HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_EDAB_01.15.2004MINUTES OF THE
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MEETING
THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2003
Members Present: Dr. Ronald Swain-Chair, Henry Carr-Vice Chair, Joe Pondrom, Kathy
Heidemann, Rick Smith, Ed O’Rourke, Tom Crawford, Ralph
Nayman, Henry Boecker
Members Absent: Russ Peterman – Secretary, Josh McClure,
Staff Present: Mark Thomas, Tina Dunbar
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 December 18, 2003,
meeting. Minutes unanimously approved (MOTION by Pondrom, seconded by Carr)
C. Comments from the Chair.
Chair Swain reminded the Commission that some member’s terms are approaching an
end. In February, the Mayor and Council will appoint or re-appoint members to those
expiring memberships. Chair Swain plans to present a year-end Commission report to
City Council at the next possible Council meeting.
D. Section 551.087 Deliberation Regarding Economic Development – no executive
session.
E. Action from executive session – no action taken.
F. Presentation, discussion and possible action regarding staff report – Mark Thomas
Mark Thomas reported on the progress of TASUS’s building process. The City Manager
is serious about ensuring that the process goes smoothly and has met with City leaders
on the subject. The City Manager has also agreed that it is best to postpone hiring a
marketing person for the department until further review. Mr. Thomas update the
Commission on efforts to highlight the TASUS announcement including hiring a PR firm.
G. Presentation, discussion and possible action regarding the Commission retreat.
Carr read the draft agenda item by item and stressed that Commissioners should read all
relative documents to be ready for discussions at the retreat. The Commissioners should
receive the documents by email in the coming week.
Discussion and possible action regarding schedule of 2004 regular Commission meetings –
Henry Carr
It will be hard for some Commissioners to attend the meetings at the current date and
time. The Commission agreed that the date should be changed. The By-laws state that
a change must be voted on by the Commission and then City Council. Chair Swain
suggested that the Commission change the By-laws to read that the meeting date and
time can be change by a majority vote of the Commission. (MOTION Carr, second
Smith to amend the By-laws to allow the Commission with a majority vote to establish a
date and time for Commission meetings).
H. Presentation, discussion and possible action regarding liaison reports
O’Rourke reported on the progress of the TDOT Regional Airport. Carr reported on
recent activities of the GTEC Board and legislative changes to 4a/4b. Heidemann
reported on the Georgetown Airport noise study.
I. Presentation, discussion and possible action regarding subcommittee reports
Crawford reported that the Freeport Subcommittee had received a list of business and
tax paid from the County. The list is not significant.
J. Presentation, discussion and possible action regarding liaison reports – Russ Peterman, GISD;
Henry Carr, GTEC; Ed O’Rourke, Regional Airport; Kathy Heidemann, airport noise study; Josh
McClure, Main Street Board
Carr reported that GTEC expects draft report at next meeting; O’Rourke reported that TXDOT
has completed the site selection survey; Heidemann reported no activity
K. Discussion and possible action regarding future meeting dates and agenda items.
The next meeting will be the retreat which is scheduled for Saturday, February 13, 2004
at 8:00 a.m.
L. Adjourn – 7:50 p.m.