HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-02-04 Economic Development Committee MinutesEconomic Development Committee (EEUC -w7D
Er P~K
February 4, 2009 MINUTES
REAP{DING, ~~5.
In Attendance: Meghan Young-Tafoya (Chairman), Sheila Clarke (Vice Chair),~hrc~ICMss rpham,
George Rio, Jack Russell, Michelle Ferullo, and Bill Crowley(R/NR Chamber of, e i e Berger
Room, Town Hall at 7:30 P.M. Members Absent: Sharon Petersen Also Present: Abby McCabe, Staff Planner
Call to Order: There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM.
Other Business:
The Chair discussed items under Other Businesses out of order on the agenda. The Chair summarized the February
3rd Board & Committee Ethics training. The meeting reviewed several items including code of conduct, gratuities,
nepotism, and the open meeting law. Meghan and Michele Williams attended the Ethics training and reported that
Boards & Committees should not hold meetings at a member's home because all public meetings should comply with
ADA requirements to assure handicap accessibility. The Chair reminded the Committee that no deliberation shall take
place outside of a posted public meeting. Material can be sent via email but conversations and discussions with
Committee members are violations of the open meeting law.
Zoning By-Law Amendments:
The Committee reviewed the signage by-law, Section 6.2 of the Zoning By-Law with the Town Planner's comments to
identify areas of possible change to improve clarity. Notes and comments provided on a hard copy of Section 6.2.and
a table of priorities & issues will be created. George Rio suggested creating "A Guide to Reading Sign Regulations for
Dummies" once amendments are approved. Sharon's signage work time line was reviewed and a couple items have
been completed at tonight's meeting.
Assignments for the next meeting: Each member should take pictures of signage believed to be effective and non-
effective in various communities for the next meeting. The collected photos will then be evaluated to see which do and
don't match Reading's sign by-law to determine exactly what is desired and what amendments should be proposed.
Jack is not able to attend the next meeting but will send signage examples found in Reading prior to the meeting. Jack
informed the Committee that he is willing to become an Associate member if one of the Associates' wish to become a
full member to avoid quorum issues. One of the Associate members should consider becoming a full member.
2009 Work Program
Several administrative items should remain on the Work Plan as continuous items such as grants, website and the FYI
report. Abby and Meghan will update the work program and post to the website. A subcommittee was suggested to
work on this season's farm stand. The expansion of the farm stand out onto Haven St and diverting traffic to Gould
was discussed.
Other Business:
The arches were installed at the alleyway and the project is expected to be completed this spring. The Chair reported
that the EDC was notified that it was awarded the Cultural Council grant for the mural in the alleyway.
The Economic Development Activity spreadsheet was reviewed by the Committee. Swiss bakers and the Italian
restaurant are expected to open soon. Bill Crowley also informed the Committee of the details of the Eastern Bank
buildings on Haven Street and of the recent vacancy of the Carlson real estate building on Haven.
Liaison Reports
Bill Crowley updated the committee about the liquor license policy and recent discussions with the BoS about
extending the hours to stop serving at 12:00 am and have all customers out at 1:00 am instead of midnight.
The parking recommendations have been presented and were discussed by the Committee. CPDC is planning a
public meeting about the proposed downtown smart growth district for Monday, March 9th in the evening.
Meeting Schedule
Next scheduled meeting will be on Wednesday February 18, 2009 at 7:30 PM, Berger Room.
w On a motion duly made by Sheila Clarke and seconded by Russ Graham, the Committee voted to adjourn at
90:06 P.M. on a unanimous vote.
Respectfully submitted, Abby McCabe