EDC 08-21-2008 Special
SC1HnE1R{lrZ
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Minutes of the
CITY OF SCHERTZ
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
Special Called
BOARD OF DIRECTORS' MEETING
August 21, 2008
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
CORPORATION
Steve White, President
Roy Richard
James Jamison
Arthur Jones
Harry Whitney
Mark Roberts
CITY STAFF
George Antuna, Executive Director
Juan Santoya, Finance Director
Jeff Jewell, Economic Development Specialist
Erin Matlock, Economic Development Specialist
Don Taylor, City Manager
David Harris, Assistant City Manager
THOSE ABSENT
Anthony Vaticalos
Others Present
Robert Brockman, Citizen
Robert Hunt, Embrey Partners
Charlie Walters, Cavender & Hill
Frances Rushing, President of Schertz Chamber
of Commerce
Ken Anderson
Misty Nichols, Planner II
Dan Walker, Eye Care Centers of America
Scot Wiliamson, Eye Care Centers of America
1. Call to order.
President White called the meeting to order at 11 :30 am.
2. Public comment.
None
ITEMS FOR INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION:
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3. Discussion, direction and action on a request for an incentive from Eye Care Centers of
America Inc.
Mr. Antuna introduced Mr. Scott Williamson and Mr. Dan Walker of Eye Care Centers of
America Inc. Mr. Walker gave a presentation regarding request for an incentive for Eye Care
Centers of America, stating the total investment will be seventeen - eighteen million dollars in
the Schertz location.
Questions from the Board:
President White stated that the original proposal was turned down after background review
showed the company had twenty six million cash on hand.
Director Whitney asked for clarification on liens. Mr. Walker stated that he was not aware of
any liens; however this could be on the construction end. Director Whitney asked Mr. Walker
to follow up on outstanding liens. Director Whitney also asked if Eye Care Centers of
America planned a retail center in the City of Schertz. Mr. Walker stated "No". Director
Whitney stated that the plant would be a distribution center with no sales tax. Mr. Walker
stated that they would have inventory and personal property tax. Director Whitney asked if
Eye Care Centers of America belonged to the Schertz Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Walker
stated "No".
Director Roberts asked the average wage of the employees. Mr. Walker stated twenty-five
thousand per year. Director Roberts asked about the expected growth and the wage proposed
for the new growth. Mr. Walker stated a twenty percent growth rate with the jobs between
thirty-five to fifty-five thousand dollars. Mr. Walker stated he would need to confirm those
numbers.
Meeting closed for Executive Session at 12:54 pm.
4 Closed Session in accordance with Texas Local Government Code, 551.086 (Economic
Development). In addition to the matters listed above, any matter scheduled for open session
may be discussed in Closed Session, as deemed appropriate and authorized by law.
5. Action on executive session, if necessary.
Director Richard moved to approve a cash grant in the amount of $60,000 to be paid out
in two fiscal years, the first phase to be paid on October 1, 2008, also to include fifty
percent tax abatement on new equipment. Director Roberts seconded the motion.
Motion carried. Vote unanimous
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6. Adjourn.
President White adjourns the meeting at 12:59 pm
President, Steve White
Secretary jTreasurer, Mark Roberts
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