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259 <br /> <br /> President Fendley stated the next item on the agenda was in <br /> connection with the bylaws. He said that in forming a new <br /> organization occasionally it is necessary to look at the <br /> bylaws and address items which may need to be amended. He <br /> asked Mr. Philip Cecil to address the next agenda item. <br /> <br /> Mr. Cecil stated that he had requested that this item be <br /> placed on the agenda for consideration by the Board. He said <br /> Section 4.13 of the Bylaws relates to the ability of the <br /> corporation to deal with vendors. He said in the Bylaws that <br /> the Board is required to contract for services such as <br /> construction, financial, etc., with the City of Paris. He <br /> said this was not a reflection on the City Staff and their <br /> ability. He said he felt that the Board should consider <br /> changing this section of the Bylaws in order to allow the <br /> board more flexibility. He said he was suggesting that <br /> Section 4.13 be modified to allow the Board to deal with other <br /> vendors besides the City of Paris should it be to the Board's <br /> advantage in accomplishing its goals. Mr. Cecil said this <br /> amendment would give the Board the flexibility to deal with <br /> vendors other than the City of Paris, which he felt was needed <br /> from the standpoint of giving the Board the flexibility <br /> required in connection with timing, or with a fixed price <br /> contract which would possibly be more advantageous. <br /> <br /> President Fendley called for discussion from members of the <br /> Board concerning this item. Boardmember Rhodes questioned the <br /> need for the requested change in the Bylaws when considering <br /> Mr. Cecil's statement that eluded to the balance that was so <br /> necessary in the operation of this Corporation, and Mayor <br /> Clifford's previous statement that there were a number of <br /> Economic Development Corporations that have had problems in <br /> the past. Mr. Rhodes said he had looked at the BITCO Project <br /> and it appeared that the City had done an excellent job. He <br /> said that he hated to see the balance destroyed that the Board <br /> has accomplished before there were more definitive reasons to <br /> make changes to the Bylaws. He said he felt that the the <br /> Board was relatively new and that a partnership spirit of <br /> cooperation must prevail. <br /> <br /> City Manager Michael E. Malone stated that in terms of any <br /> project that might arise in the future, that the Board could <br /> make a request at that time. Mr. Malone advised that the City <br /> Council is responsible for the expenditure of these tax funds <br /> and the Board is appointed by the City Council. He said that <br /> he felt that the present Board was a very responsible Board, <br /> but we don't know what the future might bring with different <br /> individuals serving on the Board. He said there needs to be <br /> accountability for expenditures of the tax funds. <br /> <br /> Mayor Eric Clifford stated that the Board is dealing with <br /> large sums of money, and he felt very comfortable with the <br /> City's involvement as is stated in the bylaws. He stated that <br /> he felt sure that the City Council would not deny any <br /> reasonable request that the Board brought before them. <br /> <br /> President Fendley asked the City Attorney T.K. Haynes to <br /> interpret this section in the Bylaws. Mr. Haynes stated that <br /> if there was a project that the City did not have time to <br /> perform then the City would procure the appropriate company or <br /> individual to handle the project. <br /> <br /> <br />