HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-09-17 Economic Development Committee MinutesEconomic Development Committee (EDC)
September 17, 2008 MINUTES CL ERK
In Attendance: Meghan Young-Tafoya (Chairman), Jack Russell, Sharon Petersen, Michelle Ferullo, Russel(~~ralam,
met at the Berger Room, Town Hall at 4:30 P.M. Guests Present: David Chillinski (Guest A itect Robin Parker-
Katsoufis (Guest Architect), Sheila Clarke (Vice Chairmen) joined meeting at 5:30 and Jac s I~left4t Q0.3- O b
Also Present: Abby McCabe (Staff Planner), Carol Kowalski (Community Services Director/Town Planner)
Members Absent: Michele Williams, George Rio
Call to Order: There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 4:30 PM and the Committee took a walking
tour of the downtown with the architects that worked on the Arlington and Cambridge facade improvement programs.
The Committee then returned to the Berger Room and discussed the Arlington fagade improvement program. Permitting
and previous work with other planning commissions were discussed. The Committee is interested in doing something
similar in Reading and will continue this discussion at the next meeting in October. The Committee needs to find a funding
source for a fagade program as the other communities were able to secure Community Development Block Grant funds.
Review Work Plan (Refer to the Work Program for further details)
Website: Sheila and Abby to meet and follow-up with more website updates.
PR Mode: No recent Shop Around the Corner or Business of the Week articles in the Chronicle or Advocate. Meghan to
follow-up with the newspapers.
Design/Facade: Today's meeting with the architect will be further discussed at the next meeting. The architect
recommended a signage workshop to better understand the process.
Farm Stand: The last day of the Farm Stand will be October 28`" and will now end at 6:00 pm instead of 7:00.
EDC Section Leader: Jack has completed and submitted three more surveys. The Committee should complete the Haven
Street area surveys by the next meeting. Approximately 35 will have been completed at this time and the results should
be compiled, analyzed and reported. Sheila to further investigate survey monkey and other options to make the survey
accessible through the website. Survey results to be reported at the Board of Selectmen at the November meeting.
Promote/Retail and Restaurants Downtown: Available commercial space spreadsheet is on Business webpage.
Status report on Economic Development Activity No new activity since last meeting. 80-100 Main Street leasing sign has
been removed from the building.
Partner with CPDC: Jack to partner with CPDC on creating a survey for south Main Street businesses and property
owners.
Town Communication with Business: The Town Planner has reviewed the proposed Resolution Report, more comments
will follow. Feedback from the Town Manager is still needed,
Reports
Russ and the Alleyway Initiative Subcommittee met with Nelson Burbank to discuss the project and the need for funds to
complete the project. They also reported on the Rotary Club presentation made since the last meeting. Mr. Burbank
expressed interest in'the project and the Rotary Club also had a positive reaction to the project. Letters to Banks asking
for money will be mailed this week. Friday the subcommittee will meet with the two property owners and Town Engineer.
The Permitting Guide and Committee Handbook are in progress by staff.
Peer-to-Peer Grant to be discussed in more detail at the next meeting on October 1st. Abby will bring in more details
about DHCD's grant requirements.
Meghan informed the Committee that the Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of the Board of Selectmen would like to meet with
the EDC to discuss goals and progress.
Minutes
On a motion that was duly made by Sheila Clarke and seconded by Russ Graham, the Committee voted to
approve the Minutes for September 3, 2008 as amended. Vote: (3-0).
Meeting Schedule
Next scheduled meeting will be on Wednesday October 1, 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 7:05
P.M. on a unanimous vote.
Respectfully submitted,
Abby McCabe