4A Wichita Falls Economic Development Minutes - 08/20/2010MINUTES OF THE
WICHITA FALLS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
Present:
Dick Bundy
Gary McLendon
Dave Lilley
Darron Leiker, City Manager
Kevin Hugman, Assistant City Manager
Miles Risley, City Attorney
Linda Merrill, Recording Secretary
Tim Chase, President
Gary Shores, President
Lanham Lyne
1. CALL TO ORDER
August 20, 2010
§ Members
§ City Staff
§ Chamber of Commerce & Industry
§ Member
Vice - President Dick Bundy called the meeting to order at 4:03 p.m.
2. BEDDING MANUFACTURER PROJECT
Tim Chase reminded the Board that it had approved modifications to the Gel Solutions
project at its August 9, 2010 meeting. President Gary Shores did not want to approve the
Performance Agreement without receiving the members' input on the amount of the loan.
Rossdeutscher has sold his product to Target and two other brands. He needs to produce
20,000 mattresses for Target by December 15. Additional investment is needed for equipment
for Gel Solutions and Natura World. He tried to borrow $1 Million from the bank. It wanted first
position on the Gel Solutions assets, which this Board refused at its last meeting. Mr. Chase
suggested a redirection of previously - loaned money, rather than an increase in the loan. The 4A
Board had initially given Rossdeutscher $2 Million toward building improvements. He has
replaced flooring and painted at a cost of $700,000. If he gets another tenant for the building,
more improvements would be made. He still has $1.3 Million waiting to be drawn down for
building improvements. Mr. Chase proposes that $1 Million of that money be loaned for 23
months. If it is repaid within 9 months, it is a no- interest loan. If it takes another six months,
there is 2% interest; another six months after that, 4% interest.
Rossdeutscher proposes to put 20% of the $750,000 from the TEF toward the loan
payment. Also, he is awaiting the appraisal on the property. He will be able to borrow on 60% of
that appraised value, and has agreed to pay 5% of whatever he borrows against this loan.
As this plan was approved at the Board's last meeting, the concern today is how much
money will be loaned, and how those funds will be disbursed.
Options:
1. Rossdeutscher sends the vendor checks to the City totaling $1 Million. The City
then wires the money into Rossdeutscher's account and mails the checks.
2. Rossdeutscher emails photocopies of the checks to the City. The City assumes the
checks were mailed to the vendors.
Dave Lilley suggested a joint check agreement, wherein the checks are made payable to
Natura and the respective vendor. Rossdeutscher would endorse the checks and forward them to
the vendors for endorsement and deposit.
Mr. Lilley asked what penalties Rossdeutscher would face if he did not pay off the loan
within 23 months. Mr. Chase replied that if it does not get repaid, there would be no further
funding for building improvements, certainly. In addition, foreclosure proceedings could be
initiated.
Mr. Bundy asked if we have proof that the sales orders are legitimate. Mr. Chase said the
bank asked for the purchase order contract. Mr. Bundy said the Board should have copies of the
contracts, as well. Mr. McLendon asked how many more employees would he anticipate adding
as a result of this loan and the bank loan. Mr. Chase said he guess between 100 to 125.
Mr. Leiker said it might be wise to grant $500,000, and find out how he would make up
the difference. Mr. Chase suggested an initial loan of $500,000; if things go as planned,
Rossdeutscher could then receive the remaining $500,000. Mr. McLendon expressed concern
that drawing out the process might affect the order from Target. He therefore moved that the
Board approve the entire $1 Million. Seconded by Mr. Lilley, the motion carried.
Mr. Lilley asked if staff wanted the Board to be involved in how these funds should be
disbursed. Mr. Hugman replied that staff would work that out. Mr. Leiker added they would be
sent via FedEx or insured so that the City could document when they left here.
Mr. Risley added that the Performance Agreement requires that these funds be payable to
third parties only. All the money loaned will go to further businesses in Wichita Falls; the funds
cannot be used to pay consultants or prior loan obligations. Mr. Risley noted that the Corporation
would be second in line in foreclosure for any equipment purchased subject to the Purchase
Money Security Instrument. Mr. Bundy asked for assurance there was nothing in the agreement
that would imply Rossdeutscher could come back after this loan repayment for another loan. Mr.
Chase said there is nothing in the agreement to either imply or prohibit such action.
It was the consensus of the Board that there was not sufficient value to pay for a title
policy at a cost of $7,000 to $8,000, since the Corporation is in the fourth lien position.
Mr. Risley will order a title report at an approximate cost of $300.
3. ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m.
Dick Bun y, Vice- I esident