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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_EDAB_05.15.2003MINUTES OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MEETING THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2003 Members Present: Dr. Ronald Swain-Chair, Henry Carr-Vice Chair, Davidica Blum, Ralph Nayman, Tom Crawford, Rick Smith, Joe Pondrom, Ed O’Rourke, Kathy Heidemann, Henry Boecker Members Absent: Russ Peterman-Secretary Staff Present: Charlie Walker, Paul Brandenburg, Micki Rundell, Shannon Baldridge, Tina Dunbar Guests Present: Joshua McClure, Ken Evans A. Call to order – 6:35 p.m. B. Discussion and possible action regarding the minutes of the April 17, 2003, meeting – Minutes unanimously approved as presented (Motion by Pondrom, seconded by Nayman) C. Discussion and possible action regarding the minutes of the May 1, 2003, special meeting - Minutes unanimously approved as presented (Motion by Pondrom, seconded by Nayman) D. Comments from the Chair Chair Swain reported that he attended the Main Street Board meeting this morning and explained some of the Boards plans and issues. E. Section 551.087 Deliberation Regarding Economic Development – no executive session. F. Action from executive session – no action. G. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding Wolf Ranch Project – Tom Yantis. Micki Rundell presented update on the Wolf Ranch Project. Following the presentation, discussion was held on Project and its impact on Georgetown. The Commission voted unanimously to approve the motion which read as follows: The Georgetown Economic Development Commission unanimously recommends to the Georgetown City Council that it accept the recommendations of the Planning and Zoning Department and the Planning and Zoning Commission regarding the proposed Wolf Ranch development by the Simon Properties Group. The EDC highly recommends the acceptance of the proposed development as presented by the City staff in today’s commission meeting. We are in agreement with the negotiation position and terms that the City Council has put forth and that were presented to us today. The development will be a destination in the region and a major asset for the city, for the community, and for the City government. The Wolf Ranch development will also be a cornerstone asset that can provide badly needed shopping and amenities for the community. Having this asset will then make our community more attractive to future economic development recruitment of corporations producing products and services by highly paid employees who will live and work and do their shopping in the community. Wolf Ranch can be a catalyst for attracting this future growth. The EDC urges the City Council to unanimously approve the Wolf Ranch development. (MOTION by Carr, seconded by Smith) Staff was directed to put this motion in the form of a resolution to present to City Council. The Commission agreed to hold a special meeting on May 27, 2003, to discuss and act on the resolution. H. Discussion and possible action regarding Economic Development Department budget – Paul Brandenburg Paul Brandenburg presented the current department budget and his recommendation that the funds currently allocated to TIPs be used to increase department staff and marketing. I. Discussion and possible action regarding City Manager’s recommendations on the structure and reorganization of the economic development department – Paul Brandenburg Paul Brandenburg presented his plan for the reorganization of the department – separate the economic development department from the Convention and Visitors’ Bureau and add an additional staff person. The Commission voted unanimously to accept and support Paul Brandenburg’s reorganization plan (MOTION by Crawford, seconded by Carr) J. Discussion and possible action regarding City Manager’s economic development project list – Paul Brandenburg Paul Brandenburg distributed and discussed the economic development project list. K. Discussion and possible action regarding the development of an economic development action plan – Paul Brandenburg Paul Brandenburg distributed and discussed the economic development action plan. L. Review, discussion, and possible action regarding the BRR contract. The Commission voted unanimously to recommend to City Council that the BRR contract with TIPs be terminated immediately. (MOTION by Smith, seconded by Pondrom) M. Discussion and possible action regarding the Funding Research Subcommittee report – Russ Peterman Commissioner Pondrom presented the subcommittee report. The subcommittee recommended that the Commission petition the City Council to place a proposition on the November 2003 ballot for the purpose of forming a 4a or 4b Georgetown economic development corporation dedicated to the recruitment and retention of new and existing businesses and related economic development. The corporation would be funded by a quarter cent sales tax and governed by a Board of Directors similar to GTEC. The Commission voted unanimously to support and implement the subcommittee recommendation. (MOTION by Pondrom, seconded by Smith) N. Report from the Manager of Economic Growth and Planning – Charlie Walker Charlie Walker reported on the progress of the economic development brochure, website, and recent leads. O. Discussion and possible action regarding future meeting dates and agenda items. The Commission will hold a special meeting May 27, 2003, prior to the City Council meeting. The next regular meeting of the Commission will be held June 19, 2003. P. Adjourn – 9:30 p.m.