04-01-2015 City of Edgewater 104 N.Riverside Drive
Edgewater,FL 32132
Meeting Minutes
Economic Development Board
Wednesday,April 1,2015 8:00 AM Council Chambers
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. ROLL CALL
Present 7- Jeff Berner,Bliss Jamison,Marcia Barnett,Oscar Zeller,Donna Snow,William Wetherell
and Cecil Selman
Also present-Finance Director John McKinney,Economic Development Coordinator Samantha
Bishop,Planning and Zoning Board liaison Pat Card, Southeast Volusia Chamber of Commerce
Executive Vice-President Sue Williams, and Board Coordinator Mitch Honaker.
3. PRESENTATION
a. Dr. Mary Bruno,Associate Vice President, College of Workforce and Continuing Education
Dr. Mary Bruno, Associate Vice President, College of Workforce and Continuing Education,
Daytona State College, gave a presentation providing an overview of the two (2) areas she oversees.
One of the areas is the Workforce certificate program, which consists of short term courses, usually
about one (1) year in length, such as; air conditioning, auto body, auto technology, machining,
manufacturing, cosmetology, barbershop, and welding.
The second area is continuing education (CE), which is one of the areas she feels they can do a lot
for economic development and business. The CE program has several different areas that
concentrate on what they can do to support incumbent workers and businesses. Within the CE
program is the Center for Business and Industry, who works individually with businesses. Other CE
program areas are; child care training for 11 Counties; health courses for medical personnel to
provide continuing education and recertification; and the last area, which is fairly big, is for
paramedics and firefighters, who all need to maintain their EMT and EMS certifications. This
program provides a lot of basic life support renewals through the American Heart Association.
She also provided an overview of their Small Business Development Center (SBDC), which is part of
the Federal movement that comes to the State of Florida in the form of a grant. They work primarily
with Stage II companies, which are companies that have already gotten started,- are probably
struggling; and want to grow, but do not know how. They have three (3) counselors that work either
individually with businesses, or do group training presentations; they participate in a lot of fairs;
and she discussed the SBDC's CEO exchange program that businesses can join.
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Chair Jamison stated that the March 4, 201 S meeting minutes need to be amended to reflect former
Economic Development Board member Steve Harrel as present.
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a. AR-2015-775 Regular meeting of March 4,2015
A motion was made by Board Member Wetherell, second by Board Member Zeller to
approve the Minutes for March 4, 2015, as amended. The MOTION was APPROVED by
the following vote:
Yes: 7- Jeff Berner,Bliss Jamison,Marcia Barnett,Oscar Zeller,Donna Snow,William Wetherell,
and Cecil Selman
5. CITY AND OTHER REPORTS
a. City Manager Update
Finance Director John McKinney gave a staff report, stating that the City Council has a very busy
Agenda for the April 6, 2015 Council meeting, and will hear several presentations, to include:
•An informational report on Edgewater Public's Robotics program
•A report on the results of the 2014 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report(CAFR)
•A presentation on the Bert Fish and Florida Hospital merger
*A program progress report from Team Volusia Economic Development Corporation (TVEDC)
*Two (2)annexations, one for a.69 acre annexation, and one for 8.08 acre annexation.
In May 2015 the Council will hear the final reading on the Community Redevelopment Area (CRA)
trust fund ordinance, which creates Edgewater's CRA trust fund, and a resolution advocating the
Legislature pass funding to support clean water initiatives in Edgewater and the surrounding areas.
He also stated that based on the last Ecotourism Subcommittee meeting the Finance and Leisure
Services departments have been working on a bid proposal for a concessioner for City parks, and are
hoping to have a bid out on the street by the middle of next week before the summer season starts
b. Economic Development Coordinator
Economic Development Coordinator Samantha Bishop gave a staff report, and discussed:
March 2015 as being a very exciting month for the City.
The Council holding a Business Workshop on March 23, 2015 with the business community to get
input on what changes businesses feel the City can make to ordinances to provide better support.
The ongoing US I sidewalkproject,- and the Park Avenue and Mission Road widening project.
The Edgewater website launch on March 2, 2015, which went really well, and she stated they are
looking for suggested changes.
