HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-01-05 Economic Development Committee MinutesEconomic Development Committee (EDC)
January 5th, 2011 MINUTES r--,, J 21 P 5: 18
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Members in Attendance: Meghan Young-Tafoya (Chair), Sheila Clarke (Vice-Chairman), Michele
Williams, George Rio, Jack Russell, Michelle Ferullo and Maria Higgins met in the Berger Room, Town
Hall.
Members Absent: Ben Yoder and Russ Graham
Others Present: Staff Planner Abby McCabe and Board of Selectmen member Camille Anthony.
Call to Order: There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
Other Business:
The EDC is scheduled to appear before the Selectmen on January 25`h for their annual committee report.
The Committee discussed ideas and logistics for the Selectmen's meeting and the role and functions of
the EDC. It was suggested to investigate the role of economic development committee's in other
communities.
Members should send suggested action items and next steps from November's Economic Development
Summit to Ms. Clarke. Priorities and goals for 2011 will be incorporated into the Selectmen's report.
The Chair noted that Ms. Clarke was recognized in the volunteer spotlight of the Reading Recreation
magazine.
It was requested that staff report to the EDC on sign enforcement efforts.
On a motion made by Ms. Williams seconded by Ms. Clarke, the December 1 s`, 2010 meeting
minutes were approved as written by a vote of 4-0-0.
Work Plan Highlights (See online spreadsheet for details):
Ms. Williams and Mr. Russell summarized the December 7 Selectmen's meeting they attended about
the way-finding signage project. The Selectmen were not fully supportive of the way-finding sign initiative
and did not put any funds towards the installation of the signs. Ms. Williams also reported to the
Committee about the site visit with the peer consultant working on the storefront improvement program.
The consultant is researching now and will report back to the Committee. The passport guide book to
doing business in Reading is ready and copies will be distributed in Town Hall, with the Chamber of
Commerce, to businesses and to other appropriate parties. Ms. Higgins will work with Ms. Young to
prepare a press release about the passport guidebook. Staff will also upload the passport to the website.
Economic Development Activity (See online spreadsheet for details):
Ms. Ferullo reported on the progress she's made while targeting prospective businesses to open or
relocate to reading. Extra help will also be needed for the Reading Farm Stand and its possible
expansion. The ownership of the Reading Wine Shop has changed.
On a motion by Ms. Clarke, seconded by Ms. Williams, the EDC voted to adjourn at 9:30 p.m. by a
vote of 4-0-0.
The next meeting is scheduled for January 19eh, 2011
Respectfully submitted,
Abby McCabe