Northwood Economic Development Committee
Meeting Minutes
December 2, 2009
7:00 p.m.
 

I. Call to Order

Chair Kristen Kiernan called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m

II. Attendance 

Present: Kristen Kiernan, Chair; David Tousignant, Vice-chair; Hal Kreider;
Babette Morrill; Ken Rick; Selectman Bob Holden (for Selectman Bryer) and Town Administrator David Stack.
 
Absent: Kevin Ash; Judy Burke

III. Meeting

 Elaine Planchet, Town Planner

David Stack stated that he had asked Elaine Planchet to meet with the Committee to discuss the Planning Board approval process for commercial projects. Ms. Planchet detailed the process for site plan review and the differences between a major site plan and a minor plan. She also discussed the differences between home business uses and home occupation uses. Ms. Planchet reported that the Planning Board is currently working on trying to streamline the home business and change of use process when going to a “less intense” usage. Once the proposed changes are drafted, the Committee agreed that they would like to review the draft proposal and offer comment. Dave Tousignant asked if the Planning Board was going to be updating the Town Master Plan soon. Elaine reported that the current Master Plan was adopted in 2004 by the Planning Board and that master plans should be updated every 5-6 years. The Committee discussed the desire to have the Committee play a role and provide input on the economic development section of the Plan when it is re-written or updated. Chair Kristen Kiernan thanked Ms. Planchet for meeting with the Committee.

IV. Unfinished Business

1. Business Directory

The Committee reviewed the list of businesses that had been purchased from Secretary of State. The Committee agreed to send out a letter to all businesses on the list inviting them to send information and be included in the directory. Babette Morrill agreed to take the list and convert it to mailing labels and Kristen Kiernan agreed to draft a letter and stuff envelopes. She will then drop them off at Town Hall for mailing.

2. Economic Development web page

The Committee agreed to wait for Kevin Ash to discuss this with him at the next meeting in January.

3. Mission Statement

Dave Tousignant reminded everyone of the list of ideas that hr had presented at one of the first meetings. The list also contained the charge for the Committee and its work that had been developed by the Board of Selectmen and the mission statement needs to reflect that. The Committee will take a look at the list again for discussion at the next meeting.

4. Brochures

Dave Tousignant passed around brochures that he had picked up. One was a map of the Town with local business advertising on it and the other was a brochure for the Rte. 4 Antique Alley Association. He feels that it is important to establish contact with the mapmaker and the Association.

V. New Business

1. Acceptance of minutes - 11/4/09

Hal Kreider moved to accept the minutes of 11/4/09. Babette Morrill seconded. Motion passed.

2. Regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Plan

The Committee reviewed a communication from Rockingham Economic Development Corporation concerning the update of the plan. The Committee agreed that it may be in a better position to participate in the planning next year.

VI. Adjournment

Vice-chair Dave Tousignant moved to adjourn. Bob Holden seconded. Motion passed and the meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m.