Economic Development Commission - Minutes - 07/08/2021

Economic Development Commission
July 8, 2021
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WATERFORD ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
July 8, 2021 Ae: AL A eas
Louise Appleby Room 2021 JUL 1S AM IO: 1]
5:00 PM
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman -Dan Radin, Eric Palmer, Edward Lusher, Jill Szymanski
MEMBERS ABSENT: Vacancy
ALTERNATES PRESENT: Greg Attanasio
ALTERNATES ABSENT: — Vacancy
STAFF PRESENT: Abby Piersall, AICP, Director of Planning, Mark Wujtewicz, Planner
1. CALL TO ORDER/APPOINTMENT OF ALTERNATES
A quorum was established. The meeting was called to order at 5:00PM
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - June 10, 2021 meeting
MOTION: Motion made by E. Lusher, seconded by J. Szymanski to approve the minutes of the June
10, 2021 meeting.
VOTE: 5-0 to approve the minutes.
3. COMMISSION PROJECTS AND INITIATIVES:
EDC Charter Discussion
D. Radin reviewed the enabling legislation in the State Statutes that authorizes municipalities to
establish Economic Development Commissions. He noted that the language in the statutes
describing the purpose of an Economic Development Commission was similar to that in the Town
Charter. He suggested that the EDC adopt the language in the Statute as the Charter for the EDC.
MOTION: Motion by D. Radin and seconded by E. Lusher to adopt the language contained in
the State Statute Section 7-136 as the Waterford EDC Charter.
VOTE: 5-0
EDC Work Items
D. Radin reviewed a list of items for consideration by the members of the Commission regarding
various projects that the Commission can undertake. He stated that through a review of the
various projects and assigning roles of responsibility to each of the members based upon their
strengths of skill set they possess, gaps of expertise can also be identified. The identification of
those gaps can be used to promote new membership criteria.
He also stated that the EDC website has been updated.
A. Piersall reviewed the budget and available funding with the Commission. She described the
role that SeCTer plays within the region and what benefits Waterford derives from its
membership with SeCTer. She also gave a brief description of the Advance CT Town Profile data
sheet that is produced in conjunction with the CT DECD. She stated that Advance CT is looking
for the towns in CT to provide a list of the top 5 businesses in Town for listing in the Town
Profile. After some discussion it was the consensus of the Commission that the list should include
businesses that represent various sectors within the business and cultural community.
MOTION: Motion made by E Lusher and seconded by E. Palmer to provide Advance CT with
the following list of what the EDC considers the top five businesses in Waterford:

Economic Development Commission
July 8, 2021
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Dominion Energy (Energy), Sonalyst (Tech), Eugene O’Neill Theater Center
(Culture), Defender Industries (Sales) and Seconn Sheet Metal Fabrication
(Manufacturing).
VOTE: 5-0
D. Radin stated that with the new state legislation recently enacted regarding the sale of Cannabis and
products containing Cannabis, that the EDC should take look at what steps it can take to promote new
business. A. Piersall stated that there is specific language within the new legislation the guides
Planning and Zoning Commissions in enacting Zoning Regulations regarding the sale and cultivation
of cannabis and cannabis based products. It was agreed that this item will be tabled and reviewed with
the Commission at a special meeting. The date and time to be determined.
A. Piersall reviewed the status of the two Waterford Business Grant Programs previously discussed
with the Commission. She stated that of the two programs, she felt it would be best to initiate the
Waterford MicroGrants Program first, since the Town is in the process of hiring a new Tax Assessor.
The Assessor plays a critical role in the Small Business Grants Program. She stated that she will be
developing an application form for the MicroGrant Program. G. Attanasio stated that would assist in
developing the application form with Abby.
4, TOWN DEVELOPMENT PROJECT AND PERMITTING STATUS
M. Wujtewicz reviewed ongoing projects with the Commission
55 PAYMENT OF BILLS
A. Piersall stated that the Commission has received a bill for the membership to the Eastern CT
Chamber of Commerce.
MOTION: Motion made by EW. Lusher, seconded by D. Radin to pay the Eastern CT
Chamber of Commerce Membership fee.
VOTE: 5-0
6. CORRESPONDENCE
None
Ts OTHER BUSINESS
None
S
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Motion by D. Radin, seconded by E. Lusher to adjourn at 6:15 PM.
VOTE: 5-0
Respegffully Submitted;
Mark Wujtewicz
Planner