HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-09-01 Economic Development Committee MinutesV i_ L)
Economic Development Committee (EDC)>>
September 1, 2010 MINUTES
Members in Attendance: Meghan Young-Tafoya (Chair), Sheila Clarke (Vice iQn) lQuAr A
George Rio, Michelle Ferullo, Maria Higgins and Michele Williams met in the Berger Room, Town Hall at 7:00
P.M.
Members Absent: Jack Russell; Ben Yoder
Others Present: Town Manager Peter Heckenbleikner; Selectman Steve Goldy; Reporters Ester Friedman from
the Reading Advocate and Kara Deyermenjian from the Reading Patch.
Call to Order: There being a quorum the Chair called -the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
On a motion by Ms. Williams, seconded by Mr. Rio, the EDC voted to approve the minutes from August
18th by a vote of 3-0-0.
After discussion it was decided that the EDC meeting originally scheduled for September 15th would be
cancelled.
Town Manager Update: Peter reported on some recent activities of the Town Historic Commission. They had
received a grant recently and have been diligently updating the historical property inventory of the Town.
Approximately 100 new properties were added. Peter also mentioned some progress in planning for an
Economic Development Summit and also reviewed a presentation that will be made to the Board of Selectmen,
which is on their agenda for their September 7th meeting. He concluded by mentioning that the new sign by-
laws were approved by the Attorney General's office on August 271h.
Work Plan (See spreadsheet for details) Work plan was discussed and a few items were highlighted: ongoing
work on the Sign Violations List with compliance and enforcement activities outlined; zoning discussions
underway with CPDC and BOS for freestanding signage, setback requirements; work has commenced on the 5-
5-5 project plan; and a meeting that is being scheduled with the owners of 95 Main Street to begin specific
discussions of bringing them into compliance. The EDC was encouraged to continue to suggest that any
businesses that have been notified of sign violations should schedule a meeting with the Town to discuss as
quickly as possible.
Economic Development Activity: Was reviewed and any new adds or changes were highlighted and
discussed. Updates should be forwarded to Abby as appropriate. A few items were highlighted and discussed:
MF Charles property owner seems to be moving forward with project plans; Verizon property is nearing
completion; Lynch property is still seeking second floor tenants before moving forward; and Grumpy Doyle's
Irish Pub should be opening for business by mid-month.
Other Upcoming Meetings: September 7th BOS/CPDC joint meeting; September 15th Financial Forum at the
Public Library; October 19m Economic Development Summit.
On a motion by Ms. Williams, seconded by Mr. Graham, the EDC voted to adjourn at 9:05 PM by a vote of
5-0-0.
Next meeting is planned for Wednesday, October 6, 2010