HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-01-02 Economic Development Committee MinutesEconomic Development Committee (EDC)
January 2, 2013 MINUTES
Members in Attendance: Sheila Clarke (Chair), Ben Yoder (Vice- Chair), Meghan Young- Tafoya, Michele
Williams, George Rio, Camille Anthony, and Jack Russell met in the Berger Room, Town Hall.
Members Absent: Jessie Wilson (Staff Planner), Karl Weld, Made Higgins
Others Present Peter Hechenbleikner (Town Manager)
Call to Order: There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM
Minutes:
EDC Budget Discussion with the Town Manager. Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner
discussed the current Downtown Improvement and Events Trust (DIET) financials and provided
guidance on how to best manage the account going forward. This included how to submit
requisitions for budget items in advance as related to the Building Fagade and Signage
Improvement (BFSI) Program (submit requisition to Town via email along with copy of EDC minutes
noting decision to grant specific funds). Ms. Anthony to follow up with Town Accountant to ensure
the EDC manages DIET financials — including requisitions and encumbrances — appropriately. -
2013 Planning and Prioritization. The EDC discussed its strategic priorities including what
activities will be funded with the DIET in 2013. A major component of our 2011 and 2012 spend
went toward hanging flower baskets and the watering thereof and the EDC is concerned that this
expense is unsustainable and less aligned with the overall EDC mission than certain other activities.
The notion of having another committee (e.g., the Celebretion Committee) or the Town of Reading
step up to fund or partially fund the flowers/watering or certain line items in the Reading Fall Street
Faire budget (e.g., DPW, Fire, Police) was brought forth. Top priorities for 2013 include BFSI, Retail
Visioning (Round 2), and flowers /watering.
In a motion by Ms. Young- Tafoya, seconded by Ms. Clarke, the EDC voted to write a formal
letter to the Board of Selectmen (BOS) recommending that the Town of Reading absorb the
cost of hanging flower baskets. This would be in the same manner as how the Town funds
holiday decorations, Friends and Family Day, the lighting of the trees, and is in support of
the Master Plan. Motion carried 5.0.0.
• Calendar Year 2013 Budgeting. The EDC aligned on the high level budget for 2013, as follows:
A.
Retail Visioning (Phase 2)
$750 each x 4 awards to businesses =
$3,000
Design student stipend =
11.00
Subtotal =
$4,000
B.
BFSI Program
Subtotal budget =
$10,000
C.
Hanging Flower Baskets
Flowers =
$4,150
Watering 0 of 3 payments') _
$2,300
Subtotal =
$6,450
D.
Other items
Alleyway Maintenance =
$500
Downtown Idea Exchange =
$300
Subtotal =
$600
Total Budget for 2013 = $21,250
'Per motion in section 2013 Planning and Prontrzation, the EDC anticipates the Town picking
up at least two additional payments for watering of the flowers (2 x $2, 300 = $4,600).
In a motion by Ms. Young - Tafoya, seconded by Mr. Yoder, the EDC voted to support the
budget for calendar year 2013 as outlined above. Motion carried 5.0-0.
Approval of the 12/05/12 EDC Minutes
On a motion by Ms. Clarke, seconded by Ms. Young - Tafoya, the EDC voted to approve the
minutes from the 1210512012 meeting as amended. Motion carried 5 -0-0.
EDC Work Plan Updates.
o Building Fagade and Signage Improvement Program (BFSI). The group discussed
setting deadlines for those awarded BFSI grants to submit their applications for
reimbursement. There will be a meeting on 1/22/13 to meet with one of the Applicants to
discuss the status of their projects. It was noted that Jessie Wilson has sent a letter to each
of those awardees who have not yet submitted their applications for reimbursement,
informing them that we will be setting and enforcing deadlines.
Mr. Rio also suggested that we might approach the 2013 BFSI program with a focus on
smaller projects with specific design guidelines. For example, focusing exclusively on
signage within specific design parameters that fit within the overall "brand" of the Town of
Reading (e.g., present a series of blade signs of specific sizes, fonts, colors, etc. that would
foster more consistency in signage across town).
o Other Signage Issues. The EDC discussed certain issues with the signage bylaws,
including a recent discussion with the new owners of the Fantasia Building who are
questioning the legality of the signage sunset clause.
On a motion by Ms. Williams, seconded by Mr. Rio, the EDC voted to adjourn at 9:30 PM. Motion carried
5 -0 -0.
Respectfully submitted,
Ben Yoder, EDC