HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-10-07 Economic Development Committee MinutesEconomic Development Committee (EDC)RECEIVED
October 7, 2009 MINUTES TOWN CLERK
READI G, MASS.
In Attendance: Meghan Young-Tafoya (Chairman,) Sheila Clarke (Vice-Chairman,) Russ Graham, Michele
Williams, George Rio, and Kara Fratto met in the Berger Room, Town Hall at 7:30 FIE 9EC I i A D 32
EDC member Jack Russell and Town Planner/Community Services Director Jean Delios joined the meeting at
approximately 8:30 pm.
Members Absent Michelle Ferullo and Jack Russell
Town Staff: Staff Planner, Abby McCabe
Call to Order: There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM.
The chair informed the group that associate member, Sharon Petersen, has resigned due to other commitments.
The Chair suggested the committee think about what skills the committee needs and should recruit someone with
those skills for the vacant associate member position.
Sian By-Law Amendments & Design Guidelines:
The Committee reviewed the sign amendments time table. The second October meeting and November will be
used to finalize all proposed sign by-law amendments and work on the design guidelines. Ultimately, the EDC
would like to turn over the work on the sign by-law to the CPDC in January so that they will have enough time to
review and prepare for Annual Town Meeting in April. There are only 5 items left to be finalized; business flags,
sandwich board/A-frame signs, temporary lawn/yard signs for community events, the introduction to the proposed
changes, and the definition of a sign and also investigate why only 1 sign per business is allowed. Staff will prepare
recommendations for these last items for the next meeting. The committee reviewed design guidelines for
Burlington, VT and felt they were a good model but Reading's should be shorter and focus on signage.
Work Plan (See Work Plan for complete details):
Sheila will meet with staff to review progress and work needed for the design guidelines. The EDC would like more
regular communication with the CPDC and requested that their meeting agenda's be emailed regularly. When
agenda topics are relevant one member of the EDC will be assigned to attend the meeting. It was also requested
that one member of the EDC serve as a liaison to the Reading/North Reading Chamber of Commerce and attend
the monthly Monday meetings. A planner that works for the city of Lowell will be working with Reading on the way-
finding and branding project as part of the Peer-to-Peer grant program offered through DHCD.
Economic Development Activity:
The owner of Sam's Bistro at 107 Main Street met with department staff today and are preparing to submit all final
requirements to receive building permits by mid-October. The owner of 18-20 Woburn Street had their site plan
approval extended for two more years and still plans to move forward with the approved plans for a pub/restaurant
on the first floor and office on the second floor. Public Hearing and vote for Perfecto's Caffe is on the October 19`h
CPDC agenda.
Other Business
The Chair informed the committee that the Board of Selectmen will be discussing the Town Meeting Warrant Article
that will create a local meals tax on October 20. EDC members are encouraged to attend the meeting.
Minutes:
On a motion made by Mr. Graham and seconded by Ms. Clarke, the Committee voted to approve the
minutes for September 16th as written, vote 4-0-1 to approve (Ms. Williams abstained).
On a motion made by Ms. Clarke and seconded by Mr. Graham, the Committee voted to adjourn at 9:36
P.M. on a unanimous vote, 5-0-0.
Next meeting planned for Wednesday October 21St
Respectfully submitted,
Abby McCabe