11/15/2011 MINUTESParis Economic Development Corporation
Meeting Minutes
November 15, 2011
Board Members Staff Steve Gilbert, PEDC
Present: Pike Burkhart, Sr. Present: Shannon Barrentine, PEDC
Doug Wehrman
Rick Poston
Bruce Carr
Kenny Dority
Ex- officio Members Guest(s)
Present: Mindy Moree, Chamber President Present:
Jon Landers, Chamber Chairman
Pam Anglin, PJC President
Legal
Counsel: Kent McIlyar
City Council
Liaison: John Wright
Connie Beard, The Paris News
Fred Green, R3bi Incubator Director
Edwin Pickle, Paris City Council
Pike Burkhart, called the meeting to order at 3:05 p.m. Pike welcomed those present.
Chairman Burkhart read a letter of appreciation from Thomas Turner of Turner Industries.
Thanking the Paris EDC for their continued support to promote Turner's presence in the community.
Minutes from October 17, 2011 Board meeting were reviewed. The Minutes were approved, as
submitted, by a motion from Doug Wehrman; seconded by Rick Poston. Motion Carried 5 -0.
Financial reports for September, 2011 were reviewed. Doug Wehrman inquired why the list of
CDs that PEDC currently has in various banking institutions did not include having one at Guaranty Bond
Bank? Steve Gilbert said he would ask Gene Anderson, Financial Director at the City of Paris, to correct
this oversight. The Financials were approved, as submitted, by a motion from Doug Wehrman; seconded
by Bruce Carr. Motion Carried 5 -0.
Director's Report: Steve Gilbert stated that there was a lot to cover in the following items on the
Agenda and he would update the Board on his activities in Executive Session.
Richard Seline of Regionnovate presented those present with his findings for the Paris, Lamar
County & Red River Region Manufacturing Roadmap:
A) Fundamental Actions for Paris & Lamar County:
1) Global Recruiting & Attraction Model;
2) One -Stop for Project & Site Ready;
3) Regional Radar — A Complete On -Line Portal & Knowledge Toolkit;
4) High School - College Advanced Manufacturing Academy; and
5) Entrepreneurial Resources
B) Big Ideas for the Red River Region:
1) Red River Region Manufacturing Alliance;
2) R &D Innovation Hub in Rural -based Advanced Manufacturing at Industrial Park;
3) Texas Rural Forum on Food & Production Sustainability (Host Forums, Roundtables,
Events, etc.); and
PEDC Board Meeting Minutes
November 15, 2011
4) NE Texas Regional Investors' Network for Entrepreneurs & Innovators
C) Civic Engagement & Implementation Observations (Challenges, Barriers, Recommended
Actions):
1) Stretch Goals & Actions;
2) Initiative Champions & Civic Stewardship Resources;
3) Cohesive Regional Engagement vs. Small Town Challenges;
4) Inclusiveness & Advancement of All Citizens Through New Pathways to Success;
5) Hurdles to High School, Community College, Four -Year Academic Collaboration; and
6) Affect on Economic, Workforce & Related Delivery Programs through Innovation &
Competitiveness.
Discussion took place on a number of topics. Chairman Burkhart asked those present to consider
what part of the plan (Roadmap) they would like to participate in and by Monday email Shannon
Barrentine their decision. The next phase will include team building to prepare budgets, mission
statements, etc. to get organize and move this initiative forward. No action was taken on this item.
(Due to the consultant, Richard Seline, having to catch an outgoing flight, the Board went into
Executive Session ahead of Item 5(b).)
The Board convened into executive session at 4:02 p.m. pursuant to Section 551.072 and Section
551.087 of the Texas Government Code to discuss and deliberate on the following:
A. Section 551.072 — Real Property
B. Section 551.087 — Economic Development Negotiations
Executive session ended at 4:56 p.m. The Board reconvened into open session. No action was taken as a
result of executive session.
Discussion and possible action of a Resolution of the Paris Economic Development Corporation
(PEDC) in support of funding Right -of -Way acquisition and utility adjustment costs through the Sulphur
River Regional Mobility Authority (SuRRMA) in the approximate present value amount of $1.5 million
for upgrade and expansion to 4 -lane of State Highway 24 in Delta County, Texas. Steve Gilbert provided
some background and history to this project. He provided those present with an estimated budget for the
project, amortization schedule of payment and Resolution. Due to the short timeline, TxDOT was needing
letters of commitment from all three (3) governing bodies in Lamar County (County Commissioners, Paris
EDC and the City of Paris) to move this project forward and to apply for the loan through the State
Infrastructure Bank (SIB). Doug Wehrman made the motion to approve the Resolution of fund
commitment in the amount of $1.5 million; seconded by Rick Poston. Motion Carried 5 -0.
The meeting date for December, 2011 will be December I P at 3:00 p.m.
Kenny Dority made a motion to adjourn at 5:31 p.m.; seconded by Rick Poston. Motion Carried
5 -0.
Respectfully submitted,
Shannon Barrentine
Asst. Executive Director
Paris EDC
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