HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-07-09 Economic Development Committee MinutesMINUTES' E C E.1 bt ED
Economic Development Commil& "',(gkE I
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July 9, 2008
Meghan Young-Tafoya (Chairman), Sheila Clarke (Vice Chairman), JacJOa s A4, 11441ie c(brG~d, Michele Williams,
Michelle Ferullo, George Rio, and Sharon Petersen met at the Berger Room, Town Hall, Reading, Massachusetts
beginning at 7:30 P.M.
Also Present: Abby McCabe (Staff Planner), Peter Hechenbleikner (Town Manager)
Members Absent: Russ Graham and Carol Kowalski (Town Planner)
Call to Order
There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:32 PM.
EDC Member Year Review and Goals:
Each of the Committee Members introduced themselves to the group and shared their backgrounds and experiences.
Each member reflected on last year's greatest achievements and goals for next year.
Summary of Achievements:
The EDC Website
Alleyway Initiative
Completion of the Work Program
Public Relations Efforts-Brochure, Website, Business Breakfast & survey
Goals for Next Year:
Expand Farmer's Market
Complete Alleyway Initiative
New Businesses in Reading, specifically Downtown
Facade/Store Front Improvements
Investigate & research parking options for Downtown
Business relationship-building, continued outreach
Partnership with Community Planning and Development Commission (CPDC)
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 Young-Tafoya
updated the work program during the discussions that will be posted on the website after the meeting.
Sheila Clarke informed the group that final copies of the brochure have been printed and will be given to Abby or Carol.
Committee Members may pick up the brochures at Town Hall. The EDC webpage should also include all news stories
about the Committee and the Town as well a spotlighting Shop Around the Corner (SAC) and the Farm Stand.
Meghan informed the group that SAC will appear in the Friday Chronicle beginning on Friday July 11`h, 2008.
A link to the Zip Trip piece on Fox News should also be included on the website. Sheila will work with Abby on continued
website material and maintenance.
Design/Fagade Model - Carol spoke with one of the Architects that worked with Arlington on their Fagade Improvement
project and he has agreed to come to Reading to meet with Carol and a couple of the Committee members. Meeting to be
held during the week of July 22 d
Sheila Clarke provided a spreadsheet with a list of all the target businesses to survey. The Committee Members each
decided on three new businesses to survey before the next meeting in August.
Abby was not able to attend the DHCD workshop in Amherst but is in the processes of contacting Emmy Hann from
Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) to come to Reading, possibly have a small workshop or
presentation with the EDC and the North Suburban Planning Council as well.
Carol and Abby are working on a Committee Handbook to be distributed to the Committee once it is completed.
The Committee requested that the Economic Development Activity spreadsheet be placed on the website with a few
minor adjustments and should be routinely distributed to the Board of Selectmen.
The Committee decided that one or two members would attend the next CPDC work session on the Design Guidelines for
south Main Street.
Reports
Michele Williams meet with the Town Manager and Town Engineer and informed the Committee that the Town is able to
provide funding for the alleyway initiative project including the pavers in front of the alley. The EDC will arrange a meeting
with the Downtown Steering Committee to ask for the rest of the funds to make this project possible. Sheila Clarke is
investigating options for the decorative iron arches at the alley's exit and entrance. Michele also provided the Committee
with a first draft sketch from the Muralist. The Committee thought it would be a nice touch to include one of Reading's
parks in the mural.
Other Business
No other business was discussed at this time.
Minutes
On a motion that was duly made and seconded, the Committee voted to continue review and approval of the
Minutes until the next meeting planned for Wednesday August 6th so that the committee will have time to
review the minutes in advance.
Meeting Schedule
Next scheduled meeting will be on Wednesday August 6, 2008 at the Berger Room, Town Hall, Reading,
Massachusetts beginning at 7:30 P.M.
On a motion duly made and seconded, the Committee voted to adjourn at 9:45 P.M. on a unanimous vote.
Respectfully submitted,
Abby McCabe