CITY OF LAKELAND
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES
THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2007, 6:30 PM
CITY HALL, LAKELAND, TENNESSEE 38002


I. CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 6:33 p.m., Thursday, August 23, 2007, by Mark Lawrence, Chairman.

II. ROLL CALL:
Kathleen Brasfield Absent
John Dudas Absent
Connie Hess Present
Mark Lawrence Present
Randy Nicholson Present
Don Oliver Present
Josh Roman Present
Melissa Smithmier Present
Pamela Womack Present

City of Lakeland staff members present were City Manager Robert Wherry, Growth Management Director J Higbee, and Theresa Meyer.

III. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES:
EDC Regular Meeting Minutes, July 26, 2007, 6:30 p.m
Motion made by Connie Hess to accept the July 26, 2007, Economic Development Commission Meeting Minutes as written. Motion seconded by Pamela Womack.
Motion carried, voice vote, all in favor.

IV. PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
None.

V. REPORTS FROM MEMBERS OF THE BOARD:
- Update on Lakeland’s Chamber of Commerce. (Oliver)
The next meeting of the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce will be Thursday, September 13, 11:30 AM at the Stonebridge Clubhouse.

The Chamber Board will meet on August 31, 2007 to discuss membership and the Lakeland Business Phone Book.


The Chamber website has been revised to include the City Hall telephone number and mailing address as contact information for the Chamber.

- Update on New Business Licenses. (Franklin)
There were two new businesses during the month of August. Mark Lawrence will make initial contact and Don Oliver will make a follow-up call for the Chamber.

- Update on Planning Department. (Higbee)
Growth Management Director, J Higbee, distributed a printed Planning Department Report. New items appeared in blue text.

Mr. Higbee gave a status report on items discussed at the August 20, 2007, MPC meeting.
Lakeland Commons: withdrew due to denial recommendation.
Starbucks (at I-40 and Canada Road): postponed indefinitely due to the interchange project.
Herons Ridge Sections C & D: approval recommendation by MPC at Special meeting held July 30, 2007 - will go forward to BOC.
Equestria: approval recommendation by MPC August 20, 2007 - will go forward to BOC

- Update on Lakeland Land Development Regulations and Design Guidelines. (Higbee)
There will be a staff-led Advisory Committee meeting in September. It will be an educational meeting to help prepare for the next meeting with Farr & Associates. Anyone may attend and observe.

Farr & Associates should be here in October. They should begin to bring in some recommendations.

The project is expected to be adopted in June 0r July of 2008.

- Update on University of Memphis Retail Market Study. (Higbee)
Copies of the study were emailed to EDC members. Mr. Higbee will present the study to the Board of Commissioners for acceptance.

- Update on I-40 and Canada Road Interchange project. (Wherry)
The City of Lakeland received a letter announcing TDOT’s selection of the Diamond Interchange design. They did provide the option of building the Single Point Urban Interchange design if the City provides the additional funds.

The Board of Commissioners will hold a Special Meeting on Monday, August 27, 2007, at 6 PM to discuss this project.

VI. OLD BUSINESS:
1. Discussion on the TVA “Consumer Connection” Community Retail Development Program. (Lawrence)
The first meeting will be held September 19 from 2-5 PM at the IH Clubhouse. There have been 15 replies to date.
Discussion. No action taken.

2. Discussion on Economic Development Commission participation in the Mid-south Fall Retailer Kickoff event. (Lawrence)
Mr. Lawrence and Mr. Oliver shared materials and information they obtained from the Mid-south Fall Retailer Kickoff event with the group.

Mr. Lawrence and Mr. Oliver had the opportunity to speak with Chamber members from other cities regarding the transition from a volunteer organization to having paid staff.
Discussion. No action taken.

VII. NEW BUSINESS:
1. Discussion on Economic Development Commission endorsing and facilitating a new Board/Commission member orientation in January 2008. (Lawrence)

Mark Lawrence moved to explore and formalize Board Member Orientation for presentation to the Board of Commissioners as a requirement for new Board members and as a condition of appointment. Connie Hess seconded the motion.
Motion carried. Voice vote, all in favor.

VIII. ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Josh Roman announced that he will present the Resolution for the Wireless Project to the Board of Commissioners in the form of a PowerPoint presentation on Monday, August 27. Mr. Roman notified Parks and Recreation Director, Brenda Lockhart, via email about the project so she could forward the information to Parks and Recreation Board members.

IX. ADJOURNMENT:
There being no other business to discuss, Melissa Smithmier moved to adjourn the meeting. Don Oliver seconded the motion.
Motion carried, voice vote, all in favor.

The meeting adjourned at 7:58 p.m.

These minutes were approved September 27, 2007.


___________________________________
Connie Hess, Acting-Chair


ATTEST:


___________________________________
Sontidra Franklin, City Recorder