2014-07-21
VAN ALSTYNE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING
228 E. Marshall
VAN ALSTYNE, TEXAS
Friday, May 23, 2014
1.Call to Order & Introduction of Guest(s): Called to order at 9:18 a.m.
Present: Art Atteberry; Kaaren Teuber; Timmerle Kelly; Nick Williams; City Manager Frank Baker; and Kanita Larkins
Absent: Nick Williams
Guest(s): Gill Jones/Kinsman Realty Advisors of Plano
2.Presentation by Gil Jones with Kinsman Realty Advisors of Plano: Gil Jones with Kinsman Realty Advisors answered questions of the board members in regards to purchasing additional industrial property. He suggested that an option to buy instead of buying out right might be a better alternative for the Van Alstyne Economic Development Corporation. He also discussed services he could provide to the board when marketing at events such as the International Council of Shopping Centers at Dallas, Texas and Las Vegas, Nevada. He will forward information for the cost fo these services to include brochures and other tools.
3.Minutes of Previous Meetings: The minutes for the April 25, 2014 Regular Meeting were reviewed by the board members. Timmerle Kelly made a motion to accept the minutes. Art Atteberry seconded the motion. Motion carried.
4.Treasurer’s Report: The balance sheet and profit and loss for the month of April 2014 were reviewed by the board. Timmerle Kelly made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report. Nathan Petri seconded the motion. Motion carried.
5.Consider and take action regarding signage on EDC/CDC Office Windows & Updates to the Office: Kanita Larkins reports that the contents of the signage on the front windows previously discussed by the board are being changed by a tenant of the office without authorization. Additionally, she has had to instruct a tenant that updates to the office to include painting the front office would have to go before the EDC and CDC boards for authorization. Kanita Larkins believes that the matter has been resolved.
6.Consider and take action regarding maintenance and future plans for Industrial Park: Kanita Larkins reports that the rail spur loan will be paid in next year (2015) in July. The current balance is approximately $30,000.00. Art Atteberry has observed that it appears that some repairs need to be made at the rail spur site. He also informed the board that the brick entrance sign is in need of repair.
7.Update on Palladium and Retire in Texas: Kanita Larkins reports that she has been advised by Palladium representative Mary Henderson that it will probably be the end of July 2014 before a decision has been reached as concerns Palladium coming to Van Alstyne. Kanita Larkins also informed the board that Mayor Salmon is working on a welcome letter to send to persons wanting more information about certified Retire in Texas communities. There are approximately 300 inquiries.
8.Upcoming Training & Seminars: Kanita Larkins requested that any board member wanting to attend the Texas Rural Challenge (Waco, June 19-20, 2014) would need to let her know by next week. After next week the registration fee will go up approximately $75.00. Timmerle Kelly is planning to attend.
9.Report by Timmerle Kelly & Kaaren Teuber regarding Sales Tax Workshop in Mesquite, Texas: Timmerle Kelly and Kaaren Teuber recently attended the TEDC Sales Tax Workshop. Timmerle shared some of the information she learned to include the following: determine what other cities are doing; be creative and unique; come up with a strategic plan—focus on policy strategies; work on improvement; work with Planning & Zoning board. She also was provided with ideas for our downtown: Stay with our look; repurpose building and keep the town’s memories; recommend to business owner shifting hours for downtown shopping—remain open at a time that citizens commuting out of town for their jobs can shop when they get home.
10.Report by Timmerle Kelly regarding ETJ: Timmerle Kelly spent an afternoon driving around the border of the Van Alstyne ETJ. She was amazed at the number of the high end homes that she saw outside the City limits. She shared her excitement of the potential growth that can come to Van Alstyne as a result of our expansive ETJ.
11.Report by Kanita Larkins regarding meeting with her mentor Roger Feagley/Executive Director of Sulphur Springs: Kanita Larkins visited with her TEDC appointed mentor Roger Feagley on May 20th. She was advised that workforce can be one of the biggest challenges of an EDC. He provided her with a tour of the numerous industrial sites.
12.Update on SWOT (Strength-Weaknesses-Opportunities-Threats) Analysis Workshop: Kanita Larkins reports that President Art Atteberry, with her assisting, will lead the workshop which will be scheduled for some time in June 2014.
13.Comments of President, Mayor and City Manager: City Manager Frank Baker discussed some of his observations regarding retail consulting firms. He reported that some of the railroad crossings were going to be closed due to some safety concerns and that the speed limit of the train coming through Van Alstyne would be increasing. He informed the board members that Golden Chick was scheduled to open in June and that a new business would be coming soon.
14.Adjourn: A motion was made to adjourn by Nick Williams. Kaaren Teuber seconded the motion. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 11:33 a.m. The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Friday, June 27, 2014 at 9:00 a.m.
Minutes respectfully taken by Kanita Larkins 05/23/2014
496
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