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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-06-05 Economic Development Committee MinutesEconomic Development Committee (EDC) June 5, 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) Call to Order: There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Minutes: On a motion by Ms. Young - Tafoya, seconded by Ms. Williams, the EDC voted to approve the minutes from the 31612013 meeting as amended. Motion carried 4 -0 -0. Summer Intern: Ms. Clarke told the EDC that she met with Scott Onigman, a college student hoping to provide the EDC with some assistance this summer through an Internship opportunity. Ms. Clarke reported to the EDC that they agreed on hours and rate. The EDC could use his assistance on a variety of tasks, but it was her initial thoughts to have him perform research on what other Towns are doing for social networking, including Facebook. On a motion by Ms. Young - Tafoya, seconded by Ms. Williams, the EDC voted to allocate $500.00 for a summer internship to be held by Scott Ongiman in which he will perform research of social media opportunities and economic development ideas. Motion carried 4 -0 -0. Ms. Clarke also added that Mr. Ongiman will be joining the meeting later in the evening . Other Discussion: Ms. Clarke told the EDC that Ben Yoder has resigned from the EDC. In addition, Ms. Williams will also be leaving the EDC at the end of her term. As such, there will be two vacancies within the Committee. The EDC briefly talks about recruitment opportunities. Ms. Clarke also ask if any of the associate members would like to become full voting members. Mr. Weld responded with strong interest in the position. Summer Intern (discussion continued): Mr. Ongiman joined the meeting. He told the EDC he would like an opportunity to see what he can do for Reading and put his knowledge to use this summer. He is an Economics and Public Policy Major at Franklin and Marshall. He has researched the EDC to try and understand the goals and objectives of the Committee and he feels that he could be great asset over the summer. He has also established a Facebook page for the Reading EDC. Ms. Wilson was able to project the page via internet access in the Berger Room. Mr. Ongiman went through a brief tutorial on Facebook and his thoughts on how it could be useful to the EDC. It was agreed that the page would need to be handled professionally and that rules should be established for running the page. Ms. Young - Tafoya pointed out that the Committee needs to ensure they are not violating any open meeting laws with this page. Ms. Wilson also agreed, noting they should check with Town Counsel or Town Clerk. Gateway Sinn: Ms. Wilson displayed the proposed signs up on the projector. She told the EDC that the Town is working with the designer on finalizing the design for the Gateway Sign. The idea is that there will be a bottom panel displaying clubs such as the Rotary and Masons and then the existing sign would be refinished. A landscaping plan is also being put in place. Ms. Young - Tafoya asked whether the Lions and the Chamber were considered for placement on the lower panel. Ms. Wilson replied that it could be considered. Unfortunately at this point the only clubs which were identified for placement are the Rotary and the Masons because they currently have two free - standing pole signs there. The EDC was not in favor of having individual clubs on the sign since some clubs may feel "left -out ". Ms. Wilson replied that the CPDC shared the same concern. Ms. Young - Tafoya suggested the panel be interchangeable for Town information, similar to the sign on the common. Ms. Clarke agreed noting that it could post Town events and also civic functions. On a motion by Mr. Russell, seconded by Ms. Williams, the EDC recommends the black panel be selected for sign design and it be used for important town events such as the Fall Street Faire, Town Day and then as a secondary use for civic organization in the same manner as the existing sign on the common. Motion carried 4 -0 -0. Peer to Peer: Ms. Wilson told the EDC that there was money still available under the Peer to Peer grant program with DHCD. However, the state's fiscal year is ending June 30th so it would not be enough time to complete a project this year. The EDC agreed, noting they should apply early next year. It was also pointed out that maybe Mr. Oginman would be able to find some good opportunities as he does his research this year. Downtown Revitalization Forum: LEAP: Ms. Wilson provided a summary of the Downtown Revitalization Forum and how it was a great way to showcase what Reading has done in terms of housing development, infrastructure improvements and economic development. She also thanked Ms. Young- Tafoya for jumping in at the last minute and assist with information on the tour portion of the meeting. The Local Energy Action Plan is on another round of comments from the latest draft put out by MAPC. Although most of the recommendations include action from RMLD or the municipal staff side, the plan does call for strengthening the Green Business Award Program. Ms. Wilson thought it would be great at some point to involve the EDC and the business community into that program. The EDC agreed that a vote for adoption is not needed at this time. Sumer Schedule: The EDC discussed options for the summer schedule. It was agreed to schedule the July meeting for the 10"' and then re -group to schedule the August meeting. Building Facade and Signage Imarovement Proaram (BFSI): Ms. Wilson told the EDC that Our House Design Build has completed their project and submitted for reimbursement. Ms. Williams reported that she spoke with Dr. May Mu from Family. Dental as well as Robyn Parker on that project; which they indicated they are working on the plans. Ms. Williams also reported that Atlantic Framing and Bill Crowley's projects are both complete. Mr. Gallo's funds were placed back into the program. Intent Architects sign is still underway, but we have not seen anything. Ms. Wilson told the EDC she will follow up with Dr. Mu and Ms. Parker. Ms. Young - Tafoya suggested that a portion of the funds for the BFSI be set aside for a first come first serve basis on blade signs. Since many businesses are opting for that type of signage, it would be great to assit them and reward them for their effort. Ms. Clarke replied she would like to focus the next meeting on the BFSI to get that launched. Work Plan Updates: RCN Taping — Mr. Weld said he spoke with RCTV and provided an outline on a possible program. Ms. Young - Tafoya suggested it be combined with Retail Visioning. Retail Visioning — Ms. Young - Tafoya reported her and Ms. Higgins are moving forward with the program and they want to get the flyers out soon. This years program will have 4 participants and we hope to have the consults completed this summer. Ms. Clarke said they should complete a follow -up with the recipients from last year. Ms. Young - Tafoya replied that they have done a follow up but some retailers are having trouble implementing the recommendations. Economic Development Updates: Ms. Wilson told the EDC that Portland Pie hopes to open in the next 3-4 weeks. Ms. Young - Tafoya said the Judy Barolak would like to consider an "Artbar" idea but that it would need some thought from the BOS due to liquor licensing requirements. Mr. Russell provided an update on the DRT for the proposed Artis Senior Living Center to be located at the former Eric's Greenhouse side at 1090 Main Street. He said there are some issues that need to be addressed through the special permit process with theZBA, but that they must first seek approval from the CPDC for site plan review. The Public Hearing for site plan review will be held on June 24"'. On a motion by Ms. Williams, seconded by Ms. Young- Tafoya the EDC voted to adjourn at 9:08 PM. Motion carried 4-0 -0. Respectfully submitted, Jessie Wilson, Staff Planner and Recording Secretary