10-04-2017City of Edgewater
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��GEtWATE� Meeting Minutes
Economic Development Board
Wednesday, October 4, 2017
1. CALL TO ORDER
8:00 AM
104 N. Riverside Drive
Edgewater, FL 32132
Council Chambers
Bliss Jamison, Chair of the Economic Development Board, called the meeting to order at 8: 00 a.m.
2. ROLL CALL
Present 8 - Bliss Jamison, Donna Snow, Cecil Selman, Brandon Beck, Clarence McCloud, Craig Bair
Todd Perry, Debbie Dolbow
Also present was Economic Development Coordinator and Parks & Recreation Director, Samantha
Bergeron.
3. WELCOME NEW BOARD MEMBERS
Board Chairperson, Bliss Jamison introduced and welcomed new members, Debbie Dolbow and Todd
Perry, to the Board. She spoke briefly on the focus of the Board as established by City Council
resolution, to formulate the plan for use and development of property designated for commercial and
industrial development, to annually recommend a budget to the City Council for monies necessary to
carry out purposes for the Economic Development Board, and to promote the City of Edgewater as a
prospective site for business and industrial development. She pointed out that Board Bylaws, outline
the powers and duties of the board.
Ms. Jamison noted the importance of knowing, understanding and utilizing Roberts Rules of Order
and Sunshine Law. She recommended participation in the next Ethics class offered through the City
as a refresher on these. She made special note that all communication between board members
should go through the Board Coordinator.
Ms. Jamison spoke about the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) which
includes a S year timeline showing goals and objectives for each year in addition to laying out the
plans and goals for Economic Development, including:
• Expanding business and industry in Edgewater
• Positioning Edgewater for economic growth
• Elevating community image and urban services
• Increasing waterfront access and activity
• Investing in the future of Edgewater.
Ms. Jamison also spoke about the Southeast Volusia Marketing Initiative, an offshoot of an Action
Item from CEDS, networking with sister communities of Oak Hill and New Smyrna Beach. She
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requested that this action item be added to Board Handbooks along with the City Council's resolution
approving the SEVMI and a copy of the draft of the Southeast Volusia Strategic Marketing Plan.
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. AR-2017-2895 Minutes for the Regular Meeting - August 2, 2017
Attachments: EDB Meeting Minutes Aug. 2, 2017.pdf
A motion was made by Vice Chair, Donna Snow, second by Chip Selman, to approve minutes
from the August 2, 2017 Economic Development Board Meeting. The MOTION was
APPROVED unanimously.
b. AR-2017-2896 Minutes for the Regular Meeting - September 6, 2017
Attachments: EDB Meeting Minutes Sept. 6, 2017.pdf
A motion was made by Donna Snow, second by Brandon Beck, to approve minutes from the
September 6, 2017 Economic Development Board Meeting. The MOTION was
APPROVED unanimously.
5. PRESENTATIONS - None at this time
6. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Bob Andrejkovics of 331 Admiralty Court, Edgewater Florida warmly welcomed new members to
the board.
7. REPORTS
a. Economic Development Director's Report
Samantha Bergeron reported that the budget was approved at Monday's City Council Meeting,
keeping the mill rate at 6.7, the same as last year. All departments had to cut things from their
budgets and during budget workshops, a 'Post FEMA Reimbursement" budget was developed for
when funds from Hurricane Matthew are received from FEMA. The post FEMA budget includes
around $15, 000 for an Economic Development brochure and additional marketing funds for the
Southeast Volusia Marketing Initiative (SEVMI).
Ms. Bergeron noted that we have been able to accomplish a lot thanks to the work of the Chamber of
Commerce and their partnership with the SEVMI. Ms. Bergeron also shared that the SEVMI is
working on creating an image for their branding campaign. She expressed appreciation to Bliss
Jamison for all her work writing and compiling the SEVMI plan, keeping all the volunteers together,
and keeping the momentum moving forward. She described the SEVMI as a true community effort
where city boundaries are left at the door.
