HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-10-15 Economic Development Committee MinutesEconomic Development Committee (ED,_,r_~\110
October 15, 2008 MINUTES
In Attendance: Meghan Young-Tafoya (Chairman), Sheila Clarke (Vice Chair), Jack Russell, Russell Gr am, Michele
Williams, Michelle Ferullo, George Rio, Sharon Peterson, and Kathi Spurr (Temp yg,, F~ ha to 6 member
liaison) met at the Berger Room, Town Hall at 7:30 P.M. Members Abse %'J%~ t
Also Present: Carol Kowalski (Community Services Director/Town Planner) and Abby McCabe (Staff Planner)
Call to Order: There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM.
Michelle Ferullo discussed her progress with cold calling prospective businesses. She is finding that the economy is
proving to have an impact on local businesses and they are looking for lower rental rates than what Reading's property
owners are requesting. A possible subcommittee or task force was discussed to help identify perspective businesses. The
EDC members are each going to bring in a list of prospective businesses to the next meeting to assist Michelle in her
efforts. Carol pointed out that it would be good to find out the costs of the properties in Reading and compare them with
the surrounding towns.
Review Work Plan: (Refer to the Work Program for further details)
Website: Abby described the new additions to the website. The Farm Stand will be removed from the website soon and
replaced with the "Spring Fling" project. Abby and Sheila to talk more about future updates.
Design/Facade: The Committee summarized Arlington's design facade grant program as described on their website and
reviewed the application criteria. One committee member suggested creating an internship for a college student to do
some of the work if we do not have a strong funding source.
EDC Section Leader: All surveys to be completed by next meeting so the Committee will have a total of 40 to report on at
the Nov. BOS meeting. The Chair and Vice Chair are meeting next week to review the survey results.
Promote/Retail and Restaurants Downtown: Sharon has been interviewing business owners for the Shop Around the
Corner and the Business of the Week. The Alleyway groundbreaking was featured in the Chronicle and the Advocate.
Economic Development Activity(EDA): EDA status report was reviewed and discussed. Linens N Things is going out of
business, Tambone still looking for tenants, the Wine Shop is changing ownership but expected to remain a wine store.
The Depot Cafe may close and open as a bakery by new owner but in the same family as present owner. White Hen
Pantry is under construction but will be applying for a Minor Modification from the CPDC at next meeting.
EDC Education: Business Permitting Guidebook still in progress and is currently being reviewed by staff. The October
15th Downtown Idea Exchange was distributed at the meeting. The Town's pending grants were discussed and the
- Committee recognized the state budget cuts announced today and realized that state funding may be scarce. New grant
applications have been put on hold until more information is available.
Partner with CPDC: The Chair will contact the Chair of the CPDC to set up time on the meeting agenda to discuss EDC's
future work with possible zoning amendments. EDC work session set for Wednesday, November 1 gth
Town Communication with Business: Carol informed the group that she visited KGA Motor Sport and spoke with the
owner in person about his options for a new sign. Shop the Block will take place over a few days in November.
Reports
Michele Williams reported on the alleyway contracts and is confident that the mural will be completed by the end of the
month. The muralist is ready to go as soon as the legal pieces are put together. Only $3,000 needed to complete the
project.
The next parking meeting will be held on Thursday, November 301h and a survey is posted on the homepage of the
Town's website.
The Gateway Smart Growth district application is expected with the CPDC within the next two weeks. Parking problems
were discussed. Sharon to follow-up and get clarification on all day/long term parking locations.
The Wakefield BID meeting was summarized and material was distributed by email in advance.
Staff is working on creating a downtown retail map so that the EDC and CPDC can focus efforts and visually see where
the clusters are currently existing.
Minutes
On a motion that was duly made and seconded, the EDC voted to approve the Minutes for October 1, 2008 as
amended. Vote: (4-0).
Meeting Schedule
Next scheduled meeting will be on Wednesday November 5, 2008 in the Berger Room, Town Hall, at 7:30 P.M.
On a motion duly made and seconded, the Committee voted to adjourn at 9:52 P.M. on a unanimous vote.
Respectfully submitted,
Abby McCabe