July 18, 1996 SCHERTZ ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MEETING
MINUTES
JULY 18, 1996
SCHERTZ MUNICIPAL COMPLEX
The Schertz Economic Development Commission meeting convened at
7:00 p.m., Thursday, July 18, 1996, in the Municipal Complex
Converence Room, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas.
THOSE PRESENT: THOSE ABSENT:
Tony Moreno Jackie Jones
Tim Fetter Eric White
R.L. Vallance, Sr. Byron Williams
Harry B. Richburg Henry Gutierrez
Jeff Zunker Lew Borgfeld
W.J. Sweatt
Ben Davis
STAFF:
Kerry Sweatt, City Manager
Mark Marquez, ED Coordinator
Earleen Ehlers, Recording Secretary
ITEM #1 CALL TO ORDER:
Mr. Bob Vallance, Acting Chairman, called the meeting to order
at 7:00 p.m., with a quorum present.
ITEM #2 APPROVAL OF MINUTES (6-13-96; 3-28-96 & 2-16-96):
Mr. Bob Vallance called .for a motion for changes to the
minutes. Mr. Harry Richburg made a motion to accept the
minutes as they stand. Mr. Jeff Zunker seconded the motion.
The motion carried unanimously.
ITEM #3 FOURTH OF JULY PROCEEDS:
Mr. Marquez discussed the Fourth of July booth which netted
$81.75. A t-shirt and cap was offered to those EDC members who
volunteered their time to work in the booth.
ITEM #4 DISCUSSION OF BUSINESS APPRECIATION DINNER
PREPARATIONS:
Ms. W.J. Sweatt discussed the Business Appreciation Dinner
saying that the arrangements have been finalized for October
10, 1996. The theme will be "Octoberfest." It will be the same
format as last year. Mr. John Bierschwale will be playing
music and there will be some speakers. Mr. Marquez agreed to
contact the speakers to set up the time and date and firm up
their commitment. Decorations will come from Garden Ridge and
Mr. Zunker volunteered to loan some of the decorations as well
as help out. The Dinner will utilize all of the lower floor of
the Ramada Inn and they have agreed to set up a bar. Since
they do not have a license to sell beer or wine, they have
agreed to donate the refreshments. We may set out donation
cups so that donations can be given to help defray the costs.
The whole bottom floor was rented for $150.00, so the Ramada
has been very generous. The dinner will be planned for 200
participants this year. The Seguin State Bank will be opening,
as well as HEB so we don't want to overlook their invitations.
Mr. Marquez said that we would like to have the business
directory updated in early October so that it can be available
at the Business Appreciation Dinner. Ms. Sweatt asked to be
included in the proofing of the new directory. Mr. Marquez
agreed that Ms. Sweatt as well as several other individuals
are needed to proof the directory so that errors do not occur.
ITEM #5 POLICY ISSUES:
Mr. Marquez discussed the annexation proposals of the Planning
& Zoning Department and uncovered the map that was requested at
the last meeting. Mr. Sweatt discussed the annexation map
stating that approximately 24 more square miles have potential
for development. You cannot annex and start taxing without
providing "like concentrations and levels of service." Long
range planning is to be addressed by City Council. The
Planning and Zoning Commission has asked that we take the next
step to look at this very closely and begin planning the next
twenty years for the Schertz community. Some debate may be
encountered in annexation and it is important that we all,
including the Economic Development Commission start thinking
about what kind of fiscal impact this sort of thing has on us.
Mr. Moreno discussed the Planning & Zoning's cohesive land use
plan so that in the next twenty five to thirty years Schertz
will be a well rounded community that includes all the services
that they have now. This is the time to do the planning.
Mr. Sweatt concluded that this is the time to grasp the
opportunity to take Schertz forward from a bedroom community to
one which provides all the amenities, as well as jobs for their
citizens.
Mr. Marquez agreed saying that all this is important so that
we .can control our own destiny to make the City into what we
want it to be.
Discussion ensued regarding Old Wiederstein Road and an
overpass.
Mr. Marquez discussed Policy Issue #2 on Tri-County Industrial
Park showing development prospects. The Commission will need
to look into this further because they may be expected to make
a recommendation to City Council on what to do. Details must
be worked out because a tax abatement request may be
forthcoming. This deal could result in 30 - 50 jobs initially.
ITEM #6 STAFF COMMENTS:
Mr. Sweatt commented that the City of Schertz will be hosting
two mayors from Macedonia the first week of August. He asked
that the Commission hold a special EDC meeting to accommodate
their attending. These mayors have never experienced democracy
and they want to find out how we operate. Economic Development
is a big deal to them as well. They do not speak English but
they have an interpreter who can translate. They will be here
to learn and we think it is an opportunity to showcase the City
and give them a good orientation.
ITEM #7 COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS:
Mr. Zunker asked about the information from I.C.M.A. on
training and Mr. Marquez said that he would gather that and
get back with him.
Ms. Sweatt asked about additional EDC members reiterating Mr.
Stacey Ware's interest - Mr. Marquez said that he would put it
on the next agenda.
ITEM #8 CHAIRMAN'S COMMENTS:
Mr. Vallance had only one comment and that was that the
meeting had been a very enlightening one.
ITEM #9 SET NEXT MEETING DATE:
The next EDC meeting will be held Thursday, August 8, 1996, at
7:00 p.m., in the Municipal Building. Information on Macedonia
will be sent to you with the next minutes and agenda as soon as
possible. Mr. Marquez added that if any Commission member has
any items for the agenda to please let him know.
ITEM #10 ADJOURN:
Mr. Vallance asked for a motion to adjourn. Motion to adjourn
made by Mr. Harry Richburg, Mr. Don Davis seconded - motion
carried unanimously.
. Robert allance, Sr. Earleen Ehlers
Acting Chairman Recording Secretary
SCHERTZ DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
JULY 18, 1996, 7:00 P.M.
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