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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-04-15 Economic Development Committee MinutesRECEIVED Economic Development Committee (EDC)TOWN CLERK April 15, 2009 MINUTES READING, MAsS In Attendance: Meghan Young-Tafoya (Chairman), Sheila Clarke (Vice Chair), Russ dN%ACC+1rgW6 ron Petersen met in the Berger Room, Town Hall at 6:30 P.M. Members Absent: Michele Williams, Michelle Ferullo, Kara Fratto Also Present: Community Services Director/Town Planner Carol Kowalski, Building Inspector/Zoning Enforcement Officer Glen Redmond, and Staff Planner Abby McCabe Call to Order: There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 6:35 PM. Signage By-Law Amendments: Ms. Kowalski and Mr. Redmond handed out and reviewed draft language for recommended changes to the signage by-law. The EDC noted that the new sign definition should be included in the definition section of Section 6 of the by- law but also in Section 2 of the zoning by-law. Debate over when artwork such as a mural becomes as sign ensued and the Committee decided to come back to the sign definition with new language that would allow artwork without a sign permit. The Committee asked Mr. Redmond to explain the procedures of the ZBA and applications for variances. Mr. Redmond and Ms. Kowalski explained that variances should only be granted when they meet the four criteria but many times they are granted when the applicant has not met the criteria and often do not stand up in court when appealed. An illustration should be included in the sign height definition. Ms. Kowalski recommended that the sign area definition stay the same but increase the maximum sign area because the new sign definition now includes the entire support structure of the sign. The Committee discussed awnings signs at length and decided to rewrite the definition of awning sign to allow awning signs and distinguish between patterned and solid color awnings. Banners and flags were also discussed and recommended for changes. 2009 Work Program (see the work plan on EDC webpage for details) The work plan was not discussed at this meeting. This has been tabled for the May meeting because it was determined that the signage amendments were the biggest priority. Other Business: Ms. Young-Tafoya informed the committee that the Reading Chronicle had a supplement in yesterday's paper about the new developments in Town featuring Hallmark Health, Salem Five Bank and the new Honda Gallery. Ms. Young-Tafoya encouraged members to read the March issues of the Downtown Idea Exchange as they may be helpful to the committee's work and recommended continuing this discussion to the May meeting. Ms. Young-Tafoya also informed the group that she had contacted Emmy from DHCD and there will be some upcoming workshops this spring that may be helpful to new committee members. The committee recommended adding new language for parking sign regulations. Mr. Redmond left the meeting at 9:00 pm and the committee decided to continue review of the recommended changes at the next meeting. Members said they could possibly meet on a Tuesday of Friday afternoon so that the building inspector could attend the meeting. Minutes: Motion by Russ Graham to approve the minutes as written for April 1, 2009, seconded by Sheila Clarke, vote of 4-0-0 to approve. Meeting Schedule Next scheduled meeting is May 6, 2009 in the Berger room at Town Hall. On a motion duly made by Russ Graham and seconded by Sheila Clarke, the Committee voted to adjourn at 9:96 P.M. on a unanimous vote. Respectfully submitted, Abby McCabe