CITY OF LAKELAND
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES
THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2009, 6:30 PM
CITY HALL, LAKELAND, TENNESSEE 38002
I. CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 6:33 p.m., Thursday, March 26, 2009, by Chairman Connie Hess.
II. ROLL CALL:
Don Barber Present
Shirlee Clark Present
John Dudas Present (via telephone)
Mark Hartz Present
Connie Hess Present
Josh Roman Absent (excused)
Boyd Ruppelt Present
Tanya Wallace Present
Pamela Womack Absent (excused)
City of Lakeland Staff Members Present:
Growth Management Director, J Higbee
Office Coordinator, Theresa Meyer
III. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES:
EDC Regular Meeting Minutes, February 26, 2009.
Connie Hess moved to amend the February 26, 2009, minutes to include the following note under Section VI, Old Business: “Mrs. Hess will promote the Feasibility Assessment of retail in Type II, III, and IV subdivisions as discussed and supported by the EDC” and to approve the minutes as amended. Vice Mayor Hartz seconded the motion.
Motion approved as amended by acclamation.
IV. PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
None.
V. REPORTS FROM MEMBERS OF THE BOARD:
Update on Lakeland’s Chamber of Commerce. (Hess)
The Chamber is preparing shopping bags and business card binders containing Chamber member cards. Bags will be distributed to new businesses and will include the binders and give-aways.
The Chamber will print new Lakeland Business Directories with information provided by City staff.
Tim Ransom of The Ransom Group will address new website concepts at the May Chamber meeting.
On Saturday, May 2, the Small Business Bike Tour will end at Kroger in Lakeland. The Lakeland Chamber will host the festivities including food, beverages and music.
Update on New Business Licenses. (Franklin)
Report not available.
Update from Planning Department. (Higbee)
The Harding Academy project is pending and has requested postponement to the May Municipal Planning Commission meeting.
Corner Shops has platted the north half as a separate lot. Staff is reviewing the application; the project is moving forward and could appear at the next Planning Commission meeting.
The code project is proceeding. The target is to have a final draft by July ’09 and begin adoption as soon as Planning Commission is ready, then proceed to BOC for adoption in early September.
Update on BOC Work Session Regarding Study Recommended by EDC. (Hess)
Chairman Hess attended the BOC Work Session. She advised the BOC that “the EDC believes the City should fund the feasibility assessment of retail in Type II, III, & IV subdivisions for commercial, retail and business activities to determine whether or not it will succeed, based upon the success or lack thereof in comparable subdivisions.” The item was approved and the study will take place.
VI. OLD BUSINESS:
1. Discussion and possible action on Scope of Economic Development Commission. (Hess)
Formulate questions for businesses two to three years old to aid EDC in determining how they can help.
Conduct research regarding the activities of Economic Development Commissions in other cities and report findings.
With the assistance of Growth Management Director, J Higbee, assemble a “tool set” for EDC use.
VII. NEW BUSINESS:
1. Discussion and possible action on EDC Staff Support and Projects. (Staff)
Following discussion, John Dudas made a motion that the Economic Development Commission accept J Higbee’s offer to develop an outline for a work plan for the Economic Development Commission and how it would relate to other boards and commissions. Connie Hess seconded the motion.
Motion carried, voice vote, all in favor.
Until a plan can be created and implemented, the EDC will continue getting input from the business community.
● Ms. Hess will get list of businesses from J Higbee
● Ms. Clark will get information about the activities of other Economic Development Commissions
● Ms. Hess will contact the Chamber for a list of the Chamber survey questions
● Vice-Mayor Hartz will contact Jim Atkinson to obtain a list of the Friendly Faces survey questions
The EDC will formulate a list of questions and develop a list of businesses to split among EDC members. EDC members will be asked to visit three businesses per month to gather information that can be compiled as a reflection of what local businesses tell us.
VIII. ANNOUNCEMENTS:
The Mid-south Planning and Zoning Institute will be held at the University of Memphis on Friday, April 17.
UT MTAS Economic Development Course, Tuesday, May 12, at Bartlett Performing Arts Center.
IX. ADJOURNMENT:
There being no other business to discuss, Boyd Ruppelt moved to adjourn the meeting. Shirlee Clark seconded the motion.
Motion carried, voice vote, all in favor.
The meeting adjourned at 7:46 p.m.
These minutes were approved April 23, 2009.
Josh Roman, Vice-Chairman
ATTEST:
Sontidra Thomas, City Recorder
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Friday, April 17, 2009
CITY OF LAKELAND
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2009, 6:30 PM
CITY HALL, LAKELAND, TENNESSEE, 38002
I. CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 6:48 p.m., Thursday, February 26, 2009, by Chairman Connie Hess.
