HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-01-06 Economic Development Committee MinutesL
Economic Development Committee (EDC)O\,c~,1 CLERK
January 6, 2010 MINUTES R E_"A01iIG, MH'SS'
In Attendance: Meghan Young-Tafoya (Chair), Sheila Clarke (Vice-Chairman),2rat*3tt4,&u4 20
Graham, George Rio, Jack Russell 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
Others Present: Community Services Director/Town Planner Jean Delios, Staff Planner Abby McCabe
Call to Order: There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
Other Business:
The Chair reminded everyone to submit the ethics and conflict of interest quiz certification by the due date
at the end of the month.
On a motion made by Ms. Clarke, seconded by Mr. Rio, the EDC moved to accept the minutes from
December 16, 2009 as amended, by a vote of 40-0.
Customer Services Update - The Town Manager has drafted a customer service policy & guidelines for
employees and was discussed at last night's Selectmen's meeting. The customer service inquiry card has
also been updated and is available on the town's website and at various locations throughout town hall.
The town is also getting closer to finalizing a purchase for a permit tracking software program. Once the
customer service policy is finalized a copy will be provided to the EDC.
The EDC Chair & Vice Chair also plan to attend the next CPDC meeting on the 11th to review their
recommended sign by-law amendments.
The EDC has also been invited to attend the February 3rd Reading/North Reading Chamber of Commerce
meeting to summarize the year's progress. The meeting will be held at 8:00 AM.
Sign By-Law Amendments & Design Guidelines:
Ms. Fratto prepared a press release for the public forum next week which is expected to be published in
the chronicle soon. Businesses, property owners, town meeting members have been notified by mail and
email and a reminder email will go out the day before the meeting. Ms. Clarke presented a draft of the
"passport" book which will help guide builders, business owners, and developers through the permitting
process in Reading. The book explains the many departments, divisions, boards, commissions, permits
and processes. The Conservation and Historical Commission still need to be added to the draft
guidebook. The sign design guidelines will also be incorporated to the book. The EDC is considering
sponsorship options to publish the passport guidebook.
Work Plan Update:
The Board of Selectmen EDC liaison should give a monthly EDC update at the Selectmen's meetings.
Economic Development Activity (EDA):
The Committee reviewed the EDA spreadsheet. A pizza shop was approved by the Community Planning
and Development Commission for 1321 Main Street and they are expecting to open in the spring.
On a motion made by Ms. Clarke and seconded by Ms. Williams, the Committee voted to adjourn
of 8:53 P.M. on a unanimous vote, 5-0-0.
Next meeting planned is the public forum on Wednesday, January 13th
Respectfully submitted,
- Abby McCabe