January 3, 2017 - Economic Development Meeting

VILLAGE OF BREWSTER
Economic Development Committee
January 3, 2017 – 6:00pm

Attendance:

Mayor Mike Schwab       Councilman Fox               
Councilman Godwin       Councilman Hawk
Councilman Mackey       Councilman Tharp
VA Mike Miller                   Clerk Kris King

The meeting was called by Mayor Schwab to get ideas and prepare an approach for economic development for 2017. 

VA Miller stated the most important part of an economic development plan is to take care of the businesses you have and to prepare for their future needs.  He pointed out that Brewster Cheese may need more power with their expansion and the Village should be preparing for that.  The VA has been working with GPD Engineering in looking into a second substation.  They are also looking at adding another power feed in order to have redundancy, ensuring reliability in power supply.  VA Miller stated that our water source should also be looked at in the future but it is not as pressing as the electric.  He stated the Village needs Capital Improvement plans.

VA Miller suggested a park interconnection plan and a “Safe Routes to School” plan.  Stark County may be able to help if the Village has the plans in place.  VA Miller suggested getting in contact with the Army Corp of Engineers to see if the Village could get permission to connect Bimeler Park to Sabo Park using the levee.  This could then lead to future plans to connect to the Wilderness Center.

VA Miller discussed ways to attract additional businesses to the community.  Councilman Tharp stated that some of this discussion was included in the Comprehensive Sustainability Plan the Village had completed several years ago.  He stated we needed to come up with a budget in order to know funds are available.  VA Miller provided brochures from a community he worked previously.  He stated the Village needs to have a theme (brand).  This should be consistent on all literature that is sent out by the Village.  Mayor Schwab reiterated the importance of emphasizing our uniqueness.  Councilman Mackey brought up the Wandle House and how it could become a focal point in the Village.  He also discussed a good biking path and restaurant.

VA Miller stated a good starting point could be Park Drive.  It has a 70 foot right of way and it needs the water line, sewer, and storm sewer replaced before “Safe Routes to School” can be applied for.  We also need to come up with our brand.

Councilman Hilliard arrived at 6:34pm.

Meeting adjourned at 6:52pm.

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K. Kris King, Clerk-Treasurer