HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-10-01 Economic Development Committee MinutesEconomic Development Committee (EDC) ?-MVEg
October 1, 2008 MINUTES i 1f,! IN Ci_ERK
A DI G,
In Attendance: Meghan Young-Tafoya (Chairman), Sheila Clarke (Vice Chair), Jack Russell, Russell Graham, Michele
Williams, and Camille Anthony (BOS Liaison) met at the Berger Room, Town Hall at 7.*M f MY IQ P 3: 0b
Members Absent: Sharon Petersen (Associate Member), Michelle Ferullo (Associate Member)
Also Present: Abby McCabe (Staff Planner)
Call to Order: There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:31 PM
Review Work Plan: (Refer to the Work Program for further details)
Website: Abby to continue working on updating website. Suggestions included moving the mission statement to the top of
the page, adding news images to the bottom of the page similar to the Recreation Departments page, and adding the sign
permit applications.
Design/Fagade: Grant opportunities may be available through DHCD's Technical Assistance program. The Committee will
do some research and come up with a plan to apply for these funds.
Farm Stand: The last day of the farm stand will be Tuesday October 28th. To be replaced on work plan with Spring Fling.
EDC Section Leader: All surveys to be completed by next meeting (8 remaining).
Promote/Retail and Restaurants Downtown: No updates on Tambone site, Town Staff has contacted owner to get
information but has not learned of any new plans.
Economic Development Activity(EDA): EDA status report to be emailed prior to meeting with updates. The Town Planner
has talked with the Fabric Town owner and was told that he his in negotiations with an un-named tenant. The Fitness
Place at 150 Main will not be opening until it is reviewed by the CPDC and obtains the proper permits. The EDC
discussed this matter and was disappointed that the business would not be opening this weekend as planned. Abby
explained the importance for review and the owner's responsibility to comply with Reading's rules and regulations.
Partner with CPDC: The EDC would like to meet with the CPDC to discuss south Main Street business survey questions
and also talk about signage.
Town Communication with Business: One committee member expressed disappointment with a letter by Town Staff in
effort to further explain the sign permitting process to a business that expressed interest in more signage when
responding to the business survey. The Committee did not feel this letter was sufficient. Abby explained how staff
attempts to meet all requests for assistance. The Committee requested the Town Planner, the Town Manager and the
Chair and Vice Chair of the Board of Selectmen at the next meeting on October 15, 2008.
Reports
The Alleyway groundbreaking ceremony will be held on Saturday, October 4th at 1:00 pm. The design by John Coles has
been selected by the property owner. The quote for the arches at the alleyway entrances will be finalized soon. The
alleyway still needs a name and the Committee discussed creative options to get the community involved in the naming of
the alleyway. Ten thousand dollars still needs to be raised by the Committee for this initiative.
Summary and discussion of the Parking Study meeting from September 25th was given by those in attendance.
The EDC to report to the BOS on November 18. Topics to be discussed will be the business survey results, alleyway
initiative progress, and the resolution report. The EDC has also requested the Health Administrator atone of the EDC
meetings to learn more about the permits needed for new businesses.
Minutes
On a motion that was duly made and seconded, the EDC voted to approve the Minutes for September 17, 2008 as
amended. Vote: (4-0).
Meeting Schedule
Next scheduled meeting will be on Wednesday October 15, 2008 in the Berger Room, Town Hall, at 7:30 P.M.
On a motion duly made by Russ Graham and seconded by Sheila Clarke, the Committee voted to adjourn at 9:55
P.M. on a unanimous vote.
Respectfully submitted,
Abby McCabe