08.13.09 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Minutes of the
CITY OF SCHERTZ
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
BOARD OF DIRECTORS' MEETING
August 13, 2009
CITY STAFF
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT George Antuna, Executive Director
CORPORATION Juan Santoya, Finance Director
Steve White, President Jeff Jewell, Assistant Economic Development
Harry Whitney, Vice President Director
Mark Roberts Erin Matlock, Economic Development
Tim Brown Specialist
Matthew Duke Peter Graves, Econaznic Development Analyst
Roy Richard
THOSE ABSENT Others Present
James Harden Robert Brockman, Citizen
Cynthia Palmer, Citizen
Deborah Stone, Citizen
T. "Jake" Jacobs, Citizen
1. Call to order.
President White called the meeting to order at 6:31 pzn.
2. Public comment.
Mr. Brocl~man asked about the new Autazane development in Schcrtz.
ITEMS FOR INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION:
3. Approval of meeting minutes dated June 11, 2009 and Special Callcd Meeting July 27, 2009.
Director Roberts moved to approve the minutes of June 11, 2009 meeting and Special
Called Meeting July 27, 2009 of the Econamic Development Corporation. Director
Brown seconded the motion. Motion carried. Vote ananimaus
4. Update froze City Finance Director on Monthly Financial Report. {J. Santoya}
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Mr. Santoya discussed stated that the sales tax is still doing well, and is up 2 percent on average
from the previous year. He stated that the Ciryhas bought asix-month CD and that the
Schwab Road Project account is closed with the final payment being made,
5, Discussion and/or action adopting EDC 09/10 budget. {G. Antuna}
1VIz•. Antuna introduced the budget to the board far approval.
Director Richard stated that he would not vote for approval of the budget if Park
Improvements were still a line item included in the budget.
Vice President Whitney stated that the Board does have impact for the Economic
Development department for the City, but the Board does not have the responsibility for
Parks and Recreation expenditures.
Director Duke stated that the Board is still waiting on a memorandum to rely on regarding
Parks and Recreation expenditures.
Mr. Santoya addressed the board, stating that Parlc improvements are a good economic
development tool for the city, as they are good far city recognition and improve the quality of
life.
Director Duke moved to vote on the budget up or down by roll call vote. Director
Richard seconded the motion. President White administered a roll call vote. Motion
deuied. Vote unanimous.
6. Discussion and/or action adopting EDC Conflict of Interest Policy {G. Antuna}
Mr. Antuna introduced the Conflict of Interest Policy and edits to the policy that were made.
Mr. Duke explained the edits and clarified some issues relating to conflict of interest policies in
general,
Director Brown moved to adopt the EDC Conflict of Interest Policy as modified, Vice
President Whitney seconded the motion. Motion carried. Vote unanimous
7. Presentation and discussion concerning area economic development reserves. {J. Jewel()
Mr. Jewell gave a presentation regarding economic development reserves for various
surrounding cities, noting that some budgets included amounts From the city's general fund,
and there were also some cities that had a zero budget, or they spent every dollar of income
each year.
S. Briefing on the EDC Business Retention & Expansion Program, {J. Jewell}
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Mr. Jewell made a presentation on the BRE program, summarizing that the markets for the
businesses are primarily national rather than local, there are many companies developing new
products, and that over the last year of interviews, he began to notice a change in the
companies confidence level as they became more uncertain about the economic downturn and
the impact that it may have on their business.
Vice President Whitney asked about the biggest worry among all of the interviews conducted
with the businesses.
Mr. Antuna stated that businesses voiced their concerns about running out of roam to expand
and their tax abatements rYZnning out.
Ms. Matlock stated that the businesses appreciate the EDC staff coming out to see them and
taking the time to care about them.
Mr. Whitney asked about the course of action that the EDC staff takes when a complaint is
raised by a business during a BRE visit. Mr. Antuna stated that the EDC staff does try to
address complaints but they do not have ultimate control over whether the complaint is
resolved or not in many situations.
9. Closed Session in accordance with Texas Local Government Code, 551.087 (Economic
Development}. Tn addition to the matters listed above, any matter scheduled for• open session
maybe discussed in Closed Session, as deemed appropriate and authorized bylaw.
10. Action on executive session, if necessary.
No action taken.
11. Requests by Board members that items are placed on a future SEDC agenda.
The Board requested that the EDC staff pz-ovide an update on a future medical complex
coming to Schertz.
12. Requests by Board members to Director and Staff for information.
The Board requested that EDC staff talk with the City Attorney to receive a memorandum an
the Grandfather Clause.
13. Adjourn.
The meeting adjourned at 8:ib P.M.
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Steve White, President
,c_
Harry 't ey, Vice President
Mark Roberts, Secretary/Treasurer
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