HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-08-05 Economic Development Committee MinutesEconomic Development Committee CgPg 'ED
August 5, 2009 MINUTES TOW CLERK
READING, MASS.
In Attendance: Meghan Young-Tafoya (Chairman,) Sheila Clarke (Vice-Chairman, Russ Gr h Jack Russell
met in the Berger Room, Town Hall at 7:30 P.M. 1001 OEC ( I
Members Absent Michelle Ferullo, Sharon Petersen, Michele Williams, Kara Fratto, and George Rio
Town Staff: Not available this week.
Call to Order: There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM.
Sign By-Law Updates & Next Steps
Reviewed 6.2.3 comparisons; not to easy to accomplish as other towns/cities by-laws weren't laid out like ours.
Building inspectors hours varied, however a number of cities had hours all day with clerks answering questions.
Burlington had a particularly customer service focused message on their website that might be a good thing for
Reading to consider for the website.
On a motion duly made by Mr. Graham and seconded by Ms. Clarke, the Committee voted to support the
CPDC in the 40R initiative on a unanimous vote, 3-0-0.
Work Plan (See Work Plan for complete details):
Alleyway Project added planter boxes; Michele submitted reimbursement to Cultural Council. Subcommittee sent thank
you's to the DPW and Simon's Car Wash that promptly took care of graffiti on the mural.
Steve Goldy and Meghan met with the owners of Swissbakers on Tuesday morning. Meghan shared her notes with
EDC, and EDC asked Meghan to draft a letter to the BOS and Pete Hechenbleikner indicating a high degree of
concern and need for improvement in the business process.
Library now has a presence Tuesdays at the Farm Stand. There was an article in the paper on this, if possible we
should add to the website.
Economic Development Activity:
The Economic Development Activity spreadsheet was reviewed by the committee. Next meeting would like to see the
plans for the Wayside Bazaar site.
Meeting Schedule
EDC discussed meetings schedules and decided to keep our August 19 meeting; but the September 2 meeting will be
cancelled due to volunteer requirements of the Reading Fall Street Faire.
Other Business
Volunteer(s) of the Week - Meghan submitted Sheila Clarke and Michele Williams as Volunteers of the Week for
serving as Chairs of the Reading Fall Street Faire. The timing of this article would be great "pr" for the Faire itself.
EDC would like to review Sign Violation Status at each meeting (add to agenda.)
On a motion duly made by Mr. Graham and seconded by Ms. Clarke. The Committee voted to adjourn at 8:50
P.M. on a unanimous vote, 3-0-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Meghan Young-Tafoya, Chairman