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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-06-20 Economic Development Committee MinutesEconomic Development Committee (EDC) June 20, 2012 Minutes Members in Attendance: Sheila Clarke (Chair), Ben Yoder (Vice- Chair), Meghan Young - Tafoya, Michele Williams, Jack Russell, Maria Higgins, George Rio, and Michelle Ferullo met in the Berger Room, Town Hall. Others Present: Jessie Wilson (Staff Planner) Call to Order: There being a quorum the Vice -Chair called the meeting to order at 7:05 PM. Minutes: • Approval of the January 21, 2012 Building Facade and Signage Improvement Program Committee Minutes On a motion by Ms. Young - Tafoya, seconded by Ms. Williams, the EDC voted to approve the minutes from the January 21, 2012 BFSI Program Committee meeting minutes as amended. Motion carried 3 -0 -0. • Approval of the May 30, 2012 Building Facade and Signage Improvement (BFSI) Program Committee Minutes On motion by Ms. Williams, seconded by Ms. Young - Tafoya, the EDC voted to approve the minutes from the May 30, 2012 BFSI Program Committee meeting minutes as mended. Motion carried 40 -0. • Approval of the June 6, 2012 EDC Minutes. On a motion by Mr. Rio, seconded by Ms. Williams, the EDC votes to approve the minutes from the June 6, 2012 EDC meeting as amended. Motion carried 40-0. Vote for BFSI Applicants: On a motion by Ms. Williams the EDC voted to allocate the grant monies from the DIET Fund up to half of the total project cost with a maximum of $10,000 as follows: - Atlantic Framing: Half of the project cost, up to $1,000. - 159 Haven Street Mr. William Crowley., $1,000 for a blade sign. - 57 -59 High Street, Our House Design Build: $1,000 for window boxes and blade sign. - 1 Haven Street, Intent Architects: $500 for a wall sign. - 75 Haven Street Matteo Gallo: $1,500 toward building facade. - 636 Main Street, Family Dental. $5,000 toward front facade. Ms. Young - Tafoya seconded and the motion carried 40-0. Ms. Williams provided a summary of the selection process to the other committee members. There was a total ten applicants. The goal was to have a mix of projects that involved signage and facade improvements. The committee selected projects which they believed were the best use of funds and achieved the goals of the program. Mr. Russell asked if those applicants not selected for the program can still apply for the loan through Reading Cooperative Bank. Ms. Williams replied that this has not been cleared by the bank. However, the co-op designer agreed to work with the non - recipients if they still intend to move forward with the improvements without the assistance of the program. Ms. Williams also stated that the design charette went very well and that each applicant had time with one of the designers. Ms. Clarke agreed, also noting that the collaboration with the other Boards has been a good experience. Summer Schedule: The EDC reviewed the summer schedule and due to the July and September holidays will only have one meeting in those months. The Committee agreed to reserve the two meetings in August to allow for a discussion on the Retail Visioning grant if needed. The summer schedule as follows: July 18th August 1� (tentative) August 15'h September 19d' Ms. Clarke told the Committee that the BFSI Program Committee will meet on July 16'h to recap with the selected applicants and review their final designs. She noted the co -op designer has already touched based with each recipient and he is doing a great job. May DIET Financials: Ms. Williams discussed the May financial reports with the Committee. Other Discussion: Ms. Young - Tafoya t attended this week's Board of Selectmen's meeting, the agenda included an item to discuss the changes to the EDC. Although the Selectmen did not take up the item that evening, Ms. Young - Tafoya stated that the changes identified by Mr. Arena included having 7 voting members. Ms. Young - Tafoya suggested the Committee request a working session with the EDC before making any changes to the EDC. Ms. Clarke replied that it was her understanding the Mr. Arena was trying to obtain a consensus with the Selectmen before making any final changes. The question was raised as to whether the changes presented by Mr. Arena were for discussion purposes or if the Selectmen were intending on voting on those changes. Ms. Young - Tafoya suggested the EDC compose a letter to the Selectmen requesting to delay any decisions until they discuss these changes with the EDC. Ms. Clarke agreed to reach out to Mr. Arena regarding this conversation. Ms. Young - Tafoya also mentioned that the agenda also included an item to review the Board of Selectmen's Vision for Reading. She suggested that the EDC review the draft visions as there are two items in that document that concern the EDC — customer service and economic development. Ms. Williams suggested to the Committee that a bid should be placed for the maintenance of the alleyway. There is $250 set aside for this maintenance. She asked Ms. Wilson to find out what the steps are to place a bid for this maintenance. Ms. Ferullo told the Committee she would like to recruit assistance to handle some of the administrative duties in the outbound marketing. Ms. Young - Tafoya knew some people that may be interested in helping and would provide her some contact information. She also mentioned that using the upcoming Retail Visioning Grant as a marketing tool for new businesses who may have concerns about opening a business in Reading. Ms. Young - Tafoya also suggested to Ms. Wilson that the EDC use google docs for tracking outbound