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EDC 03-16-2000 r ,', . . . SCHERTZ ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MINUTES 16 MARCH 2000 SCHERTZ MUNICIPAL COMPLEX ITEM =1# 1 CALL TO ORDER Ms. Jackie Jones called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. THOSE PRESENT: STAFF: Jackie Jones, Chairperson Wanda Jean Sweatt Byron Williams Harty Richburg Tony Moreno, P&z Ex Officio Kerry Sweatt Mark Marquez Donna Dykes, Rec. Sec ITEM =1#2 APPROVAL OF MINUTES (16 September 1999) Mr. Harty Richburg made a motion to approve the minutes as written. The motion was seconded by Ms. Wanda Sweatt and carried unanimously. ITEM =1#3 APPOINTMENTS/RE-APPOINTMENTS/NOMINATION OF NEW MEMBERS Mr. Marquez advised that several members were up for re-appointment. Of these members, the following members would accept re-appointment. 1. Ms. Wanda Sweatt 2. Mr. Harty Richburg 3. Mr. Lew Borgfeld 4. Ms. Jackie Jones 5. Mr. Arnold Barrett The following members declined: 1. Mr. Tim Fetter 2. Mr. Stacy Ware Mr. Marquez advised that there are two openings. The members discussed review of By-Laws for attendance requirement for continuation of membership. 1 r ,', . . . Ms. Wanda Sweatt advised that the Commission needs to set a precedent. That when someone does not attend meetings, the Commission needs to send a letter thanking the person for their contributions, wish them well and not give the member an option to come back as a member. Ms. Wanda Sweatt made a motion that the Commission do the above. Mr. Harty Richburg seconded the motion. Mr. Harty Richburg and Ms. Wanda Sweatt were in favor of the motion. Mr. Byron Williams abstained. Ms. Jackie Jones voted in favor of the motion to break the tie and the motion was carried. Ms. Jackie Jones then opened the floor for nominations for two new members. Ms. Wanda Sweatt nominated the following people: 1. Mr. Bobby Bennett, AT & T Wireless 2. Ms. Dianah Heilmann, First American Title The nominations were seconded by Mr. Harty Richburg and carried unanimously. Mr. Marquez advised that he will call both of these people tomorrow or Monday to get their feelings and acceptance if they wish to serve. If they accept, Mr. Marquez will follow up with a letter to the City Council through the City Manager asking them to make these appointments, if no one else has any objections. Mr. Marquez suggested that the Commission re-appoint Ms. Jones by acc1aimation. Mr. Marquez also advised that Mr. Arnold Barrett agreed to continue as Vice-Chairperson. By acc1aimation, the Commission agreed that Ms. Jackie Jones will remain Chairperson and Mr. Arnold Barrett will continue as Vice-Chairperson. ITEM =1#4 OLD BUSINESS Ms. Sweatt suggested the Commission set a date for the next Appreciation dinner. Ms. Jackie Jones invited comments on the last dinner. Comments were that it went well. There were a lot of people but not a lot from the Tri-County Business Park. It was commented there was low attendance from outside business people. The Commission then commented on some of the representation that was there. Ms. Jones thanked Ms. Sweatt for all her hard work on the last dinner. The Commission discussed possible dates and selected October 24th, 2000. The Commission also selected the Knights of Columbus Hall. Ms. Sweatt made a motion that the Appreciation Date be on 24 October 2000, the motion was seconded by Mr. Harry Richburg and carried unanimously. Ms. Sweatt brought up doing the Outstanding Business Award this year. The Commission discussed what the criteria and rules would be. It was suggested that there be categories for recognition of big business and small business. There would have to be at least two awards. Part of the criteria should entail volunteer services to the community. The Commission agreed that they would have to establish clear criteria and probably publish it. Mr. Marquez advised that the 2 ,J''''r- . Commission should not nominate businesses that did not wish to participate. Mr. Harty Richburg suggested that the Commission could send a letter to potential nominees to determine if they wish to participate. Ms. Jones suggested a Committee be formed to work the awards. Ms. Jackie Jones asked for Ms. Sweatt to chair the Awards Committee. Ms. Sweatt agreed. Ms. Jones then asked if Ms. Sweatt would like to appoint her Awards Committee members. Ms. Sweat agreed. She then said she would like Dianah to be a member. Also, Arnold Barrett and Byron Williams. ITEM =1#5 NEW BUSINESS Mr. Marquez briefed the Commission on the Northeast Partnership Economic Development Summit that was held several weeks ago. He displayed and discussed several charts on the City of Schertz growth pattern. He advised the Commission that there has been $42 million dollars business capital investment in this community. The direct impact of this is taxes. Even though there have been tax abatements for every one of these new businesses, our revenues have grown and the payoff will be even bigger in the future. Mr. Marquez then briefed the Commission about the new lift station on 3009. This lift station should enable around 450 acres to have sewer. This will have tremendous impact on our ability to market that area. . ITEM =1#6 COMMENTS FROM COMMISSIONERS Mr. Byron Williams advised the Commission that they could count on him more. ITEM =1#7 COMMENTS FROM STAFF The Commission had a brief discussion on the next publication of the Talk of the Town. The consensus was that if sufficient stocks remain, we should wait and publish the next issue in time for the next Business Appreciation Dinner. Mr. Sweatt then briefed the Commission on the status of the new municipal offices. He advised that even though the original contractor went bankrupt, they are coming in under budget with the new contractor. Mr. Harty Richburg asked about what the community center would be used for. Ms. Jones suggested that perhaps the Commission could work on getting a grant to build a Senior Citizens facility. The Commission agreed that it would be something to consider. . Mr. Sweatt advised the Commission that the Schertz-Seguin Local Government Corporation is alive and well. This is important to everyone who lives here. This is a vital part of our economic development to satisfy all our needs in the future. 3 r ~."'." . This will guarantee that we will have as much as 10,000 acre feet of water plus our Edwards water for the future. Mr. Sweatt added that two and half years from now when people receive their water bill and it has increased substantially, that they realize we had the foresight to look ahead. Considering, the National Weather Bureau has come out with their forecast for drought conditions allover south Texas for the next couple of years and the southern part of the states, we are going to need that water. This is the most near drought resistant source of water we can get. ITEM =1#8 COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIRMAN None. ITEM =1#9 ADJOURN The next meeting is set for 7:00 p.m. on 20 April 200. . 1nr 4~h t3~~d(l Jackie Jones, Chairperson p~~~ -- Donna Dykes, Recordi g Secretary . 4