HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-01-23 Economic Development Committee MinutesV
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MINUTES r;IC:E I V E 0
Economic Development Committee (EDC), C} j~l
January 23,200s
Russell Graham, Sheila Clarke, Meghan Young-Tafoya, Jack Russell, Leslie McGon" %r w i, n tichele Williams
met at Reading Senior Center, Reading, Massachusetts beginning at 7:30 P.M.
Guests
• Michelle Furullo, Resident, attend meeting to learn more about the committee and its upcoming projects
Agenda Review
• Workplan Review
o The committee outlined all of its upcoming project ideas for 2008. The list is as follows:
■ Fabric Town building as a parking garage
■ Farmers Market
• Propose moratorium on any additional banks
• Alleyway project
• Website
• Town Ombudsman for businesses/welcome wagon
• How do we reach businesses, property owners, etc.
■ Recruiting new businesses to town
• Build better relationships with existing businesses - build a sense of community
■ Create an accurate database of all town businesses and property owners
• Building facades
■ Destination place for local restaurants
Sales and Marketing packets - visuals
• Update and add to annual events - Shop the block, House Tour
• Public Relations for both EDC and local businesses
• Communication styles
Temporary signage issues
• Bylaws
o The committee needs to review the existing list and be prepared to discuss their top four priorities by the next
scheduled meeting
• Report on meeting with the O'Connors on the Alleyway project
o Michele Williams and Meghan Young-Tafoya both concluded that the meeting went well. The O'Connor family
is interested in the project and is open to hearing additional information. A sub-committee consisting of Sheila
Clarke, Michele Williams, and Megan Young-Tafoya was created to research building materials, lighting options,
mural information, landscaping, etc.
• nth,-.r RI7CInAAR
o Business page of Town website - Sheila Clarke to contact Town Planner to schedule time with Mike Schloth,
Permits & Licensing Coordinator, to complete project
o Town Planner to contact developer to schedule possible Chamber of Commerce meeting at the TASC building
in the Spring
Meeting Schedule
o Next scheduled meeting will be on Wednesday, February 6, 2008 at the Reading Senior Center, Reading,
Massachusetts beginning at 7:30 P.M.
On a motion by McGonagle, seconded by Young-Tafoya, the committee voted to adjourn at 9:25P.M. on a unanimous
vote.
Respectfully submitted,
Sheila Clarke