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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_EDAB_03.20.2003Page 1 of 2 City of Georgetown Economic Development Commission Meeting of March 20, 2003 MINUTES Members Present: Dr. Ronald Swain, Chair Rick Smith Kathryn Heidemann Joe Pondrom Ed O’Rourke Russ Peterman Henry Carr Davidica Blum Ralph Nayman Henry Boecker Members Absent: Tom Crawford Davidica Blum Staff Present: Paul Brandenburg Charlie Walker Tina Dunbar Guests Present: Rebekah Sellers, Williamson County Sun Jakob Brandenburg Jerry Heare Following verification that a Quorum was present, Ron Swain, Chair, called the Meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. DISCUSSION was held regarding the minutes of the February 20, 2003, meeting and the February 15, 2003, commission retreat. Commissioner Heidemann suggested changes to the paragraph concerning Commissioner communications in the minutes of the February 20th meeting. The Commission discussed the change proposed by Commissioner Heidemann and the issue of Commissioner communications in general. Chair Swain announced that Commissioners absent at the February meeting and retreat were excused. On a MOTION duly made by Commissioner O’Rourke and seconded by Commissioner Smith, the Commission voted unanimously to refer the communication issue to the City Attorney. On a MOTION duly made by Commissioner Carr and seconded by Commissioner Heidemann, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the February 20, 2003, minutes with changes. On a MOTION duly made by Commissioner Smith and seconded by Commissioner Carr, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the February 15, 2003, retreat minutes. Chair Swain announced that he is a member of the Capital Area Economic Development District per the Mayor’s request. This ten county organization is in the process of developing a plan for economic development within the ten counties. Page 2 of 2 Jerry Heare of NAIC provided an update on the Draeger Property. He expanded his presentation to include comments he hears about Georgetown and how he responds to business looking at opening here. Mr. Heare answered questions and gave his suggestions on attracting business. Paul Brandenburg presented a draft Economic Development Action Plan. He explained that the Commission should use this draft as a starting point in discussions of developing a plan of action for the 2003 Commission. Mr. Brandenburg explained that TIP Development Strategies, Inc. has completed its organizational recommendations for economic development. DISCUSSION was held on holding a special commission meeting to review this report and then presenting the report to City Council in a joint workshop. On a MOTION duly made by Commissioner Boecker and seconded by Commissioner Carr, the Commission voted unanimously to hold a special meeting to review the TIP Development Services organizational recommendations document. DISCUSSION was held regarding funding mechanisms for economic development. It was suggested that the Commission create a task force to investigate the feasibility of 4A/4Bs and other funding mechanisms. On a MOTION duly made by Commissioner Peterman and seconded by Commissioner Smith, the Commission voted unanimously to create a task force of several Commission members to investigate the feasibility of different economic development funding mechanisms. Dr. Swain asked that Commissioner Peterman lead this task force. DISCUSSION was held regarding regional economic development groups and organizations. Commission Carr reported on the GTEC meetings and the meeting the City Manager held for those interested in downtown Georgetown. Commissioner Smith presented information gathered by the outlet mall feasibility task force. DISCUSSION was held on referring this matter to TIP Development Strategies, Inc. for further investigation. On a MOTION duly made by Commissioner Smith and seconded by Commissioner Peterman, the Commission voted unanimously to refer the outlet mall feasibility study to TIP Development Services, Inc. Charlie Walker presented his staff report including information regarding the Nanotech seminar he recently attended. DISCUSSION was held regarding agenda items for the next regular meeting of the Commission. The meeting ADJOURNED at 9:40 p.m.