HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-12-02 Economic Development Committee MinutesEconomic Development Comm
December 2, 2009 MINW
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~ In Attendance: Sheila Clarke (Vice-Chairman), Russ Graham, Michele Williams eq e lf4o dk Russell and Kara
Fratto met in the Berger Room, Town Hall at 7:00 P.M. Q
Members Absent: Michelle Ferullo and Meghan Young-Tafoya (Chairman),
Town Staff: Staff Planner, Abby McCabe
Call to Order: There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
Other Business:
Ms. Williams has a conflict and is not able to attend meeting until 7:30 PM. Ms. McCabe will check to see if meetings
can be held at 7:00 or if will need to be changed back to 7:30 PM. Ms. McCabe will also check with the Town
Manager to see if he is able to attend quarterly meetings with the EDC to give a customer service updates. Ms.
Clarke volunteered to do a write up in the winter Your Community Connection seeking volunteers for next year's Fall
Street Faire planning committee. The Fall Street Faire committee will become an ad-hoc committee and will start
organizing during the winter. The EDC discussed the 5-5-5 fagade improvement program and requested that it be
placed back on the work plan.
On a motion made by Mr. Graham, seconded by Mr. Rio, the EDC moved to accept the minutes from
November 18t`', 2009 as amended, by a vote of 3-0-0.
Special Town Meeting Update:
The Downtown Smart Growth district was adopted by Town Meeting on Monday night. Town Meeting members and
those who attended the Special Town Meeting summarized the meeting and the key points about the district. The
Committee also discussed more properties being added to the district in the future by way of an amendment process
with the state and acknowledged that it would have to go back to Town Meeting for approval.
Sign By-Law Amendments & Design Guidelines:
Ms. Clarke drafted a table of contents of the design/development guide book. The Committee reviewed the outline
and recommended a couple additions and changes. Ms. Clarke will continue to work on the design guide book during
December. The Committee reviewed the time line to Annual Town Meeting and set the meeting date with the
business community for Wednesday January 13th to discuss sign by-law amendment recommendations. There will
be two meetings on the 13th; 7:30 am and 6:00 pm at the Senior Center. Ms. Fratto will work on drafting a press
release for the newspaper and staff will work on an email blast to business and property owners.
November 24th Report to the Selectmen:
The annual report to the Selectmen went very well and the committee encouraged the committee liaisons to attend
more meetings and provide feedback. Ms. McCabe will see if an EDC progress update can be on the Selectmen's
agenda on a monthly basis so they Selectmen can stay informed of current news.
Economic Development Activity:
The Japanese Steakhouse did not receive a liquor license on the 24th but will appear before the Selectmen again in
December. The Carlson building on Haven Street now has a for lease sign, committee members and staff will reach
out to prospective business owners.
On a motion made by Mr. Graham and seconded by Ms. Williams, the Committee voted to adjourn at 8:55
P.M. on a unanimous vote, 3-0-0.
Next meeting planned for Wednesday, December 16th
Respectfully submitted,
Abby McCabe