Board President Willie Carter called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m and stated there was a quorum.

Transcription

1 The Cleveland Economic Development Corporation met in regular session on February 22, 2016 in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 907 E. Houston, at 6:00 p.m. with President Willie Carter presiding. MEMBERS PRESENT: President Willie Carter, Boardmember Robert Reynolds, Boardmember Brad Browder, Boardmember Alfred Anderson, Boardmember Carolyn McWaters, Boardmember Fred Terrell, J. Rice, Consultant, and City Secretary Angela Smith ABSENT: Boardmember Jack Carnes VISITORS PRESENT: Rod Hainey, Kelly McDonald, Bobby Pennington, Ed Shackelford, Chris Wood, Dwayne Wright, Jim Carson, Pete Hinkle, Jennifer Bergman, Niki Coats, Vivi Tran, Brad Hawkin Board President Willie Carter called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m and stated there was a quorum. 1. Invocation, Pledge and Roll Call. Dwayne Wright gave the invocation and Jim Carson led the Pledge of Allegiance. 2. Approve minutes from the January 25, 2016 meeting Minutes of the meetings were presented to the board members for approval. Boardmember Fred Terrell moved to approve the minutes with a second from Boardmember Carolyn McWaters. All members present voted AYE. Motion carried. 3. Review and approve financial statements. The financial statements were presented to the board members for review and approval by City Finance Director Bobby Pennington. 4. Review and approve bill payments Finance Director Bobby Pennington presented to the Board for approval of payment the monthly bill payments. Board President Carter asked about commodities that were bought and Mr. Pennington replied that bleach was bought. Mr. Terrell asked about the contract for mowing and Mr. Pennington stated he reviewed the contract and it is silent on seeding. Boardmember Browder made a motion to approve the financial statements and bill payments with a second from Boardmember Terrell. All members present voted AYE. Motion carried. EDC CHECKS City of Cleveland $ Frieda Joyce $ HR Green $ Precision Lawns $4, Public Management $1, Metropolitan Shuttle $1, Good Promotions $ Brookshire Brothers $ Sonya Driver $1, City of Cleveland $ TOTAL $10,252.23

2 Economic Development Corporation February 22, 2016 Meeting Minutes Page 2 5. Hear an update report and timetable for Earth Energy to move from its current site and begin operations at its site in the Industrial Park on CR 2201 Earth Energy personnel were not in attendance to provide their update. Board President Carter stated that he, City Manager McDonald, and J. Rice have been trying to get them here to speak but they have not been able to. City Manager McDonald stated that she was able to speak with them on the phone and they are trying to move some schedules around for a meeting and she will them again for an update. Boardmember Anderson asked about plan B. Board President Carter stated that information would come from the City attorney later. There are no legal issues yet so he can t assist. The option to buy the extra land ends on March 21 and the recommendation is not to allow them to extend. 6. Discuss and take action on possible assistance to an aeroponic business prospect The people for this item went to the Civic Center instead of City Hall so number 7 was moved up on the agenda until they arrived. 7. Discuss and take action on a proposal from the City staff for needed improvements to the Cleveland Municipal Park Finance Director Bobby Pennington spoke on this topic to the board. City Manager McDonald s recommendation on the City side is for a match of $25,000 from general fund from savings in the Parks department. This will need approval from City Council and would give EDC around $118,000 to use for this project. J. Rice stated that this project may need to go out for bid. It will just depend upon items and cost chosen. The playground vendor is on Buy Board so bids are not required for that item. City Manager McDonald stated that people who are looking at renting at the park don t because there are no additional amenities such as seating areas, no playgrounds. A basketball court is nice to have as well. The restroom is more involved with design so it may need to go in the budget for next fiscal year. She hopes to have a meeting on soccer teams soon. Board President Carter asked about a splash pad since the pool is closed and if we could do financed payments instead of cash. Mr. Rice replied that EDC has the money to do these projects and the items on Ms. McDonald s memo can be done tomorrow but the other items need time to do design, bids, etc. City Manager McDonald stated that the splash pad is a possibility at the current pool site. Splash pads run around $75,000 to $100,000 and require designs so that takes longer. Rough estimates were provided on cost of equipment so it is possible that additional money may be added to the figures. Boardmember Browder made a motion to authorize City staff to proceed with this project up to $100,000 EDC money with addendum that the City approves the $25k for their portion with a second from Boardmember Anderson. Board President asked for questions and Boardmember Terrell questioned spending more money at the park since it has always been mentioned it is revenue driven and there isn t much revenue coming in. City Manager McDonald commented that tournaments have had rain outs lately and that we have a good schedule for next couple of months. Rotary is having their softball tournaments at the Park and baseball at high school. Boardmember Terrell stated that he is not against the equipment but he asked to be on the group to talk to CYBA but hasn t heard about it. Board President Carter said that the City has to approve the CYBA item first then a committee will go and see them. Boardmember Terrell stated that we need more restrooms than playgrounds. Voting on called motion Boardmembers McWaters, Reynolds, Anderson and Browder voted AYE and Boardmember Terrell voted NAY. Motion carried.

