HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-02-01 Economic Development Committee MinutesEconomic Development Committee (EDC)
February 1, 2012 MINUTES
Members in Attendance: Sheila Clarke (Chair), Ben Yoder (Vice- Chair), Meghan Young - Tafoya, Michele
Williams, Karl Weld, Maria Higgins, George Rio, and Jack Russell met in the Berger Room, Town Hall.
Members Absent: Michelle Ferullo, Jessie Wilson (Staff Planner)
Others Present: Peter Hechenbleikner (Town Manager), George Zambouras (Town Engineer)
Call to Order: There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
Minutes:
Town Manager Presentation — Haven Street Streetscape Improvement Project. Mr.
Hechenbleikner and Mr. Zambouras shared draft plans for a future phase of streetscape
improvements for the town. The scope of the design includes select new curbing, sidewalks,
roadways, crosswalks, brick banding, plantersttrees, street lamps, and more along Haven St from
Main St. to High St., High St. from Washington St. to Woburn St., Washington St. from High St. to
Main St, and parts of Gould St., Sanborn St.,. Chute St., and Linden St. These plans will also be
shared with the Board of Selectmen on 2/7/12.
• Approval of the 1118112 EDC Minutes
On a motion by Ms. Young - Tafoya, seconded by Ms. Williams, the EDC voted to approve the
minutes from the 111812012 meeting as amended. Motion carried 5 -0-0.
FY2012 Budget. The EDC discussed the state of the Downtown Improvement and Events Trust
(DIET), including the necessary reconciliation of financials from the Reading Fall Street Faire (Sept
11, 2011) to which Ms. Williams requested additional time to complete (asking through the end of
March 2012). Mr. Heckenbleikner made some recommendations to the EDC with regard to
managing the DIET going forward, including planning the budget on a calendar year basis and
working with the Town Accountant to make sure items are properly categorized in the system.
Additional opportunities to improve handling of financials and reducing manual workload to be
discussed within the Reading Fall Street Faire Committee.
The EDC also discussed 2012 calendar year budget items including the purchase of new banners
and funding of miscellaneous transportation and meal expenses associated with the co -op student
working on the Building Fagade and Signage Improvement (BFSI) Program.
In a motion by Ms. Young - Tafoya, seconded by Mr. Yoder, the EDC voted to budget $1,500
for additional banners and $1,000 to support miscellaneous transportation and meal
expenses related to the BFSI Program. Motion carried 5 -0-0.
The EDC then discussed the Downtown Steering Committee release of funds to the DIET. Mr.
Russell is working to expedite with our pro -bono legal counsel.
• Building Facade and Signage Improvement Program (BFSI). Ms. Clarke discussed the BFSI
launch timeline and draft brochure. A key (tentative) date includes a public meeting on 3/21/2012 to
discuss the program, followed some time thereafter by a design charette in late April or May. Next
steps /action items include: Mr. Weld to formalize the brochure and develop a small invitation, Ms.
Yound- Tafoya to update the BFSI application form, Ms. Wilson to pull addresses for mailing list, and
Ms. Higgins to write a press release prior to 3/21/2012 meeting.
• EDC Peer Review. Ms. Clarke discussed the start of the EDC Peer Review, noting that Ms.
Theresa Park from Lowell will be conducting a town "walk- through" this week and will contact EDC
members individually in the coming weeks to schedule interviews.
• Work Plan Updates:
o Wayfinding Signage. Mr. Yoder briefed the group on two new signs in development, one
"Reading Center" sign at the comer of West St. and Woburn St. and a new interchangeable
panel to be added to the town announcement sign at the center of town. Pricing for both to
be submitted at the next EDC meeting.
On a motion by Ms. Young - Tafoya, seconded by Mr. Rio, the EDC voted to adjourn at 9:58 PM. Motion
carried 5-0 -0.
Respectfully submitted,
Ben Yoder, EDC