Economic Development Commission Meeting Minutes - June 26, 2008

CITY OF LAKELAND
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES
THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2008, 6:30 PM
CITY HALL, LAKELAND, TENNESSEE 38002

I. CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 6:32 p.m., Thursday, June 26, 2008, by Mark Lawrence, Chairman.

II. ROLL CALL:
Don Barber Present
Shirlee Clark Present
John Dudas Absent (excused)
Mark Hartz Present
Connie Hess Present
Mark Lawrence Present
Joshua Roman Absent (excused)
Boyd Ruppelt Absent (excused)
Pamela Womack Present

City of Lakeland Staff Members Present:
City Manager, Robert Wherry
Growth Management Director, J Higbee
Executive Assistant, Theresa Meyer

Members of the Public Attending:
Fred Harris

Motion made by Mark Lawrence to amend the Agenda to add New Business, Item #1“Discussion and possible action on the Mid-South Fall Retailer Kick-Off.”
Approved by acclamation.

III. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES:
EDC Regular Meeting Minutes, May 22, 2008, 6:30 p.m.
Motion made by Mark Lawrence to approve the EDC Regular Meeting Minutes dated May 22, 2008, as written.
Approved by acclamation.

IV. PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
Fred Harris, 6811 Briarmeadows spoke in favor of land development and expressed his concern that the new guidelines for rezoning might hamper development so it becomes economically infeasible to be able to do the job right.

V. REPORTS FROM MEMBERS OF THE BOARD:
Update on Lakeland’s Chamber of Commerce. (Lawrence)
Mr. Lawrence distributed a current listing of Chamber members.

The board continues to focus on growth and publicity to get Chamber information out to businesses.

Chamber meetings will be held on the first Thursday of each month beginning in August. The August meeting will be a luncheon. The speaker will be a healthcare practitioner speaking on Back-to-School & Employment Stress or a representative from the Lakeland Outlet mall.

A letter inviting Developers to join the Chamber is being drafted. New businesses are being contacted by the Chamber’s Membership Associate.

Update on New Business Licenses. (Franklin)
There were four new businesses reported since the May 22, 2008 meeting.

A copy of Chapter 3, Business Tax Act, from the Lakeland Municipal Code was included in response to the question about businesses located outside Lakeland City limits possessing a City of Lakeland Business License. Chapter 3 confirms that a company or organization conducting business within the city limits of the City of Lakeland must obtain a Business License.

Update on Planning Department. (Higbee)
Growth Management Director, J Higbee, provided a printed report of MPC Projects. Mr. Higbee also provided a Retail Report about the new regulations and three maps regarding traffic counts.

Mr. Higbee noted one correction on page 1 of the MPC Projects Report included in the EDC Agenda packet. Kensington Manor Phase 1 has 61 lots not 72 lots.

Farr & Associates will return in July for another round of discussions with the Advisory Committee. Another round of public meetings will be held with additional documents being released.

The EDC will conduct a Special Meeting on Thursday, July 24, following the regular EDC meeting. The goal of the meeting is to discuss information submitted by FARR, determine if it is economically feasible, formulate resolutions, and generate recommendations to the MPC.

Ms. Hess and Ms. Womack will meet with Mr. Higbee to come up with a base definition of levels 3, 4, & 5 and criteria for the Special Meeting.

Update on TVA Consumer Connection Community Retail Development Program. (Lawrence)
The Corner Shops has 12-14 bays available. Mr. Lawrence has requested suggestions from the RDT for points of contact for spaces in the Corner Shops.

VI. OLD BUSINESS:
None.

strong>VII. NEW BUSINESS:
1. Discussion and possible action on the Mid-South Fall Retailer Kick-Off.
(Lawrence)
The Mid-South Fall Retailer Kick-Off is a regional forum showcasing businesses and business properties throughout the mid-south. The City has agreed to fund two representatives from the City of Lakeland to attend.

Mr. Wherry provided information on the International Conference of Shopping Centers Conference July 17 & 18 in Nashville. Schedule permitting, Shirlee Clark will attend the conference on behalf of the Economic Development Commission.
Discussion only. No action taken.

VIII. ANNOUNCEMENTS:

IX. ADJOURNMENT:
There being no other business to discuss, Connie Hess moved to adjourn the meeting. Pamela Womack seconded the motion.
Motion carried, voice vote, all in favor.

The meeting adjourned at 8:44 p.m.

These minutes were approved July 24, 2008.

Mark Lawrence, Chairman

ATTEST:
Sontidra Franklin, City Recorder