Town of Gray
Community Economic Development Committee
Pennell Municipal Complex
Wednesday, March 2nd, 2011
Minutes
Present: Anne Gass, Rick Licht, Dick Barter, Don Hutchings, Ed Libby, Peter Gellerson
Staff: Deb Cabana
Guests: Jim Monroe, Chris Dombrowski, Leo Credit, Bruce Woodard
6:30 PM Call to Order.
Action Items.
Discussion of the Summary of the Northbrook Limited Development Agreement
Moved this to 1st item of the agenda in deference to presence of guests
The committee reviewed the summary of the LDA points (which focused on content rather than the legal wording.) The committee discussed several points including the division of TIF revenues between the town and Northbrook and easement rights.
Those present were in favor of the TIF extension and further discussion focused on the need for clear talking points that would help voters understand the key points of the deal and the benefits to the town. Talking points include:
The opportunity to bring two high-tech businesses to town warrants a speedy response
There is a critical need to expand Gray’s commercial & industrial tax base to reduce pressure on residential property taxes
There is intense competition for these businesses and Gray does not have assets to offer such as other incentives or a municipal sewer system
All financial risk for this project has and will be borne by the Northbrook developers
The extension of the TIF for 10 years brings in future revenue for the town
Provides access on the by-pass for other development in Area 3, a strategic long-term goal for the town
The TIF will generate funds for a master plan and marketing.
Leo will tape an audio presentation of his PowerPoint to put on the local access. Rick, Leo, and George will work on developing the points for the presentation at the public hearing.
If the council approves the special town meeting there will be 4 articles on the warrant.
TIF
BETE
Marketing & Master Plan
Financial tools to allow the town to reinvest back into the development tools
Deb will provide the CEDC with a draft of the LDA language on March 10th
TIF policy review.
Review wording of TIF policy.
Approve changes to wording to recommend to the Council.
The committee agreed to review the TIF language in May.
Determine work plan for remainder of fiscal year.
The committee agreed on the following priorities for the committee through at least the end of the fiscal year.
LDA & special town meeting on Northbrook
TIF language review
Monument Square Master Plan
Survey
Rick to get developer feedback
Dick will draft a written proposal to the Council regarding a newsletter that Peter will read at the next Council meeting.
Exit sign
Approval of funding in town budget (June)
Design
Manny Motors
Ordinance review
Narrow Gauge – subject to the decision by the Museum of where it will locate.
MTA Exit Welcome sign (across from turnpike exit)
Review and approve draft of the report to the Council outlining potential project implementation costs and CEDC recommendations.
The committee approved the report Ed had drafted to the council on behalf of the CEDC. Funds are in the budget for this sign, as well as for replacing the smaller signs at other entry points around Gray. The signs will all have a similar design.
Don moves that CEDC create a subcommittee to develop sign design to include Ed, a public works person, and someone from community development. This was approved.
If the funds are approved in the budget, then once the sign design is approved by the CEDC and the Council, it will be sent out to RFP.
Updates.
Due to time constraints there was no time for these updates.
Monument Square
Further discussion on helping Manny Motors.
Signage estimates
Façade estimates
Next steps
CEDC Newsletter proposal.
Status of proposal to be presented to the Council
Next Steps
8:30PM Adjourn
Notes:
| 
