03/05/2013 MINUTESParis Economic Development Corporation
Meeting Minutes
March 5, 2013
Board Members Staff
Present: Kenny Dority, Vice - Chairman Present: Steve Gilbert, PEDC, Exec. Dir.
Toni Clem, Secretary /Treasurer Shannon Barrentine, PEDC
Bruce Carr
Bill Harris
Ex- Officio Members Guest(s)
Present: John Godwin, City Manager Present: Connie Beard, The Paris News
(Joined the meeting at 3:06 p.m.) Tom Hensel, CPA
Legal McClanahan & Holmes
Counsel: Kent McIlyar (Joined the meeting at 3:06 p.m.)
City Council
Liaison: None
Kenny Dority, Vice- Chainnan, established that a quorum was present and called the meeting to
order at 3:00 p.m.
Steve Gilbert acknowledge the passing of Doug Wehnnan, Chairman, on February 14, 2013. He
told those present that sympathy card was signed by PEDC Board and R3bi Board members with donations
being made, by individuals, to the Doug Wehrman Scholarship Foundation at First Federal. The general
consensus was that Doug was a great ambassador for the Paris EDC Board in the community and his
presence will be sorely missed.
Minutes from January 15, 2013, Regular Board meeting and February 4, 2013 called meeting were
reviewed. Bruce Carr noted a mis- spelled word on page two of the January minutes. Bruce Carr made a
motion to approve both sets of Minutes, as amended; seconded by Toni Clem. Motion Carried 4 -0.
Financials for December, 2012 were reviewed. Bruce Carr had a couple of questions about line
item expenses. Shannon Barrentine answered his inquiries. Bruce Carr made a motion to approve the
Financials, as submitted; seconded by Bill Harris. Motion Carried 4 -0.
Note: John Godwin and Kent McIlyar joined the meeting at 3:06 p.m.
Steve Gilbert told those present that Lamar County Days in Austin is proving to be a major event
for the community and industrial leaders. With Richard Seline's help, trying to get a meeting with the
Governor, Lt. Governor and Speaker and our industrial leaders, along with other high -level civic leaders.
Steve referenced a letter that he had reached out to the industrial managers to consider attending the event.
To date, the following have committed to attend: Ray Oldach & Richard Quarles, Campbell Soup
Company; Branch Sinkule, Gov. Affairs, Kimberly - Clark; Audie Keaton, J. Skinner Baking; Tom
Glascock, Turner Industries; non - confirmed: Clay Dunn, CEO, Huhtamaki and David Sokolsky, CEO,
Daisy Farms. Bruce Carr mentioned that Potters Industries should be contacted to attend the event, as well.
Shannon Barrentine listed the donations by local companies that will featured in the VIP Boxes that will be
distributed to all Senators and Representatives at the Capitol. Steve referenced the Agenda for the event,
promotional items, and that the Lamar County Chamber of Commerce has gotten all of the food for the
hamburger feed on Thursday. Steve then went on to report about the TEDC Legislative Conference he and
PEDC Board Meeting Minutes
March 5, 2013
Page 2 of 3
Toni Clem had attend the week prior. There are numerous Bills being proposed that are related to Economic
Development and Manufacturing this Legislative Session. Steve referenced a letter bragging on the services
provided at the R3bi and Hank Betke. In addition, a letter of responses from Mark Alexander, President of
Campbell Soup Company, North America welcoming a visit to the headquarters located in Camden, New
Jersey. Steve added that more updates will be given on project in Executive Session.
Election of officers for remainder of 2012 -13. After some discussion. The Board agreed to have the
existing officers move from Vice - Chairman to Chairman and Secretary /Treasurer to Vice - Chairman then
fill the Secretary /Treasurer position with one of the two Board members remaining.
Vice - Chairman, Kenny Dority opened the floor for nominations of Chairman. Toni Clem made the motion
that Kenny Dority serve as Chairman; seconded by Bruce Carr. Motion Carried 4 -0.
Bruce Carr made the motion that Toni Clem serve as Vice - Chairman; seconded by Bill Harris. Motion
Carried 4 -0.
Bill Harris made the motion that Bruce Carr serve as Secretary /Treasurer; seconded by Toni Clem. Motion
Carried 4 -0.
Discussion of Draft Audit Report for Fiscal Year 2011 -2012 by Tom Hensel, Auditor with
McClanahan & Holmes, CPAs. It was acknowledged that Mr. Hensel was asked to attend the meeting to
answer a question regarding the draft audit report from Bruce Carr. Bruce Carr referenced Page 2,
"Management has not presented Management's Discussion and Analysis that governmental accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America require to be presented to supplement the
basic financial statements. Such mission information, although not a part of the basic financial statements,
is required by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board, who considers it to be an essential part of
financial reporting for placing the basic financial statements in an appropriate operational, economic, or
historical context. Our opinion on the basic financial statements is not affected by this missing
information." Mr. Hensel stated that this report is referred to as the MDA (Management's Discussion &
Analysis). It is not a mandatory requirement that management submits one, but if a report is not received,
then the auditor's responsibility is to reference it as "missing ". This report is a generalization of the fiscal
year's financial reports. Steve Gilbert told those present that he had no problem submitting an MDA, but
would like to have the auditor provide what items are required to be included. No action was taken on this
item.
Presentation by John Godwin, City Manager, pertaining to the Economic Development portion of the
City's Strategic Plan. John Godwin provided the excerpt of the City's Strategic Plan, pages 27 and 28
(attached) for the Board to review. Discussion took place on future retail opportunities, airport
development, etc. It was agreed that those present would review the "draft" and make proposed changes,
etc. and re -group with John in the near future. John did report that a part-time planner has been put on staff
and was looking at Planned Development zoning for Lake Crook and the Cox Airport. It was suggested that
the Paris EDC Board meet jointly with the Airport Advisory Board at least twice a year. No action was
taken on this item.
PEDC Board Meeting Minutes
March 5, 2013
Page 3 of 3
Discussion and possible action regarding the Tax Abatement Request by Campbell Soup Company
for the White space II — Single Serve Juice Line. Steve Gilbert told those present that the Paris City
Council had approved the request at their regular meeting on February 25, 2013. Bruce Carr made a motion
to approve the Tax Abatement request, as submitted; seconded by Toni Clem. Motion Carried 4 -0.
Discussion and possible action regarding the ACT° Certified Work Ready Communities Program.
Steve Gilbert told those present that this Pilot program was an opportunity to help local industry, create
partnerships regarding the workforce available in the region. Toni Clem told those present that this was the
original intent for the Lamar County Coalition for Education, Business and Industry. Currently,
Campbell Soup is using the Work Keys program and Paris Jr. College uses the Key Train program. Being a
part of this "pilot" program would get Paris and the surrounding area on a "fast track" to getting students
tested and into the workforce. Bruce Carr made a motion to pursue the ACT Certified Work Ready
Communities Texas Pilot Program through the planning stage; seconded by Toni Clem. Motion Carried 4 -0.
The Board convened into executive session at 4:17 p.m. pursuant to Section 551.072, Section 551.074 and
Section 551.087 of the Texas Government Code to discuss and deliberate on the following:
A. Section 551.072 - Real Property
B. Section 551.074 — Personnel Matters
C. Section 551.087 — Economic Development Negotiations
The Board re- convened into open session at 4:49 p.m. There was no action as a result of executive session
discussion.
Toni Clem made a motion to adjourn at 4:50 p.m.; seconded by Bruce Carr. Motion Carried 4 -0.
Respectfully submitted,
Shannon Barrentine
Asst. Executive Director
Paris EDC