HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-02-15 Economic Development Committee MinutesEconomic Development Committee (EDC)
February 15, 2012 MINUTES
Members in Attendance: Sheila Clarke (Chair), Ben Yoder (Vice- Chair), Michele Williams, Karl Weld, Maria
Higgins, and Jack Russell met in the Berger Room, Town Hall.
Members Absent: Meghan Young - Tafoya, George Rio and Michelle Ferullo
Others Present: Jessie Wilson (Staff Planner) and Lisa DeLeo (Chamber Board Member)
Call to Order: There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:10 PM.
Building Fagade and Signage Improvement Program (BFSI):
Ms. Clarke discussed the BFSI launch timeline and draft brochure. A key (tentative) date includes a
public meeting on 3/21/2012 to discuss the program, followed some time thereafter by a design
charette in late April or May. The members discussed the next steps /action items which include:
include: Mr. Weld revised the brochure, poster and invitation based on member comments and send
them to Ms. Clarke for printing, Mr. Russell and Mr. Rio will do the walk through Town next weekend
to hand out the brochure, Ms. Clark will provide the post card invitation to the Town Manager for
mailing to property owners as well as draft the presentation for the 3/21/2012 meeting.
Minutes:
• Approval of the 2/1/12 EDC Minutes
On a motion by Ms. Williams, seconded by Mr. Yoder, the EDC voted to approve the minutes
from the 211112012 meeting as amended. Motion carried 3 -0 -0.
Economic Development Activity Update:
Ms. Wilson provided an update on the status of the ballet school proposed at the property located at
32 Lowell Street. The Applicant will be before the CPDC for Limited Site Plan Review. The Applicant
will also be going before the Zoning Board of Appeals for
Ms. Williams requested that the current Calareso site be put on the list under available. Ms. DeLeo
also indicated that 360 Main Street is up for lease by Century 21. Ms. Wilson will also add that to
the spreadsheet.
Mr. Russell provided an update on the Calareso's walk -thru last week. He indicated that an
occupancy permit was issued for employees only. They need to complete the transfer of the
refrigeration equipment and get final approval from the Health Department prior to receiving the final
occupancy permit.
EDC Peer Review: Ms. Clarke discussed the start of the EDC Peer Review, noting that Ms. Theresa Park from
Lowell will contact EDC members individually in the coming weeks to schedule interviews. Ms. Williams
suggested that she attend one of the EDC regularly scheduled meetings so that she can provide feedback on
the committee's interaction during their meeting processes.
Work Plan Updates:
• Outbound Marketing — Ms. Williams asked if Ms. Young - Tafoya has followed up with Ms.
Michelle Ferullo in regards to the script she had been using as well as any last updated. Ms.
Clarke does not believe that has occurred yet.
• BOS Annual Update — Ms. Clarke indicated that she would prefer to present the EDC
Annual Update to the BOS after the Fagade and Signage Improvement Program charette.
Ms. Wilson will follow up with the Town Manager as to the best time in April for a
presentation.
Other Discussion:
• Ms. Clarke discussed the EDC Packet material preparation time and suggested that the
members attempt to complete the Work Plan Updates by Wednesdays the week prior to the
meeting. This would provide sufficient time for the Staff Planner to send the meeting packets
out to the members before the weekend, allowing more time to review the material for the next
meeting. The members agreed to follow this approach.
On a motion by Ms. Williams, seconded by Mr. Yoder, the EDC voted to adjourn at 8:20 PM. Motion
carried 3 -0 -0.
Respectfully submitted,
Jessie Wilson, Staff Planner