1995-01-11-Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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71 Mr. Cecil stated that the first item on the agenda was approval of the minutes from the previous meeting of the Paris Economic Development Corporation. He asked if there were any corrections or additions to the minutes of the previous meeting and there being none the minutes stood approved as received. -- Chairman Cecil asked Mr. Anderson to give a brief summation of the financial report. Mr. Anderson noted that at some point in time as the balance grows the board may want to consider an investment earning more interest than the present interest bearing account. Boardmember Amis made a motion which was seconded by Boardmember Bray, to approve the financial report as presented which carried unanimously. Chairman Cecil stated that Mr. Don Wall, President of the East Texas Gulf Highways Association had delivered a written request concerning'the promotion of Highway 271 south between Paris and Mt. Pleasant through the East Texas Gulf Highways Association which the Chamber of Commerce has been involved in. Chairman Cecil opened the request for discussion by the Board. Mr. Vaughan, President of the Chamber of Commerce, stated that Mr. Vest and Mr. Wall were in the process of soliciting contributions from all members of the East Texas Gulf Highways Association. He said the major issue is the distance between Paris and Mt. Pleasant. Chairman Cecil stated this would be reimbursement of actual expenses for promotion of the meeting, reception, etc., and Mr. Vaughan agreed. Mr. Vaughan said he would to hear from the other boardmembers since this was not an action item on the agenda for this meeting, but it will be on the agenda for the next meeting. Boardmember Fendley questioned the amount budgeted for expenditure and Mr. Vest stated the $3,000.00 is the estimated expenditure. Mr. Vest said this has become an economic development issue which effects Paris' ability to expand our industrial base and to service the existing industries. He said the numbers reflect the industrial activity in our community and the need for the four lane development to enhance the industrial activity. Mr. Vest said they would like to bring the bills to the Board to cover the expenses incurred. Chairman Cecil suggested that since it was the consensus of the Board that transportation was critical to industrial success at the next board meeting the board consider the approval of $3,000.00 backed up by actual expenses reflected in the bills. Chairman Cecil asked Mr. Vest to make his report. Mr. Vest said they participated in a survey recently done by the Tyler Economic Development Group and provided copies to the boardmembers. Chairman Cecil stated that at the meeting in December the board asked Mr. Vest to communicate with cities involved in the building business. Mr. Vest said he had contacted several cities that had done this type building program and discussed the information he had received. Mr. Vest stated he had also talked to our allies such as T.U. Electric, Lone Star Gas and SWEPCO regarding spec building programs and each indicated 75% to 85% of all prospects they handle look at existing facilities. He said that SWEPCO recommended a 100,000 sq. foot building and have also offered to do some financing for some of the communities that are interested in taking on this type building program. He said they had stated typically they would participate anywhere from 10% to 50% of the project.