HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-03-05 Economic Development Committee Minutesi ( IV
MINUTES 0Vv,i-.~ l~Lr'R K'
Economic Development Committee (EDC) 3t _r. DI G,
March 5, 2008
Russell Graham, Sheila Clarke, Meghan Young-Tafoya, Michele Williams, Michelle Ferullo, Leslie McGonagle, Caro
Kowalski, and Abigail McCabe met at the Board of Selectman Room, Town Hall, Reading, Massachusetts beginning at
7:30 P.M.
Guests
• None
Agenda Review
• Liquor License
o On a motionby McGonagle- seconded by Young-Tafoya thecommittee voted to support Article
13 as written 4-0.
• Reports
Fagade Improvement -Arlington Slide Show
o Carol Kowalski went through the proposed Fagade Improvement program that the town of Arlington gave
at a seminar for their local businesses. The seminar outlined the program "5/5/5" which would give a Five
year loan of $5,000 at a rate of 5% interest for qualifying businesses to conduct Fagade Improvements.
The program is being supported by the local town government and banks.
Carol Kowalski and Leslie McGonagle attended the presentation. Afterward, Leslie met with Julie
Thurlow, Reading Co-OP Bank, and Julie expressed interest in spearheading the program for Reading if
there is a commitment from the town. Carol Kowalski is going to follow-up with Arlington to find out how
many merchants submitted applications and once approved, what is the deadline for completion. As well
as contact our local state representatives and Adam Baacke regarding possible Grant opportunities.
Alleyway Improvement Project
o The sub-committee consisting of Michele Williams, Meghan Young-Tafoya, and Sheila Clarke have
completed their initial research and will meet with Peter Hechenbleikner,Carol Kowalski, and George
Zamboras for feedback. A second meeting with the building owners is scheduled for 3/19.
World Cafe
Farm Stand
Michele Williams attended and felt it was a very positive experience for the town. The major themes
discussed were making Reading a more "walkable" town, downtown as a meeting place for all residents,
and a possible downtown location for teens. A recap of the event will be posted at the library and emailed
to the World Cafe distribution list.
The committee discussed expansion, but thought the Main Street Improvement project may cause
logistical issues this year. Michelle Ferullo is going to contact the existing vendor to see if we can
expand her goods to include breads, baked goods, etc. As well as research one or two additional
vendors for flowers, cheese, etc.
Town Day
o Scheduled for 6/21 as a 2-3 day carnival/family day event. Michelle Ferullo will do further research to find
out details and if the EDC should be involved.
• Work plan Review
o Tabled until 3/20 meeting.
• Other Business
o EDC to schedule meeting with BOS once EDC work plan has been finalized
o Carol Kowalski will contact Emmy Haan regarding DHDC Spring Workshop schedule
Meeting Schedule
o Next scheduled meeting will be on Wednesday, March 20, 2008 at the Berger Room, Town Hall, Reading,
Massachusetts beginning at 7:30 P.M.
On a motion by Young Tafoya, seconded by McGonagle, the committee voted to adjourn at 9:55 P.M. on a
unanimous vote.
Respectfully submitted,
Sheila Clarke