HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/30/1996 MEDC
MINUTES OF THE MUNICIPAL ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
HELD ON
APRIL 30, 1996
A meeting of the Municipal Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors for the City
of The Colony, Texas was called to order at 6:50 p.m. on the 30th day of April, 1996, at The
Colony Chamber of Commerce. The following board members were in attendance:
Gary McClure, President
David Stanwick, Vice President
Tommy Thompson, Executive Vice President
Mary Watts, Executive Vice President
Lori Harlan, City Staff Liaison, Director of Economic Development
Ms. Harlan informed the Board that she had submitted her resignation on April 29. Her last day
will be May 24, 1996. It is uncertain at this point how the Economic Development position will be
structured after her resignation. Discussions between the City Manager and City Council must
make certain determinations prior to any effort to advertise for a replacement.
1. REVIEW OF AND ACTION CONCERNING CITY MAP UPDATE PROPOSAL
Ms. Harlan related that supplies of the current city map, produced by the Chamber in late 1994,
were quickly becoming depleted. The timing is good to print an update due to street changes on
Stewart's Peninsula. Because the Chamber just completed their annual directory, they are not
interested in leading in the map update. The Chamber has consented to allow the City to select a
firm to sell advertising and print a new city map. Ms. Harlan provided information on a proposal
from Walker Publications, the group that printed the Chamber directory. Their products are
impressive and the quality of work is high. The only concern with this group is the high price of
advertising that may prohibit some businesses in The Colony from advertising.
The Board agreed to the idea of a city map. After discussing various items that should be included
in the map, i.e. council districts, school sites, etc., Ms. Harlan stated that she will proceed forward
with the map either with Walker Publications or perhaps a different group that offers more
competitive ad pricing. A vote on this item was deemed unnecessary. The map will be produced
by the "city", not the EDC.
2. DISCUSSION OF CHAMBER LEASE PROPOSAL
Ms. Harlan provided copies of a letter sent to the city by the Chamber of Commerce. The letter
was provided in anticipation of the upcoming city budget process to request an increase in the
rent of the Economic Development office in the Chamber building from $350 to $450 per month.
Board members discussed that due to Ms. Harlan's resignation and the uncertainty of the future of
this position, it was uncertain what the need for the office might be. A motion to move the
Economic Development Office at the end of the current lease failed due to the lack of a second.
President McClure stated that the board should try to make a recommendation prior to the
decision making portion of the city budget process. The decision will take into consideration any
change in the Economic Development Director position.
3. DISCUSSION OF OPTIONS FOR THE USE OF A HALF-CENT SALES TAX
Mr. Thompson discussed an idea that the capital projects committees might use to assist in their
funding recommendations to both the EDC and City Council. He suggested a matrix type
evaluation of each proposed capital project that provided information on funding alternatives
ranging from the sales tax to grants and even bond or general budget funding. Mr. McClure stated
that it might even be necessary to develop an additional capital projects review committee to do
this type of work. He asked Mr. Thompson to make that suggestion at the next meeting of the
sub-committee upon which he serves.
Board members briefly discussed the capital projects review process and various projects that
qualify for sales tax funding. Board consensus was that it is necessary for the capital review
subcommittees to determine priorities in their areas prior to there being any value in their
information in the determination of a direction on the sales tax issue.
The next scheduled Board meeting is Tuesday, May 7, 1996. At that time Matthews Southwest
will provide an update on the golf course project. The meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
Lori H lan, Directo of Economic Development