11-10-2016Northeast Partnership for Economic Development
Olympia Hills Golf and Conference Center
12900 Mount Olympus, Universal City, TX 78148
MINUTES OF MEETING
Thursday, November 10, 2016 —11:30 a.m.
1. Call to Order and Establish a Quorum — A quorum was present.
Mayor Carpenter called the meeting to order.
2. Welcome and Introductions
Mayor Carpenter welcomed everyone in attendance and those present stood and
introduced themselves.
3. Approval of minutes of the October 13, 2016 NEP regular meeting.
Mayor Seiler made a motion seconded by Mayor Hunt to approve the minutes of the
regular meeting of October 13, 2016. The vote was unanimous. Motion Passed.
4. Approval of the Treasurer's Reports for September and October 2016.
Mayor Dennis made a motion seconded by Mayor Seiler to approve the treasurer's
reports for September and October 2016. The vote was unanimous. Motion Passed.
5. Discussion and action approving the proposal from Catarina Gonzales, Denton
Navarro Rocha Bernal Hyde & Zech for Legislative Consulting Services at the
State level.
Mayor Carpenter stated that he had some members visit with him about the contract
itself, they were reviewing and he stated that we will need some time to make sure that
everyone is comfortable with the provisions. Mayor Carpenter opened it up for
commentary and discussions and recognized Mayor Suarez who stated that he wasn't
able to attend some of the workshops, but what he knows is that that is what we have
the Texas Municipal League (TML) for. We have the TML President here with us and
have TML presence and she can make things happen at that level. Mayor Suarez stated
we are requiring services and wanted to know why we were not bidding it out and
going out for RFP's. Mayor Carpenter stated that there are two question, first are we
looking at doing this because we have a concern with the efficacy and performance of
TML and secondly did we not go and look at other firms.
Mayor Carpenter answered and stated that the rest of the members can correct him if
he is wrong. The engagement is not at all a reflection of the Texas Municipal Leagues
ability to perform but rather the desire of the membership that was present to say, we
can use more guns on the hill this legislative session. We will have a tough fight with
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regard to local control. We think it is a way not only to voice our opinions about
what's going on in the State Legislature during the session but to have someone at
least on a part-time basis doing that for us during the session, as an adjunct to
everything that TML is doing. It's putting more guns in the field was the view. The
second, did we not go out for bids, he doesn't think that initially it wasn't something
that we went out and sought but rather something at Denton, Navarro... brought to us
proactively. So we had a couple of discussions in workshops what would this look like
what would it be. We do not have a lot of money, we looked at a lobbyist before and
it was outside our realm of affordability. We had those back and forth conversations
in a couple of workshops and came to the place where this is something that we
probably can or should do. He is speaking for the members that were there in the
aggregate. Mayor Carpenter stated that the had some concerns regarding the amount
of money we would be spending, but the other members in the last meeting there
basically said if we are going to do something they think this is the session where we
should do it, which will be the most challenging one we are going to see. Mayor
Carpenter stated that unfortunately Mayor Williams is not here today but was the big
advocate in the last meeting stating and saying, if it cost what it costs, then do it.
