APPROVED 07-22-2010

TOWN OF ENFIELD

ENFIELD REVITALIZATION STRATEGY COMMITTEE

MINUTES OF JUNE 24, 2010

TOWN HALL / ENFIELD ROOM

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ADMINISTRATIVIE ITEMS

Members Present:

Darrin LaMore, Chairman

Tophie Nowak, Vice Chair

Ken Edgar

Jeanne Smith

John Miller

Jerry Fitzsimons

Ken Carlson

Staff present:

Peter Bryanton

Approval of Minutes

The committee approved minutes for April 22nd and May 27th

New Business

Website:  The committee reviewed the Thompsonville Transit Center website designed by Mr. Lamore.  The site will be used as a marketing resource and to get information to the public about the TTC.  Mr. Lamore talked about the need to get our message out, and to dispel mis-information which is being circulated.  Mr. Bryanton will provide more content for the website.  Mr. Bryanton and Mr. Lamore will also take part in a radio show at the community college soon.

Council of Chairs:  Ms. Nowak gave an update of the Council of Chairs meeting which she attended with Mr. Bryanton.  She said that some of the Economic Development Council members may be interested in helping out with the marketing plan.  She also said that Mr. Warren gave an update on the status of the Development Services Department, and that planned reduction of staff will have a big impact on their boards and commissions.  Some committee's may lose staff all together.  At the Chairs meeting, Mr. Bryanton brought up the Thompsonville rezoning imitative and his experience with a similar project at his past job.  The idea seemed to peak the interest of the Town Manager.  Mr. Bryanton is hoping to recruit CRCOG to assist with a zoning analysis for the village. 

Old Business   

Sex Offender Ordinance:  Ms. Smith stated that the issue was addressed at the last Town Council meeting, and that there was no explanation of where the ordinance is in the process, or why it can't be acted on.  Mr. Watson was in attendance for the Council meeting on another matter, and attempted to get some answers but was told that the constitutionality of the ordinance was in question, and therefore it was still being assessed.  Mr. Lamore has spoken to Mr. Lee about the issue many times.  It appears that the decision to pursue the matter rests with the Director of Public Safety who has been silent on the matter thus far.    

Revised Action Plan:  Mr. Bryanton asked the members to review the revised Action Plan, and to get comments to him as soon as possible.  He would like to have the document finalized and ready for use before the next meeting.

TTC Design & Appraisal Contracts:  Mr. Bryanton explained that the Town has selected contractors to perform design and appraisal services for the TTC.  The contracts are still pending, but those should be completed soon.  The design consultants are working on a few concept plans for the east-side of the tracks which will be used in discussions with the owners of Bigelow Commons.  If all goes well, Phase 1 could be constructed in 2012. 

Committee Communications

ECDC Transition Committee:  Mr. Bryanton stated that the Town Council voted to create the Transition Committee for the ECDC.  He explained the duties of the committee, and what is trying to be accomplished.  There was a discussion regarding who would represent the ERSC on the Transition Committee.  Mr. Lamore was appointed to the committee.  Mr. Bryanton will be setting up the first meeting in July.

Plan of Conservation and Development:  Mr. Bryanton reminded the members about the public hearing set of June 29th.  He asked that members appear to show support for the plan.

Public Safety Committee:  Mr. Lamore gave a summary of a meeting he attended with the Mayor, Town Manager, Police Chief, and others regarding the development of a group to focus on public safety issues.  The purpose of the committee will be to address issue which are causing problems within the town including; drugs, gangs, graffiti, and landlords renting to criminals.  Safety is the first priority in revitalization so it is imperative that the Town address these issues before they become too large to fix. 

Code Enforcement:  Mr. Bryanton stated that the Town is creating a new part-time Property Maintenance Inspector position to assist with blight issues.  The inspector will spend most of their time patrolling the town looking for violations and issuing citations.  The new position will come under Community Development.  The Town hopes to have someone onboard within the next month.    

Town Celebration:  Mr. Lamore announced that he and Mr. Bryanton would be working the Town booth and the 4th of July Celebration.  He invited members to stop by and make the rounds.  Mr. lamore and Mr. Bryanton will be drawing up some flyers and posters to help market Thompsonville and get the word out about the TTC. 

Adjournment 

The meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.

Submitted by:

Peter Bryanton

Director of Community Development

Town of Enfield

Approved by:

Darrin Lamore

ERSC Chairman