4A Wichita Falls Economic Development Minutes - 08/15/2019MINUTES OF THE
WICHITA FALLS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
August 15, 2019
PRESENT:
Leo Lane, President
Phyllis Cowling
Darron Leiker
§ WFEDC Members
0
Stephen Santellana, Mayor
§
Bobby Whiteley, Councilor at Large
§ City Council
Jeff Browning, Councilor District 3
§
Paul Menzies, Assistant City Manager
§ City Staff
Blake Jurecek, Assistant City Manager
§
James McKechnie, Senior Assistant City Attorney
§
Karen Montgomery -Gagne, Planning Administrator
§
Linda Merrill, Recording Secretary
§
Henry Florsheim, CEO § CCI
Travis Haggard, V.P., Business Retention & Expansion §
Ripley Tate, Past -Chair, Board of Directors §
Mac Holladay
ABSENT:
Reno Gustafson, Secretary -Treasurer
David Toogood, Vice -President
§ Market Street Services
§ WFEDC Members
1. Call to Order
Leo Lane called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m.
2. One-year assessment update with Mac Holladay of Market Street Services
Mac Holladay noted there are seven key initiatives necessary to make positive changes
going forward. Two things really matter in community and economic development: quality of
place and quality of talent. These move places forward and that is where the competition lies.
One of the first steps taken by the steering committee was the creation of a talent
partnership, and the hiring of an individual to direct that program.
He reiterated the need for a serious look at school facilities, including the type and location
of the facility(ies). He urged that research and background assistance be provided to school board
members before there is a ballot initiative. It is also important to think when this would be placed
on the ballot; the next presidential election would generate the largest turnout.
The Chamber is in the process of upgrading its economic development programming by
hiring for the recommended staff position.
He urged that everything be done to retain Sheppard Air Force Base in a value added
position.
The eco system for small business entrepreneurs is an important component of any
successful community, and is somewhat lacking here. There are two private sector firms that have
gone to work on that. He recommended that support be provided to them.
Finally, he encouraged the city to continue to take advantage of the hike and bike trails,
and welcome those tourists who come for biking events.
Mr. Holladay noted one key component of quality of place is a city's downtown. He can
look at a city's downtown and schools and determine what kind of place it is pretty quickly. He
believes Wichita Falls needs an economic director for downtown. This position would not take
away from marketing, but would focus on deal making, and putting the pieces together. It probably
belongs at the Chamber.
Henry Florsheim said there have been previous discussions with Downtown Wichita Falls
Development (DWFD) about this position. An offer was made to them over a year ago to develop
this position, and the Chamber would assist them. It took DWFD nearly a year to present an almost
completely different proposal to the 4A Board, which the Board did not accept.
After this morning's implementation committee meeting, there was an impromptu meeting
between himself, Mr. Holladay, Janna Schmader, Syd Litteken, Becky Rake, Gary Butler, and
Scott Poenitzsch. He believes a lot of miscommunication was cleared up, and again, the position
was offered to DWFD. The complete job description was provided to them that was in the original
implementation plan. However, it was stressed that time was a factor in getting this position created
and filled. Ms. Schmader said they have a board meeting next week. So, a decision is close to
being made.
Mr. Holladay added that he stressed this would be a win -win for everyone involved. An
MOU could easily be drafted. Mr. Florsheim said DWFD could be considered as the business
retention and expansion arm, while the Chamber focused on business attraction, and that could
help everyone feel like they are part of the same team.
Phyllis Cowling noted that Mr. Holladay recommends the economic development director
position be placed under the chamber, but it is a needed position regardless of where it is located.
Mr. Florsheim agreed, noting that he would be satisfied if DWFD could craft a proposal and let
the Chamber help them. But they could certainly make the position successful at the Chamber.
3. Financial Report
Paul Menzies said the August sales tax receipts (reflective of June's sales tax) total just
under $400,000. This is a 2.4% increase over the same month last year. If this keeps trending, the
fund will end the year just north of $4.1 million. Earlier this year, the percentage was at 5% to 6%
above, but that has flattened to an increase of just under 4% for the year.
The Board's unencumbered fund balance is $3.5 million. Over the last month, the fund has
received some unexpected revenue. Magic Aire has two agreements. The 2010 agreement for a $1
million forgivable loan includes a provision for a minimum number of full-time employees. The
company was just below that number for some months, and has refunded a proportionate amount
of $5,000. Excalibur Paint entered into an agreement with the Board in 2017 with similar full-time
employee requirements, and also fell below, necessitating a $20,000 refund to the Board.
Eagle Railcar - $450,000 in the form of a forgivable loan was paid to the company earlier
this year. The second part of this transaction was the cash -for -jobs component of $150,000. That
is being paid out this week.
Tryer Processing Equipment — The agreement approved by the Board last month will be
on the Council's agenda next week for approval of the Board's budget amendment.
4. Approval of Minutes (7/18/19)
Darron Leiker moved for approval of the minutes. Seconded by Phyllis Cowling, the
motion carried 3-0.
5. Update on the request for an extension from the Texas Military Preparedness
Commission for the SAFB Main Gate Project
Karen Gagne said she has had conversations beginning July 25 with TMPC about a no -
cost time extension. This conversation also evolved into discussions regarding a budget extension.
There is still $885,000 remaining to request for reimbursement from the $1.5 million. She
submitted a 90-day budget extension request, and a time extension request through the end of
March. She anticipates a response to these requests early next week.
Mr. Lane asked if the concrete issues were resolved. Ms. Gagne said those issues are still
being worked out. She has requested revised invoices. Just under $270,000 is owed to Terra at this
time. Mr. Hegglund suggested that the invoice be amended to remove any concrete -related
component so that the rest could be timely paid.
6. Discussion and possible action regarding recommendations from Opportunity
Strategies
Mr. Lane said he will have something ready for the Board's next meeting.
7. Executive Session
Mr. Lane adjourned the meeting into executive session at 3:55 p.m. pursuant to Texas
Government Code §§551.072 and 551.087. He announced the meeting back into regular session
at 4:58 p.m. The subjects posted in the Notice of Meeting were deliberated, and no votes or further
action were taken on these items in executive session.
8. Adjourn
Mr. Leiker moved to adiourn the meeting at 4:58 p.m.
Leo Lane, President