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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-11-19 Economic Development Committee MinutesTown of Reading I Meeting Minutes Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Economic Development Committee Date: 2013 -11 -19 Building: Reading Town Hall Address: 16 Lowell Street Purpose: General Business Attendees: Members - Present: Sheila Clarke - Chair Meghan Young - Tafoya Maria Higgins Karl Weld George Rio Jack Russell Liz Krugman Members - Not Present: Camille Anthony Others Present: Jessie Wilson - Staff Planner Bob LeLacheur - Town Manager Time: 6:00 PM Location: Conference Room Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Jessie Wilson Topics of Discussion: Call to Order: There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 6:05 PM. Approval of Minutes: ri= CEIVED OWN CLERK DING, Mt SS. ; '4 JM21 AI1:21 On a motion by Ms. Young - Tafoya, seconded by Ms. Higgins the EDC voted to approve the minutes from the October 9, 2013 as amended. Motion carried 4 -0 -0. Discussion with the Town Manager: Before discussing some follow up items with the Town Manager, the EDC talked about Pamplemousse, the new wine and specialty store in the Oaktree Building. Ms. Young - Tafoya commented that they were a nice addition to Reading's businesses. She had talked to the owner on their first opening day, and the owner had let them know that due to the lack of electrical service in the area of the building, Pamplemousse was unable to have a coffee bar — as they had originally planned. In order to get additional electrical service, they would have to pay for the service themselves. Ms. Young - Tafoya wondered why this issue was not caught at Site Plan Review. Ms. Wilson said that the plans at Site Plan Review do not get down to that level of detail. It is not until they are filing for their building permit would something like that be looked at. Mr. LeLacheur added that Pamplemousse should have investigated the utilities before they signed a lease to fully understand the spaces limitations. A few other EDC members have visited Pamplemousse and are equally enthusiast of this new addition to Reading's downtown. Page 1 1 DIET Funding Plan Ms. Young Tafoya recapped the DIET Funding Plan project to kickoff the discussion with the Town Manager. She reported that due to the decrease in funding in 2012 and more than likely 2013, the FSF could not be counted on for the primary source of EDC DIET initiatives. Therefore, the EDC has started to focus on finding other funding mechanisms. With the assistance of the summer intern, the EDC developed a DIET Funding Plan outlining alternatives to gain sponsorships and donations from businesses in Town. Mr. LeLacheur believes the EDC should not be soliciting funds from business since they are part of Town Government. However, Ms. Young Tafoya reported that the Downtown Steering Committee had been advised by Mr. Heckenbleikner that, in fact, the DIET would be the mechanism that Town Government could use for funding. Mr. LeLacheur pointed out that the FSF is also part of Town Government and raises money for a specific event. Mr. LeLacheur felt that the proposed tiering in the DIET Funding Plan was not appropriate and should be taken out. Ms. Clarke asked if the EDC could solicit businesses to sponsor specific items such as the flowers. Mr. LeLacheur said that would be acceptable. The EDC continued to discuss the FSF and how that committee can impact the funding for EDC. Ms. Clarke recommended that the EDC should meet with the FSF to get an idea on how they feel about funds from the FSF going to the DIET. Mr. LeLacheur suggested that it might be appropriate for the EDC consider to go to Town Meeting for a line item. Mr. LeLacheur mentioned there is a permits revolving fund in which some funds may be available for the EDC. He continued to talk about the permits revolving fund. He also said that the EDC should also consider being a private organization so that they are not under the umbrella of Town Government; however, Ms. Young Tafoya responded that — in fact - there had been an independent organization (Downtown Steering Committee) that had been advised — by the Town — to bring its funding into the EDC. In addition, he suggested the EDC develop an Economic Development Master Plan which would help support and request for funding. The EDC continued to discuss the idea of an Economic Development Master Plan. Ms. Wilson said that plan would be similar to any other planning document. There would be a large public process involved, stakeholder input, and coordination with of BCCs. Mr. LeLacheur asked if the EDC wanted to work closer with the Chamber. Ms. Clarke replied that the Chamber does want to be more involved but at this time, the EDC only asks to have them support and promote their projects. Ms. Wilson pointed out there is a lack of events in Town. Many other Towns have various chamber run events throughout the year. Ms. Clarke agreed and even thought about having a working group specifically to handle events like that. Social Media Mr. LeLacheur said the use of Facebook is okay provided the EDC does not "Like" businesses. Ms. Clarke assured the Town Manager that they will only be pushing information out and will not "Like" and business. However, businesses could "like" the EDC. Ms. Clarke said she will touch base with the Recreation Administrator to see how he runs the Recreation Facebook Page. EDC Reorganization: On a motion by Ms. Young - Tafoya, seconded by Ms. Clarke the EDC voted to nominate Mr. Weld as Chair and Mr. Rio Vice Chair 5 -0 -0. Work Plan Updates: The EDC reviewed the Work Plan and the following is a summary of updates: Page 1 2 Building Fagade and Signage Improvement Program (BFSI): Ms. Wilson provided an update and it was agreed to reach out to the Dirty Doodle and Bed N Biscuit again. Raspberry Beret and Bolea have installed their signage. Leah's is working on finalizing bracket design and Ms. Wilson unaware on the status of the sign installation for Indigo. Mr. Weld said the EDC should think about prioritizing those would not have applied, such as an existing business who is upgrading their signage. Ms. Wilson will also follow -up with the owner of Family Dental on her planned improvements. Social Media: It was agreed that this would be a great way to help publicize any potential Economic Development Master Plan and the process the input that will be needed from the community. Ms. Clarke asked Meghan to write an article for the Facebook Page. Mr. Weld suggested taking RCTV off the Work Plan because the Facebook Page will reach more people. Ms. Young - Tafoya reminded the EDC of the upcoming Zoning Public Forum. She suggested the EDC work with the Zoning Advisory Committee (ZAC) to consider the recommendations from Christine Moynihan on signage, in particular at the Calareso building. In addition, she said the recently approved changes to the bylaw for Dover Amendment uses do not address schools such as ballets, art, or cooking schools. On a motion by Ms. Higgins, seconded Ms. Young - Tafoya by the EDC voted to adjourn at 8:30 PM. Motion carried 4 -0 -0. Respectfully submitted, Jessie Wilson, Staff Planner and Recording Secretary Page 1 3