HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-10-21 Economic Development Committee MinutesIVED
Economic Development Committee (
E*1 IERK
October 21, 2009 MINUTES C ~AS
R~'ADI~~?G, MASS.
In Attendance: Meghan Young-Tafoya (Chairman), Sheila Clarke (Vice-Chairm rJ,~ GraharA, ltch,3lT Williams,
George Rio, Michelle Ferullo and Kara Fratto met in the Berger Room, Town Hal
Members Absent: Jack Russell
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 7:32 PM.
Other Business:
On a motion made by Ms. Clarke, seconded by Ms. Williams, the committee voted to approve the minutes as
amended for October 7, 2009, vote 5-0-0.
The committee discussed Lexington's shop local program where the businesses pay a company/consultant to create
and manages a webpage featuring the business and includes email discounts, special events and special offers. The
committee decided to review the webpage for homework then decide to present the idea to the chamber of
commerce or the downtown steering committee.
The local meals tax being considered at Subsequent Town Meeting on November 9th was discussed. Members
discussed the pros and cons of implementing the tax. Ms. Fratto recommended not voting until more information and
research was completed because there were too many unanswered questions.
On a motion made by Mr. Graham, seconded by Ms. Clarke, the committee voted to recommend to the Board
of Selectmen to approve the local meals tax as outlined in Article 11 on the Subsequent Town Meeting
Warrant by a vote of 4-0-1 (Mr. Rio abstained).
FYI Report:
The Chair reviewed the draft For Your Information Report and explained how it would work as a conflict resolution
` - - tool. The intention of the report is to act as a tool to address and solve issues that may arise with businesses and the
public.
Sign By-Law Amendments & Design Guidelines:
Ms. Clarke is meeting with Staff next Tuesday to work on the sign design guidelines. The draft design guidelines are
off to a good start and it was decided by the committee not to use photos from Reading. Staff will continue to work on
the zoning changes.
Work Plan (See Work Plan for complete details):
Next week will be the last Tuesday for the farm stand. Ms. Barton is working on the way-finding & branding grant and
will make plans to attend an EDC meeting sometime in November or December. Mr. Graham will attend the October
26th CPDC work session about the downtown smart growth district and all EDC members are encouraged to attend
the public hearing on November 2"d
Economic Development Activity:
The Town Planner and Town Manager met with the owner of the MF Charles building last week and said he plans to
submit a proposal before Thanksgiving for the first floor commercial space. The butcher shop will open on Friday and
the Deli on north Main Street will open on Halloween. Ms. Ferullo reported on her recent conversations with
prospective businesses and asked the committee to continue sending her suggestions that would be a good fit for
Reading.
Other Business
The Chair passed around the brochure created by the Historical Commission about the historic pavers on Main
Street.
On a motion made by Ms. Williams and seconded by Mr. Graham, the Committee voted to adjourn at 9:40
P.M. on a unanimous vote, 5-0-0.
- Next meeting planned for Wednesday, November 4`h
Respectfully submitted,
Abby McCabe