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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-08-06 Economic Development Committee MinutesEconomic Development Committee (EDC); 1Y D August 6, 2008 MINUTES -10 V1C~ C( ERR RAD1"N G, IAI SS; Meghan Young-Tafoya (Chairman), Sheila Clarke (Vice Chairman), Jack Russell, Leslie McGonagle, Michele Williams, George Rio, and James Bonazoli (Board of Selectmen EDC Liaison) met at the B r To II 67:30 P.M. Also Present: Carol Kowalski (Town Planner/Community Services Director) and Abby McCabe (Staff Planner), Peter Heckenbleikner (Town Manager) joined meeting at 9:30 PM. Members Absent: Russ Graham, Michelle Ferullo, and Sharon Petersen Call to Order: There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:32 PM. Review Work Plan (Refer to the Work Program for further details) The Committee reviewed the work program providing input on completed and ongoing items. Meghan updated the work program during the discussions that will be posted on the website after the meeting. Meghan suggested separating the items on the work plan to different meetings in the month. Website: Shop around the corner (SAC) will be spotlighted in the Reading Chronicle every Wednesday. The Hitching Post appeared in today's paper and was the first business highlighted in this series. Staff will continue to update the website and post news articles. Sheila asked if it would be possible for a committee member to update the Committee's website, Carol to find out. The idea of posting available properties on the website was discussed by the Committee and it was suggested to post a map of available or vacant space with very basic information on the website for a general reference. PR Mode: The Advocate will also be running a weekly business spotlight. Sheila and Meghan are working on the presentation on the Alleyway Initiative presentation on the August 25 meeting with Reading Rotary. One committee member suggested contacting the Northwest Globe as well as creating a newspaper email group contact list for all press releases. Design/Facade: Meeting with Arlington architect rescheduled and to be determined. Farm Stand: The idea of an expanded farmer's market and full white elephant sale was discussed. The Committee discussed a possible location, date and vendors to participate in the event. The consensus of the Committee was to have this event at the end of September and be a fundraising kick-off for the Alleyway Initiative project. EDC Section Leader: The Committee reviewed and updated the survey list. The Committee intends to complete the surveys for businesses in this section and will then move onto south Main Street. The data collected from this section should be analyzed before moving onto the next business section. Survey review and analysis should be included in the work plan as well as following-up with the businesses that have already been surveyed. Promote/Retail and Restaurants Downtown: Michele reported on the feedback she received when she made some cold calls to several prospective businesses. Status report on Economic Development Activity Carol provided the latest updates. The former CB Designs space should be added to the spreadsheet. Partner with CPDC: The CPDC has asked the EDC to add one or two questions to the business survey that may help with the design guidelines for south Main Street. Reports Michele Williams reported that the brick pavers for the alleyway will be installed soon and coordinated with the downtown reconstruction project once work in underway in that area of Main Street. The Committee will set a date and plan a ribbon cutting ceremony to kick-off the fundraising effort to complete the Alleyway Initiative project. Another muralist is being considered for the mural but no decisions have been made and no designs have been finalized. Fundraising options were discussed by the Committee. Staff gave an update on other Town business. A Parking consultant has been chosen and the annual Peer-to-Peer Grant is now available with DHCD. To be considered for the grant the projects must be completed by July 30, 2009. The upcoming plans for Site Plan Review by the CPDC were summarized. Minutes On a motion that was duly made and seconded, the Committee voted to approve the Minutes for June 4, 2008. Vote: (4-0) On a motion that was duly made and seconded by Sheila Clarke, the Committee voted to approve the Minutes for June 18, 2008. Vote: (4-0) On a motion that was duly made and seconded, the Committee voted to approve the Minutes for July 9, 2008. Vote: (4-0) Meeting Schedule Next scheduled meeting will be on Wednesday September 3, 2008 at the Berger Room, Town Hall, at 7:30 P.M.