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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-01-18 Economic Development Committee MinutesEconomic Development Committee (EDC) January 18, 2012 MINUTES Members in Attendance: Sheila Clarke (Chair), Meghan Young - Tafoya, Michele Williams, Karl Weld, Maria Higgins, and George Rio met in the Conference Room, Town Hall. Members Absent: Ben Yoder (Vice- Chair), Michelle Ferullo, Jack Russell Others Present: Leslie Leahy, Representing Reading, North Reading Chamber of Commerce Shelia Smith, Representing Reading, North Reading Chamber of Commerce Jessie Wilson (Staff Planner) Call to Order: There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:02 PM. Other Business • Approval of the 1/4/12 EDC Minutes On a motion by Ms. Williams, seconded by Mr. Rio, the EDC voted to approve the minutes from the 11412012 meeting as amended. Motion carried 3 -0 -0. • Approval of the 9/21/11 EDC Minutes On a motion by Mr. Rio, seconded by Ms. Williams, the EDC voted to approve the minutes from the 9121111 meeting as amended. Motion carried 4 -0 -0. CDPC Update. Ms. Wilson summarized the CPDC minutes from the January 9, 2012 meeting. Sign enforcement was discussed. She indicated that the Planning Staff is going to re- evaluate the sign application and to determine if changes could be made which will limit confusion for applicants. More detail may be required on the sign application to help prevent incorrect sign installations. The sign by -law may also be re- visited in the future. She also provided an update for the South Main Street Design Best Practices which are being developed by the Community Planning and Development Commission (CPDC) which incorporated into the Development Review Team meeting process. Ms. Clarke requested the opportunity to comment on the draft document and provide some additional feedback to the CPDC. Board of Selectmen Presentation. Ms. Clarke asked that the Committee members work on their portion of the presentation to have it ready for posting by the Town. EDC Budget 2012. Ms. Clarke opened the discussion for the 2012 EDC Budget. She had followed up on the cost for flower watering and it was determined that the cost will remain the same as last year regardless of what time of day the flowers are watered. The Committee discussed the costs for the flowers and whether they wanted to continue funding the project. Ms. Tafoya -Young would like to investigate other funding opportunities. Mr. Weld suggested that the Town provide some funding in the budget for the EDC. Ms. Williams and Ms. Tafoya -Young would like to look into funding alternatives that are more sustainable. It was suggested that the funding issues mentioned to the BOS during their annual presentation. The Committee continued to discuss the budget and current balance of funds. On a motion by Ms. Tafoya- Young, seconded by Ms. Williams, the EDC voted for Town Manager or designee approval for the allotment of expenditures totaling $4,150 for the placement of an order of flowers and $9,100 on future flower watering expenditures. Motion carried 4 -0 -0. The Committee further discussed the Wayfinding Budget and Fagade Improvement Project budget. Ms. Williams reminded the Committee that they should vote to carry over last year's budget items not spent into the current fiscal year. On a motion by Ms. Tafoya- Young, seconded by Ms. Williams, the EDC voted to authorize the previous authorized funds of $10,000 for the Fagade Improvement Program and $4,525 for the Wayfinding Signage Project from FY 2011 to be reallocated for those purposes in the FY 2012 budget. Motion carried 4 -0 -0. Ms. Tafoya -Young suggested that maybe the budget should include mulching for the trees located near Goodhearts on Main Street. It seems that that sidewalk is very narrow and the trees should be protected. Work Plan Update. Ms. Williams opened the discussion on the Work Plan Update. Ms. Tafoya- Young provided an update on the Wayfinding Sign project. She indicated that they are still working with Emmy Hahn on the parking sign issues with DOT. She also suggested that at the next meeting, they have Mr. Yoder's review funding needed for the next year. Currently, the Wayfinding Sign project has $4,525 left in funds and that additional opportunities for Wayfinding should be identified. It was also suggested that if no other Wayfinding sign locations are identified that maybe the Committee should consider reallocating the money back into the general DIET funds. Mr. Weld discussed the Welcome to Reading Sign. The Reading Woods developer is obligated to pay for the construction of a new sign in the Gateway area. He suggested that the EDC be involved in the design process of that sign and mentioned that the design should be consistent with our already existing wayfinding /branding project. Mr. Weld provided an updated on the Reading Business Map development. He was able to secure a base map from the Town's GIS Department, but there are some modifications he will have to complete. He will continue to work with the Towns GIS Department to get it moving along. Ms. Williams provided an update on the Fagade Improvement Program. She sent out the latest draft document for the program and the Committee discussed some of their comments. Ms. Wilson reminded the Committee that some of these improvements will have to undergo Site Plan Review if they exceed certain thresholds and that all signs /awnings within the Business B district will require CPDC approval. Ms. Clarke indicated that she has been in contact with the CPDC and Mr. John Weston and Mr. Nick Safina have volunteered to be on the Fagade Improvement Program Committee. Ms. Clarke stated that as part of the program selection process, the CPDC members will be there to provide guidance to the applicant on any Site Plan Review requirements and sign permit application requirements. Ms. Wilson also mentioned that as part of the eligibility requirements, that they should ensure the applicant is in good standing with the Town and there are no outstanding violations or back owed utility bills. The Committee agreed that the eligibility requirements should include those criteria. Ms. Tafoya -Young asked Ms. Williams for a time -frame for launching the project. Ms. Williams indicated that she would like the brochure completed in a month and would prefer holding the charette soon after. It was suggested that notices of the charette be mailed out to business owners in the downtown area. Ms. Clarke provided a brief overview of the Fagade Improvement Program to the chamber representatives in attendance. Ms. Williams discussed the item of Outbound Marketing. She indicated that Ms. Ferullo will no longer be responsible for this item and the Committee should re- allocate the work item between the other members. Ms. Tafoya -Young requested that they receive her latest information on whom she has contacted and when. The Committee continued to discuss the Town's retail and commercial needs. • Economic Development Activity Update. Ms. Williams opened the discussion for the Economic Development update. Ms. Tafoya -Young provided an updated on the RMV Building. She indicated that the property owner is screening interested parties prior to giving out her Broker's contact information. The Committee agreed that a gourmet market would be a good fit. Ms. Williams provided an update on Calareso's. They will be going back to the CPDC for a minor modification to the approved site plan. The Committee had a discussion on the Minor Modification approval process and would like to see improvements to the process. Ms. Williams and Ms. Wilson confirmed that any changes to an approved Site Plan must go back to CPDC for approval. Mr. Weld suggested that a more streamlined process be developed with the idea of having two CPDC members work with the Town Planner for approval on very minor changes rather then go back to CPDC. Ms. Clarke will have a discussion with the Chair of the CPDC. On a motion by Ms. Young - Tafoya, seconded by Ms. Williams, the EDC voted to adjourn at 9:37 PM. Motion carried 4 -0 -0. Respectfully submitted, Jessie Wilson, Staff Planner