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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-08-01 Economic Development Committee MinutesEconomic Development Committee (EDC) August 1, 2012 Minutes Members in Attendance: Sheila Clarke (Chair), Ben Yoder (Vice- Chair), Meghan Young - Tafoya, Michele Williams, Karl Weld, Maria Higgins, and Camille Anthony met in the Berger Room, Town Hall. Members Absent: George Rio, Jack Russell and Michelle Ferullo. Others Present: Jessie Wilson (Staff Planner) Call to Order: There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:08 PM. Minutes: • Approval of the 6/20/2012 EDC Minutes On a motion by Ms. Young - Tafoya, seconded by Ms. Williams, the EDC voted to approve the minutes from the 612012012 meeting as amended. Motion carried 4 -0-0. • Approval of the 7/18/2012 EDC Minutes On a motion by Ms. Young - Tafoya, seconded by Ms. Williams, the EDC voted to approve the minutes from the 711812012 meeting as amended. Motion carried 3-0-1 (Ms. Williams abstained). Review of Peer to Peer Final Report: Ms. Clarke opened the discussion with a follow up from an email she received from the Town Manager. He would like to speak with the Committee about the report as he was concerned with some of the interview responses. Ms. Young - Tafoya said that some of the responses in the report were not necessarily what was intended or it could have been taken out of context. Ms. Clarke agreed and said that the Town Manager should be on the agenda for the September 19, 2012 meeting. • The Committee reviewed the final report and suggested taking some of the recommendations from the Peer and introducing them into the workplan. • For item 1.a — Social Media, it was recommended that the Committee look into developing a Linked -In account. Ms. Young - Tafoya suggested looking for examples at what others are doing. It was agreed that Ms. Clarke, Ms. Higgins, Ms. Young - Tafoya and Mr. Yoder will work on this item. • Item 1.b — Ms. Young - Tafoya said it would be helpful to bring in Jeremy Cryer to discuss this recommendation. • Item 1.c — Ms. Young - Tafoya suggested speaking with the retail consultant about this recommendation. • Item 2 - Retail Recruitment — Mr. Weld told the Committee is knows a contact at Atlantic Retail Properties. Although they deal mostly with large retail chains, they are the largest retail broker in the east. He volunteered to reach out to his contact to see if they have any market research or suggestions for Reading /the area. Ms. Higgins asked if it would be worth updating the 2007 Market Analysis. • Item 3 — Economic Development Incentive Program — The Committee agreed this was not relevant to Reading. However, Mr. Weld indicated that there are other incentive programs such as TIFs that Reading would be eligible for. The Committee discussed TIFs and Mr. Yoder suggested the EDC hold a conversation with Jeremy Cryer and then move forward with assigning it to the workplan. 1 • Item 4 — Business Retention - The EDC agreed that a lot of time is spent on this already. However, Ms. Clarke liked the idea of a survey. Ms. Wilson suggested doing it as part of the Fall Street Faire so it is done annually. Ms. Clarke agreed, and it could be done for 2013. • Item 5 — Supporting Commercial Development — Ms. Young - Tafoya said that mixed -use was already introduced into downtown and not sure what else they could do with this recommendation. • Item 6 — Regulatory Environment — Ms. Young - Tafoya said the resources Ms. Park provided was good to look at and it would be great if Reading would be able to do something like this. Ms. Clarke tabled this item and will review it next time. o Item 7 — Business Information and Resources — Ms. Young - Tafoya felt that the website needed to be upgraded. o Item 8 and 9 — Ms. Clarke tabled those Items 8 and 9 to the next agenda. Retail Visioning Update • Ms. Young - Tafoya provided an update to the Committee on the Retail Visioning Grant. She said the press release will be going out on Thursday. Ms. Wilson said she will speak with the Town Manager about postage for the flyers. Ms. Young - Tafoya stated the workshop will be on September 12, 2012 at 8 -10AM at the Community Room in the Police Station. Work Plan Updates • Wayfinding Signage — Mr. Yoder stated the sign has been ordered and Ms. Dicicco is working on it. Ms. Young - Tafoya requested they speak about this project in October to see if the remaining funds could be reallocated. • Business Map — Mr. Weld is working on the map and should have a draft by the end of the year. • Fagade Improvement Program — Ms. Williams told the Committee the program is moving along and going well. Ms. Wilson provided an update from Our House indicating they prepared a design in which the BFSI Committee should review prior to applying for permits. She also indicated that Atlantic Framing would like to apply for a permit for their awning. She has not heard back from Mr. Gallo for the "flatiron" building. Ongoing — Ms. Young - Tafoya said they did apply for the 2013 Peer to Peer Grant with DHCD. Ms. Wilson said they need to revise their letter for a specific grant item. Ms. Clarke suggested investigating streamlining the permitting process /application. Ms. Young - Tafoya felt that they could have a Peer help the EDC develop a plan that will enable better communication with other Boards, Committees and Commissions. The Committee continued to discuss options for the Peer to Peer grant. Ms. Young - Tafoya also suggested that the Peer evaluate the Comprehensive Package. The Committee agreed that the grant should request assistance to develop the Comprehensive Package. Other Updates • Ms. Young - Tafoya provided an update on the Fall Street Faire, noting they have 84 vendors signed up and the entertainment assigned. Economic Development Updates Ms. Williams asked about 18 -20 Woburn Street. Ms. Wilson said that the applicant has not come forward with any building permit applications, but that they were reminded to landscape the lot. Ms. Wlliams also asked if a bakery will be going into the MF Charles Building. Ms. Wilson replied she has not heard anything about it. Ms. Wilson also provided an update on Perfectos noting they have made some changes to the facade which will be reviewed by the CPDC. Ms. Young - Tafoya told the Committee she spoke with the Town Planner regarding the DRT for Bunratty Tarvern. The restaurant will have to undergo full Site Plan Review because there are many aspects of restaurant operations that could have a potential impact. However, stores such as a clothing store or gift shop would likely qualify for Minor Site Plan Review. Ms. Young - Tafoya also had a discussion with the Town Planner about the DRT Process. They agreed the notes could be written in a format which identifies comments and action items. 2 On a motion by Ms. Young - Tafoya, seconded by Ms. Williams, the EDC voted to adjourn at 9:30 PM. Motion carried 40-0. Respectfully submitted, Jessie Wilson, Staff Planner