04-A PEDC Mtg Min 9-25-06
Paris Economic Development Corporation
Meeting Minutes
September 25, 2006
Board Members
Present: Sims Norment
Rodney Bass
John Wright
Dick Severson
Glenn Bawcum
Board Members
Absent:
Ex-officio Members
Present: Tony Williams
Richard Manning
Brady Fisher
Pam Anglin
Staff Present: Mindy Moree
Guest
Present:
Don Taylor
Pat Taylor
Jamie Fussell
Carl Peters
John Clay
Bill Strathem
President Sims Norment called the meeting to order at 4:05.
Carl Peters from Grain Source Fuels made a presentation on a
proposed Bio Diesel Facility. The board reviewed the power point
presentation by Mr. Peters. Mr. Peters reported that he needed land and
possibly a building to rent to begin building the facility.
Glenn Bawcum asked Mr. Peters if the machinery produced any air or
moisture pollution. Mr. Peters reported that his machinery was non toxic.
Richard Manning asked Mr. Peters how many employees this facility would
create. Mr. Peters reported that 2 managers were needed and I employee to
run the machine per shift with the machine running 24 hours a day.
No action was taken regarding the Bio Diesel Facility.
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PEDe Minutes
September 25, 2006
Page 2
Bill Strathern gave a report on the strategic business plan for the City
of Paris. Mr. Strathern passed out a packet of information for the board
members to review. Mr. Strathern requested that Sims Norment and Rodney
Bass have 10 of the Industry and Small Businesses to fill out a
questionnaire.
The board minutes from August I 7, 2006 meeting were presented and
approved on a motion made by Glenn Bawcum seconded by Dick Severson.
The financial report from August, 2006 were presented and approved on a
motion made by Rodney Bass seconded by John Wright.
Old Business:
Sims Norment reported that Attorney, Charles Waldrum reviewed the
employment contract of Mr. Gary Vest and the policy and procedures
manual from the Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Waldrum found that we did
not have a contractual agreement with Mr. Vest therefore no severance
package was owed.
Sims Norment reported on the executive director poll that was taken
from various Chambers. The only conclusive information obtained was that
the Chamber President and Economic Development Director were housed
together in the same location. No other Chamber had the positions combined
like Paris. Brady Fisher asked if any of the other communities had tried to
combine the positions and found it to be unsatisfactory. Sims Norment
reported that he did not know that answer to Mr. Fishers question. Mr.
Norment reported that most of the chambers reported that the Economic
Director position was a very time consuming job that required 100% of the
director's time.
Rodney Bass reported that he spoke with Joann Parkman and Philip Cecil
who were involved in the original search for a PEDC Director. They both
reported that it was for economic reasons that the positions be combined.
After lengthy discussion Sims Norment asked the board if it would be
logical to look at proposals from various consulting firms to review our
current situation and advise if 2 positions are needed. Mr. Norment also
asked that the consulting firm submit possible candidates for review.
PEDe Minutes
September 25, 2006
Page 3
Mr. Norment asked for a meeting to be set in 2 weeks to review proposals
from consulting firms and possibly take action at that time.
Rodney Bass also reported that the Economic Director in Frisco would be
willing to help give direction to the board if needed.
Pam Anglin reported that at the last Industrial Managers meeting the
manager's voiced concern that there possible future needs would not be met
while the position was vacant. Sims Norment reported that he would
reassure the Industrial Managers that the board is working diligently to
replace the director and any needs that might occur would be taken care of
immediately.
At 5:05 p.m. Sims Norment made a motion that the board go into executive
session. The motion passed on a second by Rodney Bass.
The purpose of the executive session was to discuss the potential of an
industrial prospect. No action was taken at this time and the executive
session ended at 5:35.
With no further business to come before the board, the meeting was
adjourned at 5:35.
Respectfully submitted,
.)~ 7J1JJ~L(
Mindy Moree ~
Administrative Director