4A Wichita Falls Economic Development Minutes - 06/15/1997MINUTES OF THE
4A SALES TAX CORPORATION
June 15, 1997
Present:
John Gavin §
Ray Clymer §
Ron Bullock §
Gary Shores §
Stan West §
Kay Yeager, Mayor
Jim Berzina, City Manager
Gregory D. Humbach, City Attorney
Linda Merrill, Recording Secretary
Dick Bundy
Ron Mertens
Le Templar, Times/Record News
Corporation Board Members
City Staff
BCI Representatives
Public/Media
The meeting was called to order at approximately 1:40. President Gavin introduced
Dick Bundy and Ron Mertens as representatives from the Board of Commerce and
Industry.
Dick Bundy gave an overview on economic development, concentrating on how the
BCI and the 4A Board could work together for the good of the community. Ron
Mertens then presented a more detailed illustration, stating it is the BCI's goals to
retain existing employers, expand existing employers, and attract new employers.
The results of their efforts have been successful. Since 1992, when the nation came
out of its last recession, the Wichita Falls economy has performed very well. Mr.
Mertens reported a 12% total growth in employment in Wichita Falls from 1992-
1996, with SAFB creating 600 civilian jobs, the Allred Unit creating 600, Fleetwood
Manufacturing creating 230, and the Rehab Hospital creating 200.
Mr. Mertens then stated he believed the 4A Board had four economic development
priorities: (1) public creation incentives, (2) marketing, (3) labor force development,
and (4) infrastructure. He reported that there has been a tightening of the labor
force, particularly in the skills area. The Skills Development Center at VRJC
opened in January, and the training is beginning to be evident. Manufacturing and
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technology training is occurring at MSU. Labor force development is the stability of
Wichita Falls' growth.
Mr. Mertens then proposed the 4A/BCI Economic Development Program:
1. Continue educational development program
2. Appoint 4A President to the BCI /Board Executive Committee
3. 4A Board participate in marketing by contracting with BCI
4. BCI provide educational development technological assistance to the 4A
Board (job creation incentives, work force development, infrastructure
development)
5. BCI make quarterly reports to the 4A Board
To accomplish that end, the following proposed additional employee and related
expenses at the BCI are needed:
1. Staff: $ 87,564
Vice - President of Economic Development: $65,000
Benefits: $14,739
Overhead $ 7,825
2. Marketing $110,000
to include information system and research; publications and printing; trade
shows; advertising; direct mail; and automobile and travel expenses.
3. Special Projects Contingency: $ 50,000
e.g., labor survey
Dick Bundy pointed out that the BCI has personally paid for surveys and related
items in the past. Gary Shores questioned why this fee was essential, if the BCI has
been paying it in the past, and has had a successful economic growth record. Mr.
Mertens replied that competition for businesses has changed drastically, and it is
time for the city to become more pro- active in the marketing field. Mr. Shores
questioned whether BCI would continue to direct dollars toward economic
development, and Mr. Mertens affirmatively replied, stating the dollar amount will
more than likely increase.
City Manager Jim Berzina cautioned the BCI to stay within the 10% limit for
promotional fees costs as required by state statute. This concluded the presentation
of the BCI, and Mr. Bundy and Mr. Mertens left the meeting.
President Gavin made a motion that the 4A Board contract with BCI for a period of
one year beginning October 1, and to provide a dollar amount not to exceed the 10%
limitation.
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Ray Clymer suggested the motion be amended so that the Board approve the
$87,500 to enable the BCI to add another staff person. He believes the marketing
end has validity, and if an issue comes up the Board can act on it on a per -case
basis. He wants to keep the door open to BCI for anything they need, but the
pressing issue is to get Mertens some assistance.
Mr. Shores concurred, stating the to -be -hired assistant would be instrumental in
creating the budget. Mayor Yeager stated the City Council passed a resolution that
delayed until December 15 a budget from the 4A and 4B Boards. She agreed that
the new assistant would have a lot to do with setting the marketing budget.
Mr. Bullock stated it seemed difficult to contract a function, and have the BCI come
back to the Board each time they needed assistance. Mr. Clymer replied his motion
is not designed to exclude assistance, but to act now, in rapid fashion, to get the
relief Mr. Mertens needs. He restated his motion, moving that the 4A Board
authorize an expenditure of $87,500 to the BCI for staff addition and related
expenses such as social security and withholding taxes, and added the 4A Board can
request the City Council approve a loan of that amount until funds are received.
Gary Shores seconded the motion, and the Board unanimously approved the action.
This request for a loan from the City Council is to be placed on the next Council
agenda, scheduled for August 5.
Stan West tendered his resignation to the Board. The accounting firm in which he is
a name partner, Mathis, West, Huffines & Co., P.C., perform audits for MPEC and
the City of Wichita Falls, and he was advised his service on a board which
recommends how public tax dollars be spent might pose a conflict of interest, even
though he is retired from the accounting firm. President Gavin reluctantly accepted
the resignation, expressing the Board's appreciation for his service.
The meeting adjourned at 2:20 p.m.