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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_EDAB_07.19.2001Page 1 of 2 City of Georgetown Economic Development Commission Meeting of July 19, 2001 MINUTES Members Present: Scott LaGrone, Chairman Bill Jones Gordon Baker Jack Pittman Paula Boggs Johnny Lacy Daniel Vasquez David Hays Kathryn Heidmann Members Absent: Ann Clarke Snell Will Moore David McLaughlin Staff Present: Charles Walker Tina Morris Guests Present: Jack Nobleman Ken Evans Bill Connor Renee Hanson Robert Seamans Dana LaGrone W.R. Masterson Ronald Swain Debbie Walker Following verification that a QUORUM was present, Chairman Scott LaGrone called the Meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. DISCUSSION was held on the minutes of the June 14, 2001, meeting. On a MOTION duly made by Commissioner Lacy and seconded by Commissioner Heidmann, the Board voted unanimously to approve the June 14, 2001, minutes. DISCUSSION was held on the City Council response to the proposed role of the Economic Development Commission that was presented by the Commission to City Council on June 14, 2001. City Councilman Jack Noble presented the Council’s response and additions to the Commissions role. Councilmen Jack Noble and Ken Evans stated that Council was ready to let the Economic Development Commission proceed. The Councilmen further stated that they were dedicated to working with the Commission. Commissioner Heidmann raised the question of whether or not the Commission needed to take action on the response from Council. Chairman LaGrone stated that Jack Noble’s response was sent down by Council, therefore, the Commission was to only received the information not take action on it. Gordon Baker (downtown area/tourism) and (Bill Conner) large commercial/industrial presented reports from their working groups. DISCUSSION was held on these reports and the fact that Will Moore was unable to attend the meeting, therefore, no report was presented from the small commercial/retail working group. DISCUSSION was held on the proposed changes to the Draft Economic Plan. After a review of the proposed changes, Commissioners discussed and agreed on wording changes to three specific items 9.5, 11.4 and 11.5. Chairman LaGrone stated that he would like to see the finalized Plan typed on plain paper rather than the current newspaper format. Page 2 of 2 On a MOTION duly made by Commissioner Lacy and seconded by Commissioner Baker, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Draft Economic Plan with the changes made during Discussion. DISCUSSION was held on developing tactics to achieve the Commissions goals and objectives. Chairman LaGrone asked Charlie Walker to educate the Commission on policies and procedures. Mr. Walker spoke to the commission about the process of brining new business into Georgetown and the role of policies and procedures in insuring that businesses fit into the Georgetown community. Commissioner Boggs expressed concern that the Commissioners did not have the expertise to create policies and procedures. The Commission discussed that they may require the assistance of a consultant to create policies and procedures. The Commissioners would like more structure and training before they can develop policies and procedures. The Commissioners would like local business owners and experts in economic development to come in and speak to the Commission. The Commission would also like to receive copies of policies and procedures developed by other communities and the report from Angelo Angelous. Chairman LaGrone informed the Commission that Ken Holder will speak to the Commission at the next regular meeting. DISCUSSION was held on this Commission’s report to be given City Council at the August 14, 2001, City Council meeting. Chairman LaGrone stated that he will prepare and present the report to Council. Prior to the August 14 meeting, Chairman LaGrone will provide a copy of his report to each of the Commissioners and encourages them to respond with changes or additions to the report. The Manager of Economic Growth and Planning for the City, Charlie Walker, presented his report to the Commission. DISCUSSION was held on his report and the Commission asked Mr. Walker to clarify several aspects of his report. Mr. Walker explained to the Commission details of the current budget process and the cuts that City Council may make to the Economic Development program and other related programs. Mr. Walker provided a draft proposal for an industrial recruitment consultant and explained that the budget contains a request for funds to hire an Industrial Recruitment Consultant. However, Mr. Walker stated that he does not know if the request will make it through the budget cuts. The Commission expressed concern about the budget cuts and how they will affect this commission and the City. DISCUSSION was held on the time and date of the next meeting. Following Discussion, the meeting ADJORNED at 8:20 p.m.