Mayor Suarez stated that the big issue is revenue caps and knows that all the mayors
are supporting a resolution against revenue caps and getting local senators and
representatives a copy. Mayor Carpenter stated that he understands and somewhat
agrees with Mayor Suarez concern about is this the best ways to spend our money that
we have accumulated.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Mayor Dennis who stated that she was sorry she was not
at the last meeting as she was at a TML meeting in Austin. She stated that part of her
thought process on this is that revenue caps it not a new issue at the legislature and
nothing new to TML. This is something we have been finding out for a number of
years. This year seems to be a lot more intensity with that issue. However, she does
feel that TML is very well equipped and versed to be able to represent our needs and
concerns, not just as this region, but as every City in Texas would be affected by this,
as Mayor Suarez stated earlier. None of us can afford to have our revenues capped at
anything and any cap at all is unacceptable. She is not against having additional
support or more guns on the hill however she is concerned with the contract she sees
here today.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Mayor Seiler who stated that being a part of a water
board that has an advocate on the hill for water issues, he has spoken to Mayor Dennis
regarding some of the wording on the contract and needs to be changed but as far as
what we are paying it is economical compared to what you have in other venues. We
have discussed this for several months, having more guns on the hill especially during
this session, and we saw 6000 bills apposing local control last session and believe this
time we will see double that number. We are going to need a lot of help, the more we
have the better we are going to be. Texas Municipal League does an outstanding job,
but if we have someone that can make sure that our area is covered, specifically with
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the problems that we have we will be in a lot better shape. Mayor Dennis stated that
the money is not the issue it is just the wording in the contract.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Mayor Suarez who stated if we know there is a need how
do we know we can't get a better deal by asking someone else. Mayor Carpenter
stated fair enough. This is up to the membership whatever they decide. Mayor
Carpenter stated that the last time we looked at a lobbyist that was going to work full
time for us during the session it was actually several hundreds of dollars a month more
than what we have here in the firm in its entirety. Mayor Carpenter stated that he
doesn't have multiple offers to consider only antidotal commentary from folks that he
has reached out to, to tell him what they are paying, and it's a lot more. Mayor Suarez
asked if we had an RFQ, Mayor Carpenter stated no, Denton, Navarro ... came forward
and proactively and asked if this was something we would be interested in doing.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Mayor Pro -Tem Hadas who suggested that maybe Mayor
Suarez and a couple of other Mayors get together and form a committee to put out and
RFQ or shop around or even make a few phone calls. Mayor Carpenter stated that we
certainly could. Mayor Dennis stated that the problem with the suggestion is going to
be the timing, because the contract says that November 10, 2016 that they want to
begin service. Mayor Carpenter stated that filing of bills starts in four (4) days and the
suggestion is a challenge. Mayor Seiler stated that they have investigated it enough
and if you look around and talk to other entities we know what it costs. He stated that
price wise we are in good shape.
Mayor Carpenter made a motion from the Chair that they move that the membership
authorize him as the chair to sign a contract after all the member's issues and concerns
have been addressed and no one has any concerns remaining with the contract,
seconded by Mayor Seiler. Mayor stated that they will vote by acclamation as well, all
those in favor say I and those opposed, state opposed. Mayor Carpenter stated that
since we have opposition, let's count the vote. The vote was 6 ayes and 1 nay.
Motion passed, we will move forward with that passing. Mayor Carpenter stated
that they will continue to work together on the contract after the meeting today.
6. Discussion and possible action regarding potential sponsorship for a concert in
coordination with the Freedom Riders event in January 2017.
Mayor Carpenter stated that she was able to get with Ms. Bowie prior to the meeting and what
she has asked to do rather, she is going to give us an electronic copy of a document and asked
that we would share those with our individual cities as well as provide a copy to the two (2)
chambers. She has asked that the Chambers share and send out this information to the
membership of the Chambers. She stated that Mayor Daly is hosting a replication of the 1961
Freedom bus ride. Greyhound will be participating and heading this up. Plans are starting out
in Selma, going to Schertz, Live Oak, Converse, Windcrest and then to Kirby, she will need
assistance with coordinating this. Ms. Bowie stated that she would be going around to each
city to get this coordinated.
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Mayor Carpenter recognized Ms. Barbara Bowie, Dr. J. R. Bowie Scholarship Foundation who
provided information regarding the event and the background of the Freedom Riders. She
provided information regarding the upcoming event to include:
Wednesday January 11, 2017 — SAISD Youth Summit — Sam Houston High School
Thursday January 12, 2017 — Judson ISD Youth Summit — PAC
Friday January 13, 2017, 7:00 p.m. — Main Event — Film Screening/Panel Discussion/Hilton
Garden Inn — Live Oak
Saturday, January 14, 2017 — 8:00- a.m. - Replica of 1961 Bus Rides with Greyhound from
Selma through Live Oak, Schertz, Converse, Windcrest and Kirby.
