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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-12-11 Economic Development Committee MinutesTown of Reading Meeting Minutes Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Economic Development Committee Date: 2013 -12 -11 Building: Reading Town Hall Address: 16 Lowell Street Purpose: General Business Attendees: Members - Present: Maria Higgins Karl Weld - Chair George Rio - Vice Chair Jack Russell Meghan Young - Tafoya Members - Not Present: Camille Anthony Sheila Clarke Liz Krugman Others Present: Time: 7:00 PM t�ECEiVED -iOWN CLERK '{DiNG. Mr SS. L-314 JAN 21 A 11: 21 Location: Conference Room Jean Delios- Community Service Director /Town Planner John Halsey - Reading resident Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Meghan Young - Tafoya Topics of Discussion: Call to Order: There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:02 PM. Approval of Minutes: On a motion by Ms. Young - Tafoya, seconded by Ms. Higgins the EDC voted to approve the amended minutes from the November 19, 2013 as amended. Motion carried 4 -0 -0. DIET Funding — Ongoing conversation Ms. Young Tafoya had submitted revised meeting minutes noting the historical transition of the funds from the Downtown Steering Committee to Town Trust, with specific provisions of soliciting funds for downtown business events and projects. Mr. Russell was instrumental in the legal process of this transitioning of funding and was alarmed at Mr. LeLacheur's statements to the contrary. Ms. Young- Tafoya posited that the EDC should get confirmation from the Town whether Mr. LeLacheur's comments were his own personal comments or those of the Town. Economic Development Master Plan: Prior to the meeting, Ms. Delios had provided the EDC with examples of Master Plans from Brookline, Wakefield and Burlington. Burlington and Wakefield had paid consultants to complete their Master Plan, while the Brookline Master Plan was created by Town staff. Out of the three Ms. Delios suggested that the Brookline — five page plan — was a strong strategic plan that was easy to read, comprehend, and act on. Ms. Delios also brought along the Reading Master Plan that was created in 2006. Ms. Delios commented that though things had changed in Reading since 2006, the guidelines of the Master Plan were still strong guiding principles. Page 1 1 Ms. Delios then shared information on an Economic Development Self- Assessment Tool ( EDSAT) that Barry Bluestone (Northeastern University) has provided for 90 towns /cities in the Commonwealth. The EDSAT takes city officials and town staff through a 200 question analysis including permitting, image, economic development, etc. After the initial analysis, strategic partners (businesses, B /C /C) are brought in to the discussion to provide `reality checks' on the initial perceptions — with the ultimate goal of providing a collaborative review of the town. This EDSAT analysis would cost the town $4,500. Ms. Delios felt that this would be a solid first step in reviewing Economic Development in Reading, and would work with the Town Manager to find funds to support this analysis, and recommended that this analysis should be done as soon as possible. Mr. Rio suggested that once this initial analysis was done it could form the basis of additional economic development strategic work. Ms. Delios noted that through the District Local Technical Assistance (DLTA) Program Reading could apply for grants that would address some of the locations that have been designated as Reading Local Priorities for Development. The EDSAT analysis could be seen as an 'in -kind' funding towards these initiatives. Ms. Delios will report back to the EDC on the timing /particulars of applying for these grants. As in previous EDC grants, a collaborative effort with EDC members and town staff would be undertaken to create a grant proposal. Work Plan Updates: The EDC reviewed the Work Plan and the following is a summary of updates Building Fagade and Signage Improvement Program (BFSI): The BFSI Committee had the opportunity to talk with Dirty Doodle about their lighting. Ms. Wilson provided an updated spreadsheet to the EDC on all pending 2013 BFSI recipients' status, and Mr. Weld signed off on reimbursements for blade signs. The Salon on Haven Street indicated that an initial proposal for awnings was more than anticipated, they are getting a second quote and the BFSI committee will provide a report to the EDC on status and recommendations in the next meeting. Downtown Idea Exchange: Ms. Higgins pointed out that the December issue had a good article on Syracuse's economic development plans for their Downtown. Syracuse had created a "Why Syracuse" brochure that is very similar to what the EDC had done for potential businesses. The article also had good information on collaborative outreach for economic development. DIRT and B /C /C Attendance: Mr. Russell attended the DIRT for D'Amici's bakery and reported that the bakery will seat 30 people and they are looking into outdoor seating either through a modification to Site Plan Review for patio seating or BOS approval for outdoor seating if they want to locate on the sidewalk in front of their building. Mr. Russell also attended the CPDC meeting on 12/9/13 on review of the master signage plan for the MF Charles building. He asked why the awnings were removed from the plans for the single story portion of the building. CPDC advised that the applicant removed them because the new sign fields did not make the awnings workable especially in light of the need for 8 feet of clearance per the ZBL. Mr. Russell felt that this was unfortunate as it was clear that D'Amici's would like to offer outside seating and the awnings would provide shading for their patrons. Ms. Delios indicated that the Town would work with them to see if there are any other alternatives at this time. Website: During the Economic Development discussion, Ms. Delios had mentioned that part of the analysis was reviewing your Town's website. Ms. Higgins remarked that the new website has no information on the EDC projects or the Activity Update where potential businesses can see what locations are available. Members of the EDC agreed that this is a vital part of marketing for economic development. On a motion by Mr. Rio, seconded Ms. Young - Tafoya the EDC voted to adjourn at 8:55 PM. Motion carried 4 -0 -0. Respectfully submitted, Meghan Young - Tafoya, EDC Member Page 1 2