HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-01-19 Economic Development Committee MinutesEconomic Development Committee (EDC) -
January 19th, 2011 MINUTES
Members in Attendance: Meghan Young-Tafoya (Chair), Sheila Clarke (Vice-Chairman), Russ Graham,
George Rio, and Maria Higgins met in the Berger Room, Town Hall..
Members Absent: Ben Yoder, Michele Williams, Jack Russell and Michelle Ferullo
Others Present: Staff Planner Abby McCabe.
Call to Order: There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
Other Business:
The Chair explained that the Town Manager had forwarded an email clarifying the recent
misunderstanding about the budget funds believed to have been set aside for way-finding signage.
On a motion made by Ms. Clarke, seconded by Mr. Graham, the January 5t", 2019 meeting minutes
were approved as amended by a vote of 4-0-0.
Work Plan Highlights (See online spreadsheet for details):
The peer consultant working on the business / storefront improvement program is still in the research
stage and her attendance at the next meeting in February has been requested but not yet confirmed. Ms.
Clarke updated the Committee on her conversation with the Assistant Planner at the City of Melrose
about their street light flower basket program. This will be discussed further at a February meeting
focusing on the Downtown Improvements and Events Trust Fund. The monthly subscription for the
Downtown Idea Exchange magazine will also be discussed at the February meeting since the Town does
not plan to renew the subscription in March. Ms. Ferullo was not able to attend tonight but the Chair gave
Ms. Ferullo's outbound marketing updates. The Committee reviewed and edited the press release
prepared by Ms. Higgins and Ms. Young about the passport. Ms. Clarke will mail some of the passports to
a local developers and lawyers and existing business and property owners will be directed to the website to
view the passport.
Economic Development Activity (See online spreadsheet for details):
Ms. Clarke informed the Committee that Sam's Bistro was approved for Brunch which is expected to
begin in the next few weeks. The Town Planner will be meeting with the MF Charles property owner's
attorney next week.
The Committee reviewed the draft power point presentation for next week's Board of Selectmen's
meeting. The power point was edited during the meeting. The EDC will be on the Selectmen's agenda for
Tuesday January 25 .
On a motion by Mr. Graham, seconded by Ms. Clarke, the EDC voted to adjourn at 8:47 p.m, by a
vote of 4-0-0,
The next meeting is scheduled for February 2"d, 2011
Respectfully submitted,
Abby McCabe