TOWN OF VOLUNTOWN
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
May 21, 2018

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

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:  March 15, 2015 -- A MOTION was made (Hanson, Wesa) to accept the minutes as amended; ALL IN FAVOR.

CITIZENS’ COMMENTS:  None

GUESTS:  Vinnie Cofone for the farmers market.  There are eight vendors signed up so far.  The Victorian House for mentally challenged people is interested in offering baked goods.  Hundred Acre Farm might return if they get a deal on fee.  BZB Farm with meats, syrup and hide rugs is a possibility.

The state application now has a health district certificate requirement.  Grant requirements expect more data.  Rack card information will be available by the next meeting; 4,000 cards for $1,000.

Putnam farmers market has a passport program.  Something similar should be considered.  Janet Cool is getting musicians lined up.  Activities were gone over.  Insurance could be an issue for private owners.  Ms. Hanson received an email from an energy company asking to be at the market.

REPORTS/CORRESPONDENCE:  Available for Commissioners’ perusal:

COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Website/Facebook – The website is being updated 

Farmers Market – The market report for last year is being completed.

Business Development/P&Z — Courtney Henderson from CERC will be contacted for a two-hour workshop to include town commissions and boards on the fundamentals of municipal economic development.  The presentation will be tailored to Voluntown.  Neftali Soto will be asked to make contact.

Eastern Tourism – No report 

Business Directory — No report

Trails Brochure — Mr. Wesa has been in contact with designer.

 The Last Green Valley has a form to get something in Walktober.

Historical Update – Wylie School work is ongoing.

BUDGET — No report

OLD BUSINESS — None

NEW BUSINESS — Rack cards previously discussed.

SUGGESTIONS FOR NEXT MEETING — 
-- Final update for farmers market
-- EDC participation in P&Z Plan of Conservation and Development

The meeting adjourned at 7:43 on a motion (Hanson, Wesa); ALL IN FAVOR.

Respectfully submitted, 
Diana M. Ingraham, Clerk		

Approved for distribution___________________________________________________Date_____________________