JULY 6 2004
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SCHERTZ ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (4-B BOARD)
JULY 6, 2004
The Schertz Economic Development COtpOration (4-B Board) convened on Tuesday,
July 6, 2004 at 6:00 p.m. in the Municipal Complex Conference Room, 1400 Schertz
Parkway, Schertz, Texas. Those members present were as fullows: President Ken
Greenwald, presiding; Vice-President Steve White; Director Ramon Cook, Director Steve
Simonson, Director Reginna Agee and Director Tony Wilenchik. Absent: Secretary,
Johnie McDow. Also present were City Manager Mark Marquez, Finance Director Juan
Santoya and Recording Secretary Norma Althouse.
#1 Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by President Ken Greenwald.
#2 Approval of Minutes: May 20, 2003
September 16, 2003
Vice-President White moved to approve the minutes of the meetings of May 20, 2003
and September 16, 2003, as written. Director Cook seconded the motion, which carried
with the following votes:
AYES: President Greenwald, Vice-President White, and Directors Cook, Simonson,
Agee and Wilenchik.
NAYS. None.
#3 Discussion regarding support for bond issue.
Mr. Marquez advised those present this item was for discussion only. It is in support of
the Parks Program. He then displayed the plan of Community Director, Gail Douglas, for
the Board members to review. They have budgeted $35,000, but may have to budget
$50,000 some year. .There will be no money coming out of Hotel/Motel, Debt Service or
4-B.
When asked if the City had $50,000, Mr. Marquez replied he feels they will have enough
from the sales tax revenue from Wal-Mart the first year and that could possibly go as
high as $200,000 in later years. After next year they will be able to gauge it better. The
food products at Wal-Mart are not taxable. He is asking the Board if they feel it's okay
to support a recreational facility.
Vic-President White asked were the money is coming from to support the 4.5 million
dollars for emergency services. Mr. Marquez answered from the projected sales from
Wal-Mart.
Director Cook mentioned there were two bond issues in 1997 and one of them was for the
Emergency Services buildings. The other included approval of the 1/2 cent sales tax.
Mr. Marquez pointed out some things have changed as far as what 4-B money can be
spent on. Some things are grandfathered and some things are no longer allowed. Vice-
President White noted that when the 4-B Board was chartered, they were told they had to
be very careful about how they spent their money.
Mr. Marquez commented that when they sold the bonds, they didn't realize how big the
sales tax would get. Other uses are available for 4-B funds in addition to emergency
services buildings. President Greenwald advised the State has rehabbed the uses for 4.B
funds. Director Simonson wondered if it's allowable to spend 4-B funds on recreational
facilities.
Director Agee said maybe the question is now that the buildings are paid for, do we have
to dissolve the 4-B Board or can 4-B funds be used for things such as recreational
facilities.
Director Wilenchik wondered since the law says they can now use 4-B funds for other
things, was this 4-B Board formed specifically for the intention of paying for the public
safety buildings and equipment. Director Cook felt that was a good point to discuss.
Director Wilenchik asked if the 4-B Board is created in perpetuity.
Mr. Marquez answered that yes, on the original ballot, the 4-B Board was established to
manage 4-B money. He is suggesting there is now more they can do. They are still
under the umbrella of managing the 4-B money, but the list of things they can now do is
longer.
Director Agee asked if there's a written Charter for the 4-B Board and if there is,
everyone needs a copy.
Mr. Marquez then asked the Board if they feel public hearings are necessary to present
these recreational facilities items. He does not feel they are, but he wants the Board to do
whatever feels comfortable to them. President Greenwald suggested that Mr. Marquez
make copies of the amended law and provide them for everyone
Mr. Marquez advised the current bond is out of cycle because the Church property was
available and was too good to pass up.
Director Wilenchik then asked how the Board stands on item #3. Mr. Marquez once
again asked if they want to have public hearings. The consensus of the Board was they
do not want to have public hearings.
Director Simonson mentioned that in the public forums that were held, two items of need
came out - drainage and recreational facilities. BVYA is the City's recreation
department and is in desperate need of facilities.
#4 Approval of allocation of funds for road between Garden Ridge Pottery and
Wal-Mart.
President Greenwald advised that Wal-Mart is doing their road. The City is trying to
prevent another access problem like the one at FM 3009 and IH-35 (HED, Randolph
Brooks Federal Credit Union, etc,).
Mr. Marquez pointed out Wal-Mart has not asked for anything. They are not obliged to
build this road. The road goes directly to a traffic light, which Wal-Mart is paying for.
The reserves for 4-B are over $500,000, they are available, and this is a good pUIpose for
their use.
Vice-President White asked if the City has the right-of-way necessary for the roadway.
He was informed they do.
Vice-President White moved to approve the allocation of funds for the road between
Garden Ridge Pottery and Wal-Mart. Director Simonson seconded the motion, which
carried with the following votes:
AYES: President Greenwald, Vice-President White and Directors Cook, Simonson,
Agee and Wilenchik.
When asked about the audit for the 4-B Board, Mr. Marquez advised they should have
the results at their next meeting which should be sometime in August.
#5 Adjournment
Vice-President White moved to adjourn the meeting. Director Simonson seconded the
motion, which carried by unanimous vote of all members present. President Greenwald
closed the meeting at 6:40 p.m.
MINUTES APPROVED this the _ day of
Signature of all Directors whether present or absent.
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,2004.
President
Director
Vice-President
Director
Director
Secretary
Treasurer
Director