Implementation of the City's new phone system.
She is still working on the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), and hopes to
have something for the EDB next month.
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The City's first CRA report was due yesterday, which is an annual report that provides an overview
of the CRA accomplishments, the City's report of course was all zeros, but it gave the City a good
checklist for developing CRA goals.
The Mayors upcoming fitness challenge which kicks offApril 25, 2015.
The upcoming contractor manufacturing EXPO being held April 7 8, 2015, at the Orlando Center;
and Edgewater attending and passing out information packets.
Saturdays Edgefest;Easter egg hunt; and movie in the park.
The Edgewater EXPO on March 21, 2015 which had about 158 vendor spots sold (more than double
from last year) and stated that the EXPO had great attendance.
c. Planning and Zoning Board Update
Planning and Zoning (P&Z) board member Pat Card discussed next week's upcoming P&Z meeting
including two (2) variances, both of which are side set-back or rear set-back, one 29 acre annexation
on Eels Grove Road, which sounds good to him; that they will receive the package on the annexation
next week; and stated that at this point, the applicants are only applying for an annexation.
d. SEVCC Update
Sue Williams from the Southeast Volusia Chamber of Commerce (SEVCC), stated March was a
"wow" month, in particularly for Edgewater; distributed handouts to EDB members, to include the
SEVCC newsletter; and discussed-
The Transportation Connections seminar hosted by Edgewater; and the Edgewater EXPO, which she
felt was amazing and thrilling to be apart of
She thanked Bill Wetherell for collaboration on the listening sessions hosted at Daytona State
College,-for asking the SEVCC to facilitate the sessions; and for connecting it all together.
Stated a very large number of the Edgewater EXPO vendors were Chamber members; the SEVCC
was there for Friday through Sunday; vendors all seemed to be happy with the results of the EXPO;
the City's vision coming to fruition: and other cities wanting to look like Edgewater.
As for the Director part of her job, she respectfully asked that for next year's Edgewater EXPO, the
EDB recommend to Council that funds be budgeted for, and set aside to cover some of the SEVCC
EXPO support costs.
Working on the business retention call survey program, and reevaluting/reworking the questions.
The SEVCC coordinating a job fair and checking with major employers to see if there is a need for
another one, or if they feel like the market is saturated.
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Ribbon cuttings, attendance and notifications.
SEVCC sales people, and the SEVCC needing one that lives in Edgewater.
Mr. Wetherell stated that the SEVCC could hold their job fair at the Daytona State College, New
Smyrna campus at no cost. Ms. Williams replied that they were considering June as the possible
month to hold the job fair; and thanked Mr. Wetherell for his support.
e. Volusia County Department of Economic Development Update
Edgewater Economic Development Coordinator Samantha Bishop gave a staff report for Volusia
County Department of Economic Development (VCDED), stating that she is contact with Leigh
Shapleigh every week:
Ms. Shapleigh is continuing to do business visits in Southeast Volusia County.
She has provided information on other available resources to assist Edgewater's current businesses.
She is very active in Southeast Volusia County, and is probably in Edgewater everyday.
Ms. Bishop stated that the VCDED are great partners.
6. CONTINUED BUSINESS
a. Ecotourism Sub-Committee Report
Member Berner concurred that the month of March 2015 was definitely a "wow" month for
ecotourism, and reported.-
It has been over a year since the Subcommittee was formed.
The first of Edgewater's six (6) ecotourism paddling trails was officially christened at the annual
community paddle on March 22, 2015.
The City unveiled the Bluewater paddling community sign; and he thanked all those who participated
in the dedication ceremony and paddling event.
He gave special thanks to Economic Development Coordinator Samantha Bishop for preparing and
organizing much of the event, and helping to make it a success.
The City changed the location of the new sign at Menard-May Park so now it does not affect the
Southern part of the property.
The Ecotourism subcommittee had a short discussion regarding concessions at Menard-May Park,
and discussed that building the demand, and usage of the park and kayak trails would possibly make
the concession opportunity more attractive.
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New Smyrna Beach also started looking at becoming a Bluewater paddling community.
