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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-05-21 Economic Development Committee MinutesTown of Reading Meeting Minutes Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Economic Development Committee Date: 2014 -05 -21 Building: Reading Town Hall Address: 16 Lowell Street Purpose: General Business Attendees: Members - Present: Karl Weld - Chair Maria Higgins Sheila Clark Meghan Young Jack Russell Members - Not Present: Camille Anthony Liz Krugman George Rio Others Present: Kevin Sexton, BOS Liasion Time: 8:05 PM r�`_CEfYCD r N CLERK 4 tiG. MASS. j J� JU'd - 9 A 9: 3 a 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 8:05 PM. Approval of Minutes: On a motion by Ms. Higgins, seconded by Ms. Clark the EDC voted to approve the minutes from the March 5, 2014. Motion carried 3 -0 -0. On a motion by Ms. Higgins, seconded by Ms. Clark the EDC voted to approve the minutes from the April 16, 2014. Motion carried 3 -0 -0. Other Business Associate members, Camille Anthony and Liz Krugman have indicated that they will not be reapplying for associate positions. Ms. Clarke has decided to stay on as an EDC member for another year, but is committed to this being her last year and recruiting fresh talent to the EDC. EDC members commended Ms. Anthony and Ms. Krugman for their involvement and talked about how we get the word out that there are positions available and the need for new members to engage in some upcoming exciting and strategic projects for the town. Ms. Clarke committed to getting this information on the EDC Facebook page. Building Facade and Sign Improvement Program The EDC reviewed an Application for a blade sign from Pure Fit under "Targeted Improvements" of the BFSI program. On a motion by Ms. Higgins, second by Ms. Clark, the EDC voted to award 50% of the project cost up to $450 to Pure Fit towards the cost of a blade sign. Motion carried 3 -0 -0. Page 1 1 BOS Meeting (22Apr14 ) —Fall Street Faire Committee Mr. Rio, Mr. Russell, Mr. Weld and Ms. Young attended the BOS meeting that started initial discussion on the Fall Street Faire (FSF) Committee. The FSF Committee expressed concerns about the ability to work on the Faire and comply with open meeting rules and would like to consider disbanding. Next steps of the BOS would be to hold a public hearing before a determination is made. Ms. Clarke let the EDC know that the Chamber of Commerce was discussing whether they might be interested in taking over the responsibilities of the Faire. Ms. Clarke, in discussion with Chamber members, reminded them that the Faire was intended to be a celebration of the Downtown, and all revenues generated from the Faire are put directly back into the Downtown. If the Chamber took over this Faire, they would have no obligation to direct any additional revenue to the town or to Downtown improvements. Economic Self- Assessment Tool ( EDSAT) Workshop Follow -u Ms. Higgins and Mr. Weld were able to attend the morning (9 a.m.)Workshop held May 5, 2014 at Sanborn Place. The workshop was the second phase of the EDSAT analysis, where the initial analysis by Town staff is reviewed with strategic partners (businesses, B /C /C) to provide `reality checks' on the initial perceptions — with the ultimate goal of providing a collaborative review of the town. Barry Bluestone (Northeastern University) moderated the discussion. Ms. Higgins reported that the workshop was well attended with strategic partners from Chamber of Commerce, Police, Fire, Reading Light Department, businesses and some members of B /C /C, as well as community members. Ms. Higgins Mr. Sexton and Mr. Weld reported that a lively, engaged group attended the meeting. Based on this workshop, the Northeastern team will take these results and compare them with towns /cities with similar profiles and present their findings by mid - summer. Based on these findings an Economic Development Master Plan will be created. The Brookline Master Plan is currently a model that has been cited by Assistant Town Manager, Jean Delios and reviewed by the EDC in December along with three other Master Plans. In reviewing Master Plan's from other cities /towns, Ms. Delios had recommended this plan (five page plan) as it was a strong strategic plan that was easy to read, comprehend, and act on. Currently, Reading has received partial funding through the District Local Technical Assistance (DLTA) Program, and the Town is applying for additional funding from the MAPC (Priority Development Funds.) The DLTA program would provide professional help to create an Economic Development Master Plan; if this funding is not available Town Staff will lead this project through design, development and completion. Cultural District — Kick -off Meeting: The Town was awarded a $10,000 DHCD grant for the development of a Cultural District Plan in late February, Ms. Delios is working on scheduling a kick -off date (tentatively scheduled for June 10th.) EDC members would like to actively be involved in this project, and had made a request that the initial kick -off meeting be held in late afternoon, so that a majority of members of the EDC /Historical Commission and CPDC could attend. Ms. Young was tasked to send an official request as the EDC has worked with the DHCD staff a number of times, and they have made themselves available for evening meetings as have their peer designees; our hope is that they'll be able to accommodate this request. Work Plan Updates: The EDC reviewed the Work Plan and the following is a summary of updates: BFSI /Retail Visioning Program Surveys: Surveys were completed 24Mar14. Ms. Young will compile the surveys for EDC to send in a BOS package along with the BFSI and Retail Visioning reviews for 2012 and 2013. Activity Worksheet Review: Orange Leaf, Northern Bank and Trust and D'Amici's Bakery held their open houses last week. Bunratty's Tavern is in process. Pure Fit (Gould Street) opened in Page 1 2 May and Fitness Within (Main Street) will be opening soon. Ms. Wilson let EDC members know that Perfecto's has completed all site review requirements; however, their current plans do not have two forms of egress on the second floor and before a Building permit is issued the plans have to be changed to indicate this safety requirement. On a motion by Ms. Higgins, seconded Ms. Young the EDC voted to adjourn at 9:00 PM. Motion carried 3 -0 -0. Respectfully submitted, Meghan Young, EDC Member Page 1 3