FEDC prepares for "Project Big Deal"

During its regular Sep. 14, 2017 meeting, the Forney Economic Development Corp. met and:

• Financial report, Mr. Ketteman says revenue tracking well, expenses about on target at 94% of budget through 92% of the year. Next month will have end-of-year report. Auditors will arrive early November.
  
• Directors report - Mr. Ketteman had first meeting with CIP director Candy McCuiston, who has created a downtown development review committee (DRC). There is a DRC currently that meets at Mr. Morgans office; she wants a new group that will be just for downtown. Will consider developing further down Main St. Trinity almost complete. The area behind bakery: met w/ Enos, Latham, Eric Davis; Enos wants to do outdoor dining, Latham wants an outdoor walkin freezer, Eric Davis offered to help with design. They attended NTCAR (commercial realestate expo), called Elenor out of college to work the booth. ARB approved Eno's signage, they will have a blade sign on corner of building. Interior constuction underway. Digital marketing seminars going well. Mr. McGregor says been good for small business retention, some home business that may be looking for space. Have a request from local business for support.
  
• Approved the 2017-18 healthcare incentive policies and procedures
  Mr. Ketteman said included 50k in budget to attract medical services, council takes action on budget next meeting. If more is needed, the board could move money into the fund if desired. Chmn. McBeth asks about previous incentives; Mr. McGregor said they took what done by previous EDC staff as the base. Mr. Ketteman said San Marcos EDC offered 5k towards closing costs for people moving into the area. They would offer $1,000 to $2,000 per employee for businesses. He hopes this takes off like redevelopment grants did. Ms. Lewis asked what if an existing business wanted to hire more people; Mr. Ketteman said verbage includes existing, if can maintain 5 full-time jobs. Mr. Ketteman asks if the boards wants to consider only new business; board wants to include existing.
  
• Capital Fund Committee for the "Project Big Deal". Mr. Ketteman said the project will be discussed in executive session. Will need to upgrade infrastucture for this project; TX Capital Fund is the way to make it happen - it's a grant from Ag. Dept., but rules have changed. The grant is from HUD but goes thru TX Agriculture dept. TX lamp received such a grant - the city built the building, TX lamp paid it back over 20 yrs. He says Forney scores enough to qualify for grants; new rules require creating a local committee. The City is the applying entity for grant, the business is who will hire people. He would like part of this board to be involved, law requires one member of local government body. You may now apply for capital funds every month, he wants to apply for 1.5mil, the project should support it. The committee may only meet 3x. Ms. Lewis & Mr. Alexander volunteered.
  The board approved a request to establish a capital fund committee.
  
• EDC Board Retreat for Oct. 7, 2017
  Mr. McGregor says been a few yrs since had one, EDCs required to meet inside city limits, may have it at 1st Presbyterian. Mr. McGregor reviewed the planned guests and a tour of Smurfit-Kappa.
  
• The sale of EDC-owned property:
  Mr. Ketteman said can share little in open session - 212 S Bois d'Arc, tenants have first right of refusal, generally require them to be tenants for 1 year first. He talked to Robert @ Groovy's, they plan to buy. Crumbzz building was offered to Mr. Sadler, put on market for 30 days, listed on MLS. There was no interest, and Mr. Sadler was unable to purchase it. Chmn. McBeth had expressed interest in buying that property, city attorney Mr. Thatcher was consulted and said there is no issue.
  
• Approved changes in the 2017-18 budget re: Crumbzz and 213 roof.
  Mr. Ketteman has submitted these to finance dept; with 212 not selling, have to remove from income column; also 20k for roof repair on 215 - when the buildings were renovated, 213 did not get new roof. Enos study found 213 had an R-rating of 2, basically nothing. Have received 3 bids for new roof. Ms. Browning asked if put 7k in new roof last yr; Mr. Ketteman said did 106, the bakery. Ms. Browning wants them to review. Mr. McGregor says it was Jun 2016 meeting they approved the roof at 106.
  
• Held a 75-minute executive session re:
  Chmn. McBeth remained in chamber about 20 minutes while the board considered the 212 item.
  
• The board asked applicant Mr. Simon, a local barber, questions for over 30 minutes about his plans for employees, the space he wants to move into, and other business questions. They were unable to find an applicable incentive other than employee incentive; Mr. Simon may return next month with more documentation.
  
• economic development negotiations with current prospects
  
• Chmn. McBeth exited the building. Mr. Ketteman said Mr. Sadler had first right of refusal, property was posted on MLS for 30 days, the decision is up to board. Mr. Tyaman discussed price - Mr. Ketteman says it appraised at 235k, same price offered to Mr. Sadler.
  Board approved the sale. Chmn. McBeth returned to the room, Mr. Ketteman informed him of the boards' decision.
  
• Adjourned at 2112.