Mr. Selman suggested Edgewater adopt the recognition as the "First Bluewater Trail Community in
Volusia County". It was agreed that this is better than the 2nd Bluewater Paddling Community on the
East coast.
In regards to the Rails to Trails, he discussed,
Not having an exact time frame for the completion of the paving project at Mission and Park Avenue,
but if there is no rain,paving could start as soon as tomorrow (April 2).
Leisure Services working on signs for Rotary Park that would provide historical points of
information, which would increase interest for the trail.
The possibility of having art work closer to the Dale Street trail entrance, which would provide a
photo opportunity and a point of distinction for Edgewater's portion of the trail.
That the Rails to Trails Conservancy magazine published an entire article highlighting artwork
along trails.
Rather than the City purchasing or requisitioning art work; to possibly have a display location where
the City could have artwork on loan.
Member Berner asked if the Economic Development Board finds it fitting, to consider increasing the
Ecotourism Board membership.
Chair Jamison thanked the Ecotourism committee for their hard work and accomplishments over the
last year.
b. AR-2015-682 Economic Development Board appointment due to the expired term of Steve
Harrel,who is not seeking reappointment
A motion was made by Board Member Zeller, second by Vice Chair Barnett to
recommend for approval, the appointment of Craig Bair to the Economic
Development Board. The MOTION was APPROVED by the following vote:
Yes: 7- Jeff Berner,Bliss Jamison,Marcia Barnett,Oscar Zeller,Donna Snow,William
Wetherell,and Cecil Selman
C. AR-2015-776 Economic Development Board appointment due to the resignation of
Jennifer Butera
A motion was made by Board Member Snow, second by Board Member Selman to
recommend for approval, the appointment of Brandon Beck to the Economic
Development Board. The MOTION was APPROVED by the following vote:
Yes: 7- Jeff Berner,Bliss Jamison,Marcia Barnett,Oscar Zeller,Donna Snow,William
Wetherell,and Cecil Selman
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7. BOARD REPORTS
Member Snow reminded everyone of the SEVCC, Chamber Challenge SK on Thursday April 9, 2015,
with accompanying health fair from 4- 7 p.m.; distributed flyers for the event; and discussed
possibly moving the start location to Kennedy Park in Edgewater for future Challenge SKs.
Vice Chair Barnett stated that business is up, and homes are selling in Edgewater; that D.R. Horton
is going through their second take down of home lots, and they are very excited about that; there was
more attendance at this year's EXPO than ever before; the Tug Boat race was good and they hope to
get a little more support for the event next year because it is a fun event; and stated that she would
send an email with race winner information.
Member Selman commended Ecotourism Subcommittee Chair .Leff Berner for going above and
beyond, and doing such a great job for the City.
* Computer Numerical Control(CNC)Focus Group
Member Zeller discussed moving part of the computer numerical control (CNC) machining classes to
the Edgewater area, and hopefully recruiting Member Wetherell's assistance.
The EDB discussed:
Possibly getting some equipment donated.
Businesses benefiting from a local CNC educational course.
Establishing a CNC Focus group with Dr. Bruno.
Ascertaining from local businesses and industry their specific CNC training needs.
Making the Daytona State College, New Smyrna Beach campus more of a technical center than it
currently is.
What it would take to make a local CNC program and other related types of programs happen.
Transportation needs and obstacles to overcome to conduct courses.
Who on the EDB could head up the Focus group; upcoming member schedules; and the Sunshine
law.
A motion was made by Vice Chair Barnett, second by Board Member Selman to
appoint Member Oscar Zeller to pull together a focus group to bring a Computer
Numerical Control (CNC) program to the New Smyrna Beach, Daytona State College
campus. The MOTION was APPROVED by the following vote:
Yes: 7- Jeff Berner,Bliss Jamison,Marcia Barnett,Oscar Zeller,Donna Snow,William
Wetherell,and Cecil Selman
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& ADJOURN
Chair Jamison thanked everyone for attending the EDB meeting; recognized and thanked
Councilwoman Power for attending; and wished everyone a very happy Easter weekend.
There being no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 9:06 a.m.
Minutes Submitted by:
Mitch Honaker
Deputy City Clerk
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