HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-04-16 Economic Development Committee Minutes_ Town of Reading
Meeting Minutes ; ,L CtIVU
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Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
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Economic Development Committee
Date: 2014 -04 -16 Time: 7:00 PM
Building: Reading Town Hall
Address: 16 Lowell Street
Purpose: BFSI Improvement Decisions
Attendees: Members - Present:
Karl Weld - Chair
George Rio
Sheila Clark
Meghan Young
Members - Not Present:
Camille Anthony
Meghan Young - Tafoya
Liz Krugman
Maria Higgins
Jack Russell
Others Present:
Location: Berger Room
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Meghan Young
Topics of Discussion:
Call to Order: There being a quorum the meeting was called to order at 7:05 PM.
Building Facade and Sign Improvement Program
This meeting of the EDC was specifically called to discuss extending the deadline for the Family Dental
project. The last decision of the EDC had granted an extension of the grant, with the provision that a
building permit needed to be pulled by 17Apr14. As the permit will not be pulled by 17Apr14, the EDC
needed to vote on a continuance of the grant. The EDC reviewed the history of the initial award (2011)
and all the continuations that had occurred for this project.
On a motion by Ms. Young, second by Mr. Rio, the EDC voted to extend the deadline for the
Family Dental grant. Motion failed 04-0.
The EDC suggested that Ms. Wilson send a formal letter to Family Dental letting them know of this
decision and encouraging them to reapply for a BFSI grant (if available next year.)
The EDC then discussed the application for blade sign reimbursement from Pamplemousse under
"Targeted Improvements" of the BFSI Program. Ms. Young indicated that in earlier EDC discussion the
EDC has agreed to use targeted improvement funds for businesses that missed the BFSI open
application process — and that the Pamplemousse application fit this criteria. Ms. Clarke noted that all
prior blade signs awards included bracket reimbursement but did not include installation of the blade
sign. Based on this standard, the award consideration was 50% of $1300.
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On a motion by Ms. Young, seconded Ms. Clark, the EDC voted to award 50% of the project cost
up to $650 to Pamplemousse towards the cost of a blade sign. Motion carried 4 -0 -0.
On a motion by Mr. Rio, seconded Ms. Clarke the EDC voted to adjourn at 7:30 PM. Motion carried
4 -0 -0.
Respectfully submitted,
Meghan Young, EDC Member
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