II. ROLL CALL:
Don Barber Absent (excused)
Shirlee Clark Absent (excused)
John Dudas Present
Mark Hartz Present
Connie Hess Present
Josh Roman Present
Boyd Ruppelt Absent (excused)
Tanya Wallace Present
Pamela Womack Absent (excused)
City of Lakeland Staff Members Present:
City Manager, Robert Wherry
Growth Management Director, J Higbee
Office Coordinator, Theresa Meyer
III. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES:
EDC Regular Meeting Minutes, January 22, 2009.
Motion made by Mark Hartz to approve the EDC Regular Meeting Minutes dated January 22, 2009, as written. Motion seconded by John Dudas.
Motion made by Josh Roman to amend the minutes to add “on the Board” to sentence two of Item V, Update on Lakeland’s Chamber of Commerce. Tanya Wallace seconded the motion.
Motion to amend the minutes approved by acclamation.
Main motion approved as amended by acclamation.
IV. PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
NONE
V. REPORTS FROM MEMBERS OF THE BOARD:
Update on Lakeland’s Chamber of Commerce. (Hess)
The Chamber Board met January 8, 2009. The Board has decided to increase its efforts to get local businesses to join. The Board meets on the first Thursday of each month.
The general Chamber meetings are luncheon meetings held the second week of each month from 11:30 AM – 1 PM at Stonebridge or TBA. The Chamber’s evening mixers are held from 5:30 – 7:30 PM at Oakwood or TBA.
A ribbon cutting ceremony was held at My MD on January 15.
The Chamber is sponsoring a charity event, “Small Biz Chamber Bike Ride”, on May 2.
The Chamber’s website will be donated by Tim Ransom.
A Welcome Wagon program has been established by the Chamber. The Welcome Wagon will distribute “Goody bags” that include business cards from Chamber members.
The next Chamber meeting is March 12 and will include a special financial course for businesses.
Representatives of the City will attend the April 9 meeting to introduce the new “Friendly Faces” program.
Update on New Business Licenses. (Franklin)
There were three (3) new businesses reported since the January 22, 2009, meeting.
Update on Planning Department. (Higbee)
▪ Harding Academy appeared on the February MPC Agenda and was postponed to the March meeting.
▪ Drafts of the new land development regulations are available on the City’s website (www.lakelandtn.gov).
▪ On Wednesday, March 18, from 3-5 PM, there will be a Builders/Developers meeting regarding the new land development regulations.
▪ Additional public meetings regarding the new land development regulations will be scheduled in the future.
* VII. NEW BUSINESS:
1. Discussion on staff activities regarding contracting for a small commercial study, and recommendation, if needed. (Higbee)
Following discussion, Josh Roman made a motion to create a subcommittee to meet with J Higbee during business hours to define the scope. John Dudas seconded the motion.
Josh Roman moved to amend the motion to allow J Higbee the authority to define the scope as he has taken direction from the Economic Development Commission. Motion to amend the main motion seconded by John Dudas.
Motion to amend main motion approved by acclamation.
Main motion approved as amended by acclamation.
VI. OLD BUSINESS:
1. Discussion on Scope of Economic Development Commission.
Following general discussion, *motion made by Connie Hess to approve her representation of the Economic Development Commission before the Board of Commissioners to present information discussed by the EDC. Mark Hartz seconded the motion.
Motion carried, voice vote, all in favor.
* Note: Mrs. Hess will promote the Feasibility Assessment of retail in Type II, III, and IV subdivisions as discussed and supported by the EDC.
VII. NEW BUSINESS: (*item taken out of order)
1. Discussion on staff activities regarding contracting for a small commercial study, and recommendation, if needed. (Higbee)
VIII. ANNOUNCEMENTS:
UT MTAS Economic Development Course, Tuesday, May 12, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at Bartlett Performing Arts Center.
IX. ADJOURNMENT:
There being no other business to discuss, Josh Roman moved to adjourn the meeting. Motion seconded by John Dudas.
Motion carried, voice vote, all in favor.
The meeting adjourned at 8:02 p.m.
These minutes were approved March 26, 2009.
Connie Hess, Chairman
ATTEST:
Sontidra Franklin, City Recorder
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2009, 6:30 PM
CITY HALL, LAKELAND, TENNESSEE, 38002
I. CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 6:48 p.m., Thursday, February 26, 2009, by Chairman Connie Hess.
II. ROLL CALL:
Don Barber Absent (excused)
Shirlee Clark Absent (excused)
John Dudas Present
Mark Hartz Present
Connie Hess Present
Josh Roman Present
Boyd Ruppelt Absent (excused)
Tanya Wallace Present
Pamela Womack Absent (excused)
City of Lakeland Staff Members Present:
City Manager, Robert Wherry
Growth Management Director, J Higbee
Office Coordinator, Theresa Meyer
III. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES:
EDC Regular Meeting Minutes, January 22, 2009.
