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MONTVILLE TOWNSHIP
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF FEBRUARY
15, 2012
8:15AM
Chairman Driscoll welcomed everyone to the meeting and took
roll call.
I. ROLL CALL
Deane
Driscoll, Chairman
(present) Arnold Schancupp – alt #1 (present)
Ron
Soussa, Vice Chair
(present) Kevin
Seidel, Alt. #2 (present)
Jennifer
Horowitz (present)
Alexander Kachmar (present)
Margaret Miller – Sanders,
Esq. (present)
Ron
Cain, Jr. (present)
Everett “Dick” Vreeland
(present)
Also present:
Liaisons:
Township Committee: Jim
Sandham (absent); Scott Gallopo
(alt) (absent)
Deb Nielson (present)
Planning Board: Tony
Speciale (present); Gary Lewis (present)
Environmental Commission: Monica
Mianecki (present)
Township Staff:
Meghan Hunscher, PP - Principal
Planner (present)
Adam
Brewer - Interim
Township Administrator (present)
II. BOARD
LIAISON REPORTS
Planning Board - Tony Speciale / Gary Lewis
Mr. Speciale indicated that
the February 9 Planning Board meeting was canceled, but that a minor
subdivision was scheduled for February 23.
The Planning Board discussed proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance
at the January 26 meeting and referred them to the Township Committee.
Board of Adjustment - Deane Driscoll
Mr. Driscoll indicated that
the only item on the agenda for February was the JCP&L resolution of
approval.
III. APPLICANTS / BUSINESSES
There were no applicants or
businesses to appear before the Committee.
IV. SPEAKERS
Ms. Rebecca Feldman, Executive
Director, Morris County Economic Development Corporation presented on her new
role at the MCEDC. She replaced her
predecessor Maggie Peters, who is now the head of economic development for Bergen County.
Ms. Feldman gave an overview
of the new strategic plan that the MCEDC is undertaking and the efforts that
the MCEDC have made to work with the state Business
Action Center
and “Choose NJ.”
Ms. Feldman has as a goal to compile market data and provide clearinghouse
for prospective businesses including websites.
She would also like to create a GIS-based program that would assist
businesses with finding possible sites to locate in Morris County. The challenge is funding and she encourages
the EDC members to speak with the Freeholders to provide more funding for the
MCEDC for these efforts, especially the website.
In the month since she has
started, Ms. Feldman has toured vacancy listings and attending “getting to
know” meetings with EDC’s throughout the County.
Ms. Feldman made the
following suggestions:
1. Explore the State’s incentive programs. Mr. Driscoll indicated that a representative
from the state’s Business
Action Center
- Noel McGuire - has already spoken to the committee.
2. Prepare a Strategic Plan
or Economic Development Plan element of the Master Plan. Ms. Hunscher indicated that the EDC has
intended to do this and will create a subcommittee. Ms. Hunscher requested some examples from Ms.
Feldman if she could provide them.
3. Re-evaluate the website
since it is often the first thing businesses visit. Mr. Driscoll indicated that this is an
on-going discussion with Administration.
She indicated that Roxbury,
Hanover and Randolph are three examples of active EDC’s in the county.
Ms. Feldman identified
potential strengths to market Montville
including abundance of water, access to NYC via train, recreational resources,
utilities and assistance with permitting.
Ms. Feldman requested more
information about Montville
including land area and breakdown, tax ratable base information and breakdown,
and vacancy listings, which Ms. Hunscher will provide.
She thanked the EDC and
invited everyone to the annual Morris County Municipal Summit on March 14 at
the MCCC and also to have a few members to attend the annual MCEDC meeting in
April.
Other
Mr. Driscoll asked for
volunteers to update the vacancy list.
The following volunteered:
Ron S., Maggie, Dick, and
Deane
Mr. Soussa indicated that he
would like to obtain some quotes from a professional to prepare press releases.
Discussion occurred about how best to reach intended audience, such as an
e-mail “blast list,” which Mr. Brewer said is under consideration. Other publications include the Montville
Messenger and the Chamber of Commerce’s quarterly newsletter.
V. WORKSHOP
Due to time limitations, no
workshop was held.
VI. MINUTES
Adoption of EDC minutes of 1-18-12
– Eligible: Ron Cain, Jr., Margaret
Miller – Sanders, Everett (“Dick”) Vreeland, Deane
Driscoll
On a motion made by Mr.
Soussa and seconded by Mr. Vreeland, the minutes were unanimously approved as
presented.
V. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further
business to discuss, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 10:25 a.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
_____________________________
Meghan Hunscher, Principal
Planner
Adopted at March 21, 2012
regular meeting.
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