Van Alstyne Community Development Corporation
Minutes Regular Board Meeting
228 East Marshall
Thursday, October 11, 2012 P.M.
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, Amelia Giles, Judy Womack, Nancy Webb, Don DePree, Andrew Sikes, Kanita Larkins
Absent: Billy Plake
Guests: Austin Bonema (Eagle Scout), Jacob Bonema, Park Board Members: Vicky Cupit, April Butler, and Sara Coleman
2. Presentations for Funding Requests from the following:
a. Presentation by the Parks Board and Eagle Scout Austin Bonema: Austin Bonema made a presentation to the Board requesting that he beautify North Park by putting in new playground equipment, repairs to old playground equipment, and remove & replace the pavilion. His presentation included information about the new playground equipment which is from “Kids Around the World”, a non-profit company that will assist in the delivery, tools and installation of the playground. The proposed budget is $17,000 for the playground equipment, $5,000 for the roof on the gazebo, $2,500 for the pavilion, and $2,500 for the rest of the needs for North Park. That is a total of $27,000. The budget designated for the Parks Board is $30,000.00. The Parks Board will return next month to re-appropriate funds.
b. Museum presentation by Teddie Ann Salmon: The museum is operated from donations and managed with volunteers. It is only open in the summer and for special tours. The museum is currently in need of repairs. There is a leak at the corner of the building and some of the windows need to be replaced. Mrs. Salmon has received two bids on making these repairs. She presented the bids and pictures of the museum to the Board.
c. Judy Womack – Community Center: Judy Womack presented the bids she received for updates to the Community Center. Work on the Community Center will be delayed so that a letter can be sent to the City Attorney Julie Fort to determine if VACDC can legally fund repairs and updates to City buildings. A special meeting will be called after we receive an answer to determine if we can move forward on the museum and Community Center.
d. Report on project for Chamber – Electric pole near railcars: Kanita Larkins reports that the work to the electric pole near the railcars is complete. Discussion that $10,000 was budgeted for the railcars several years ago for repairs. To date, the amount used for these repairs is $851.85. The Chamber must use their funds they have for the rail cars before VACDC funds can be spent.
Additional discussion by the Board that funds budgeted for projects should be spent during the year they are budgeted. No funds will be spent without verification and approval from the City Council. Also, documentation of projects must be more precise.
3. New Fiscal Year-Comments from President: Dr. Paul Westmoreland addressed the Board regarding starting the new fiscal years. He realizes the concerns of the Board regarding the most recent incident involving the VAEDC and the dismissal of its board by the City Council. Dr. Westmoreland does not expect any problems with the VACDC as long as we follow the guidelines provided by the law.
4. Minutes from previous meeting: Minutes from September 13, 2012 were reviewed by members. Nancy Webb made a motion to accept the minutes. Don Depree 2nd the motion. Motion carried.
5. Treasurer’s Report: The treasurer’s report was reviewed by the members. Don DePree made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report. Judy Womack 2nd the motion. Motion carried.
6. Appointment of Registered Agent: Kanita Larkins reported that Betty Samuels is currently the Registered Agent for the VACDC. In that Betty is no longer working at EDC/CDC, it is necessary to change the Registered Agent with the Secretary of State. Amelia Giles made a motion to appoint Kanita Larkins as the new Registered Agent. Andrew Sikes 2nd the Motion. Motion carried.
7. Review of Application and Guidelines for Funding Projects: The Board reviewed the Application and Guidelines for Funding Projects. Modifications suggested include adding all the areas that are allowed to be funded. It is also important to get the City’s approval and have a line for them to sign. If project depends on City employees, it must be approved by the City. The application should also include advertisement and promotion of community events. The Board will review the updated application and vote on it at the next Board meeting.
8. Signage “Visit Historic Downtown Van Alstyne” Progress: Kanita Larkins will need to verify with TxDOT, but she believes that all that is required is a resolution to go before City Council and signed by Mayor.
9. Survey: Board discussed if the survey created by Judy Womack will be useful. This matter will be reviewed next month.
10. Update on Mapping Progress: Kanita Larkins will be meeting with TCOG regarding the zoning & rezoning that needs be added to the map.
11. Revisit Retire in Texas Status: Kanita Larkins reports that we are still waiting the decision from Retire in Texas.
12. Bylaws: Nancy Webb made a motion to table this matter. Amelia Giles 2nd the motion. Motion carried.
13. Adjourn: Nancy Webb made the motion to adjourn, Amelia Giles 2nd. Motion carried. Adjourned at 8:27 p.m.
Minutes respectfully taken by Judy Womack and Kanita Larkins 10/11/12