Van Alstyne Community Development Corporation
Minutes
Regular Board Meeting
228 East Marshall
Thursday, April 11, 2013
1. Call to order-Recognition of Guests: The meeting was called to order by President Dr. Paul Westmoreland @ 6:30 p.m.
Present: Dr. Paul Westmoreland, Judy Womack, Nancy Webb, Billy Plake, City Manager Frank Baker, Kanita Larkins
Absent: Amelia Giles; Andrew Sikes
Guest: Teddie Ann Salmon
2. Museum – Teddie Ann Salmon: Teddie Ann Salmon reported to the board members that she went before City Council on April 9, 2013 to discuss getting the drainage taken care of at the building next door to the museum that is owned by Gary and Brenda McDonald. It was the opinion of City Councilman John Jennings that the roof and ceiling were not properly assessed in the structural report.
Teddie Ann Salmon is concerned that the window in the front is at risk of coming out at anytime. Also, two windows on the other side are at risk of coming out, too. She recommends and requests that boards be nailed over the windows to take care of the danger/hazard. City Manager Frank Baker suggested she visit City Hall to get work orders filled out so the temporary work can be taken care of. Teddie Ann Salmon is concerned that the wood boards are rotting around the windows and that the temporary work will not hold. Everyone’s ultimate goal is the safety, protection and preservation of the museum’s contents. Additional discussion of whether there is documentation that states the museum can use the City building.
City Manager Frank Baker will: 1) obtain three bids from roof contractors who can check the roof and ceiling; 2) Work on the drainage issue; 3) get temporary repairs to the windows; and 4) determine what documentation is required to move forward in an effort to protect the City and the Historical Society because at this time it appears that there is a private entity running a public building.
3. Minutes from previous meeting: Minutes from the February 14, 2013 meeting were reviewed by the board members. Dr. Westmoreland was not present at that meeting; however, he is shown in the minutes as both present and absent. Nancy Webb made a motion to accept the minutes with those corrections. Don Depree 2nd the motion. Motion carried.
4. Treasurer’s Report: The treasurer’s reports to include Profit & Loss and Balance Sheet for the month of March were reviewed by the board members. Don Depree made a motion to accept the treasurer’s reports. Billy Plake 2nd the motion. Motion carried.
5. Rail Cars: Cheryl Snyder will provide a report on the rail cars at the next board meeting.
6. North Park project: This matter was taken before City Council and they approved the funds ($2,160.00) exceeding the budgeted amount of $30,000.00. Kanita will contact Mike Owens to complete the work on the pavilion to include the concrete flooring. City Manager Frank Baker recommends that Public Works be notified when the concrete has been completed to be inspected.
7. SAM Registration status: The information required by United States Business Registration, Inc., the agency that is registering VACDC with SAM (Systems of Award Management), has been submitted.
8. Signage “Visit Historic Downtown Van Alstyne” Progress: Ken Brawley with Knot Just Docks has not been able to install the signs because of the rain we have been getting the last few weeks. The ground has to be dry for at least four (4) days before the signs can be put up properly.
9. Texas Main Street: Judy Womack informed the board members that she is working with EDC board member, Timmerle Kelly, in obtaining the information to determine what the steps are to make Van Alstyne an official Main Street Community. The letter of intent is due on May 15, 2013. Kanita Larkins will assist in drafting this letter. Judy Womack will provide more information at the next board meeting.
10. Retire in Texas Status: Frank has received the certification letter from the Texas Department of Agriculture. As instructed, Kanita Larkins contacted other communities that are certified Retire in Texas communities to determine if they were able to determine if this certification had helped bring in newcomers. The City of Paris stated that it would be difficult to obtain that kind of data. A representative from The City of Muleshoe shared that she had the same difficulty receiving the proof of the certification and getting the community’s information listed on the Retire in Texas website.
11. Dog Park: Kanita Larkins reported that she has been researching a grant through PETCO Foundation to build a dog park. She has discussed this with the City Manager and the City Engineer. The City Manager is recommending the site of the dog park to be at North Park. Board member discussed if it was possible to have the dog park at Forrest W. Moore Park instead. City Manager Frank Baker will check into this.
12. Modification of Bylaws: The board members reviewed the modifications to the bylaws that were discussed in previous meetings. Additionally, the board was informed that City Attorney Julie Fort had reviewed the minutes. Nancy Webb made a motion to accept the amended bylaws. Don Depree seconded the motion. Motion carried.
As concerns a requirement of the bylaws, Don Depree noted that the board will need to review the budget soon and began preparing for 2013/2014 budget so that it can be turned in to the City Council for their review in a timely manner. Additionally, City Manager Frank Baker stated that the board needed to determine if we had an updated depository agreement. Kanita Larkins will contact Nathan Petri, the branch director of Landmark Bank, to verify this.
13. Comments by the President, Mayor and City Manager: None.
Adjourn: Don Depree made the motion to adjourn. Judy Womack 2nd the motion. Motion carried. Adjourned at 8:12 p.m. The next board meeting is scheduled for May 9, 2013 at 6:30 p.m.
Minutes respectfully taken by Judy Womack & Kanita Larkins 04/11/13