HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_EDAB_08.21.2003MINUTES OF THE
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MEETING
THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2003
Members Present: Dr. Ronald Swain-Chair, Henry Carr-Vice Chair, Russ Peterman -
Secretary, Ralph Nayman, Tom Crawford, Rick Smith, Joe Pondrom,
Kathy Heidemann, Ed O’Rourke, Henry Boecker
Members Absent: Davidica Blum
Staff Present: Paul Brandenburg, Tina Dunbar
Guests Present: Virginia Stubbs
A. Call to order - A quorum being present the meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m.
B. Discussion and possible action regarding the minutes of the July 17, 2003, meeting. Minutes for
the June 19, 2003 meeting were unanimously approved with correction (7-0) (MOTION by
Pondrom, seconded by Carr)
C. Comments from the Chair.
E. Section 551.087 Deliberation Regarding Economic Development – no executive session.
F. Action from executive session. No action taken.
G. Discussion and possible action regarding the draft economic development action plan – Paul
Brandenburg
City Manager Brandenburg presented the latest draft of the Economic Development Action Plan,
which incorporates suggestions made by Commissioners. No action will be taken until the new
Director of Economic Development has reviewed and commented on the Plan.
H. Presentation, discussion and possible action regarding subcommittee reports – City Council
Workshop Subcommittee, Freeport Subcommittee
Commissioner Heidemann reported on the activities of the City Council Workshop Planning
Subcommittee. The Subcommittee plans to hold several workshops with Council to discuss
economic development issues. On a MOTION by Pondrom, second by Carr the Commission
voted unanimously to accept the Council Workshop Subcommittee’s recommendation that the full
Commission hold a workshop with City Council on October 13 at 4:00 p.m. Carlton Schwab,
CEO of the Texas Economic Development Council, will speak at the workshop.
Commissioner Crawford reported on the activities of the Freeport Exemption Subcommittee. The
subcommittee met but no action was taken.
I. Presentation, discussion and possible action regarding TXDOT study - Ed O’Rourke
Commissioner O’Rourke provided information on the Central Texas Airport site selection study by
the Texas Department of Transportation. The Commission agreed that Commissioner O’Rourke
should attend the site selection meetings on behalf of the Commission. Commissioner O’Rourke
will contact the City Manager to discuss the study and O’Rourke’s role at future site selection
meetings.
J. Presentation, discussion and possible action regarding GTEC - Henry Carr
Commissioner Carr reported on the activities of the GTEC Board.
K. Presentation, discussion and possible action regarding liaison reports – Ron Swain, Henry Carr,
Tom Crawford, Rick Smith, Ed O’Rourke, Russ Peterman
Commissioners representing the City at regional economic development meetings reported on
the activities of the regional organizations.
L. Presentation, discussion and possible action regarding staff report - Paul Brandenburg
City Manager Brandenburg gave a status report on the recent work of the city's Economic
Development Department. He expressed his appreciation to Commissioners for their outreach
efforts. Brandenburg discussed the presentation regarding funding for downtown projects to be
given to City Council at the workshop next week.
M. Discussion and possible action regarding future meeting dates and agenda items.
N. Adjourn