3 Economic Development Corporation February 22, 2016 Meeting Minutes Page 3 6. Discuss and take action on possible assistance to an aeroponic business prospect Vivan Tran, Brad Hawkins and other members of their team arrived to discuss their item. They came several weeks ago and spoke with EDC and they brought their entire team with them at that time. This venture is organic food growing and they are looking to the City and EDC for help as well as help Cleveland by hiring local, etc. They want to be the biggest and best organic tower grower in United States. Phase I would bring in 40 to 50 employees paid fair wages. Detailed information on potential vendors, buyers, sites occurred. Board President Carter commented that if they liked the industrial park location to let EDC know as there is an application to complete and turn in which will provide economic information to the board for their decision. This form helps EDC determine the benefits of giving up 150 acres to one entity. Discussion on time frames and set up occurred. Board President Carter stated that the business prospect will need to complete the forms and send to J. Rice and then at another meeting an executive session will need to occur. 8. Discuss and take action on a request from the Cleveland ISD Education Foundation to assist a proposed nursing program at Cleveland High School Dusty Gatlin addressed council on this item. He is asking for $16,407 from EDC to help start a proposed nursing program at the Cleveland High School. It is their first year and they need to have equipment in order to have participants be able to sit for their exams. EDC has helped in the past with other grants for school programs. This helps students be prepared for the workforce and can possible grow to a dental or pharmacy tech program as well. Board President Carter asked Chris Wood (in audience), from the school board, why the school board hasn t donated. He stated that they had not been asked yet and that state programs are usually exhausted soon. Boardmember Browder asked the amount available to help out and Mr. Rice replied EDC has $10,000 available in the budget and it is not recommend to go over the budget but EDC could ask the school board to match their grant money. All the board members are agreeable with the request as it benefits the community and students. Boardmember Terrell made a motion to provide $10,000 from the EDC budget to the Cleveland ISD Education Foundation to assist a proposed nursing program at Cleveland High School with a second from Boardmember Reynolds. All members present voted AYE. Motion carried. 9. Discuss and take action on the selection of an engineering firm prepare a land development plan for the potential north side industrial area The bid approval committee comprised of Boardmembers Browder, Anderson and McWaters along with Patrick Wilshire from Public Management, Inc. They met with each of the bid submitters (HR Green, Brown & Gray and Jones & Carter). The committee s decision was that Jones & Carter is the best suited for this project. Board President Carter thanked the committee for their help. Boardmember Browder made a motion to approve the selection of Jones & Carter for the engineering firm for the potential north side industrial area with a second from Boardmember Reynolds. All members present voted AYE. Motion carried. Mr. Rice stated that a contract will need to be obtained from Jones & Carter and it will come back to EDC next month for approval.

4 Economic Development Corporation February 22, 2016 Meeting Minutes Page Discuss and take action on attending the Grand Opening of the Grand Parkway Segments F-1, F- 2 and G J. Rice spoke on this topic. A table sponsorship is $1,200 or individual seats can be purchased. This is with the North Houston Association. Boardmember Reynolds made a motion to approve a table sponsorship in the amount of $1,200 for the grand opening event on March 29, 2016 with a second from Boardmember Anderson. All members voted AYE. Motion carried. 11. Hear summary monthly business prospect report J. Rice stated that the information is in the packet and that there is only one for this month the aeroponic company. 12. Hear summary monthly existing business report and reports from individual Directors on existing business visits. Mr. Terrell none Ms. McWaters visited Walgreens. The pharmacy will only be open until midnight but the store will remain open 24 hours. Mr. Anderson he attended the Martin Autoplex celebration and it was a great event. Mr. Browder none Mr. Reynolds visited HEB manager, Penny. He found out that this HEB came in first for gross sales for their region and it was listed on the front page of HEB newsletter. Shannon with Bailey Bar-b-que has 8 employees now and he started with 2. The tractor feed location is already all leased out. Mr. Carter he visits Shipleys at least three times a week and the manager states that they are doing well. Mr. Rice Crowley Center has a contract on it which affects Sears. Cleveland really needs additional retail space locations. 13. Discussion and action on letter of support for the EB-5 program This item died from lack of motion. 14. Public Comments Jim Carson Chamber of Commerce update 15. Reports and comments from Directors and staff Mr. Terrell asked about zoning beginning date (2007) and found out that the zoning commission is currently meeting every other week and will be presenting to Council on March 15. Ms. McWaters none Mr. Anderson spoke on the Chamber of Commerce new faces and support from the community. Mr. Browder none Mr. Reynolds Dwayne Wright is here tonight and everyone seemed to really enjoy the Gov. Abbot event. o Mr. Wright spoke thanked the board and stated that the Civic Center was best fit for their event and hope to have the Lt. Governor next time.

5 Economic Development Corporation February 22, 2016 Meeting Minutes Page 5 Mr. Carter Allies Day March 2 nd. Spoke with John Mosley with Port of Houston and they have different areas of economic development opportunities and will create another meeting with them. He spoke with Jeff Garfinkle on property opportunity and hope to close soon on the property. 16. Adjourn There being no further business to transpire, Boardmember Anderson moved that the meeting be adjourned, with a second from Boardmember McWaters. Meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m. All members present voted "AYE". Motion carried. PASSED AND APPROVED this 28th day of March ATTEST: /signed Willie Carter President /signed Angela Smith, City Secretary