HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-02-17 Economic Development Committee MinutesrL i tVl
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Economic Development Committee (EDC)
February 17, 2010 MINUTES 2016 M Y 18 'A
Members in Attendance: Meghan Young-Tafoya (Chair), Sheila Clarke (Vice-Chairman), George Rio, Kara 20
Fratto and Michele Williams met in the Berger Room, Town Hall at 7:00 P.M.
Members Absent: Michelle Ferullo, Russ Graham and Jack Russell
Others Present: Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner and Staff Planner Abby McCabe
Call to Order: There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
Other Business:
On a motion made by Ms. Young-Tafoya, seconded by Ms. Williams, the EDC moved to accept the
minutes from February 3, 2010 as amended, by a vote of 4-0-0.
The Town Manager explained the responsibilities of the Board of Selectmen and their role as liaisons to
numerous boards, commission and committees. The Selectmen are liaisons to a number of other Town boards
and there is no required number of meetings that they must attend which would be difficult given their already
full schedule. When there are issues or important topics coming up, committee members should contact their
liaisons. The Town Manager said he can also act as the Selectmen's liaison by attending quarterly EDC
meetings and he can share information with the Selectmen during his regular report at the Selectmen's regular
meetings. The monthly Ask the Town Manager program can also be a good way of getting information out to the
community. The Town Manager suggested the EDC send him monthly updates before the Monday evening
show.
The Annual Town Meeting Warrant closes on Tuesday March 2nd which includes a couple items having to do
with economic development; the amendments to the Sign By-Law and also the transformation of the Downtown
Steering Committee. The Town Manager explained that there is a warrant article to dissolve the Downtown
Steering Committee into a permanent trust fund to be known as the Downtown Improvement and Events Trust
that will be under the general direction of the EDC to support downtown improvements, promotions and events.
A different fund or trust could be set up if the EDC wanted to focus on areas other than the downtown such as
south Main Street. The Town Manager further explained that the Commissioner of Trust Funds which is a town
body will manage the funds as directed by the EDC while the Town Treasurer and the Town Manager carry out
the day to day activities. The Town Meeting Warrant Article will be forwarded to the EDC once available.
Customer Service Update:
The Customer Service Policy was adopted by the Board of Selectmen. Staff will send the adopted policy to the
EDC. The permits tracking software is also underway and the town is looking at two different companies and
hopes to make a decision within the next month. The permits tracking software would allow applicants to check
the status of their permits. Conservation is also working on making improvements and adding material to the
website to make the conservation commission process more understandable.
Sign By-Law Amendments & Design Guidelines:
Ms. Clarke is working on the draft passbook development guide book and will bring what she has to the next
meeting in March. The CPDC plans to hold a public hearing for the sign by-law amendments soon for Annual
Town Meeting.
Since there is a provision in the existing zoning by-law which requires all non-conforming signs to be removed
by July 1, 2010 the Town will be holding a public workshop on Thursday February 25'h to work with businesses
to bring their signs into conformance. The EDC asked if the CPDC was considering allowing free-standing signs
for gas stations in the Business-B district. Staff said that wall and projecting signs were all that are currently
allowed in Business-B. The EDC discussed allowing monument signs (a free-standing sign with a low height) in
the downtown for gas stations for price displays. Members of the EDC will look into sign provisions for gas
stations in other communities, particularly those town's that have downtown gas stations.
The Chair summarized the meeting with the Chair and Vice Chair of the CPDC and the recommendations that
were added to the by-law.
Work Plan Update:
The draft way-finding report and graphics were provided to EDC. The consultant plans to attend the March 3 d
EDC meeting and questions and comments will be discussed then. Updates on the work plan were briefly
discussed (see complete work plan for full details).
Economic Development Activity (EDA):
The Committee reviewed the EDA spreadsheet. A knife sharpening business is expanding at their Ash Street
building location.
On a motion made by Ms. Williams and seconded by Mr. Rio, the Committee voted to adjourn at 9:00
P.M. on a unanimous vote, 4-0-0.
Next meeting is planned for Wednesday, March 3'd, 2010
Respectfully submitted,
Abby McCabe