HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-03-06 Economic Development Committee MinutesEconomic Development Committee (EDC)
March 6, 2013 MINUTES
Members in Attendance: Sheila Clarke (Chair), Karl Weld, Maria Higgins, Meghan Young - Tafoya, Michele
Williams, George Rio, and Jack Russell met in the Berger Room, Town Hall.
Members Absent: Ben Yoder (Vice- Chair) and Camille Anthony
Others Present: Jessie Wilson (Staff Planner), Jean Delios (Town Planner)
Call to Order: There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:12 PM.
Minutes:
On a motion by Ms. Young - Tafoya, seconded by Ms. Williams, the EDC voted to approve the
minutes from the 21612013 meeting as amended. Motion carried 4 -0-0.
Downtown Improvement & Events Trust (DIET):
The EDC discussed the remaining funds and potential projects to allocate money towards. Ms. Williams
suggested the EDC work with a marketing specialist to help bring business in. This person would focus
on the outreach. Ms. Higgins asked about the grant the EDC submitted to the state for an updated
Market Study. Ms. Wilson replied she would follow up on that. Mr. Weld suggested the EDC meet with
the Community Planning and Development Commission (CPDC) and the Board of Selectmen to
establish goals for the community. The EDC agreed and Ms. Clarke said that focus needs to be equally
placed on new business and existing business. She also noted that they cannot use the Reading Fall
Street Faire (RFSF) website to launch a separate website. However, she suggested they just create
their own site separately.
The EDC continued to discuss the Town's options for economic growth. It was noted that South Main
Street has potential to expand the commercial development. Mr. Weld suggested that incentives to
developers would make Reading more attractive for new development. Mr. Russell expressed concern
that there needs to be consensus on what type of development the Town wants to see — housing, retail,
etc. Ms. Clarke replied that a relationship with the CPDC and other Boards needs to be established to
find out what the common goals are. She pointed out that the BFSI was so successful because it had
the support of the CPDC and BOS.
Ms. Wilson told the EDC that MAPC is working on a project to identify priority development and priority
preservation areas. The draft maps will be presented at a forum on March 27"'. The EDC should attend.
Mr. Rio also noted some other areas in Town which could be a priority including near High Street and
where the body shops are located. He noted that the Town has great highway access and a very
educated population. It would be ideal to match businesses with our residents.
On a motion by Mr. Rio, seconded by Ms. Young - Tafoya, the EDC voted to allocate $100 for the
website and $250 for "Constant Contact" from the Downtown Improvements & Events Trust
(DIET). Motion carried 4-0 -0.
Ms. Young - Tafoya told the EDC that she met with the Town Accountant and some changes were
reflected in the budget. The EDC has to submit encumbrances for the BFSI, Flowers, Retail Visioning
and Alleyway Maintenance. Ms. Clarke is awaiting invoices for the basket and she will need an invoice
for the alleyway maintenance. There was some discussion as to how the alleyway maintenance
purchase order will be handled. Ms. Delios told the EDC that there is $10,000.00 in the public works
budget for the watering of the flowers. Although it appears that FinCom is only recommending
$5,000.00 to go to Town Meeting. The final vote of FinCom is on March 27h.
Work Plan Updates:
RCN Taping — Mr. Weld spoke with Phil from RCN and he will need a list of locations in which the
EDC wants to tape. He is suggesting a mix of interviewing on location and in the studio. It was noted
that participants from the Retail Visioning should be those who implemented some of the
recommendations. Ms. Young - Tafoya reported that Cookies N Cream has made some changes and as
well as Atlantic Framing. Ms. Clarke suggested the EDC reach out to the Retail Visioning participants to
see what they have implemented. Ms. Higgins agreed to reach out to them. Mr. Weld will develop a
work plan for the interviews.
Ms. Wilson told the EDC that the Town has not heard back from Mr. Gallo. She recommended
suspending his funding and to invite him to re -apply to next year's program. Ms. Wilson also indicated
she has not heard from Family Dental, but will follow up.
Retail Visioning — Ms. Young - Tafoya will work on finding Co -Op students available to implement some
of the recommendations from the Retail Visioning program.
Social Media — Ms. Wilson will follow up on the status of the Town website.
Marketing — Ms. Clarke suggested including another line for "Marketing" in which they can discuss more
next week.
Business Map — Mr. Weld said that map is still in progress and he has received the tenant information
from Ms. Wilson. He will have a draft map prepared by May.
Downtown Idea Exchange — Ms. Young - Tafoya reference an article from the Downtown Idea Exchange
noting that it would be a good tool to use when the EDC creates a "task - force" per se moving forward.
Ms. Clarice agreed, noting it was a well written article.
Economic Development Updates:
Ms. Young - Tafoya thought it would be a good opportunity if the Town could be involved in the sale of
the Post Office. The Post Office would like to maintain a small retail operation but the front of the
building would be available. It was suggested that it could be an arts center or something along those
lines. The parking availability is a key feature.
Ms. Wilson told the EDC that the Wine Shop is still for sale and the woman interested in purchasing is
now looking at 30 Haven Street.
General Discussion
Ms. Clarke told the EDC she had a discussion with a member of FinCom regarding the meals tax. With
all the new restaurants in Town, I think this is something the EDC should pursue. Ms. Clarke is going to
continue the discussion and will follow up with the EDC.
On a motion by Ms. Williams, seconded by Ms. Young - Tafoya the EDC voted to adjourn at 9:00 PM.
Motion carried 40 -0.
Respectfully submitted,
Jessie Wilson, Staff Planner and Recording Secretary