Forney EDC teaches HOT, deals with building issues

During its regular Mar. 11, 2016 meeting, the Forney Economic Development Corp. met and: (initial, summary report, subject to revision)

• Held a Hotel Occupancy Tax Funds Workshop, which is required for all organizations wishing to apply for HOT funds.
  Mr. Ketteman introduced Barbara Quirk, with McKamie Krueger, the city's legal counsel.
  He then started the workshop with the pending addendum for re-applying for funds, which became an issue with the downtown mural. The Forney rate is 13% of the nightly room rate, of which Forneys' share is 7%. The state has rules about how the funds may be distributed in categories such as conventions, advertising, promotion of the arts, historical restoration/preservation, sporting events, shuttle service, directional signage. Forney has a local rule that no more than 50% of a single event budget may be HOT funds. He stressed the organizations must have a separate bank account for the HOT funds. There may be slightly more funds available this year, and another hotel, Hampton Inns, is coming here, and a possible third one, behind the Best Western.
  
• Financial report - 58% year, revenue is at 60%. Increase on professional services - from maps, brochures, design services in preparation for ICSC. Hanging maps in the office were $5,000 each. Mr. McBeth asked about the new booth design - photos are not yet available. Mr. McGregor said the design is on the FB page. A brief comment about Bond payments.
  
• Director's report - Forney hosted an area EDC luncheon, guests paid for their own lunch, Mesquite joined the meeting, Terrell has volunteered to host the next one.
  Emergicon relocation to Forney, with about 50 jobs.
  Veterans job fair, likely in Kaufman. There are tax credits for businesses hiring veterans.
  
• Re: building maintenance at 106 E. Main St. Mr. Ketteman stated after recent upgrades had been done, they noticed ceiling stains, which were fixed, but apparently there is a roof leak. Don't have a lot of choice but to fix a leaking roof- this will blow the budget. This proposal is from a contractor recommended by Mr. Randall.
  Mr. Bennet asked about the 21k proposal to fix it all, vs the alternate proposal. Mr. Ketteman said at this time he's not aware of any decking issues - there is a moldy smell, but no ceiling crash or wet carpet. Mr. Bennet asked who would make the decision. Mr. Bennet asked about asbestos testing - the contractor assumes it will be needed.
  Mr. McBeth said, given the price, he would feel more comfortable getting more estimates. Mr. Bennet said this is a high-end roof, but he agrees about getting more estimates. Mr. Ketteman said, given this rainy season & board not meeting for another month, could the board approve the temporary repairs. The board felt the damage was not bad enough to warrant repairs.
  Mr. Bennet asked if there could be a special meeting - Mr. Ketteman said yes, with 3 days notice.
  
• The board discussed the Turkey Trax Auto Show contractural obligations

  Last year the board approved assigning Turkey Trax to Sharing the Love foundation.
  Downtown merchants have concerns about the size of the event.
  Ms. Marion said the event was having safety issues - Police and Fire depts would prefer it moved due to parking and foot traffic across RR tracks.
  Ms. Browning asked what the option would be - city park?
  Mr. Mcbeth said Christmas on main is even considering moving to the park.
  Mr. Ketteman said the even was just too successful, had to turn away cars and people.
  Downtown merchants realize the event has outgrown the area.
  The board approved amending the contract.
  

• Held a one-hour-20-minute executive session
  
• Approved Emergicon relocation funds of $15k burrus, browning. Mr. ketteman said paperwork will have to be done, and signed.
  
• Applicant Melinda Latham spoke about the proposed bakery business. Mr. Mcbeth spoke about lack of space - Ms. Latham said the front room may need to be cut in half. The bathroom all the way in back is a problem. The upstairs will just be office, not usable for anything else.
  Mr. Mcbeth says they have directed Ketteman to research what it would take to open the space up. Mr. Bennet asked if they would maintain their current location - no, they would move here. Traffic would be a small truck about 4times per week.
  Mr. Ketteman hopes the options could be ready for June meeting.
  
• Adjourned 2022.