HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-05-19 Economic Development Committee MinutesEconomic Development Committee (EDC) _w I i'( Dpp
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May 19, 2010 MINUTES
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Members in Attendance: Meghan Young-Tafoya (Chair), Sheila Clarke (Vice-Chair er RjWahpm,(~a4l<5
Russell, George Rio and Michele Williams met in the Berger Room, Town Hall at 7:0
Members Absent: Michelle Ferullo.
Others Present: Selectmen and EDC Liaison James Bonazoli, Staff Planner Abby McCabe and Guests Ben
Yoder and Maria Higgins.
Call to Order: There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:02 PM:
Other Business:
Ms. Fratto resigned from the Committee due to time constraints.
Mr. Yoder introduced himself to the Committee. He is interested in applying to be an Associate Member of the
EDC and is attending his first EDC meeting.
On a motion by Ms. Clarke, seconded by Mr. Rio, the EDC voted to approve the minutes from April 15"'
as amended by a vote of 3-1-0 (Mr. Graham abstained).
Sign By-Law & Passport Update
Town Meeting has adopted the proposed sign by-law zoning changes a couple weeks ago at Annual Town
Meeting. Ms. Clarke has almost completed the Passport Guidebook for new Reading businesses and intends to
have it sent to the printer within the next couple of weeks. The Chamber of Commerce has agreed to sponsor
the Passport Book and 250 copies will be printed.
Sian By-Law Enforcement & Compliance Update:
The Staff Planner explained the work completed thus far on the sign inventory and summarized the process of
enforcement. Approximately 20 sign violations have been mailed to businesses to date. The July 15' deadline for
compliance and the approach to notify sign violators were discussed by the Committee. The EDC expressed
concern that violations had been sent out without the EDC being notified as we had asked that that happen after
the January notice was sent without prior knowledge. The Committee made several suggestions as to how the
enforcement process might be changed. It was suggested to hold a sign compliance workshop, create a new
work plan and cover letter to accompany the sign violation check list sheet currently used by the Zoning
Enforcement Officer/Building Inspector. The EDC would like to meet with staff, the Selectmen and CPDC to
discuss these issues further.
Customer Services Update:
The results of the customer service survey were distributed and have been very positive. A meeting with the
Selectmen and the members of the Board of Health has been scheduled. Maria Higgins and Jean Delios have
done some research with other cities and towns to learn about their regulations on open windows in restaurants.
Other:
Ms. Clarke will provide a blurb about the Passport and the RFSF for the Summer Your Community Connection.
Several of the Committee members need to submit their paperwork to renew their membership.
Work Plan (See spreadsheet for details)
34 Vendors have already registered for the Reading Fall Street Faire. Ms. Williams & Ms. Young-Tafoya will
revise and update the Committee's work plan. The way-finding consultant is planning to attend the June 16th
EDC meeting to present the final recommendations. Ms. Young will draft a proposal for the FY11 Peer-to-Peer
Technical Assistance grant for a facade improvement project.
Economic Development Activity:
Discussion about the status of 600 Main Street and 18-20 Woburn Street. Possible uses for the former Addison
Wesley site on Jacob Way were discussed.
On a motion by Mr. Graham, seconded by Ms. Williams, the EDC voted to adjourn at 9:50 PM by a vote of
5-0-0.
Next meeting is planned for Wednesday, June 2"d, 2010