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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_EDAB_02.21.2002Page 1 of 2 City of Georgetown Economic Development Commission Meeting of February 21, 2002 MINUTES Members Present: Paula Boggs, Chair Will Moore Daniel Vasquez Henry Carr Ann Clarke Snell Kathryn Heidemann Gordon Baker Dr. Ronald Swain Clark Thurmond David McLaughlin Members Absent: Scott LaGrone David Hayes Bill Connor Jack Pittman Staff Present: Charles Walker Tina Morris Following verification that a QUORUM was present, Chair Boggs called the Meeting to order at 6:37 p.m. DISCUSSION was held on the minutes from the January 17, 2002, meeting. On a MOTION duly made by Chair Boggs and seconded by Commissioner Baker, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the January 17, 2001, meeting. The City’s Director of Finance, Micki Rundell, presented a report on past economic development incentives. Commissioners asked many questions regarding the report and the method of gathering the information in the report. Commissioners stated that while this report is informative it is not detailed enough for use as a guide to future economic development. Ms. Rundell informed the Commission that City Council is considering hiring a contractor to perform a professional analysis of past economic development incentives. The scope and cost of the professional analysis will vary greatly depending on the whether the contractor performs the analysis using only the information in the current report or gathers further information. The Commission agreed that the contractor must gather more detailed information to produce a report sufficient for use as a guide for future economic development efforts. Following discussion, on a MOTION duly made by Commissioner Snell and seconded by Commissioner McLaughlin, the Commission voted unanimously that in light of the of the past economic development incentives report that was provided by City staff the Commission requests that the City hire a contractor to perform a professional analysis of the information in the report. Further DISCUSSION was held on the report and possible professional analysis. Chair Boggs stated that the Commission should “weigh in” on this and all economic development matters. Commissioners identified specific information they would like to see covered in the analysis. Following discussion, on a MOTION duly made by Commissioner Snell and seconded by Commissioner Swain, the Commission voted unanimously to put into writing a list of specific information it would like to see covered in a professional analysis of past economic development Page 2 of 2 incentives and to present the list to Charlie Walker so he may submit the list and the Commission’s request for a detailed analysis to City Council. Charlie Walker presented a brief explanation of the purpose and process of the land use meetings. Charlie Walker reported to the Commission on the progress of the search for a business retention and recruitment contractor. Mr. Walker explained the request for proposal (RFP) process. The Commission will review the proposals and present their recommendation for a contractor to City Council. Several Commissioners stated that it would be necessary to develop criteria with which the proposals will be scored. Tina Morris explained to the Commission that City Council and the City Attorney have revised the Commission’s enabling ordinance to correct an inconsistency in membership requirements. In addition, City Council has produced a standard form for Commission By-laws. Staff will ensure that Commission By-laws follow this standard form. Charlie Walker and Commissioners who attended the 2002-2003 Economic and Technology Forecast Event reported on the substance of the seminar. Charlie Walker presented information on the Great Texas Trails Monument project and invited the Commission to attend a meeting at which the project builders will present a proposal to build the monument in Georgetown. Commissioners stated their disapproval of the project and lack of interest in attending the presentation. Commissioner Baker and Charlie Walker present a report on the activities of the Downtown Area and Tourism working group. Commissioner Moore presented a brief report on progress of the Small Commercial/Retail working group. Charlie Walker reported on the activities of the Main Street Advisory Board and the Convention and Visitors’ Bureau Board. Mr. Walker also reported on the progress of the 2002 Red Poppy Festival planning committee and the North Texas BioEconomy Report. DISCUSSION was held on agenda items for the next meeting of the Commission. The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.