Economic Development Commission

City Middletown, CT Economic Development Committee Minutes from the Economic Development Committee Special Meeting of March 10, 2020 Present: V. Loffredo, T. Gennaro, J. Blackwell, P. Pessina, E. McKeon Absent: Staff: J. Samolis, T. Marano Minutes 1. Call to Order: Chairman V. Loffredo called the meeting to order at 5:30 PM. 2. Minutes: T. Gennaro made a motion, seconded by P. Pessina, to approve the minutes of the Meeting of 2/11/20. Vote: Unanimous in favor of the motion. 3. Public Session: Jeff Pugliese, Vice President of the Middlesex Chamber of Commerce, reiterated the Chamber’s support of the City in general and the EDC is particular. 4. Communications: The members discussed Director Samolis’ memorandum to Mayor Benjamin Florsheim regarding correspondence from, and subsequent meeting with Mr. David Roane, Commander Harry Ruffin, Jr. American Legion Post 206. The conversation with Mr. Roane was in regard to Post 206’s plan for a conference center and the City’s support of it. The memorandum was for information purposes only. Vote: No vote was taken 5. Old Business: There was no old business. 6. New Business Amendment to the Meeting Agenda P. Pessina made a motion, seconded by J. Blackwell, to amend the agenda to include review and approval of a lease to Fidelux at Keating Park. Fidelux Lease of Space at R. M. Keating Historical Enterprise Park (Keating Park) Director Samolis presented the lease. Fidelux has agreed to lease 23,500 square feet at Keating Park beginning at $6.00/sf. The company manufactures and distributes LED lighting. It is leasing space being vacated by Greenskies, which is consolidating operations in Wallingford. P. Pessina made a motion, seconded by E. McKeon, to forward the lease to the full Common Council. Vote: Unanimous in favor of the motion. 1 Review of R.M. Keating Historical Enterprise Park Director Samolis presented a review of Keating Park including its manufacturing history, ownership changes and redevelopment by the City. Currently there are 21 tenants. Last year’s revenues and costs were approximately $470,000 and $380,000 respectively. It needs upgrades to the roofs, paving and locks among others. The members discussed how staff operates the building and where the funds are appropriated. Vote: There was no vote taken RFQ for the Redeveloping the Arcade site Director Samolis presented the RFQ for redeveloping the Arcade site. A general discussion ensued. The members were invited to the tour with potential responders on Friday, March 13, 2020 at 60 Dingwall Drive starting at 10:00 am. Vote: No vote was taken Adjournment J. Blackwell made a motion, seconded by P. Pessina to adjourn the meeting. Vote: Unanimous in favor of the motion The meeting was adjourned at 6:15 PM 2