01/12/2011 MINUTES - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Paris Economic Development Corporation Meeting Minutes January 12, 2011 Board Members Staff Steve Gilbert Present: Pike Burkhart, Sr. Present: Shannon Barrentine Doug Wehrman Chad Brown Dan Smith Rick Poston Ex- officio Members Guest(s) Present: Mindy Moree Present: Connie Beard, The Paris News Gene Anderson Rickey Hayes, Retail Attractions Pam Anglin Tom Hensel, CPA McClanahan & Holmes Laurie O'Neal Governor's Office James Brockway Legal City Council Counsel: Dent Mellyar Liaison(s): Edwin Pickle Pike Burkhart, called the meeting to order at 9:05 a.m. Pike welcomed those present. Minutes from the December 14, 2010 were approved, as submitted, by a motion from Dan Smith; seconded by Doug Wehrman. Motion carried. Financial reports for December, 2010 were approved, as submitted, by a motion from Chad Brown; seconded by Rick Poston. Motion carried. Regarding the Preliminary Draft of the audit for Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2010, Mr. Ton Hensel, CPA of McClanahan & Holmes, stated that for the most part PEDC's funds were the same as last Fiscal Year. A few changes were: Renegotiated Refund Bonds for Paris Packaging, Lease/Agreement with Chamber of Commerce, and revenue fund balance had increased about $100,000 over last year. Income stayed level and spent less allowing for more dollars to be available for future projects. The audit is performed in association with the City of Paris', normal processes, additional governance letter will be included in the final copy of the audit. No action was taken. Rickey Hayes, Retail Attractions presented the Market Assessment for the Paris, Texas area. Mr. Hayes reported that the PEDC Board is "casting a vision" for retail development to improve the quality of life in this Micro - politan Area of about 190,000 in the shopping/trade area of northeast Texas and southeastern Oklahoma. He provided the board with a copy of the Market Study. He also stated that he has developed some long term relationships with retailers who have expressed an interest in locating in Paris, Texas. He would appreciate the board extending his service contract for another 12 months. A motion was made by Dan Smith to approve the contract with Retail Attractions for the year 2011; seconded by Doug Wehrman. Motion carried. The Board convened into executive session at 10:10 a.m. pursuant to Section 551.087 and Section 551.072 of the Texas Government Code to discuss and deliberate on the following: A. Section 551.087 — Economic Development Negotiations