Laserfiche WebLink
Regular Council Meeting <br />June 22, 2015 <br />Page 7 <br />ownership was the best part, because people would be more apt to recycle in an effort to improve <br />parks. <br />13. Discuss and act on extension of a professional services agreement with the Retail Coach <br />to provide retail analysis and recruitment in conjunction with the Lamar County Chamber <br />of Commerce. <br />A Motion to remove this item from the table was made by Council Member Lancaster <br />and seconded by Council Member Clifford. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays. <br />Council Member Clifford said he was the one who asked for this item to be tabled <br />pending receipt of additional information and that he did receive the information from Mr. <br />Godwin. He also said he learned that between the City and PEDC that more than $117,000 had <br />spent over the last four years on retail, and that retail business had come and gone. Council <br />Member Clifford said in his opinion the only way to increase retail was through primary jobs and <br />he was opposed to approving this contract. Council Member Jenkins agreed and Council <br />Member Lancaster said if they get industrial jobs that retail would come to Paris. Mayor Hashmi <br />asked Mr. Godwin if having the Retail Coach had been helpful. Mr. Godwin answered yes and <br />no, citing when recruiting quality industry, they inquired about shopping and restaurants. He <br />said he met with the Chamber and retail committee on a monthly business, that he felt they were <br />making progress and recommended extending the contract for another year. Council Member <br />Lancaster asked Mr. Godwin if he could point out a particular company and he said there were <br />no new ones, but that he had spoken to several. Council Member Frierson said he favored this <br />contract, because it was an investment for the community. Lamar County Chamber Chairman <br />Steve Keywood said they wanted to target the leakage out of the community but that these types <br />of things take time, and he asked that they extend the contract for another year. Council Member <br />Lancaster asked if they could keep Council informed and Mr. Keywood answered in the <br />affirmative. Council Member Pickle said if they were going to continue short- sightedness they <br />did not need to do this. Council Member Plata said they needed to sell Paris and that the Retail <br />Coach had introduced them to some developers. <br />A Motion to extend the contract for one year was made by Council Member Frierson and <br />seconded by Council Member Plata. Motion carried, 5 ayes — 2 nays, with Council Member <br />Clifford and Council Member Pickle casting the dissenting votes. <br />14. Receive presentation from Mayor Hashmi and Council Member Clifford on the water and <br />sewer infrastructure project, the drainage ditch located at 41" Street and Highway 82 <br />West, discuss and act. <br />A Motion to bring this item from the table was made by Council Member Lancaster and <br />seconded by Council Member Clifford. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays. <br />