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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_EDAB_05.16.2002Page 1 of 3 City of Georgetown Economic Development Commission Meeting of May 16, 2002 MINUTES Members Present: Paula Boggs, Chair Davidica Blum Daniel Vasquez Kathryn Heidemann Henry Carr Joe Pondrom Gordon Baker Russ Peterman Dr. Ronald Swain Members Absent: Edward O’Rourke Ann Clarke Snell Staff Present: Charlie Walker Tina Morris Keith Hutchinson Guest Present: Ricky Peterson Following verification that a QUORUM was present, Chair Boggs called the Meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. DISCUSSION was held on the minutes from the April 11, 2002, special meeting, April 18, 2002, regular meeting, and the April 27, 2002, Commission retreat. Chair Boggs suggested that the working group Chairs be identified in the 1st paragraph of the second page of the retreat minutes. On a MOTION duly made by Commissioner Heidemann and seconded by Commissioner Swain, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the April 11 and 18, 2002, meetings and the corrected minutes of April 27, 2002. Keith Hutchinson, City of Georgetown Public Information Officer, introduced himself and briefed the Commission on his background. He then reported on his current activities, plan of action, and “wish list”. Keith explained that City Council will be “on the road” while Council Chambers are under construction. He plans to use these meetings to reach out to the community. The Commission made many suggestions regarding Keith’s role in helping to develop a more positive image for Georgetown. Working group Chairs presented their reports to the Commission. Commissioner Swain, Chair of the Outreach working group, reported that his group developed an action plan or list of activities they would like to accomplish over the next six months. This plan includes seeking opportunities for positive media exposure in the local and regional community in the way of press releases, articles about economic development, information sessions with Council, the Chamber of Commerce, local realtors, etc. and public forums featuring various speakers. The content of the City of Georgetown economic development web site is also high priority to the Outreach working group. Commissioner Carr, Chair of the Recruitment working group, reported on the information disseminated and discussed at the working group’s meeting. This information Page 2 of 3 included: the Texas Attorney General’s Handbook of Economic Development; a State of Texas economic development sales tax report and analysis; a financing options report previously presented to City Council; a capital area economic development report; a press release from Frisco, Texas, regarding their incentives policy; a chart of organization designed by Charlie Walker outlining the relationship between City Council, City Staff, and City Boards and Commissions under the Economic Development Division; and Mr. Walker’s report on the process of bringing or helping a business interested in moving to Georgetown. The Recruitment working group plans to act quickly on assigned issues, and it wants to take a proactive approach to economic development in addition to reacting to opportunities that fall within its scope of work. The group discussed its role with TIP Development Strategies, Inc. and plans to meet with TIP as soon as available. The group also discussed items and issues they intend to address in the future. One of the City’s weaknesses identified by the working group is the lack of a city incentives policy. The group intends to work toward developing an incentives policy for consideration. In addition, the Recruitment working group gathered information on its immediate project, the Airsun lease transfer recommendation. Travis McClain, City of Georgetown Director of Airport Services, attended the working group’s meeting and provided written and verbal information to the group. Charlie Walker explained the typical airport land management arrangement in Texas. Ricky Peterson, representative from Airsun, spoke to the Commission regarding the history of their lease and the problems and delay they have encountered in getting approval for the lease transfer. The working group did not attempt to come to a conclusion and make a recommendation in its initial meeting. It did review the information and identify airport lease issues. Because this is a time sensitive issue, the working group plans to meet again next week, reach a conclusion, and bring a recommendation to the Commission as soon as possible. Commissioner Pondrom reminded the Commission that City Council directed the Commission to review the Airsun lease transfer and its impact on economic development in Georgetown, not the expanded issue of a strategy for future airport leases and economic development. Chair Boggs agreed. Commissioner Blum, Chair of the Retention working group explained that while her group has been unable to meet they have been working on several issues. Commissioner O’Rourke has conducted internet research to gather information on retention programs of communities throughout the State and Country. Commissioner Blum presented information on the liquor-by-the-drink issue. She plans to meet with an individual in Temple, Texas, to learn from their recent experience with this issue. Chair Boggs suggested that Commissioner Blum contact an individual from Round Rock who was involved when Round Rock went through this process. Commissioner Blum explained that her working group plans to meet soon and discuss the information they have gathered. Charlie Walker presented his staff report including the progress of negotiating a BRR contract between the City of Georgetown and TIP Development Strategies, Inc. Charlie explained that the issue of billable hours has delayed progress on the contract. The Economic Development Commission previously recommended to Council that they require a billable hour per task approach in the contract, rather than a fixed monthly level of effort payment. City Council accepted this recommendation. Mr. Walker then provided a list of companies or individuals that have contacted the department for city information or for visits to the city. Mr. Walker went on to explain his Page 3 of 3 process of dealing with these inquiries. He pointed out the need for some type of city policy on incentives with some of these companies. DISCUSSION was held on agenda items for the next regular meeting of the commission. The meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.