HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/18/1997
NIINUTES
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION BOARD
MEETING
FEBRUARY 18, 1997
6:00 p.m.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS AT CITY HALL
Present:
Board
Gary McClure, President
Dave Kovatch, Council Member
Mary Watts, Council Member
Craig Sloan, Vice President
Ronnie Fischer, Treasurer
Staff
Dennis Watson, Staff Liaison
Others
Bob Bearden, State Comptroller's Office
Jimmie McCormick, Chamber President
Mike Catt, Chamber Board - Economic Development
Joan Sveinnson, Library Director
Absent
Rick Manser
Sue Walden
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mr. McClure called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
3. PRESENTATION ON STAGING A SALES TAX CAMPAIGN
Mr. McClure introduced Bob Bearden from the State Comptroller's Office. Mr. Bearden
explained that currently 313 Texas cities have the 4A And 4b sales tax. He stated that over $150
million a year is generated by the sales tax throughout the state. 71 of the 313 cities, or 23%,
have adopted the tax in the least year. Currently the pass/fail ratio for the sales tax is 85%. The
State will assist the City in ballot wording on the 4B tax. Mr. Bearden recommended the
following actions when staging a sales tax campaign:
- assess the city's needs
- gather support from all sides of the community
- contact neighboring communities that have been successful
- EDC cannot use city funds for the campaign
Mr. Bearden then gave reasons why the sales tax fails:
- citizen opposition to any tax increase
- misconception about the tax's purpose
- belief that only a small group will benefit form the tax
- aggressive campaign not staged (voter apathy)
- no plans to spend the money
- city and business community at odds
- City Council not supportive
Mr. Bearden held a question and answer session next. Discussion followed.
4. DISCUSSION ON DEVELOPING AN OUTLINE FOR EDC TO MAKE
PRESENTATIONS TO VARIOUS ORGANIZATIONS
Mr. McClure presented an outline for the EDC presentation to the Board and asked for
comments. Mr. McClure stated that his goal was to:
1. Relate to the audience
2. Explain to the audience who the EDC is and what the purpose of the organization is
3. Explain the importance of the EDC to your pocket (what's in it for you)
Mr. Catt suggested that Mr. McClure personalize his message to the audience to relate more one-
on-one with them. Some other suggestions from Board members included: incorporating a video
of The Colony that had been made by Digital Magic Factory into the opening of the presentation,
adding the Vision Statement from the Economic Development Plan to the end of the presentation,
using aerial photos that showed the population growth progression of the city over the last 20
years. Mr. McClure stated that he would incorporate the suggestions into a revised version of the
presentation and have it ready for the next meeting.
5. DISCUSSION ON WYNNEWOOD LEASE AGREEMENT
The Board agreed that rather than trying to compare the Plano lease to the future Wynnewood
lease they would try to model it after the Stewart Peninsula lease as closely as possible.
6. OTHER BUSINESS
The Board discussed bringing a list of prospects to the March 18 meeting. The Board also
discussed the possibility of getting business cards for the Board members. Mr. Watson stated that
he would follow up with the Deputy City Secretary. The Board briefly revisited the status of
Braum's and a left turn lane. Nis. Watts suggested that Mr. Sloan contact the City Manager to
get the complete history on the project. Mr. Sloan stated that he would follow up with MR
Smith.
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m. The next meeting is
scheduled for March 4, at 6:30,p:.,m.
~ r
Respect y Submitted, Dennis Watson, Staff Liaison