HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-07-10 Economic Development Committee MinutesEconomic Development Committee (EDC)
July 10, 2013 MINUTES
Members in Attendance: Sheila Clarke (Chair), Maria Higgins, Meghan Young - Tafoya, Michele Williams,
George Rio, and met in the Berger Room, Town Hall.
Members Absent: Karl Weld, Camille Anthony and Jack Russell
Others Present: Jessie Wilson (Staff Planner), Scott Onigman (EDC Intern)
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 Mr. Rio, the EDC voted to approve the
minutes from the 61512013 meeting as amended. Motion carried 3 -0-0.
Retail Visioning:
Ms. Higgins updated the EDC on the status of the Retail Visioning program. She mentioned that Mr.
Weld made the flyers which were mailed out to businesses. Ms. Wilson then followed up with emails. In
addition, the Bi- Weekly Update also featured the program which was then picked up by the Patch. Mr.
Young Tafoya also mentioned in was on the front page of the Chronicle.
Ms. Higgins told the EDC that she attended a Downtown Beverly program where the president of
Montserrat College spoke. She felt that this school, which is an art school, would be a great place to
advertise for an internship position to assist with the Retail Visioning Program. Ms. Young - Tafoya noted
they have received one local applicant so far.
In regards to the 2013 Program, Ms. Young reported that working group reviewed the 8 applications
submitted for the 4 allocated spots. They rated the Applicants on a variety of criteria including business
potential, business history, and likelihood of implementation, location and application quality. They
discussed the results of the scoring and the businesses in which they would like to recommend to the
EDC for the 2013 Retail Visioning include:
• Calareso's Farm Stand
• Dirty Doodle
• Embellish Salon
• Salon on Haven
• Ruff N Ready
Although there were only 4 allocated spots, Ms. Young Tafoya said that two of the businesses tied on
scoring so she would also like to recommend additional funding for a 5th spot.
On a motion by Ms. Young - Tafoya, seconded by Ms. Clarke, the EDC voted to approve an
additional $750 for an additional retail consultation grant. Motion carried 3 -0 -0.
On a motion by Ms. Higgins, seconded by Ms. Clarke, the EDC approved the Retail Visioning
Applicant recommendations for Calareso's Farm Stand, The Dirty Doodle, Embellish Salon,
The Salon on Haven and Ruff N Ready. Motion carried 3-0-0.
Buildina Facade and Sionaae Improvement Program (BFSI):
Ms. Clarke told the EDC that she received feedback on the program outline from Ms. Young - Tafoya and
Ms. Wilson. The EDC reviewed the program outline to assess for any necessary changes. A few points
which were discussed include:
• Confirmation of participation from Reading Co -Op is needed.
• Need to established marketing material (before and after photos)
• Development of a design Charette and whether they will use the Co -Op Student from
last year.
• Open the application period on September 3rd and end it on October 2 "d which will be
the state of the Design Charette.
Ms. Clarke will contact the bank as well as the Co -Op student.
Ms. Young - Tafoya also had a suggestion for this year's program which she called "Targeted Improvements ".
She told the EDC that the idea is to dedicate a certain amount of funding towards blade signs which
would be available on a first- come -first -serve basis. That way, if someone comes to Town Hall who
wants a blade sign, the Community Services Department can have the Applicant fill out a form there and
they get reimbursed for a certain amount of the blade sign. Ms. Clarke felt like that is a great idea,
however was not sure she wanted it to be outside of the BFSI Program. The EDC continues to discuss
the idea of "Targeted Improvements" and Ms. Young - Tafoya and Ms. Clarke agreed to revise the
language to include for Targeted Improvements
The program outline will be revised and reviewed again at the next EDC Meeting.
On a motion by Ms. Young - Tafoya, seconded by Mr. Rio the EDC voted to adjourn at 7:50 PM. Motion
carried 3 -0 -0.
Respectfully submitted,
Jessie Wilson, Staff Planner and Recording Secretary