HomeMy WebLinkAboutIndustrial DevelopmentCommission Minutes 8/12/2004MANSFIELD INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES FOR AUGUST 12, 2004 1 ny 1 1
Present: Jay Barrows, Alan Clapp, Tom Flanagan, Charles O'Regan, Tom Prestowich C t
guests: Maria Correia, Mansfield Holiday Inn; Tricia White, Tri -Town Cha of 4fibei ' j ''
Commerce; Town Manager John D'Agostino.
Members noted that this was the first formal IDC meeting since April, Due to lack of
Quorum in May and decision to break for June and July; priority goal of IDC is carrying
out preparations for Mansfield promotional event at the TPC golf tournament at the end
of the month.
Mr. Flanagan advised that he had spoken with Cindy Frene of TransAction, a regional
transportation company that works with communities and businesses to implement
transportation solutions for commuting workers, to and from workplace and public
transportation centers. Mr. Barrows advised that Michelle Brooks of TransAction
misunderstood the IDC meeting to be taking place at 7:30 AM, and came to the empty
Town Hall this morning; TransAction will be rescheduled for a future IDC meeting.
Town Manager D'Agostino provided an update. Barry Controls is not coming to
Mansfield. The company is leaving Massachusetts altogether, reportedly due to problems
of compliance with federal environmental regulations. Medline, however, is expected to
expand in Mansfield, believed to looking to build a new facility on a 20 -acre site at the
industrial park. This is still in flux, as Taunton and Freetown are in the running as well.
This would be an important step for Mansfield, as it would get our foot in the door with
the biotech industry. It will be contingent on the outcome of negotiations on a TIF
agreement.
Mr. Barrows secured permission from Eric Baldwin at TPC for the IDC to hold an
informational breakfast to promote the town of Mansfield with members of the business
community. This event will include the tent to hold the event in on the TPC grounds, and
up to 50 complimentary tickets for attendees to watch the PGA tournament practice
round on August 31. The only cost to the town will be for the costs of the catered
breakfast. The cost for food and servers is expected to be approximately $1,000. Upon
receipt of final approval from the Town Manager, the caterer for TPC will forward the
invoice for review and payment by the Town Manager. The funds are expected to be
allocated from the Town Manager's office budget. Members discussed who should be
invited; business executives in the area, along with leading commercial real estate
brokers were identified as good prospects to help the town's efforts.
TPC Invitations will be sent out via e -mail, with contact information included for any
follow -up questions. Mr. O'Regan volunteered to coordinate an "Bvite" e- mailing to
invitees, which will allow invitees to respond back by email in a format that will allow
IDC members to track response levels frequently.
Mr. Flanagan confirmed that he had completed the update of the Mansfield brochure,
including a number of revisions and recommendations from IDC members. The brochure
now includes updated information on the availability of water sewer capacity for
prospective commercial users, as well as electric rate schedules for commercial
customers from the Mansfield Municipal Electric Department, Mr. Flanagan will
coordinate the copying and compiling of the brochure contents.
By agreement the next meeting was set for September 23 at 7:00 PM; by unanimous vote
the meeting was adjourned at 9:15 PM.