4A Wichita Falls Economic Development Minutes - 09/26/1997MINUTES OF THE
4A SALES TAX CORPORATION
September 26, 1997
John Gavin §
Ray Clymer §
Ron Bullock § Corporation Board Members
Gary Shores §
Jim Berzina, City Manager §
Gregory D. Humbach, City Attorney § City Staff
Charlese Hearn, Recording Secretary §
Dick Bundy §
Ron Mertens § BCI Representatives
Le Templar, Times/Record News §
Adele Lewis, KAUZ -TV § Public/Media
Jim' Allen, KAUZ -TV §
The meeting was called to order at 1:30 p.m. by John Gavin. It was agreed to dispense with the
reading of the minutes of the last meeting.
Ron Mertens spoke about BCI's negotiations with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BC/BS)
prior to BC/BS signing a ten year lease for the building at 2215 Southwest Parkway. During
these negotiations BCI committed to a cash incentive of $400,000 and the costs associated with a
job fair that is required in the hiring of the initial 200 employees in October. The cost for the job
fair is estimated at $5,000. After discussion, a motion was made and seconded to approve the
expenditure of $400,000 to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas for their relocation.
The motion was approved unanimously. Ray Clymer moved to reimburse the BCI in the amount
of $5,000, not to exceed $7,500, for the job fair. The motion was approved.
Mr. Mertens presented a request from Vernon Regional Junior College for funds to establish
additional training of welding, metallurgical and computer aided graphics courses at the Skills
Training Center. Requests for these classes have been received from a number of the BCI's
industry partners. Ron Bullock stated that the lack of this training has hurt us in the past.
Mr. Bullock asked how funds will be encumbered. Greg stated that there would not be a budget
due until December 15.
Chairman Gavin suggested the next board meeting be held either October 10`h or the week of
October 13`x. The VRJC request will be brought before the board for action at that meeting so
that it may be presented to the City Council at their October 21" meeting. The authorization of
$400,000 for the relocation of the BC/BS will be on the October 7" City Council meeting
agenda.
Mr. Gavin asked Ron Mertens about the progress of the job search for a Vice President of
Economic Development. Mr. Mertens said it is going very well and they should have someone
on board by the end of the year.
There being no further business, Ron Bullock made a motion to adjourn the meeting. The
meeting was adjourned at 1:50 p.m.