02/08/2011 MINUTESParis Economic Development Corporation
Meeting Minutes
February 8, 2011
Board Members
Staff
Steve Gilbert
Present: Pike Burkhart, Sr.
Present:
Shannon Barrentine
Doug Wehrman
Chad Brown
Dan Smith
Rick Poston
Ex- officio Members
Guest(s)
Present: Mindy Moree
Present:
Connie Beard, The Paris News
Gene Anderson
Fred Green, Wbi Incubator Director
Judge Superville
Will Biard
Legal
City Council
Counsel: Kent McIlyar
Liaison(s):
Edwin Pickle
John Wright
Pike Burkhart, called the meeting to order at 4:03 p.m. Pike welcomed those present.
Minutes from the January 12, 2011 were approved, as submitted, by a motion from Dan Smith;
seconded by Rick Poston. Motion Carried 5 -0.
Financial reports for January, 2011 were approved, as submitted, by a motion from Dan Smith;
seconded by Rick Poston. Motion Carried 5 -0.
Steve Gilbert apologized for the volume of information that he had provided the board, but would
appreciate them taking the time to review and possibly discuss in the near future, i.e., Best Practices for
Recruiting Water -using Industries; Facts regarding Tijuana, Mexico's industry base; Flip Chart notes of
the Strategic Planning meeting that was held on January 12, 2011; Cultural District Designation Program
by the City of Paris; Richardson, Texas' Home Improvement Tax Incentive Program, and the RFP by
Workforce Solutions of Northeast Texas for Development of Diversity Training Program.
Director's Report:
• Steve thanked Rachel Schory for her work on producing the "Best Practices for Recruiting
Water -using Industries" data.
• Strategic Planning meeting of January 12, 2011. Discussion took place as to how to keep
moving this process forward. It was agreed to send the flip chart notes of that meeting to all
invitees, via email.
• Conducted a very productive Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) visit with Direct
Energy. Future BREs: AgPro, Paris Regional Medical Center, Magnum Engines and
possibly PJ Trailers new owner Tom Keene.
• Lamar County Days in Austin is April 5' through 6'.
• Emerging Projects: Extreme EZ, Atom Bender, TDK West, Axis and Taste Bud.
PEDC Board Meeting Minutes
February 8, 2011
Recent/upcoming meeting/trips — Texas Assoc. of Manufacturers, Team Texas meeting and
TEDC Winter Legislative Conference in Austin, February 15 -1.8; Industrial Managers
meeting February 15; Paris Living Annual Luncheon, February 17; NAACP Banquet,
February 19; President's Day, February 21; Lion's Club presentation, February 24; Paris
City Council Quarterly Report, February 28; Spring Break, March 14 -18.
Regarding bids received to replace existing telephone system at the Depot. Steve told the board
that another option had been brought to his attention of a "fee based" service (Grasshopper.com) that
should provide the necessary services of voicemail, call forwarding, etc. Therefore, he withdrew this item
from Board consideration.
Regarding the proposed Scope of Work to seek bids for the Transportation Economic Impact
Study for Paris and Lamar County, Texas. Steve told the Board that transportation has a major impact on
economic development. He reported that the Sulphur River Regional. Mobility Authority (SURRMA) was
proposing a legislative package benefiting the three participating counties (Lamar, Delta and Hunt) by
increasing the vehicle fee to create a revenue stream for the RMA. Steve told the Board that he would
request that Oncor Electric Delivery would contribute funds to off -set a portion of the cost of the study.
Steve suggested Impact Data Source to perform the study at an estimated cost of $2,500 to $3,000. It was
agreed that this cost estimate was within the Executive Director's discretionary spending limit and to
move forward with the study. No action was taken.
The Board convened into executive session at 4:55p.m. pursuant to Section 551.087, Section
551.072 and Section 551.074 of the Texas Government Code to discuss and deliberate on the following:
A. Section 551.087 — Economic Development Negotiations
B. Section 551.072 — Real Property
C. Section 551.074 — Personnel Matters
Executive session ended at 6:30 p.m. As a result of executive session discussion, the Board took the
following action:
Dan Smith made a motion to authorize the Red River Regional Business Incubator up to $53,000,
depending on actual expenses, to cover move -in and operating costs and to authorize Steve Gilbert to
produce a letter to guarantee the Incubator lease by the PEDC Board for the TXU building for a term of 12
months with two 12 month options; seconded by Doug Wehrman. Motion Carried 5 -0.
Dan Smith made a motion to adjourn at 6:31 p.m.; seconded by Chad Brown. Motion Carried 5 -0.
Respectfully submitted,
Shannon Barrentine, Economic Development Specialist
PEDC
2