HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-11-18 Economic Development Committee MinutesRECEIVED
Economic Development Committee (EDC) TOWN EERS
November 18th 2009 MINUTES' ~'iS'
In Attendance: Meghan. Young-Tafoya (Chairman), Sheila Clarke (Vice-Chairman), RussRKY ,IJIck'AuAll 2
and Kara Fratto met in the Berger Room, Town Hall at 7:30 P.M.
Members Absent: Michele Williams, George Rio, and Michelle Ferullo.
Town Staff: Staff Planner, Abby McCabe
Call to Order: There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:40 PM
Other Business:
The Committee reviewed the 2010 meeting scheduled and made a couple of changes. The Committee also changed
the meeting time to 7:00 pm. The next meeting on December 7th shall start at 7:00 pm.
On a motion by Mr. Graham, seconded by Ms. Clarke, the EDC voted to approve the minutes from November
4, 2009 as amended by a vote of 3-0-0.
Lexington's Lex is More program update - Ms. Young-Tafoya met with Kathi Spur from the Chamber of Commerce
and creator of the Lex is More shop local program. The Lex is More program is only two months old, and the owner
suggested that the lessons that they have learned so far could be applied to Reading. He is willing to sell his
software program to Reading which he felt was best put in the hands of the Chamber of Commerce. Kathi's first
impression was the concern for "bandwidth" and money to make this run smoothly. The ball as been "passed" to the
Chamber of Commerce, and the EDC would be happy to work with the Chamber in this endeavor if they decide to
pursue it.
The Committee requested that Customer Services be added to every meeting agenda so they can be updated as to
the progress on the Town's efforts. The EDC discussed having the Town Manager attend EDC meetings once a
quarter to update them on what actions have been taken.
The Chair reminded the committee members to complete their conflict of interest certification training (letter received
by mail) and submit to the Town Clerk.
Sign By-Law Amendments & Design Guidelines:
Ms, Clarke plans to have a draft design guide book for the next meeting on December 2"d. Changes were made to
the sign definition. Ms. -McCabe will email out the sign by-law with the recommended changes italicized. The sign
amendment time line will also be included and discussed at the next meeting.
Work Plan (See Work Plan for complete details):
The EDC members reviewed the draft power point presentation created by Ms. Young-Tafoya and made some
changes to the presentation. The presentation will be Tuesday evening on November 24`h. Ms. McCabe will send out
the meeting agenda with the exact time.
The website has been updated to include the Economic Development Activity spreadsheet on the Business and EDC
pages, and a Pending & Upcoming Projects page has been added to the EDC page with a link on the homepage.
Brick sponsorship is beginning for the bricks in the alleyway and installation will begin this spring.
The chair suggested that the vacant associate member position be filled by someone with writing skills that will work
on PR and outreach for the committee. Ms. Fratto volunteered to draft an article to submit to the newspaper about
the EDC and the committee's work.
Mr. Graham will attend the CPDC meeting on Monday November 23`d as the chair of the smart growth subcommittee.
Economic Development Activity:
The Town Manager, Town Planner and Chair of the Selectmen met with the owner of the MF Charles building earlier
this week and discussed his plans. The owner is working on a site plan review application for the ground floor
commercial and plans to submit to the CPDC before the end of this year.
Next meeting on Wednesday, December 2"d, 2009 at 7:00 PM
Respectfully submitted, Abby McCabe