HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-07-18 Economic Development Committee MinutesEconomic Development Committee (EDC)
July 18, 2012 Minutes
Members in Attendance: Sheila Clarke (Chair), Ben Yoder (Vice- Chair), Meghan Young - Tafoya, George Rio,
and Jack Russell met in the Berger Room, Town Hall.
Members Absent: Maria Higgins, Karl Weld, Michelle Ferullo, and Michele Williams
Others Present: Jessie Wilson (Staff Planner), Theresa Park (Peer)
Call to Order: There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:08 PM.
Ms. Clark tabled the approval of the EDC minutes till the next meeting.
Peer to Peer Grant, Peer Discussion:
Ms. Clarke introduced Ms. Theresa Park from the City of Lowell — the Peer who has been working
on the Peer -to -Peer grant project. The Committee and Ms. Park discussed the report including her
findings and recommendations. Ms. Park pointed out that Reading seems to be ahead of many
communities in terms of economic development. The Committee discussed the comparison analysis
of other town's efforts on economic development. It was noted that Concord seems to have
established a culture which promotes economic development and the bottom line is not necessarily
the determining factor. It was also noted that Ipswich was an interesting community to profile in that
they have done a lot of work trying to create the traditional town center by bringing residents in to
create an economy that goes beyond the daytime hours and continues through the evening. Ms.
Park noted that the recommendation in the report were not prioritized, but rather she provided
various methods to move forward that are not heavily resource driven. The Committee reviewed the
recommendations and had a discussion about Economic Opportunity Areas, Economic Target
Areas and TIFs. In addition, the Committee also had a brief discussion regarding the differences in
Committees and Commissions and those bodies' respective roles. Mr. Russell stated that
committees are more advisory and commissions are governed by state law and is more of a
decision making body. Ms. Young - Tafoya also pointed out that the language in the Reading EDC
Strategy of 2007 noted Commission rather than Committee, Mr. Russell replied that at the time of
the writing they were debating between Economic Development being a Committee or a
Commission. Some of the other recommendations from Ms. Park's report were discussed including
the idea of utilizing social media such as Linkedln to promote the EDC's strategy and the EDC
brand. The Committee also discussed the idea of being "business friendly" and that some work
could be done to improve the permitting process. Ms. Young - Tafoya and Ms. Clarke discussed the
Development Review Team (DIRT) process and whether it could be improved to better guide
businesses through the permitting process. Ms. Wilson also suggested updating the Passport but
before doing so, Ms. Clarke suggested investigating how much it is used and whether the EDC has
seen a return on that project. The Committee suggested that the final report be prepared by the end
of the month.
Building Facade and Signage Improvement Program (BFSI):
Ms. Clarke provided an updated on the BFSI meeting which was held on July 16, 2012. She stated
the meeting was to discuss the final designs and ensure their plans were consistent with the
program. Representatives from Atlantic Framing, Family Dental and Law Offices of William Crowley
were in attendance. The design presented for Atlantic Framing would provide for an awning, window
boxes and a "framing" window treatment for the front windows. However, Ms. Clarke noted that they
do not have estimates and may or may not include lighting fixtures as part of the project. The Family
Dental project and preliminary renderings were also reviewed. Ms. Clarke stated that this project is
going to make a huge impact to the downtown and the building owner is very excited to get started.
Ms. Clarke did note that the building may have some code challenges, specifically determining
what will be required for ADA access. It was suggested at the meeting that a code analysis be
performed to determine what type of uses may go into the upper stories and why type of
accessibility will be required. After determining which uses may go into the upper space, the next
step is to prepare a site plan sufficient for a DRT meeting. Ms. Wilson will try to schedule a DRT at a
time when the BFSI Committee and the rest of the members of the EDC could attend.
Bunratty DRT
Ms. Young - Tafoya noted she was unaware of the 15% seating requirement for the bar. Ms. Wilson
replied that it was a Board of Selectmen Policy that no more than 15% of the total restaurant seating
may be at the bar. Ms. Young - Tafoya also thought that it was unclear whether some of DRT notes
were comments or requirements under a specific regulation or policy and that might be challenging
for an applicant to decipher. Ms. Wilson replied that the DRT notes could be written in a different
format as to be clearer. Ms. Young - Tafoya suggested that a DRT agenda be prepared and provided
to applicants early so that they know what is to be discussed at the DRT meetings as well as the
possibility of having a "punch" list of items that needed to be addressed during this first review.
Mr. Yoder tabled the remaining items on the agenda to the next EDC meeting on August 1, 2012.
On a motion by Ms. Young - Tafoya, seconded by Mr. Rio, the EDC voted to adjourn at 10:00 PM. Motion
carried 3 -0 -0.
Respectfully submitted,
Jessie Wilson, Staff Planner