marketing on the EDC webpage if possible. Ms. Wilson replied she would see about getting that started. Work Plan Updates: Wayfinding Signage — Mr. Yoder stated he has been working with Ann Dicicco regarding the West and Woburn sign. The question is whether or not to have the sign arched like the others. Ms. Young - Tafoya wondered if the signs may not match the historical district signs. Mr. Yoder suggested using the same design they have in the past. The Committee agreed to move forward with the same design which was used previously. New Crossing Road — Mr. Russell said that this area was discussed at the Board of Selectmen's meeting during the MAPC Mapping Presentation. However, he believes this should be removed off the work plan as there is not much movement on it. Ms. Clarke suggested keeping it on the workplan for now and Mr. Russell continue to be the contact for this item. DRT — Ms. Clarke told the Committee they were just invited to the "Bunratty" DRT on July 2nd. This is an Irish restaurant going into the former Sense of Wonder space. Ms. Clarke also asked Ms. Wilson for a copy of the DRT notes from Cumberland Farms. Streetscape Project — Additional banners were added to north Route 28 Liaisons — Ms. Young - Tafoya appreciated Ms. Wilson giving the EDC the ability to review notes from CPDC, ConCom, and DIRT as they are applicable to businesses in Reading. Communications — Peer Review Grants — Ms. Young - Tafoya told the Committee that she sent an email to Emmy Hahn with the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) regarding the Peer to Peer Grant. Ms. Hahn has forwarded the email the Peer Coordinator. Ms. Clarke offered to follow up with the peer. The Committee agreed that they should at a minimum receive a comparison analysis of other economic development groups from other towns in the Commonwealth. In the meantime, Ms. Young - Tafoya will prepare the grant request for FY 12. Ms. Higgins stated the Retail Visioning Grant should be added to the Work Plan. Mr. Weld mentioned that Erin Calvo -Bacci is looking to move to the old Calareso site but is concerned with the costs. She was inquiring whether the Town knew of any manufacturing grants to help her move forward. He suggested that the EDC help walk her through the process and look into the possibility of Tax Incremental Financing (TIF). Ms. Clarke was concerned that the Committee did not have the expertise on the subject matter to guide her through the process. The Committee continues to discuss TIFs and Ms. Clarke suggested that Ms. Erin (last name ?) prepare an outline on her plan and submit it to the Committee. Ms. Williams indicated that the old Calareso building is under lease with an Antique Dealer and that another business would not have the opportunity to re- locate to that particular location. Retail Visioning Grant — Ms. Young - Tafoya stated there will be a steering committee involved with this project and they will meet in July. A kick -off meeting, similar to the BFSI program will be held in September. At that meeting retailers may pick up an application for the program. They will have a shorter turn - around time for this program and will select the Applicants at the regular EDC meeting to be held mid September. Ms. Young - Tafoya also mentioned that a site walk with the Retail Visioning consultant will be scheduled sometime in the summer. Mr. Weld offered to prepare a similar poster for the program. Sign Maintenance — Ms. Young - Tafoya indicated that sign violations went out this week and the vacant properties notification letter is still under review. Outbound Marketing — Ms. Young - Tafoya noted that the workplan indicated that the EDC was to bring in Jeremy Cryer to one of their meetings to gain his perspective on the retail /commercial situation in Reading. Ms. Clarke replied that this can be scheduled in the fall. CPDC Summary of Minutes — Ms. Young - Tafoya provided a brief summary of the CPDC minutes from May 7'" and May 21 .She noted that Oaktree is working on filling the commercial spaces, but there have been questions from prospective tenants on purchasing space, rather than renting. Other — Ms. Clarke recognized that the Hitching Post is turning 50 and that the EDC should do something special during the Fall Street Faire. Economic Development Updates: Ms. Young - Tafoya asked if Jenny Boston has received their sign. Ms. Wilson indicated she has not seen a sign permit to date. Ms. Clarke asked about Calareso's. Ms. Wilson indicated that a site visit was scheduled on July 3r° to review some non - compliance issues. Town staff will review their storage permit to ensure compliance and discuss the issue with covering the windows. In addition, the portion of fence shown on the plan is still not installed. Ms. Clarke does not believe they are required to install the fence and requested that the EDC be invited to the meeting. Orange Leaf — Ms. Wilson stated they are working with the Board of Health for plan review approval. Ms. Young - Tafoya asked about the signage on Cumberland Farms. Ms. Wilson indicated the canopy signage was not considered to be wall signage and were considered free - standing signs. Since they had two price sign elements on the canopy, that was considered to be two free - standing signs and required a variance. 131-Weekly Updates: Ms. Young - Tafoya heard that Melinda from Sammy Joes will be taking over the Hot Spot. Mr. Weld noted that it will be the same operation. On a motion by Mr. Yoder, seconded by Ms. Young - Tafoya, the EDC voted to adjourn at 9:15 PM. Motion carried 3 -0 -0. Respectfully submitted, Jessie Wilson, Staff Planner