HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_EDAB_10.02.2003 SpecialMINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING
OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 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: Mark Thomas, Tina Dunbar
Guests Present: Rebecca Sellers, Williamson County Sun
A. Call to order - A quorum being present the meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m.
B. Introduction of Mark Thomas the City’s new Economic Development Director
Mark Thomas outlined his experience and employment history. Mr. Thomas then expressed his
excitement about working for the City and being part of the community.
C. Discussion and possible action regarding the minutes of the August 21, 2003, meeting. Minutes
were unanimously approved (MOTION by Crawford, seconded by Carr)
D. Comments from the Chair.
Chair Swain thanked the Commission members for their hard work particularly in the absence of
a Director.
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 resignation of Commissioner Blum
Chair Swain explained that Commissioner Blum has submitted her resignation due to increased
travel and workload at her place of employment. On a MOTION by Smith, seconded by Pondrom
the Commission voted unanimously to accept Commissioner Blum’s resignation and ask the
Mayor to fill the vacancy.
H. Discussion and possible action regarding the draft economic development action plan – Mark
Thomas
Mark Thomas presented the latest version of the Action Plan. He expressed his support of the
Plan and the importance of continuing the Plan’s progress. So not to stop the progress, Mr.
Thomas will add his input under items currently in the Plan. Most of his suggestion fall under
marketing, therefore, he will develop a detailed Marketing Plan as a subordinate document to the
Action Plan. Commissioners suggested two changes in the draft Plan. On a MOTION by
Crawford, seconded by Boecker the Commission voted unanimously to accept the Action Plan
with changes as a working document.
I. Presentation, discussion and possible action regarding subcommittee reports – City Council
Workshop Subcommittee
Commissioner Heidemann reported on the subcommittee’s activities in planning the October 13th
workshop with Council.
J. Presentation, discussion and possible action regarding GTEC - Henry Carr
Commissioner Carr reported on construction projects currently underway and gave a projected
timeline for upcoming projects. Commissioner Carr also presented information on a conference
he attended for GTECH.
K. Presentation, discussion and possible action regarding liaison reports – Ron Swain, Henry Carr,
Tom Crawford, Rick Smith, Ed O’Rourke, Russ Peterman
Commissioner Swain reported on the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce Opportunity Austin
program. Commissioner Carr provided information on the FTZ in Georgetown. Commissioners
Crawford and Peterman discussed their meeting with a GISD representative. Commissioner
Smith reported on the Williamson County Alliance meetings. Commissioner O’Rourke gave his
impression of the Austin-San Antonio Corridor Council meetings. O’Rourke also provide
information on the TXDOT Airport Advisory Board and their plan to select a site by
L. Presentation, discussion and possible action regarding staff report – Mark Thomas
Mr. Thomas presented a report from the City Manager concerning recent economic development
items. He stressed the importance of our relationship with regional partners and how these
relationships will benefit Georgetown.
M. Discussion and possible action regarding future meeting dates and agenda items.
N. Adjourn – 8:00 p.m.