HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_EDAB_11.18.2004
MINUTES OF THE
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MEETING
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2004
Members Present: Kathy Heidemann, Ralph Nayman, Lynne Dison, Tom Crawford,
Ed O’Rourke, Joe Pondrom, Conchita Gusman, Ron Swain, Jim
Hensley, Josh McClure
Members Absent: Rick Smith
Staff Present: Mark Thomas, George Gomez
A. Call to order - A quorum being present the meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m.
B. Discussion and possible action regarding the minutes of the October 21, 2004, meeting.
MOTION Pondrom second Heidemann (unanimously approved).
C. Comments from the Chair.
No comments
D. Section 551.087 Deliberation Regarding Economic Development – no executive
session.
E. Action from executive session – none.
F. Presentation, discussion and possible action regarding staff report – Mark Thomas
Mark Thomas informed the Commission of the newly formed Williamson County
Alliance and the MOU between the involved communities. Mr. Thomas further
explained that this alliance has received attention and will most likely be the topic of an
Austin Business Journal article. Commissioners were very supportive of the Alliance and
suggested that County officials be included in the early stage of the Alliance. MOTION
by Hensley second Pondrom to approve the MOU and present it to City Council for their
approval.
Mr. Thomas informed the Commission of projects currently underway in the Department
including several projects on downtown property issues. The department has been
instructed by the City and asked by interested parties to get involved with the issues of
vacant buildings and tenant concerns. Discussion was held about downtown issues
including the closing of the Courthouse, a person or entity dedicated to creating leads for
downtown property owners, influence and assistance of Simon properties, and the history
of downtown business “turnover”. MOTION by McClure second Heidemann to notify
and express concern to downtown property owners, tenants, and other interested parties
of the Courthouse closure and its potential effect. MOTION by Swain second Pondrom
to hold an economic summit on downtown.
George Gomez presented a report on the Toyota Opportunity Exchange tradeshow he
attended on November 4th.
G. Presentation, discussion and possible action regarding subcommittee reports
No reports.
H. Presentation, discussion and possible action regarding liaison reports
Regional Airport (O’Rourke) – Airport “off the table” for at least two or three months.
WCEC (Crawford) – Sun will probably run story in Sat. paper. Meeting with possible
tenant for WCEC.
I. Discussion and possible action regarding future meeting dates and agenda items
December meeting will be held on the 16th.
J. Adjourn – 7:35 p.m.
Rick Smith, Chair Edward O’Rourke, Secretary