HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-05-20 Economic Development Committee MinutesEconomic Development Committee (ED RECEIV"D
9O W CLERK
May 20,2009 MINUTES READING, ASS
In Attendance: Meghan Young-Tafoya (Chairman), Sheila Clarke (Vice Chair), Mich jo#en MiAej~ F~ullo,
Kara Fratto, and Jack Russell met in the Berger Room, Town Hall at 7:30 P.M.
Members Absent: Russ Graham, George Rio, and Sharon Petersen Also Present: Staff Planner Abby McCabe
Call to Order: There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:55 PM.
Signage By-Law Amendments:
Ms. McCabe handed out the updated proposed signage amendments prepared by the Community Services
Director/Town Planner. Further research is still needed for the definition of a sign and will be continued to the next
meeting. The issue with Section 6.2.2.2 referring to the removal of defunct signs is with enforcement. EDC members
said they would compile lists of sign violations to provide to staff. The committee also discussed talking with business
owners to suggest simple ways they could avoid violations and inform them of ways to make signs conforming if they
are in violation. The committee discussed allowing business flags with specific regulations. A couple members did not
like the idea of allowing flags but it was decided that this would be given more thought before making a final proposal.
The EDC recommends adding visuals to the section about window signage, parking signage, and master signage
plans. It was recommended to work on improving the definitions for directional, identification and informational signs
with examples.
Assignments for the next meeting are for members to look at their selected town's definition for a sign and regulations
on business flags. Members should also observe businesses that are violating the sign by-law and see if there are
simple changes that could be recommended. The committee should also consider other changes to the sign by-law,
allowing sandwich board signs and check if their selected town allows them.
Staff will update the proposed signage amendment document. Staff will also report on what are the most common sign
violations and mistakes made by businesses.
Economic Development Activity:
,The butcher shop is on the June 8'" CPDC agenda, Bear Rock Cafe may become an Asian restaurant and Beach Bum
Tanning salon is now closed. The EDC also asked about Perfectos Cafe and requested more details about the status
of the former Carlson Real Estate office. Abby will organize the economic development activity spreadsheet into three
categories (available, in progress, and completed).
Committee members will bring to the next meeting ideas for new business for Michelle to target.
Alleyway Update:
John Coles began painting the mural in the alleyway this week and should finish by the end of next week. Elliot has
agreed to remove the sign currently in the middle of the wall so it is not in the way of the artwork. The O'Connor's are
working on trying to remove the graffiti that is on the wall opposite the mural. The lights and arborvitae are still to be
added. Four arborvitae plants have been donated by Viking Tree. Ms. Williams will contact Viking Tree to find out if
they are also providing planters/pots for the arborvitae.
Other Business:
Reading Plaza (345 Main St) is on the June 8th CPDC agenda for fagade & landscaping changes and RCTV site plan
was approved by CPDC for the former Fabric Town space. The public hearing for a new daycare on Torre Street was
opened this week and continued to June 8t"
Ms. Williams and Ms. Young-Tafoya attended the Chamber of Commerce sponsored Ladies Night Out event and
thought it went well and information about the Fall Street Faire was also given during the event.
The next meeting for the Fall Street Faire is planned for June 2"d at 12:15 pm.
Meeting Schedule
Next scheduled meeting is June 3, 2009 at Town Hall in the conference room.
On a motion duly made by Sheila Clarke and seconded by Michele Williams, the Committee voted to adjourn
TM--,, at 9:40 P.M. on a unanimous vote.
'f Respectfully submitted,
Abby McCabe