Motion made by Mark Hartz to approve the EDC Regular Meeting Minutes dated January 22, 2009, as written. Motion seconded by John Dudas.
Motion made by Josh Roman to amend the minutes to add “on the Board” to sentence two of Item V, Update on Lakeland’s Chamber of Commerce. Tanya Wallace seconded the motion.
Motion to amend the minutes approved by acclamation.
Main motion approved as amended by acclamation.
IV. PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
NONE
V. REPORTS FROM MEMBERS OF THE BOARD:
Update on Lakeland’s Chamber of Commerce. (Hess)
The Chamber Board met January 8, 2009. The Board has decided to increase its efforts to get local businesses to join. The Board meets on the first Thursday of each month.
The general Chamber meetings are luncheon meetings held the second week of each month from 11:30 AM – 1 PM at Stonebridge or TBA. The Chamber’s evening mixers are held from 5:30 – 7:30 PM at Oakwood or TBA.
A ribbon cutting ceremony was held at My MD on January 15.
The Chamber is sponsoring a charity event, “Small Biz Chamber Bike Ride”, on May 2.
The Chamber’s website will be donated by Tim Ransom.
A Welcome Wagon program has been established by the Chamber. The Welcome Wagon will distribute “Goody bags” that include business cards from Chamber members.
The next Chamber meeting is March 12 and will include a special financial course for businesses.
Representatives of the City will attend the April 9 meeting to introduce the new “Friendly Faces” program.
Update on New Business Licenses. (Franklin)
There were three (3) new businesses reported since the January 22, 2009, meeting.
Update on Planning Department. (Higbee)
▪ Harding Academy appeared on the February MPC Agenda and was postponed to the March meeting.
▪ Drafts of the new land development regulations are available on the City’s website (www.lakelandtn.gov).
▪ On Wednesday, March 18, from 3-5 PM, there will be a Builders/Developers meeting regarding the new land development regulations.
▪ Additional public meetings regarding the new land development regulations will be scheduled in the future.
* VII. NEW BUSINESS:
1. Discussion on staff activities regarding contracting for a small commercial study, and recommendation, if needed. (Higbee)
Following discussion, Josh Roman made a motion to create a subcommittee to meet with J Higbee during business hours to define the scope. John Dudas seconded the motion.
Josh Roman moved to amend the motion to allow J Higbee the authority to define the scope as he has taken direction from the Economic Development Commission. Motion to amend the main motion seconded by John Dudas.
Motion to amend main motion approved by acclamation.
Main motion approved as amended by acclamation.
VI. OLD BUSINESS:
1. Discussion on Scope of Economic Development Commission.
Following general discussion, *motion made by Connie Hess to approve her representation of the Economic Development Commission before the Board of Commissioners to present information discussed by the EDC. Mark Hartz seconded the motion.
Motion carried, voice vote, all in favor.
* Note: Mrs. Hess will promote the Feasibility Assessment of retail in Type II, III, and IV subdivisions as discussed and supported by the EDC.
VII. NEW BUSINESS: (*item taken out of order)
1. Discussion on staff activities regarding contracting for a small commercial study, and recommendation, if needed. (Higbee)
VIII. ANNOUNCEMENTS:
UT MTAS Economic Development Course, Tuesday, May 12, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at Bartlett Performing Arts Center.
IX. ADJOURNMENT:
There being no other business to discuss, Josh Roman moved to adjourn the meeting. Motion seconded by John Dudas.
Motion carried, voice vote, all in favor.
The meeting adjourned at 8:02 p.m.
These minutes were approved March 26, 2009.
Connie Hess, Chairman
ATTEST:
Sontidra Franklin, City Recorder
CITY OF LAKELAND
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES
THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2009, 6:30 PM
CITY HALL, LAKELAND, TENNESSEE, 38002
I. CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 6:34 p.m., Thursday, January 22, 2009, by
Vice-Mayor Mark Hartz.
II. ROLL CALL:
1. Roll Call
Don Barber Present
Shirlee Clark Present
John Dudas Absent (excused)
Mark Hartz Present
Connie Hess Present
Josh Roman Present
Boyd Ruppelt Present
Tanya Wallace Present
Pamela Womack Absent (excused)
City of Lakeland Staff Members Present:
City Manager, Robert Wherry
Growth Management Director, J Higbee
Office Coordinator, Theresa Meyer
Members of the Public Present:
Kumar Patel
2. Election of Officers
Josh Roman nominated Connie Hess for the position of Chairman of the EDC. There being no other nominations, the EDC elected Connie Hess Chairman by acclamation.
Motion approved by acclamation.
