South Berwick Economic Development Committee
Meeting Minutes
Council Chambers
Town hall
July 11, 2007
1:00 pm
ROLL CALL:
Present: Chairman Dennis Fontaine (Sewer District), Cliff Cleary, David Burke, Karyn Morin, Steve Einstein, Sue Pullar, Douglas Letellier, Jeff Grossman and Jim Fisk, ex-officio.
Absent: Mike Lassel, Kathy Wolfe, Paul Schumacher, ex-officio and Terry Oliver ex-officio.
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairman Fontaine called the meeting to order at 1:00 pm. Susie Scott was recording minutes.
MINUTES:
June 13th, 2007 - Regular Meeting: Motion by Mr. Cleary, 2nd by Ms. Morin to accept minutes, passed unanimous.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
- None.
OLD BUSINESS:
1) Business Letter and Survey – Status: Summary by Karyn Morin. Ms. Morin stated that after review of the returned business surveys, there was limited concern regarding parking, and there is a small group of businesses interested in joining a business Board of Trade. Copies of the business surveys have been given to Dennis Smith, Chairman of the Planning Board. Ms. Morin will complete a survey summary that will distributed at the next EDC meeting. A complete copy of the surveys will be given to Chairman Fontaine and Mr. Grossman.
2) Comprehensive Plan: The Committee discussed adding to the EDC section of the Comprehensive Plan prior to Council adoption. There was discussion regarding a future workshop regarding developing an economic program for the Town. A plan could include a 1/3/5 year plan for the vision of the Committee in terms of economic growth for South Berwick.
Mike Lassel to forward EDC section to Committee members for discussion. Chairman Fontaine stated that this would be discussed at a future meeting due to the absence of Mike Lassel.
Ms. Pullar discussed re-writing the EDC by-laws to allow for more flexibility with Committee membership.
3) Business Directory:
Chairman Fontaine tabled due to the absence of Mike Lassel.
Mr. Fisk and Ms. Scott presented the Committee with a computer projected Google advertising and mapping services. Google offers free advertising and promotion for South Berwick business, and that the information can be updated as needed. The Committee discussed interest in a Board of Trade and use of a GIS presentation for future business outreach. Mr. Burke will coordinate continued discussion.
Mr. Grossman discussed a business outreach program as a direct service for local businesses. The Business Directory is an ongoing project that could possibly be linked to the Town’s website homepage. Mr. Fisk will ask Roberta Orsini about links to the Town’s homepage to update the community of EDC activities. A message or mission statement could be posted to the site from the EDC as well as survey results and other topics of interest. This would be a valuable resource. Updates to the EDC homepage of the Town website was discussed.
4) Ribbon Cutting – Mike Lassel & The Little Hat Company. Chairman Fontaine stated that there is no date set for a Ribbon Cutting. Mr. Grossman would like to participate with the Town Council Chairman. Mr. Burke stated that as a Planning Board member, he will follow up with possible ribbon cutting packages from the Planning Board approvals. Mr. Burke will continue to update the EDC on Planning Board agenda items.
5) JEM Committee – Walking Tour Brochure – Karyn Morin. Ms. Morin stated she would coordinate with Nina Maurer.
NEW BUSINESS:
1) Election of Officers. The Committee voted the following individuals to the following positions:
Chairman: Motion by Mr. Letellier, 2nd by Mr. Cleary to nominate Dennis Fontaine as the EDC Chairman.
Vice-Chairman: Motion by Mr. Burke, 2nd by Mr. Letellier to nominate Michael Lassel as the EDC Vice-Chairman.
Treasurer: Motion by Mr. Letellier, 2nd by Mr. Burke to nominate Steven Einstein as the EDC Treasurer.
Mr. Grossman discussed having alternate members attend the EDC meetings including Joe Rousselle, CEO who has direct contact with local business owners. Mr. Grossman will discuss changing EDC by-laws to include alternate members with the Town Council.
2) Hot Summer Nights Concerts 2007: Flyer. Received.
OTHER:
1) Steve Einstein told the Committee that he is part of the musical band, The Four Fathers specializing in old blues, old rock and roll and 80’s rock music. The band enjoys performing for special events and is not for profit.
2) Memo from Roberta Orsini regarding possible options for webpage services by “AfterFiveByDesign, Inc.” for a fee. The Committee discussed the possibility of a future Board of Trade website funded by the businesses in the BOT.
Dates & Times for Upcoming Meetings/Events:
8/1/07 – 1:00 PM Economic Development Committee – Regular Meeting
TBD - August Workshop with the Town Council
9/19/07 – 7:00 PM Economic Development Committee – Quarterly Meeting: Gordon Platt, featured speaker.
ADJOURNMENT:
Motion by Mr. Cleary, 2nd by Mr. Einstein to adjourn at 2:07 pm, passed unanimous.
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