Ms. Bergeron also reported that Dollar General is purchasing the old Loveland Groves property
providing a convenience store at the North end of town. It will have a design similar to the Dollar
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General at Turnbull and US] in New Smyrna Beach with that certain ascetic look, landscaping and
set back from the road. This helps the CRA as this new business is in the CRA district. In January
the fund will be up to about $156, 000. The goals this year are wayfinding signs to get people to our
trails and land acquisition for future development.
Ms. Bergeron reported that Team Volusia has been working to create incentives and opportunities
for businesses to locate here. There have been talks with Wawa regarding the property South of
Wells Fargo Bank and there are also other developers with property along US], who are ready to
move dirt. The Cameron's marina project, on North Riverside Drive, is getting started.
b. Chairperson's Report
Ms. Jamison invited Sue Williams to give a Southeast Volusia Chamber report. Ms. Williams
welcomed new members to an active and engaging board.
The Chamber is now sending out the SEVMI newsletter to business people that are members of the
Chamber and key businesses. They track opened messages and can send out additional information
to non -responders. To assist businesses, the Chamber is waiving certain fees for businesses and
organizations that have been hit hard from hurricane Irma. During hurricane Irma, four people
worked remotely to constantly update the Chamber's mobile friendly website which became a source
of information for local municipalities to share on their sites.
Ms. Williams reported that FEMA funding, for hurricane Matthew reimbursement, is stalled at the
State level and that the Chamber and board members have notified the governor of this and are
trying to move the reimbursements forward by making calls and sending e-mails.
Ms. Williams announced that ballots went out for 2018 Chamber board members. Donna Snow will
be the incoming board president and of eight nominees for the board, four are from Edgewater.
More businesses from Edgewater are joining the Chamber. The Chamber is planning to host more
educational, informational seminars or hour luncheons in Edgewater as well as in New Smyrna
Beach.
Ms. Williams mentioned that the Chamber's Installation will be November 15 at 6: 00 p. m. in the
Brannon Center. Incoming members will be recognized along with those who have served and are
outgoing. Also, an outstanding business in each of the communities the Chamber serves, New
Smyrna Beach, Edgewater and Oak -Hill, will be recognized as a 'Master in Business".
Ms. Williams shared a little about the Chamber's updated website, SEVchamber.com, with enhanced
member listings designed to be especially useful for those businesses currently without a website.
Because the Chamber is a trusted source, businesses get search engine optimization at this site.
Ms. Jamison reported that the widening of Park Avenue is moving forward and they are about to
break ground.
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c. Board Members Reports
Vice Chair Donna Snow mentioned the Chamber Installation on November ISth and invited the
Board to attend. She noted that, at the Installation, she will be talking about priorities for 2018, the
biggest priority being economic development. Next year, she wants to begin to set a template that
future presidents can follow to bring economic development issues and projects to the community at
large and include non-members in the process to grow the Chamber.
Ms. Snow also shared that on October 18th, the City of Oak -Hill will have its ribbon cutting.
Todd Perry mentioned the upcoming Chamber Golf Classic in December. Ms. Williams noted that it
is a "business" golf tournament and is being held at Sugar Mill. Sponsorships are still available.
Ms. Bergeron shared that the Recreation & Cultural Services (RCS) Board is promoting this year's
Holiday Light Decorating Contest to businesses by sending them an information sheet when they
renew their Business Tax Receipt. The RCS Board is also planning to bring back beautification
awards for residents and businesses.
Ms. Jamison inquired about eeotourism and trail markers in Edgewater. Ms. Bergeron stated that
the Ecotourism Board worked towards getting the trails and the City may apply in March each year
for trails to be "designated" through The Office of Greenways and Trails. She also acknowledged
that some trail signs were lost in the hurricane and need to be budgeted for replacement.
8. NEW BUSINESS - None at this time
9. ADJOURN
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8: 48 a.m.
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