06/16/2020 Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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PEDC Board Meeting Minutes June 16, 2020 Page 2 of 5 Discuss and aossibl a � .rove Ma ° 2020 Financials. Mr. Pankaj stated that one of the larger expenses was for $10,000.00 to The PACE Group. Under Land Development, Brush Tech Landing clearing for $41,125.00 is part of the clearing and cleanup of some of the properties we own. Mr. Hernandez stated that the COV -ID has not affected our sales tax revenue. Dr. Hashmi made a motion to approve the May financials. Mr. Hamill seconded the motion. Vote was 5 -ayes to 0 -nays. Presentation of potential New Indust A. Mr. Hernandez asked for the presentation from GreenLeicht Studios. Mr. Fredie Leicht with GreenLeicht Studios and Digital Light and Sound came forward to give an overview of the industry along with a description of the type of location they are looking for. The company would build a 900,000 sq. ft. facility with sound stages, a backlot, motion capture studio and offices. Mr. Leicht described the impact to the community as wide spread because it encompasses new industry, job growth, economic stimulus, tourism and education. The company would like the City and the PEDC to consider what incentives would be made available if they chose Paris. Discuss andossiblrr a rove ree uestin m that Cit °Council allow the cor oration to post gone the PEDC Plan of Work until a new Executive Director is hired. Mr. Pankaj stated that the Board would like to work with the new Executive Director on a plan of work for the PEDC. This would be one of the first items to accomplish when the new Executive Director has been hired. Mr. Hernandez said the Board wants the new person to be involved in the process. The plan of work will be postponed at least to the end of July, if not August or September. Discuss and review the actions of PEDC board member Dr. Hashmi ,,,,placed on the a Benda b Dr Hashmi himself. Dr. Hashmi read parts of the item he put on the agenda. He stated that he and Mr. Hernandez did not offer incentives to Turner Pipe. Dr. Hashmi presented a timeline with phone records of who he talked to and a summary of each call. A phone call on April 8th had Dr. Hashmi, Mr. Hernandez and Mayor Clifford representing Paris; and for Turner Pipe had Mr. Landry and another Turner executive. This call indicated that Paris was concerned for Turner, but Dr. Hashmi stated that at no time did we offer an amount of money. On April 15th an email was sent to us asking for financial help. This was put on the PEDC agenda for discussion at the April 21St Board meeting. At the meeting we did not make any financial commitments to Turner. Dr. Hashmi stated that no bylaw of the PEDC was broken and no bylaws of the City Council were broken. At the May 12t" Board meeting the PEDC Board voted to approve $400,000.00 in job incentives with $8,000.00 per job being offered for 50 jobs. There was no hidden agenda when coming up with this dollar amount. Dr. Hashmi went on to say that at no time did he state a dollar amount to Turner, but he did say that he supports Turner and what they do in our community. Discuss and possibly a :) )rove than tes to the PEDC Bylaws including but not limited to: a. Increasing number of Board members to seven, including one seat with a one-year term to be filled by a City Councilor and making such other revisions as may be necessary to enable this change. Mr. Hernandez stated his opinion is increasing the Board from five to seven members is a good idea. It is easier to appoint committees with seven members and when two Board Members are absent from a meeting it can give more power to those attending the meeting. Seven members at -large with no City Councilor is beneficial to the Board. Mr. Hernandez asked the Board their thoughts on adding more Board Members. All were in favor of expanding the Board to seven members, but felt that having a City Councilor as one of the Board Members would be a conflict of interest. Mr. Hernandez stated that the next step is to amend our bylaws to have seven at -large members. Dr. Hashmi made a motion to approve amending the PEDC Bylaws to increase the members from five to seven. Ms. Bills seconded the motion. Vote was 5 -ayes to 0 -nays.