HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-02-03 Economic Development Committee Minutes< CC I V D
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Economic Development Committee( D) `KGsA SS.
February 3, 2010 MINUTES
201 MAY 18 Ci: ? Q
Members in Attendance: Meghan Young-Tafoya (Chair), Sheila Clarke (Vice-Chairman), George Rio, Jack
Russell and Kathi Spurr met in the Berger Room, Town Hall at 7:00 P.M. Michele Williams joined the meeting at
7:30 PM.
Members Absent: Michelle Ferullo, Kara Fratto, Russ Graham
Others Present: Town Staff: Community Services Director/Town Planner Jean Delios, Staff Planner Abby
McCabe and Guests: Dan Ensminger, Erin Calvo-Bacci and Dave Mancuso from Making Reading. Better.
Call to Order: There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
Public Comment:
A couple members from the group Making Reading Better presented during the Public Comment period. The
Making Reading Better (MRB) members introduced themselves and their purpose. Making Reading Better
explained that their mission is to create a town that is supportive and welcoming to new and existing businesses
and residents who wish to move to town, expand or develop. They meet once a month and are composed of
residents and business owners. The EDC asked about the group's objectives. MRB said they are concerned
about the sign regulations and the tick infestation in town and are focusing efforts in the community services
departments. The EDC encouraged MRB to work with the Town and to thoroughly investigate issues raised
before making accusations.
Other Business:
On a motion made by Ms. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Clarke, the EDC moved to accept the minutes
from January 6, 2010 as amended, by a vote of 4-0-0.
The Chair summarized the Chamber of Commerce meeting attended earlier today. The Chair talked with
businesses owners and explained the EDC's goals and accomplishments.
The Committee discussed the sign letter that was recently sent to businesses throughout the town. The Town
Planner explained that the letter was a first notification to make businesses aware of the upcoming deadline for
which all signs must be made conforming.
Sian By-Law Amendments & Design Guidelines:
The Chair and Vice Chair summarized the January 11th CPDC meeting which they attended to present the
recommended sign changes. EDC members did not feel the recommendations were well received and the EDC
Chair & Vice Chair will be meeting with the CPDC Chair & Vice Chair to further explain their suggested changes.
If EDC members have any further comments on the sign by-law changes comments should be given to Ms.
Young-Tafoya and Ms. Clarke by Saturday.
Work Plan Update:
There was a discussion about the transition of the Downtown Steering Committee and the Committee's
reorganization is pending due to legal review. 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. Oaktree Development may be attending an upcoming CPDC to
give an update on their progress but no plans have been submitted at this time. No plans for the MF Charles
building have been submitted yet.
On a motion made by Ms. Clarke and seconded by Mr. Rio, the Committee voted to adjourn at 9:33 P.M.
on a unanimous vote, 4-0-0.
Next meeting is planned for Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Respectfully submitted,
Abby McCabe