12-Deliberate and act on a Resolution stating strong support for the role Turner Ind plays in the social and economic regionCITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM BRIEFING SHEET
Submittal Date:
Originating Department:
Presented By:
Agenda Item No.:
OS/03/10
Council Date:
City Council
Kevin Carruth
12.
OS/10/10
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Move to approve a resolution stating the City Council's strong support for the role Turner Industries
plays in the social and economic vitality of the greater Paris region.
POLICY ISSUE(S):
Economic development
BACKGROUND:
Over the last few weeks Turner Industries' Paris plant has experienced the following issues:
• The EEOC-Turner Industries matter has been publicly covered by the media and has caused
questions to arise about the company within the community.
■ The decision of the Texas Workforce Commission to suspend availability of the training grant to
PJC until the EEOC matter has been resolved also has been reported on by the media and has
caused further community questions and uncertainty about the company.
• Concerns have been expressed by company officials to several community leaders, essentially
asking if the city supports the company as it goes up against these economic and social
challenges.
Given Turner's contributions to the greater Paris community and public concern over the status of the
plant, the Paris City Council has good cause to deliver a strong, intentional message of support for
Turner Industries. As the resolution conveys, Turner has been a consistent, positive force in the greater
Paris community and it is both appropriate and important to place the City's support and commitment to
Turner on record, and to encourage other businesses, organizations, and individuals to join in offering
their support. Other units of local government will also be asked to pass similar expressions of support
for Turner.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
EXHIBITS:
Resolution; Lamar County letter of support
ACTION:
BUDGET INFO:
❑ Financial Report ❑ Minute Order
Expense
$
❑ Department Report Z Resolution
Budgeted Amt.
$
❑ Presentation ❑ Ordinance
y'I'D Actual
$
❑ Public Hearing ❑ Other
Acct. Name
Acct. Number
Fiscni. NoTES:
REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY:
Z Administtation Z City Clerk ❑ Community Development ❑ EMS/IT ❑ Finance ❑ Fire
❑ Municipal Court Z Legal ❑ Library ❑ Police ❑ Eng./Public Works ❑ Utiliries
City of Paris Revised 2/04/08
1^
LAMAR CUI.TNTY
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M.C. Superville, Jr.
COUNTY JUDGE
May 5, 2020 903-737-2410
Mr. Steve Gilbert
Executive Director
Paris Economic Development Cvrporation
1125 Bonham Street
Paris, Texas 75460
Dear Mr. Gilbert,
Speaking on behalf af al1 of the citizens of Paris, Lamar County, Texas please
receive this letter as our declaration that "Turner Industries" (Turner), has the full
and unequivocal support, cooperation, assistance, aid, and backing of this
community.
From the time that "Turner" first arrived in this community, it has brought
prosperity, opportunity, and hope for a brighter future for everyone-inclusive of
all genders, races, creeds and nationalities. "Turner's" presence here is greatly
appreciated.
With very few exceptions, the citizens of northeast Texas are good, decent, fair-
minded, hard-working people. We do not approve of racism, prejudice,
discriminatEOn, or harassment in any farm. We know that "Turner" shares this
view and practices it as well. We very strongly. feel that "Turner" and the
community of Paris, Lamar County, Texas have been wrongfully and maliciousiy
maligned with accusations of racism. It is a grossly inaccurate description of
"Turner" and the people o# Paris, Lamar County, Texas.
LAMAR Ct3UNTY CC1t1I2Tti0USE • 119 N. FvIA1N • PAR1S. TX 75460
1.19
This community, and especially the leadership, is fully committed to supporting
and assisting "Turner" through the process af establishing that as a matter of fact,
"Turner" is a tolerant, fair, and equal opportunity employer.
Mr. Gilbert, if E may be of assistance to you in any manner, please do not hesitate
to cantact me.
Sincerely,
E 4
M. C. Supervi
Lamar County Judge
r t
Cc: tarnar County Commissioners Caurt
The Lamar County Chamber of Commerce
The City of Paris, City Council
The Paris News
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