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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/08/02 EDC MINUTES THE COLONY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION REGULAR BOARD MEETING CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS MAY 8, 20O2 The Regular Session of The Colony Economic Development Corporation o£the City of The Colony, Texas, was called to order at 7:00 p.m. on the 8ca day of May 2002, at City Hall with the following roll call: A1 Garcia, President Present Bob Norris Present Tia Hamlin Absent (Business) Norman Lang Present Kevin Greene Present And wkh four voting members present, a quorum was established and the following items were addressed: Item 1.1. Pledge of Allegiance: A1 Garcia led in the Pledge of Allegiance. 2.0. CONSENT AGENDA Item 2.1. Reports: a. Cash flow projection b. Tax Allocation Summary for April c. Monthly ½ Cent Sales Tax graph d. Monthly report from April to City Manager e. Website update f. Shapiro marketing update g. Allies Day update h. Denton County Transportation Authority update i. Texas Economic Development Council conference update Tom Terrall pointed out that the sales tax revenue continues to be ahead of projections. The sales tax graph shows an increase of 29% from the base year of 2000, Mr. TerralI made reference to the City Manager's report in several places mentioning several items. Follow up continues with two partners who have an interest in expanding their restaurant chain into this part of the Metroplex. At last contact, one partner indicated that their interest was still alive. They are interested in property aIong Main Street. Mr. Terrall mentioned he had attended the Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC) conference and would give more details later in the meeting but that the main concern of the conference was the use of 4A and 4B sales tax. He is in communication with the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP) about partnering on this year's annual golf tournament this fall. Also discussed was a marketing campaign Mr. Terrall is working on with Shapiro & Company regarding a mail-out postcard game in which someone who receives and keeps the three postcards being mailed out will win a prize. There was discussion of the progress that is being made on website revisions. The board reviewed sample pages of revisions to look at format. Mr. Lang said that these ideas are a tremendous improvemem. President Garcia stated that this board has done a good job by approving the funding to make these improvements. He suggested using more pictures and taking monthly pictures of the community complex as the phases of construction are completed. Mr. Norris suggested spotlighting different areas of the ciW each month so that there is always something new to see on the website. On the subject of the marketing update, Mr. TerraI1 informed the board that the postcards have been designed and that the pocket folders are in print and will be delivered soon. Mr. Terrall explained his involvement with the Denton Coun~ Transportation Authority. He discussed the public meeting held last month and the presentation given at The Colony Chamber luncheon. He explained that there would be another public meeting next month to introduce the service plan and obtain public input. He made the board aware that he is attending several DCTA meetings each month. He told the 4A Board about the Texas Economic Development Spring Conference he attended a coupIe of weeks ago. Of concern at the conference was the use of 4A and 4B sales tax. Mr. Terrall serves on two committees, the Membership and Conference committees. The turnout for this conference was excellent. Item 2.2. Approval of the minutes of the board meeting held April 10, 2002: Mr. Norris made a motion to accept the minutes ~om Apr~ I0, 2002 as written. Norm Lang seconded. The motion passed with all members voting in favor. 3.0 PUBLIC COMMENTS 3.1. Public Input: There was no public input. 4.0 REGULAR AGENDA Item 4.1. Discussion and appropriate action regarding review and approval of the Christian Community Action Economic Development Incentive Agreement and authorization of signature by the 4A Board president: Mr. Terrall explained that the reason this agenda item was tabled last month was due to last minute proposed changes requested by the client. The draft contract in the 4A Board packet is the acceptable and final draft. The client proposed three changes to be made. (1)The substitutiOn of the word "position" for "employee"; (2) the insertion of a "Force Majeure" clause; and (3) a definition of the word "monies." Upon review by Mr. Terrall and the city attorney, it was decided to adjust the EDC Minutes May 8, 2002, Page 2 employee's minimum length of employment requirement to three months instead of six months, to add the "Force Majeure" clause and to add the word "cash" before "monies. The client was pleased with the revisions. Mr. Norris made a motion to accept the contract as revised and authorize it to be signed by the 4A president. Kevin Greene seconded the motion and the motion passed with all members voted aye. Item 4.2. Discussion of Lt. Gov. Bill Ratliff's presentation at the TEDC conference: Mr. Terrall summarized Lt. Gov. Bill Ratliff's presentation to the board. Lt. Gov. Ratliff saying that Lt. Gov. Ratliff authored the bill that brought the 4A and 4B sales tax to Texas but he has learned that some cities have misused the funds. He said he would author a repeal of legislation if the abuse continues. Mr. Terrall said that as the 4A Board continues with projects we need to make sure to stay out of the gray area. Decisions that are made are subject to be more under the spotlight. Mr. Terrall said that he would keep the board informed as to any further information as it arises. President Garcia commented that anytime the taxpayer's money is involved there are more eyes watching. He commended the board for being frugal and careful about how money is spent. Item 4.3. EXECUTIVE SESSION as authorized by section 550.086 of the Local Government Code Economic Development, to-wit: A. To deliberate the offer of a financial or other incentive to a business prospect. The board did not go into an executive session. Item 4.4. Consideration of appropriate action to be taken as a result of executive session: Since there was no executive session, no action was taken. President Garcia adjourned the meeting at 7:30 p.m. Cindi Lane a Administrative Assistant President EDC Minutes May 8, 2002, Page 3