensive Plan. Conclusion is that contract zoning is a creative tool for towns when they are careful not to be a venue for favoritism.
ACTION: Chairman Cleary moved the item to the March meeting where Paul Schumacher will make a presentation of the pro’s and con’s on contract zoning in Maine. Passed with unanimous consent.
NEW BUSINESS:
Budget
Mr. Fontaine presented the budget, EDC reviewed allocations and categories. Sue Pullar noted how difficult it is to build a budget the first year. Mr. Burke questioned the need for funding. Mr. Grossman noted that funds would needed for the EDC activities, such as postage for meetings, mailings and brochures, supplies, travel, education, possible advertising, promotional materials, speakers and events. Mr. Fisk had met with the town’s accountant, Fern Houliares, who recommended a separate budget from planning to track spending.
ACTION: Mr. Fontaine would revise budget for Mr. Grossman’s town budget.
OTHER:
B-1 parking issues
Mr. Fisk presented a Planning Board agenda item as case study for the EDC to discuss parking issues in the Central Commercial District (B-1) and requested the EDC comment to the Planning Board on the item. It was discussed, and determined that the EDC promote the concept of flexibility on parking standards but not a specific agenda item.
ACTION: Mr. Fisk would add to the Planning Board memo that the EDC endorses the concept of flexibility with the strict adherence to parking requirements in the B-1 zone. Passed with unanimous consent.
Maine Center for Economic Policy Annual Meeting
Mr. Burke and Mr. Fisk presented the MCEP topics, competing economists’ views on the impact of Maine taxes, health care costs, and the tax payer bill of rights TABOR being a current movement to limit government spending.
This initiated a round table discussion of interest including, the concerns about our geographic location so close to NH, needs for flexibility in zoning, goal of EDC to diversify tax base to take burden off residents, fund new services and recreational facilities, and address senior housing needs. Locate areas in town with utilities for development. Investigate internet trunk line to take advantage of our location. Research water and sewer capacity for development. Identify the few active members of the GYRCC from South Berwick which represents 3% of the total GYRCC. Follow up on the Shipyard Future Committee research, after reviewing the “Looking Beyond the Shipyard” report with its profound implications.
The next meeting is scheduled for 11 am March1, 2006.
ADJOURNMENT:
Without other business or objection the meeting was adjourned at 12:15 pm.
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