HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-10-17 Economic Development Committee MinutesEconomic Development Committee (EDC)
October 17, 2012 Minutes
Members in Attendance: Sheila Clarke (Chair), Karl Weld, Meghan Young - Tafoya, Michele Williams, George
Rio, Maria Higgins, and Camille Anthony met in the Berger Room, Town Hall.
Members Absent: Ben Yoder (Vice- Chair), Jack Russell.
Others Present: Jessie Wilson (Staff Planner) and Danielle Rado (Student Observer).
Call to Order: There being a quorum the Vice Chair called the meeting to order at 7:01 PM.
Approval of EDC Minutes 8/1/2012
On a motion by Ms. Young - Tafoya, seconded by Mr. Rio, the EDC voted to approve the minutes from the
August 1, 2012 EDC meeting as amended. Motion carried 3 -0 -0.
Approval of EDC Minutes 9/19/2012
On a motion by Ms. Young - Tafoya, seconded by Mr. Rio, the EDC voted to approve the minutes from the
September 19, 2012 EDC meeting as amended. Motion carried 40-0.
EDC Schedule
The EDC reviewed the 2012 calendar. It was agreed that the committee will revise the schedule to meet on
November 7th and December 5th. The 2013 calendar will be prepared for meetings to be held on the first
Wednesday of the month, unless a conflict arises.
Reading Fall Street Faire Financials
There was discussion regarding the monthly reports submitted to the EDC. Ms. Higgins asked if they were
supposed to be reviewing them. Ms. Williams said they should be scanning them to ensure there are no
expenses that do not belong.
Workplan Update
The Wayfinding sign at Woburn and West is not installed yet, but Mr. Yoder is working with DPW on exact
placement. The remaining funds allocated for the Wayfinding Signage project will be discussed at the next EDC
meeting. The Business Map will be prepared in draft form for the December EDC meeting. The BFSI program is
moving along. Ms. Wilson has attempted to coordinate a meeting with the owner of the "flat-iron" building but
nothing has been scheduled. Mr. Rio offered to reach out to the property owner. The idea of an Ambassador
Program was discussed. It was suggested that a recipient of the BFSI program become an Ambassador. A
meeting will be scheduled with RCN to get a plan together for the Ambassador program. The Comprehensive
Package was merged with the Social Media task. Ms. Clarke is going to schedule a working group meeting to
discuss the plan for Social Media. Ms. Young - Tafoya suggested the committee review the October 2012 issue
of the Downtown Idea Exchange for ideas on social media and programs. The Comprehensive Package task
was discussed. The committee agreed that it would be primarily electronic, but that there will need to be a print
version as well. The Retail Visioning program is moving along. The initial consultations have been completed
and the follow -up meetings will be on October 30th. It was also suggested that recipients of this program be
involved in the Ambassador Program. Research for vacant spaces continues. Mr. Weld has been in touch with
Atlantic Retail and hopes to have a meeting soon. An article has been drafted by Ms. Higgins under the task of
Communication with Businesses. Ms. Wilson updated the EDC on the MDI Grant, noting they submitted it for an
updated Market Analysis of Downtown. She is also working with the state on finalizing the Peer to Peer grant for
2013. Mr. Weld is also working on compiling some research for TIFs. He hopes to have an update for the
December 5th meeting. Ms. Clarke informed the EDC they are on the next Board of Selectmen agenda to
discuss the EDC mission. She hopes to have it pushed back so they have more information about the meeting
and so they can meet with their liaison in advance. Ms. Wilson provided an update on Sign Enforcement noting
that Town Counsel is working on preparing a memo in regards to enforcement activities. The Town received a
letter from a property owner who is seeking legal counsel in regards to the matter. She hopes to have an update
for the next meeting. Ms. Clarke discussed Outbound Marketing now that Ms. Ferullo has resigned from the
EDC. She said that Ms. Ferullo did not have a list of businesses she reached out to, but that a total of four
businesses have located to Reading as a result of her outreach. The Website task and Survey for Businesses
have been moved to Social Media.
Economic Development Updates
Ms. Wilson provided an updated on the upcoming DRTs. She noted that 95 Main Street, is a commercial
property and is under new ownership. The new owner is proposing some exterior and interior renovations to the
property. In addition, Planet Fitness is proposing to occupy the space at the former RMV spaces at 275 Salem
Street.
Other
Ms. Clarke suggested they review the proposed Article for revisions for the Parking By -Law and take a vote for
support at the next meeting.
On a motion by Ms. Young- Tafoya, seconded by Mr. Rio, the EDC voted to adjourn at 9:15 PM. Motion
carried 40 -0.
Respectfully submitted,
Jessie Wilson, Staff Planner