9:30 a.m. Kirby 4t' Annual MLK Parade & Festival, down Ackerman Road to
Friendship Park
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Awards Banquet w / "Passing of the Torch" Ceremony —
Retama Park
® 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Temptations Concert Retama Park
She asked for assistance with printing and distributing posters and flyer for the event as well
as assistance for securing Retama Park for the Temptations' Concert but mainly getting the
word out on the upcoming event. Ms. Bowie stated the banquet is scheduled at the Hilton
Garden Inn in Live Oak on Friday, January 13, 2016. Ms. Bowie indicated that with charging
for the concert and the other week's event, it could pay for the entire week of events and
provide money for scholarships.
Mayors present indicated that Ms. Bowie could reach out to the Tri County Chamber as well
as The Chamber to assist in getting information out on the event.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Mayor Knaus who asked what is the financial obligation of the
Northeast Partnership in this event and what is the expected obligation of the various cities, or
is there. She is not clear on the proposal. Ms. Bowie stated that she sent out a budget just for
the concert and the banquet, they are not asking for financing from the Northeast Partnership,
if we do the concert and banquet, it would be $28.00 for the concert if we do a VIP ticket
which would include the banquet and the concert it would be $40.00 for that VIP ticket. The
budget that they came up with only involves the Northeast cities, if we 30 to 35 tickets sold
from each city for VIP and 90 tickets from each city for the concert we would be making about
$44,000 minus lodging, airfare and the cost of the Temptations comes to $26,000, then the bus
expenses, we would have $17,000 left over. If we do this right she stated then the Northeast
Partnership could give out scholarships or they could take a certain amount of money to go
towards a project. They are trying to make some money to do some things within the
Northeast Partnership areas and bring citizens to this side of town.
Mayor Carpenter stated just to be clear, when you asked of the cities, this organization and the
chambers just help you get the word out on the event about the sponsorship opportunities and
see if we can drive some folks to support just to be clear. Mayor Carpenter stated that we can
do that, the ability of this organization and any of the cities themselves to write checks is
probably not something we can do but we can help to drive the information out so that folks
can come and support the effort.
Mayor Carpenter paused and mentioned that Councilmember Jim Fowler did not seek re- election
but rather is retiring and has served the City of Schertz for a decade and has done an exceptional
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job. He served multiple terms as Mayor Pro -Tem. Mayor Carpenter asked for those present to
join him in thanking Jim Fowler for his public service. Mayor Carpenter stated that Monday,
November 21, 2016 will be Jim's last meeting and if you would like to be at Schertz City Hall
Council Chambers that evening to wish him well, we would like to have you joint us, we start at
6:00 p.m.
Mayor Carpenter moved to the information items of the agenda.
8. Information Items.
A. Report from Tri County Chamber of Commerce.
B. Report from The Chamber.
C. Report from Randolph Air Power Community Council (RAPCO).
D. Report on Bicycle Mobility Advisory Committee.
E. Report from Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO).
Item A: Lisa from the Chamber provided the following information on upcoming events:
Thursday, November 17, 2016 hosting the newly elected official's reception, 6:00 p.m.
to 8:00 p.m., Olympia Hills, 12900 Mount Olympus, Universal City;
Saturday, November 19, 2016 the City of Live Oak and the Chamber will be hosting a
Shop Live Oak 5 -K Polar Plunge, 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.to be held in the City of Live
Oak Club House; Saturday.
December 31, 2016 New Year's Eve Madhatter's Gala, 6:00 p.m. to 11:45 p.m.,
Courtyard New Braunfels River Village.
Item B: Maggie from The Chamber provided the following information on upcoming
events:
Friday, November 11, 2016 Veterans Day Celebration, Schertz Veterans Memorial Plaza
512 Schertz Parkway, 9:00 a.m.
Saturday, November 12, 2016 Chamber Members Awards Banquet, 6:00 p.m. to 10:30
p.m., Schertz Civic Center — Fire and Ice Theme.
Tuesday, December 6, 2016 — Last Chamber Luncheon, 11:30 a.m., Schertz — Also will
be presenting the checks to the DECA students from their recent Golf Tournament
fundraiser.
