South Berwick Economic Development Committee
Quarterly Meeting Minutes
Council Chambers
Town hall
June 13, 2007
7:00 pm
ROLL CALL:
Present: Chairman Dennis Fontaine (Sewer District), Katherine Wolfe, Cliff Cleary, Michael Lassel, David Burke, Karyn Morin, Paul Schumacher, SMRPC (ex-officio) and Jim Fisk, ex-officio.
Absent: Steven Einstein, Sue Pullar, Douglas Letellier, Jeff Grossman and Terry Oliver ex-officio.
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairman Fontaine called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. Susie Scott was recording minutes.
MINUTES:
April 4th, 2007 - Regular Meeting: Motion by Mr. Burke, 2nd by Mr. Lassel to accept minutes, passed unanimous.
May 2nd, 2007 - Regular Meeting: Motion by Mr. Cleary, 2nd by Mr. Burke to accept minutes, passed unanimous.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
- None.
OLD BUSINESS:
1) Business Letter and Survey – Status:
· Mailed June 2nd
· Response to mailer
The Committee has received numerous survey responses since the mailer was sent out. Ms. Wolfe has also received survey responses via email. She stated that the overall response to the survey has been positive. She will review the responses and complete a survey summary to forward to Committee members. The summary will be forwarded to the Planning Board for their review of parking issues.
2) Comprehensive Plan: Committee members discussed reviewing the Economic Development section of the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Lassel will forward the section to the EDC for future discussion.
3) Business Directory re: Memo from Roberta Orsini with attachments: Committee members discussed the role of a Board of Trade in the creation of a directory. Chairman Fontaine will contact Roberta Orsini and Kathy Goodwin at the York Chamber of Commerce. Members discussed business interest in a Board of Trade which could initiate a business directory with endorsement from the EDC. Mr. Lassel will compile a list of Rollinsford businesses in order to possibly include Rollinsford, NH into a South Berwick B.O.T.
4) Committee Membership Expiration: June 2007.
3 Members: David Burke, Sue Pullar and Karyn Morin.
Deadline to respond – June 20th, 2007
Town Council action – June 25th, 2007
NEW BUSINESS:
1) Ribbon Cutting: Mr. Lassel discussed the role of Town in welcoming businesses such as the Little Hat Company in order to show businesses that they are appreciated in Town. This effort would celebrate new and expanding businesses, and create a more business friendly atmosphere in Town. The Committee discussed participation from the Town Manager, Town Council and the EDC in a cooperative effort. Mr. Lassel stated he would contact The Little Hat Company to discuss. The Committee agreed and supported a ribbon-cutting for new and
unrecognized businesses.
2) Banner Purchase: The EDC discussed purchasing a banner for future events such as the Strawberry Festival during which promotional materials could be handed out with regard to South Berwick.
OTHER:
1) GrowSmart Maine – Meeting Notes from May 7, 2007: Mr. Schumacher stated that there were few funds allocated for planning issues at the State level. There is serious discussion regarding Route 236, and potentially obtaining monies to research traffic calming measures and related traffic issues. However, the costs remain the biggest issue.
2) Gordon Platt – Small Business Development Counselor: Mr. Schumacher discussed how Mr. Platt assists small businesses through work on business plans, marketing ideas, loan assistance. The service is free. Mr. Platt has an office in the SMRPC, Sanford office. Committee discussed inviting Mr. Platt to a future meeting as a featured speaker. Mr. Schumacher will invite Mr. Platt to attend the September 19, 2007 – Quarterly Meeting.
3) Karyn Morin discussed the JEM Committee’s Walking Tour brochure referencing Sarah Orne Jewett specific sites. The brochure is expected to be completed in the next few months. Ms. Morin asked if the EDC would consider donating toward the brochure. The Committee would like further information from the JEM Committee. Ms. Morin will contact Nina Maurer.
4) David Burke requested continued discussion regarding the role and purpose of the EDC and the development of a Board of Trade.
Dates & Times for Upcoming Meetings/Events:
7/11/07 – 1:00 PM Economic Development Committee – Regular Meeting
9/19/07 – 7:00 PM Economic Development Committee – Quarterly Meeting: Gordon Platt, featured speaker.
ADJOURNMENT:
Motion by Mr. Cleary, 2nd by Ms. Morin to adjourn at 8:31 pm, passed unanimous.
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