Economic Development Corporation
Meeting Summary November 28, 2001
Present were:
| Mayor Barbara Cannon |
Larry Redmond |
Peter Davis |
| Kevin Calogera, President |
Alayne Shepler |
Gil Fallon |
| Patrick Gillespie, VP |
Charles Applebaum |
David Merwin |
| Mark Proudman, Treasurer |
Michael D'Agnes |
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| Robin Rosen, Secretary |
Christine Manville |
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Absent were:
| Susan Gieser |
Edward Testino |
Nelson Iglesias |
| George Koehler |
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The meeting was called to order at 6:35 p.m.
Salute to the flag was followed by roll call.
Statement was made that the meeting was held in accordance with the requirements of the Open Public Meeting Act.
A motion was made by Michael D'Agnes, seconded by Christine Manville with David Merwin abstaining, for the approval of the October 2001 Treasurer's Report. There was no bill list. The motion carried.
A motion was made by Peter Davis, seconded by Mark Proudman and unanimously agreed upon for the approval of the October 17, 2001 meeting summary.
Chuck Fallon, Fallon and Fallon, was present to report to the Board the problems in obtaining the 501 (c)(3). Mr. Fallon explained that in order for the EDC to obtain that status, we would have to have a charitable purpose. The EDC would have to reorganize and redirect our purpose away from helping businesses.
If the EDC wishes to pursue changing the designation, we would have to change the Certificate of Incorporation, the By-laws and Mission Statement. Mr. Fallon is recommending that the EDC withdraw the application to the IRS.
A motion was made by David Merwin, seconded by Patrick Gillespie, with Robin Rosen abstaining, for the withdrawal of the application for a 501 (c)(3) designation from the IRS. The motion carried.
Mr. Fallon stated that the EDC will not be charged for work done on the filing.
John Brunetti, Jr. was presented with a plaque of appreciation for his many years of voluntary service to the Old Bridge Economic Development Corporation.
Beth Peterson was interviewed by the Board. Introductions were made and Ms. Peterson gave an overview of her current position as Executive Director of Downtown New Jersey, a private nonprofit organization. The organization works closely with the State EDA. Her focus has been mostly on downtown areas.
Ms. Peterson stated that keeping up contacts in the field is an important aspect of attracting business as well as being involved with various organizations. Knowing commercial brokers in the area and developers are also important aspects.
Ms. Peterson stated that she has seen downtown's fail and she would like to have the chance to start at the beginning and make our Town Center work.
A motion was made by David Merwin, seconded by Peter Davis and unanimously agreed upon to enter into closed session to discuss personnel matters.
A motion was made by David Merwin, seconded by Kevin Calogera and unanimously agreed upon to come out of closed session.
The Zoning Ordinance is in the process of being written. We will invite Sam Rizzo to the January meeting to discuss the master plan.
The Board agrees that the legal agreement Charles Applebaum revised addressed all their concerns.
A motion was made by Christine Manville, seconded by Peter Davis and unanimously agreed upon to adopt the form of contract to provide legal services as revised by Charles Applebaum.
Administration will draft an ordinance on mercantile licensing for use by the EDC to be presented at the January meeting. Businesses will be charged a set fee and they will have their names published in a booklet. We will maintain and collect the revenue stream for the EDC. The fee will be $50.00.
Bill Ruggierio, township attorney, will check the statute to see if professionals are exempt.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
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