Lastly officially announce our first ever in this area Hot Air Festival, called Skylight
Balloon Fest, October 27 — 29, 2017 — City of Selma — this is a first regional city event
with Selma, Schertz and Cibolo. Carnival, food trucks, etc., ReMax Texas is the main
sponsor. More information forth coming
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Item C: No representative was present to provide a report.
Item D: No representative was present to provide a report.
Item E: Mayor Dennis stated that she represented NEP at the last meeting and stated that
Kevin Wolff mentioned about the Regional Airport and something that he wants to work
on. There were conversations regarding IH 35 and IH 10.
7. Presentation from Marlin Howze regarding the Seguin Area Disabled American
Veterans Office.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Mr. Marlin Howze, Texas District V Commander,
Disabled American Veterans who heads the executive board at the district level within
the Department of Texas Organization. who provided a Power Point presentation
regarding the Seguin Area Disable American Veterans Office which is a non -paid
voluntary veteran service provider certified to help veterans with issues surrounding
their benefits from military service and the Veteran's Administration. They specialize
in claims writing and application processes, appeal filing, education and homelessness
issues, and helping surviving spouses and dependents with other benefits. They
represent local activities within the district, supports 16 chapters within the District V
area basically from San Antonio down to Kingsville and west to El Paso.
9. Establish a Date and Time of the next NEP Mayor's Workshop — December 1, 2016
- Selma to host.
10. Establish a Date and Time of Next Northeast Partnership For Economic
Development Meeting — December 8, 2016.
November Door Prizes — City of Selma
December Door Prizes — City of Universal City
City of Selma provided the door prizes for this meeting. For November, the City of
Universal City will provide door prizes.
11. Items of Interest by Members.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Robert with the Texas Workforce Commission who thanked
all the veterans and to those present that are currently serving. He stated that they have
training for veterans through their commission. He stated that Wednesday, November
16, 2016, 1:00 p.m., Alamo University Center Live Oak on Pat Booker they have a very
important meeting regarding a round table discussion regarding labor, they are asking the
Northeast Partnership members to join. This is a commission lead meeting by
Commissioner Alvarez has put this together. This meeting is by invitation and if you are
interested in attending please provide him with your card and he will send out and email
invitation. This is an opportunity to really talk about your labor issues in regards to
looking for individuals for employment for your businesses. There is coordination
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between the High Schools and the ISD's and businesses, this is a great opportunity for
you to vocalize and let them know what you think. Lastly he stated that they have
received a lot of information from business entities and governmental agencies and others
in general regarding the condition of our labor workforce. We ask for your opinion and
come next session we are looking for individuals to vocalize your concerns. Again if
those interested would provide him a business card he will email you the information.
Mayor Carpenter recognized City Manager Scott Wayman, City of Live Oak who
provided the following information regarding city events:
Saturday, November 12, 2016 — Free Community Shredding Day & Food Drive — 9:00
a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Live Oak Fire Department. You do not have to live in Live Oak to
participate in the shredding.
Friday, November 18, 2016 - City of Live Oak, City of Universal City and City of Selma
have joined together for Operation Grinch Kick Off — to stop anyone coming to our cities
and ruin Christmas for the kids.
Saturday, November 19, 2016 — Shop Live Oak 5K & Polar Plunge at the Clubhouse.
7:30 a.m.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Ms. Barbara Bowie who stated that she started an email list
around so that she will be able to send information regarding the upcoming Freedom
Riders Event, she also stated that they are doing a souvenir booking and for those
businesses who wish to participate in placing an ad or if you wish to do a memorial
please let her know
Mayor Carpenter recognized Mayor Knaus City of Garden Ridge who invited everyone
to their 2nd Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, December 6, 2016 at 6:00 p.m., food trucks,
music etc.
12. Adjournment.
As there was no further business, Mayor Carpenter adjourned the meeting at 1:01 p.m.
PASSED AND APPROVED on December 8, 2016.
Xayo Michael Carpenter, NEP - Chair
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