Town of Bethel, CT Economic Development Commission

The Town of Bethel, Connecticut, does hereby establish an Economic Development Commission under the General Statutes of the State of Connecticut, Revision of 1958, as follows.

§ 7-2 Membership; terms; removal from office.

The Commission shall consist of seven electors of the Town of Bethel, not more than four of whom shall be members of the same political party.

The Board of Selectmen of said Town of Bethel shall, as of February 1, 1980, or as soon thereafter as is convenient, appoint one member of said Commission for a term of one year, appoint two members for two years, appoint one member for three years, appoint two members for four years and appoint one member for five years.

As the term of each member shall expire, his or her successor shall be appointed by the Board of Selectmen for a term of five years from the date of expiration, and all terms shall commence as of February 1 of each year.

Any member of the Commission may be removed by the Board of Selectmen for cause, and on request of such member, after public hearing.

§ 7-3 Organization; voting.

The Commission shall annually elect its own Chairman and such officers as it shall from time to time determine.

No action by the Commission shall be valid unless authorized by a majority of its members.

§ 7-4 Purposes; powers and duties.

The purpose of said Commission shall be to:

Promote and develop the business and industrial resources of the Town of Bethel.

Study and investigate conditions affecting existing Bethel industry, business and commerce and to promote and encourage the preservation, expansion and development thereof within said Town of Bethel.

Take active steps to promote, encourage and induce desirable industrial, business and commercial firms to locate in Bethel and to assist and cooperate with existing industrial, business and commercial firms in their operation and expansion.

Advertise, prepare, print and distribute books, maps, charts and pamphlets; and to collect, compile and disseminate information relative to the natural, economic and other resources of the Town of Bethel which, in the judgment of the Commission, will further its official purpose.

Cooperate and coordinate with governmental and nongovernmental groups, associations, agencies and commissions having like functions or similar purposes.

Hire from time to time such assistants, experts, technicians and professional help as the Commission may deem necessary for the efficient conduct of its work, which expenses will be kept within the limits of any appropriation of funds made by the Town of Bethel or by anyone else to said Commission.

Maintain an up-to-date inventory of present land or buildings available for business and industry.

Maintain an up-to-date inventory of all unused public land.

Conduct surveys for the future use of land in Bethel.

Consult with and advise the Town Planning and Zoning Commission on all phases of business and industrial development in said Bethel.

Aid in the preparation of business and industrial brochures and other methods of advertising.

Act as the development agency for the Town of Bethel and exercise the powers granted under Title 8, Chapter 132, of the General Statutes of the State of Connecticut, Sections 8-186 through 8-200, as amended by supplement thereto.

§ 7-5 Meetings and reports.

Meetings of the Commission shall be held at least once a month and at such other times as the Commission may determine. The Commission is empowered to adopt rules and regulations for putting into effect the provisions of this chapter, which rules and regulations shall not be inconsistent with the provisions hereof.

The Commission shall make a written report of its activities to the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Bethel annually on or about the 15th day of April in each year, commencing on or about April 15, 1980, and shall make such other special reports as the Board of Selectmen may request from time to time.

§ 7-6 Expenses and reimbursement.

The members of said Commission shall receive no compensation for their services as such, but shall be reimbursed out of funds appropriated by the Town for the use of said Commission. The Commission may appoint and remove such secretarial and clerical assistants as it may need for the performance of its duties, which salaries shall be fixed by the Board of Selectmen with the approval of the Board of Finance.

§ 7-7 Receipt and disbursement of funds.

The Commission is authorized to receive and, upon order of its Chairman, to pay over to the Town Treasurer any funds from any source, including contributions made for the purpose of said Commission by individuals, corporations or associations, or any amounts from the sale of printed matter or other material. Such receipts when so turned over to the Treasurer shall become part of the general funds of the Town. The Commission is further empowered to enter into a contract or contracts from time to time for the purpose of this chapter, such obligations to be met only from any appropriation authorized by the Selectmen upon recommendation of the Board of Finance.

§ 7-8 Annual appropriation.

The annual appropriation for the expenses of said Economic Development Commission shall be made by the Board of Finance of said Town of Bethel upon application of said Commission. Said appropriation shall not exceed 1/20 of 1% of the last completed grand list of taxable property in said Town of Bethel and shall not exceed such other limitation as may be set from time to time by the General Statutes of the State of Connecticut.

§ 7-9 State and federal grants.

The Economic Development Commission shall have the authority to apply for and receive state and federal grants from state and federal agencies and other sources on behalf of the Town of Bethel.