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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_EDAB_08.16.2001Page 1 of 2 City of Georgetown Economic Development Commission Meeting of August 16, 2001 MINUTES Members Present: Scott LaGrone, Chairman Bill Jones Gordon Baker Jack Pittman Paula Boggs Johnny Lacy Daniel Vasquez David Hays Kathryn Heidmann Will Moore David McLaughlin Clark Thurmond Members Absent: Ann Clarke Snell Staff Present: Charles Walker Tina Morris Shirley Rinn Guests Present: Ken Evans John Kirby Bill Connor Renee Hanson Jean Ehnebuske David Ehnebuske Orbry D. Holden Bill Lipscomb Following verification that a QUORUM was present, Chairman LaGrone called the Meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Dr. Aubry Holden spoke to the commission about the importance of quality education to economic development. In order to attract business to our community, we must offer high- ranking schools for their children. Dr. Holden stressed that our community must address the issue of disadvantaged students. In order to increase the ranking of Georgetown schools, local business and individuals must get involved. DISCUSSION was held about Dr. Holden’s presentation. Commissioners McLaughlin, Jones, and Thurmond explained education enhancement programs currently or soon to be implemented in Georgetown. DISCUSSION was held on the minutes of the July 19, 2001, meeting. Commissioner Boggs identified and corrected two errors in the second paragraph of the second page. On a MOTION duly made and seconded, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the corrected July 19, 2001, minutes. DISCUSSION was held on attendance rules. Chairman LaGrone informed the Commission that City Council had accepted his resolution to the attendance issue. Chairman LaGrone then announced that Clark Thurmond could be reinstated if his Working Group attendance brings his overall attendance to the 66.7% rule. DISCUSSION was held on the Final Plan and steps needed to implement the Plan. Chairman LaGrone asked the “Working Groups” to decide which of the goals they would like to accomplish. Commissioners expressed a desire to gain more information from economic development professionals and similar cities. Chairman LaGrone stated that he would try to set Page 2 of 2 up a meeting with the San Marcos economic development department. Charlie Walker explained the role of the Texas Economic Development Council and economic accreditation. The Commission agreed that staff should gather data necessary for the commission to accomplish its goals. The Commission agreed that it cannot wait for information from staff and/or other communities to begin working on goals. Commissioner Jones suggested that the Working Group Chairmen divide the goals between the Groups. On a MOTION duly made by Commissioner Jones and seconded by Commissioner Boggs, the Commission voted unanimously that Chairman LaGrone, Charlie Walker, and the Chairmen of the Working Groups should meet and set the plan for each Group. DISCUSSION was held on the recently passed emergency ordinance concerning retail development. The Commission was divided in its response to the ordinance. The Commission agreed that recent publicity has not been good for economic development in Georgetown. We need to continue to find ways of improving our image with the general public in Central Texas as well as with business leaders in the area. The Manager of Economic Growth and Planning for the City, Charlie Walker, reported to the Commission that the City continues to get prospects but none “serious” enough to bring to the Commission. Mr. Walker presented a plan to produce a magazine for the City that could be used for both economic development and tourism. Mr. Walker also updated the Commission on the City budget. DISCUSSION was held on the time and date of the next meeting. Following Discussion, the meeting ADJORNED at 8:45 p.m.