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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_EDAB_04.17.2003Page 1 of 2 City of Georgetown Economic Development Commission Meeting of April 17, 2003 MINUTES Members Present: Dr. Ronald Swain, Chair Rick Smith Kathryn Heidemann Joe Pondrom Ed O’Rourke Russ Peterman Henry Carr Tom Crawford Ralph Nayman Henry Boecker Members Absent: Davidica Blum Davidica Blum Staff Present: Paul Brandenburg Charlie Walker Tina Dunbar Shannon Baldridge Guests Present: Rebekah Sellers Ellie Skross Patty Eason Renee Hanson Virginia Stubbs Following verification that a Quorum was present, Ron Swain, Chair, called the Meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. DISCUSSION was held regarding the minutes of the March 20 regular and April 8, 2003, special meetings. Commissioner Heidemann suggested that the names of Task Force members be added to March 20, 2003, the minutes. On a MOTION duly made by Commissioner Pondrom and seconded by Commissioner Carr, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the March 20, 2003, minutes with changes. On a MOTION duly made by Commissioner Pondrom and seconded by Commissioner Carr, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the April 8, 2003, minutes with changes. Chair Swain reported on site visits to two existing businesses at which he accompanied Charlie Walker to meet with the business owners. Chair Swain reminded the Commission of the May 2, 2003, Greater Austin-San Antonio Corridor Council conference. He requested that Commissioners interested in attending this conference contact the Economic Development Department. Further, Chair Swain expressed the importance of the Commissions review of and recommendations on Paul Brandenburg’s action plan and the report from TIP Development Services, Inc. Chair Swain suggested that the Commission hold a special meeting on May 1st to discuss these items. On a MOTION duly made by Commissioner Carr and seconded by Commissioner Peterman, the Commission voted unanimously to hold a special meeting on May 1, 2003, at 6:30 p.m. Page 2 of 2 DISCUSSION was held regarding Paul Brandenburg’s Economic Development Action Plan with specific attention to Item A. Paul Brandenburg summarized his thoughts on the TIP Development Services, Inc. report and how parts of the report compare/contrast to his Action Plan. Mr. Brandenburg offered three recommendations to the Commission 1) add and additional staff person, 2) separate the Convention and Visitors’ Bureau and the Main Street Program from the Economic Development Department, and 3) hire an outside entity to handle marketing for economic development. Following discussion, on a MOTION duly made by Commissioner Heidemann and seconded by Commissioner Carr, the Commission voted accept the 1st two of Paul Brandenburg’s recommendations and to defer the third recommendation until more information is provided. DISCUSSION was held regarding funding mechanisms for economic development and recruitment. Commissioner Peterman reported on funding sources discussed by the task force researching funding mechanisms. The task force will meet again and bring a report to the next regular meeting of the Commission. Charlie Walker presented his staff report including a summary of recent City contacts and specific Toyota prospects. DISCUSSION was held regarding agenda items and dates for future commission meetings. The meeting ADJOURNED at 8:50 p.m.