HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-11-04 Economic Development Committee MinutesRECEIVED
Economic Development Committee (ED(I N CLERK
November 4t" 2009 MINUTES RE.YDING. MAJ +
A 10
In Attendance: Meghan Young-Tafoya (Chairman), Sheila Clarke (Vice-Chairman); A&UhO Michele Williams,
George Rio, met in the Berger Room, Town Hall at 7:30 P.M.
Members Absent: Jack Russell, Michelle Ferullo and Kara Fratto.
Town Staff: Community Services Director/Town Planner, Jean Delios and Staff Planner, Abby McCabe
Call to Order: There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM.
Other Business:
The Chair summarized last meeting's discussion about the Lex is More program in Lexington and recommended that
it be brought to the Chamber's attention. The next meeting with the Chamber is planned for November 141H
Ms. Delios reported on last night's meeting with the Board of Selectmen where she highlighted upcoming planning
projects. Ms. Delios also summarized the October 201n customer services meeting with residents of the Making
Reading Better resident group. The EDC will work with staff to update pending projects and make improvements to
the economic development activity spreadsheet on the EDC and business pages of the website. The EDC also
discussed working more closely with the Board of Selectmen liaison and ways to encourage regular meeting
attendance. The Chair informed the committee that the Chamber of Commerce is raising funds to place holiday
garlands on the new street light poles on Main Street.
On a motion made by Mr. Graham, seconded by Ms. Williams, the EDC moved to accept the minutes from
October 21s', 2009 as amended, by a vote of 5-0-0.
Sign By-Law Amendments & Design Guidelines:
Ms. Clarke and Ms. Young-Tafoya met with staff to work on design guidelines. Staff to send Ms. Clarke updated sign
' by-law to begin working on the permitting / sign guide book. The EDC reviewed the sign recommendations proposed
by staff and made some minor amendments.
Work Plan (See Work Plan for complete details):
Ms. Young-Tafoya informed the committee that the Town of Sandwich, Ma was also working on making changes to
their sign ordinance and were addressing similar issues as Reading. The Chair has reached out to Sandwich to get
their meeting agenda and feedback from their recent public meeting which may be helpful with the EDC's upcoming
public meeting. Ms. Williams reported that the bricks that were sponsored by business and residents for the alleyway
will be engraved and installed in the spring. The EDC reviewed and approved a letter of support for the downtown
smart growth zoning article drafted by Mr. Graham. This letter will be distributed to Town Meeting members at the
subsequent Town Meeting next week.
By the next meeting on November 181H, the Fall Street Faire committee should submit documents to Sheila that will
be helpful for next year's planning committee.
Economic Development Activity:
The EDC heard that a Japanese Steakhouse is moving into the former Bear Rock Cafe space at Walker's Brook
Drive. After the meeting, Ms. McCabe confirmed that the Japanese Steakhouse will be moving into this space and
will be applying for a liquor license from the Board of Selectmen.
Other Business
This year's Shop the Block will be on December 3`d, the annual holiday tree lighting will be held on November 29tH
Ms. Delios will be presenting the downtown smart growth district zoning proposal to the Finance Committee on
November 18th.
On a motion made by Ms. Williams and seconded by Mr. Graham, the Committee voted to adjourn at 10:00
P.M. on a unanimous vote, 5-0-0.
Next meeting planned for Wednesday, November 18th
Respectfully submitted,
Abby McCabe