HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_EDAB_11.30.2000 Minutes of Economic Development Commission November 30, 2000 Page 1 of 2 Pages MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION FOR THE CITY OF GEORGETOWN, TEXAS WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2000 Chairman F. Scott LaGrone called the meeting to order at 6:41 o’clock p.m. in the Large Conference Room at Development Services, located at 904 South Main Street, Georgetown, Texas. The following voting members were present: F. Scott LaGrone, David McLaughlin, Jack Pittman, Will Moore, Ann Clarke Snell, Paula Boggs, Daniel Vasquez, Johnny Lacy. The following ad hoc members were present: Bill Connor Also present were: George W. Russell, City Manager, Marianne Banks, City Attorney, Shirley J. Rinn, Deputy City Secretary and Don Collier, Facilitator The following members were absent: Gordon Baker, Tim Harris, Mark Dixon, David Hays, Bill Jones, Clark Thurmond, and Ken Evans. A. Approval of Minutes from November 8, 2000 meeting. Motion by Jack Pittman, second by David McLaughlin to approve the minutes from the November 8, 2000 meeting. Approved (8-0). B. Discussion and possible action on adoption of by-laws for operation of the Commission – Ann Snell Brief discussion about content of by-laws. Motion by David McLaughlin, second by Jack Pittman to approve the adoption of by-laws for operation of the Economic Development Commission. Approved (8-0) C. Presentation regarding possible alternative funding sources, including 4A and 4B, tax incentives and bond options – Micki Rundell Rundell distributed information and gave a presentation regarding Financing Options for Texas Cities. There was discussion among the Commission regarding the different types of funding options. The Commission also briefly discussed some of the information provided in the “Citizen’s Guide to the Budget”. The Commission also requested that Rundell provide some comparison charts with surrounding communities to include, tax rates, bond ratings, property tax rates, including city, county and school, commercial property, debt to citizen ratios. The Commission is interested in seeing how Georgetown compares to other cities for our recruitment efforts. The Commission also talked about the City of Georgetown putting together a brochure to promote our City. There was also discussion regarding the need for demographic information for the City of Georgetown for use in determining recreational needs. Marianne Banks informed the Commission that once received, the Census 2000 data would be able to determine some of the current demographics for the City. The Commission discussed the possibility of the City of Georgetown compiling an Indicator Report styled after the “Central Texas Indicators” in order to track data based on trends in Minutes of Economic Development Commission November 30, 2000 Page 2 of 2 Pages the City. The Commission discussed the possibility of utilizing the talents of a summer intern or students from Southwestern University. George Russell told the Commission that the City is placing more information and indicators on its website. D. Progress report regarding meeting with the Lower Colorado River Authority – Don Collier Don Collier talked briefly about his efforts in conjunction with the Lower Colorado River Authority Economic Development Department to put together a draft economic plan for the Commission’s review. He indicated that he would bring a full report back to the Commission at the next meeting. Scott LaGrone indicated that he had obtained a speaker for the January 25, 2001 meeting. He has asked Ross Milloy with the Austin-San Antonio Corridor Council to speak to the Commission regarding the Growth Corridor along IH 35. E. Set Date for Retreat The retreat was scheduled for January 13, 2000 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. The Commission indicated that it wanted to have the retreat at Southwestern University. F. Report from City Manager regarding Economic Development Issues – George Russell George Russell told the Commission that the City had received some very good applications for the Development Services Director. He also talked about the Economic Development Director position as well. He said that most of the applications had been received through the Texas Department of Economic Development’s website. He also talked about the partnerships the City has formed with local individuals and organizations to form the City’s Economic Development Team, which includes the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce, Mel Penland, Gordon Baker, Southwestern University, Austin Community College, Lower Colorado River Authority, TXU, Verizon, Georgetown Independent School District, Mark Dixon, Jim Mills, Johnny Lacy and others. There was also a brief discussion regarding continuing inquiries from possible business prospects for the City of Georgetown 8:00 o’clock p.m. Recessed to Executive Session 8:15 o’clock p.m. Reconvened to Regular Session G. Action from Executive Session No Action from Executive Session H. Adjourn The meeting was adjourned at 8:23 o’clock p.m.