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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_EDAB_04.15.2001 Economic Development Commission Minutes of April 19, 2001 Page 1 of 3 MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION FOR THE CITY OF GEORGETOWN, TEXAS THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2001 Chairman F. Scott LaGrone called the meeting to order at 7:20.M. p.m. in the Large Conference Room at Development Services, located at 904 S. Main Street, Georgetown, Texas. The following voting members were present: F. Scott LaGrone, Will Moore, Ken Evans, Daniel Vasquez, Paula Boggs, Ann Snell, Bill Connor, Gordon Baker, David McLaughlin, Annette Ford attended on behalf of David Hays. Also present were: George Russell, City Manager and Shirley J. Rinn, Deputy City Secretary The following members were absent: Tim Harris, Mark Dixon, Clark Thurmond, Bill Jones, Jack Pittman and Johnny Lacy. A. Approval of Minutes from March 15, 2001. Motion by David McLaughlin, Second by Ken Evans to approve. Approved (7-0) B. Discussion and possible action regarding the Draft Economic Plan. This item is to be discussed after item C. C. Reports from Working Groups 1. small commercial/retail Will Moore gave a report regarding the progress of the working group. He said that they met with the Chamber of Commerce Development Committee and discussed goals and objectives of each group. He said that it looks like the chamber and the EDC are moving in the same direction because their goals and objectives were almost identical to the EDC’s. They also discussed doing a survey to see what type of businesses the community would like to see in Georgetown. Moore said that he thought that it was important the EDC partner with the Chamber in economic development matters. He also discussed the process by which the small commercial/retail working group is approaching the goals and objectives. There was also a brief discussion regarding the Development Services Workshop. 2. large commercial/Industrial Bill Connor discussed how the large commercial/industrial working group reviewed the goals and objectives of the Draft Economic Development Plan. He said that they revised the goals and objectives that pertained to large commercial/industrial businesses and integrated them into the draft economic plan. Economic Development Commission Minutes of April 19, 2001 Page 2 of 3 3. downtown area and tourism. Gordon Baker arrived late to the meeting and this report was postponed until the next meeting. D. Update on progress of scheduling visits with community groups and organizations, including neighborhood associations to promote citizen input to the economic plan and discussion and possible action regarding setting a date for a public meeting regarding citizen input for Economic Development Plan. There was a brief discussion regarding progress of meeting with community groups. The Commission also discussed the Public Meeting on May 16, 2001 regarding the Draft Economic Plan. Shirley Rinn is to clarify the place and time for the meeting. E. Discussion and possible action regarding report given to City Council on April 10, 2001 regarding Commission activities. Scott LaGrone talked to the Commission regarding the Council’s reaction to the report that he gave them on April 10, 2001. There was a discussion among the commission members regarding its level of involvement in economic development issues. They also discussed items that they would like to discuss at the Joint Meeting on April 24, 2001, including clarification of council expectations of the Economic Development Commission, by-law revision and adoption, election of a Secretary for the Commission, and voting authority for ad hoc members. F. Discussion and possible action regarding charge to commission, council policy regarding its boards & commissions, review of by-laws, basic parliamentary procedure and the need to elect a Secretary – Scott LaGrone The Commission members discussed Roberts Rule of Order and the importance for using these rules in meetings. The proposed revised by-laws were passed out to the Commission members. The Commission members indicated that they would like the opportunity to review the revisions and that a vote for approval would be taken at the next meeting. There was a brief discussion regarding the need to elect a Secretary. Motion by Ann Snell, Second by David McLaughlin to elect Will Moore as Secretary of the Economic Development Commission. Approved (7-0) G. Discussion and possible action regarding thoughts/recommendations to Council regarding the City of Georgetown’s governance policies and ethics ordinances. The commission members discussed governance and the relationship between the Council, the City Manager and Staff and how the governance relates to Boards and Commissions. There was a concern among the Commission Members as to whether or not all Boards and Commissions are operating within the bounds of the governance policy. There was a discussion regarding the difference between policy and management and how it is the role Economic Development Commission Minutes of April 19, 2001 Page 3 of 3 of the Council to create the policies and how city management is to implement the policies. There was further discussion regarding the need for Council to set clear expectations for its Boards and Commissions and that there be a mutual respect between the council and its boards. The commission members agreed that it was essential that there be a clear line of communication between the council and its board and commission members. H. Report from City Manager regarding Economic Development Issues, including the status of hiring a new Manager of Economic Growth and Planning. George Russell discussed the candidates for the position of Manager of Economic Planning and Growth. He also told the Commission that the marketing position in the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau was being reviewed and would probably be converted into a Tourism Director position. He also discussed new businesses that were interested in relocating to Georgetown. The Commission members indicated to George that they would like to see financial information regarding the Rivery. George also told the Commission that he, Jim Briggs, Micki Rundell and Sam Pfiester would be attending a Bond Rating trip for the City of Georgetown. I. Adjourn The meeting adjourned at 8:37 p.m.