HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-09-16 Economic Development Committee MinutesRECEIVED
TOWN CLERK
Economic Development Committee ( EDC) ~gr~S
)
September 16, 2009 MINUTEb`001 QE' 1 I A ICS: 31
'
In Attendance: Meghan Young-Tafoya (Chairman,) Sheila Clarke (Vice-Chairman,) Russ Graham, Jack
Russell, and Kara Fratto met in the Berger Room, Town Hall at 7:30 P.M.
Members Absent Michelle Ferullo, Michele Williams, Sharon Petersen, George Rio
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.
The committee began by introducing themselves to the new Community Services Director/Town Planner,
Jean Delios. Ms. Delios also introduced herself and spoke of her past experiences in similar positions in
other communities.
Work Plan (See Work Plan for complete details):
The Committee will revisit their work on signage amendments at the next meeting in October. Staff will
draft some language and make recommendations about the A-frame/sandwich board signs and flag
regulations. The annual update to the Board of Selectmen should be planned for November or December;
staff will coordinate with the Selectmen. Reading was awarded the technical assistance peer-to-peer
grant by DHCD for branding and way-finding signage for the downtown.
Economic Development Activity:
Sam's Bistro plans for 107 Main Street were approved by the Conservation Commission last week and
they are currently working on obtaining building permits. The butcher shop is expected to open in late
September or early October, the public hearing for Perfecto's Caffe was opened this week and continued
to September 28m CPDC meeting and a deli at 1349 Main Street is planning to open in the fall. Staff will
check in with owner of 18-20 Woburn Street to learn the status of the approved project.
Other Business
The Committee decided that one member of the EDC would attend the monthly Chamber of Commerce
meetings. Ms. Young-Tafoya passed around a brochure obtained from the Burlington Mall about Ipswich
created by the North of Boston Convention & Visitor's Bureau. Meghan also noted that the historical
commission will be giving a tour in early October to explain the historical plaques installed throughout the
downtown.
Minutes:
On a motion duly made by Mr. Graham and seconded by Ms. Clarke. The Committee voted to
approve the minutes for August 19`h as amended. Vote 3-0-0 to approve.
On a motion duly made by Mr. Graham and seconded by Ms. Clarke. The Committee voted to
adjourn at 8:45 P.M. on a unanimous vote, 3-0-0.
Next meeting planned for Wednesday October 7c"
Respectfully submitted,
Abby McCabe
°f
E