HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-09-03 Economic Development Committee MinutesEconomic Development Committee' (EDC,),) L,EiVED
September 3, 2008 MINUTES 10 H CLERK
Meghan Young-Tafoya (Chairman), Jack Russell, Leslie McGonagle, Michele Williams, George Rio, Sharon Petersen,
Michelle Ferullo, Russell Graham, met at the Berger Room, Town Hall at 7:30 P.
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Also Present: Abby McCabe (Staff Planner)
Members Absent: Sheila Clarke (Vice Chairmen), Carol Kowalski (Town Planner),
Call to Order: There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:33 PM.
Other Business: Leslie McGonagle resigned from her position as EDC member and North Reading/Reading Chamber
Liaison due to other work and commitments. Shop the Block was discussed and next year it should be expanded also to
include a 'Taste of Reading' once the downtown reconstruction is completed. The Arlington Architect may attend the
September 17th meeting, tentative time 4:30 PM (still to be confirmed). The annual update to the Board of Selectmen is
scheduled for Tuesday November 18th
Review Work Plan (Refer to the Work Program for further details)
The Committee reviewed the work program providing input on completed and ongoing items.
Website: Sheila is working with Abby to update the website. Staff will continue to update the website and post news
articles. Images, available commercial space spreadsheet and other info will be updated on the website soon.
PR Mode: Meghan will work on a Press Release for the EDC committee as well as adding the Farm Stand to the Fall
Community Connection Newsletter. A SAC article has been prepared for Everything but the Dog.
Design/Fagade: September 17th meeting with Arlington Architect in the afternoon, still to be confirmed. Time TBD.
Farm Stand: Michelle to find out exact end date for Farm Stand. Farm stand has been doing well this year. The
Committee discussed ending the Farm Stand on a Saturday in conjunction with an event in the train depot parking lot next
year with some vendors such as antiques and other home businesses. This would be a small fall community event. Julie
from Reading Co-op offered parking lot use for a fall event.
EDC Section Leader: The Committee reviewed and updated the survey list. Jack has completed all his assigned surveys
and was assigned a couple more on Haven Street. Abby will update the survey tracking spreadsheet.
Promote/Retail and Restaurants Downtown: Michelle F to cold call some more businesses.
Status report on Economic Development Activity: Italian restaurant beginning permitting process for the former Savory
Taste location.
Partner with CPDC: Meghan and Jack agreed to work with the CPDC as a subcommittee on the south main street
business survey. They plan to work with CPDC to create a separate survey for south Main Street businesses.
Town Communication with Business: The committee reviewed the Incident Report form that Michele drafted. It was
suggested to change the form's title to Resolution Report. An introduction explaining the purpose of this form was
recommended by the committee. This form is to be filled out by EDC members to control rumors and document business
input and feedback. This form is only to help the EDC and document contact with businesses, it does not promise all
business complaints will be solved. This should be further reviewed by the Town Planner and Town Manager.
Reports
Michelle Williams informed the group of the final details for the alleyway project and explained the new estimates for the
archway. Abby will contact the Town Engineer to find out the date the pavers will be installed and the Committee will then
be able to set the ribbon cutting date that will kick-off the fundraising effort. Meghan has drafted a letter to be distributed to
local banks asking for support. The Alleyway Initiative subcommittee will be meeting with Reading Rotary next Monday.
Peer-to-Peer Grant to be discussed in more detail at the next meeting on September 17th. Abby will bring in more details
about DHCD's grant requirements.
Staff gave an update on other Town business. The parking consultant's time schedule was provided to the committee; the
study is in the beginning stages and is set to be completed in early 2009.
Minutes
On a motion that was duly made by Jack Russell and seconded, the Committee voted to approve the Minutes
for August 6, 2008. Vote: (3-0).
Meeting Schedule
Next scheduled meeting will be on Wednesday September 17, 2008 in the Berger Room, Town Hall, at 4:30 P.M.
On a motion duly made and seconded, the Committee voted to adjourn at 10:00 P.M. on a unanimous vote.
Respectfully submitted, Abby McCabe