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03-07-1996 Nee CITY OF EDGEWATER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BOARD REGULAR MEETING March 7, 1996 6:30 P.M. CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Fong called to order a regular meeting of the Economic Development Board at 6:32 p.m., Thursday, March 7, 1996 in the Conference Room of the Department of Community Development. ROLL CALL: Members present were Chairman Philip Fong, John Browning, Randolph Churchill, Richard Jones and William Fair. Also present was Liz McBride, Board Coordinator. Karl Gerwe and Dr. Charles Gebelein were recorded absent. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The minutes of February 1, 1996 were presented for approval. In reference to New Business, Item 1.G, Monitor Current Issues, Chairman Fong wanted to clarify the EDB is waiting on review of the substantive portion of the Land Regulation Codes. There being no changes or corrections, the Chairman approved the February 1, 1996 minutes as presented. ELECTION OF OFFICERS: Mr. Jones nominated Philip Fong for Chairman, seconded by Mr. Browning. Motion CARRIED 5 -0. Mr. Jones nominated William Fair for Vice Chairman, seconded by Mr. Browning. Motion CARRIED 5 -0. CONTINUED BUSINESS: 1. Quarterly Newsletter -- Review Draft The Board reviewed and edited Chairman Fong's draft article about the Overall Economic Development Plan (OEDP) for the newsletter. The Chairman agreed with Mr. Fair's statement that the average citizen probably would not understand the article as written. The Board then continued to edited the article. 2. Grant Solicitation for Marketing Material a. Progress Update Mr. Fair said he was waiting for the "funding request letter" before contacting businesses. Chairman Fong said the letter would only be used if the solicited business requested something in writing. Mr. Fair said he would like to see how the letter was worded first. A copy of the letter sent to Boston Whaler was provided to all members present. Economic Development Board Minutes - March 7, 1996 Page -2- Chairman Fong said he had been unsuccessful with reaching Walmart's manager, but will keep trying. He asked if everyone remembered who they were to contact. Mr. Browning recalled he was to contact Coronado Paint, and was working on SunTrust. Chairman Fong reminded him he also had Barnett Bank and First Federal. Chairman Fong said Mr. Fair had K -Mart, Winn Dixie, Publix and Eckerds and Mr. Gerwe had Kayat. He asked the members to make their contacts during the month. 3. Marketing Flyer -- Work Tabled Until Completion of Grant Solicitation Chairman Fong said if the solicitation for funds goes well, the Board may be able to pass the production of the flyer to a company for completion. 4. Review Summarize of 1995 Program of Work a. Future Direction - Mr. Jones made reference to a flyer he obtained from City Hall advertising a business that gives advice on all aspects of starting and running a business. The business, SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) is sponsored by the Small Business Administration (SBA), and Mr. Jones felt the Board should contact them. Chairman Fong said it would be to the Board's advantage to network as much as possible. Chairman Fong asked the members how they perceive an effective way of cultivating a business environment. Mr. Jones referred to "What's Your Beef' workshop, where business owners met with City staff to identify their problems and work toward resolving them. Chairman Fong felt businesses would normally call the Chamber before they would call the City; therefore, the Board should focus on how the City could be most effective. Mr. Fair said he envisioned the Board as being "the official arm of the City ". He said if the Chamber had any business inquires, they should direct them to the EDB. Discussion followed on the handling of prospected businesses, and how effective the Board could be. b. Program of Work for 1996 -1997 - Business Prospect Management (BPM) - Chairman Fong said the Board needed to come up with an outline before handing this function over to the Chamber so they have a clear understanding of the Board's expectations. Mr. Fair felt the Board should take over the technical assistance. Chairman Fong said the Board should review the information available to the public to see if it is user friendly. Mr. Fair said he would like to formulate a plan of what the Board envisions, and present toCity Council. He also felt new business prospects who have questions or need information, and who do not necessarily want to divulge their plans, be referred to the EDB. Chairman Fong said he would like to know all the businesses who make inquiries at the City, Chamber and VCBDC for informational purposes. Discussion followed on the handling of business prospects by City personal and Board members. The Chairman then suggested staff provide the Board an educational workshop. He also suggested the City have an "open house" for the citizens to meet department heads and Council members, and tour City Hall and adjoining buildings. rr .� Economic Development Board Minutes - March 7, 1996 Page -3- -2 Develop Checklist for OEDP Projects - Chairman Fong said if the Board is going to compete for funds, they need to get the planning completed. Going back to the suggestion of contacting SCORE, Mr. Fair asked the Chairman if he would write them a letter. Chairman Fong thought meeting with them would be better than writing. Mr. Fair suggested inviting them to the Board's next meeting. The Chairman said it would be appropriate. Chairman Fong said New Smyrna Beach and Port Orange had started looking at fee related issues, and had come up with a number of incentives for those starting businesses. He felt the Board should look at and compare incentives, and make some recommendations to staff. He said holding a joint meeting with staff might be helpful. Mr. Fair felt it was the Board's job to formulate a list of financial incentives available within the City, and published them. - 3 Communication Round - Table with Mayor & City Manager - Chairman Fong referenced the Board's previous frustration at not being informed of pertinent information before reading it in the newspaper, said better communication needed to be established. Chairman Fong called a brief recess at 8:00 p.m. The meeting was reconvened at 8:05 p.m. The Chairman said he would formulate a program of work for 1996 -1997 to be reviewed at the next meeting. NEW BUSINESS: 1. Business Prospect Management Program - Chairman Fong said if it was agreeable, this item would be put on next months agenda. All agreed. CHAIRMAN AND BOARD MEMBERS REPORTS: Proclamation of Excellence - Chairman Fong said the award was presented to Boston Whaler at the Council meeting March 4, 1996. He said they were very pleased to have been recognized. SE Volusia Economic Development Round - Table Session with Hon. John Mica - The Chairman said the meeting was very productive. He said Hon. Mica's emphasis is in transportation and economic development and he has been very helpful to the district. Chairman Fong said a number of issues were discussed, i.e. how block grant funds would be distributed. Comp Plan Amendment - Guava & Hibiscus Corridors - Chairman Fong said he spoke to Mark Karet, Director of Community Development, about getting this item back on the Council's agenda and asked him for a date. Mr. Karet answered, in May. Mr. Fair asked if the Board was to contact business owners along this corridor. The Chairman said yes, to make them aware this item would be on the Council's agenda in May. The Chairman also said the Board needed to state its position, and formally sent it to the Council. Economic Development Board Minutes - March 7, 1996 Page -4- ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Board, a motion was made and approved to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 8.20 p.m. Minutes respectfully submitted by: Elizabeth J. McBride, Board Coordinator Economic Development Board c:\edb\minutes \030796