TOWN OF VOLUNTOWN
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
January 18, 2018

The meeting was called to order at 6:30.  In attendance were J. Wesa, T. Hanson and M. Papenfoth.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:  October 19, 2017 -- A MOTION was made (Hanson, Wesa) to accept the minutes as corrected; ALL IN FAVOR.

CITIZENS’ COMMENTS:  Mr. Wesa spoke with Ron Becotte who wants to get something going to build a replica of the CCC camp.  It could be part of tourism.

Ms. Hanson had a meeting with Scott Dawley and Mark from DEEP to promote the forest.  They think the town should have a set amount of money from having so much forest.  It should be assessed as recreation.  They will back the town in their efforts.  Mr. Wesa asked if there had been any recommendations as to how to legislate for the funding.  There were none.  Mr. Wesa also asked if the EDC should contact legislators to legislate for more funding.  Steve Mikutel is planning on running again and said he would make Voluntown first.

Mr. Becotte arrived later in the meeting.  He felt that the heritage and history of the WPA was missing.  He cited Mount Greylock in Massachusetts as his inspiration.  There is a monument and visitors center.  He thought a partnership with the state could be pursued.  He showed a video of Mount Greylock as an example.

GUESTS:  Mr. Wesa had asked Vinnie Cofone to attend the meeting.

REPORTS/CORRESPONDENCE:  Available for Commissioners’ perusal:
	-- an email from Ryan Hargraves requesting his business, Eagle Eye LLC, be added to the business directory.  The directory is complete, but his information will be added to the website.
	-- an email from Eastern Regional Tourism about an upcoming meeting.  EDC’s representative has resigned.  Selectmen would need to appoint a replacement.
	-- Planning and Zoning minutes were available.  Neftali Soto has been appointed to the P&Z.  He can serve as a liaison between P&Z and EDC.
	-- Mr. Wesa is working with someone who wants to build a truck stop off I395 in Griswold and is willing to work with Voluntown.
-- Ms. Hanson was at the P&Z meeting with the Plan of Conservation and Development.  She would like to have a community meeting.  A town planner from NECCOG could be used.
	-- The Last Green Valley magazine issue.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Website/Facebook – Being updated

Farmers Market – It’s time to update applications.  Dates would be July 1 to October 7.  Hours will be 10:00 to 1:00.  Prices will stay the same.  Mrs. Papenfoth had updates for the website.  Mr. Wesa still has to write a report to get the final money for 2017’s market.  Mr. Wesa asked Janet Cool to take care of the musicians; she agreed.

Business Development/P&Z — No report

Eastern Tourism –  The Selectmen need to appoint someone.

Business Directory — Nothing new

Trails Brochure — Still being distributed

Historical Update -- No report

BUDGET — Mr. Wesa distributed a report for the current budget.  Remaining funds were reviewed.  2018/2019 budget proposals are due at the end of February.

OLD BUSINESS — None

NEW BUSINESS — None

SUGGESTIONS FOR NEXT MEETING — None

The meeting adjourned at 8:12.

Respectfully submitted, 
Diana M. Ingraham, Clerk		

Approved for distribution___________________________________________________Date_____________________