Gardiner Economic Development Committee
Gardiner City Council Chambers
Tuesday, July 8th, 2003, 8:00 a.m.
Minutes
Attending: Randy Clark, Rebecca Colwell, Anne Davis, Nelson Gosline, Kim Greenleaf, Andrew MacLean, Geri Robbins-Doyle, Francis Grey, Chris Paszyc
Approval of Minutes from Previous Meeting
The minutes were approved as presented.
Loan Applications
There were none.
Regular Review of RLF Accounts
All accounts were current.
Other Business
EJP TIF Application
Chris said that EJP is proposing significant discounts on their property tax bill for their new headquarters at Libby Hill over the course of the 10-year TIF. The City has a longstanding positive relationship with EJP as a very successful business in Gardiner. EJP played a key role in making the business park possible. They made a substantial financial commitment to Libby Hill at its outset by purchasing their land so early. EJP is also a very pro-community company. They donate a substantial amount annually to nonprofits and cultural institutions. The committee discussed alternate structuring arrangements for the TIF agreement. The committee agreed that Chris would continue negotiating with EJP based on the committee s input to create an agreement that is in the best interests
of both the City and EJP.
Pine Tree Zone Update
At this time, Gardiner is planning to participate in a coordinated regional application with Augusta and Waterville to receive designation as a Pine Tree Zone. Four locations are pre-designated by the enabling legislation and do not have to go through the competitive process: Bangor, Lewiston-Auburn, Washington County, and Aroostook County. What is unknown is whether Somerset County will join our regional application, or apply on its own. Ken Young of KVCOG, Mike Duguay of Augusta, and John Butera of Kennebec Valley Growth Council are working with Chris on this. DECD will be making the ruling on what sites will receive the designation. Under the rules of the enabling legislation, if our average weekly wage rate changes by $50.00, we could be disqualified from Pine Tree Zone designation.
DROP Sewer Incentive Program
The City Council heard the ordinance proposal for DROP and had many good comments and suggestions. They will be considering it for a final vote at an upcoming Council meeting.
Economic Development Director s Report
Chris updated the committee on the latest developments involving the hotel study, the 7-11 site, and the Newark Group.
Schedule Next Meeting
The next meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, August 12 at 8:00 a.m. at Gardiner City Hall.
| 