Connie Hess nominated Josh Roman for the position of Vice-Chairman of the EDC. There being no other nominations, Shirlee Clark moved to elect Josh Roman Vice-Chairman of the EDC, seconded by Vice-Mayor Mark Hartz.
Motion approved by acclamation.
Shirlee Clark nominated Theresa Meyer for the position of Secretary of the EDC. There being no other nominations, Boyd Ruppelt moved to elect Theresa Meyer Secretary of the EDC, seconded by Shirlee Clark.
Motion approved by acclamation.
III. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES:
EDC Regular Meeting Minutes, October 23, 2008, 6:30 p.m.
Motion made by Josh Roman to approve the EDC Regular Meeting Minutes dated October 23, 2008, as written. Motion seconded by Boyd Ruppelt.
Motion approved by acclamation.
IV. PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
NONE
V. REPORTS FROM MEMBERS OF THE BOARD:
Update on Lakeland’s Chamber of Commerce. (Hess)
EDC Chair, Connie Hess, will serve as the Economic Development Commission representative to the Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce on the Board.
Update on New Business Licenses. (Franklin)
There were eight (8) new businesses reported since the October 23, 2008, meeting. Chairman Hess will notify the Chamber of the new businesses.
The Friendly Faces program is a combined effort between the City and the Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce. The goal is to make contact with businesses on the front end.
Josh Roman made a motion to add “Discussion on Scope of Economic Development Commission” to New Business.
Motion approved by acclamation.
Update on Planning Department. (Higbee)
▪ Harding Academy on file; has not gone to MPC.
▪ The Meadows Secondary Detailed Development Plan went all the way through BOC and was approved.
▪ Village at Water’s Edge is still pending at applicant’s request.
▪ SR Consulting has contacted Mr. Higbee to schedule a pre-application conference regarding Lake Forest’s, first phase of Commercial.
▪ Regions Bank is close to locating at the Corner Shops site.
▪ Lakeland Commons was denied at Board of Commissioners meeting.
▪ Mr. Higbee has had an inquiry about the commercial frontage at Winstead Farms; nothing has been filed.
On January 29, Doug Farr, Principal of FARR Associates, will be coming to Lakeland. A public meeting, which is also a joint meeting between the MPC and the BOC, will be held at the IH Managerial Clubhouse at 7 PM. At City Hall, there will be a reception from 2:30 – 4:30 PM followed by dinner at 5:30 PM for Boards, Commissions, and the Advisory Committee with Mr. Farr.
New Land Development Regulation project schedule:
▪ Wrap up review by March ‘09
▪ Final draft from FARR by April ‘09
▪ April – July, lots of meetings
▪ Adopt by July ‘09
Outstanding item requested by EDC - viability research/presentations on commercial development as proposed in the new codes. Mr. Higbee is talking with ZHA (market experts) and working to get information to put together scope and cost.
A combination of the U of M market study and ZHA market study filtered to address our particular case should provide information we need at a reduced cost.
Update on Status of Canada/I-40 Interchange. (Wherry)
Currently at the Federal Highway Administration. Federal and State representatives are working on it.
VI. OLD BUSINESS:
NONE.
VII. NEW BUSINESS:
1. Discussion on Scope of Economic Development Commission
Chairman Hess opened the floor for discussion. Following discussion, on methods that could be used to contact Lakeland businesses, the EDC decided to make personal contact with all Lakeland businesses. Josh Roman was asked to organize the effort.
Josh Roman made a motion to table the discussion until the next meeting when the EDC would have a working document to discuss. Shirlee Clark seconded the motion.
Motion carried, voice vote, all in favor.
VIII. ANNOUNCEMENTS:
NONE
IX. ADJOURNMENT:
There being no other business to discuss, Vice-Mayor Hartz made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Boyd Ruppelt seconded the motion.
Motion carried, voice vote, all in favor.
The meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m.
These minutes were approved February 26, 2009.
Connie Hess, Chairman
ATTEST:
Sontidra Franklin, City Recorder
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES
THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2009, 6:30 PM
CITY HALL, LAKELAND, TENNESSEE, 38002
I. CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 6:34 p.m., Thursday, January 22, 2009, by
Vice-Mayor Mark Hartz.
II. ROLL CALL:
1. Roll Call
Don Barber Present
Shirlee Clark Present
John Dudas Absent (excused)
Mark Hartz Present
Connie Hess Present
Josh Roman Present
Boyd Ruppelt Present
Tanya Wallace Present
Pamela Womack Absent (excused)
City of Lakeland Staff Members Present:
City Manager, Robert Wherry
Growth Management Director, J Higbee
Office Coordinator, Theresa Meyer
Members of the Public Present:
Kumar Patel
2. Election of Officers
Josh Roman nominated Connie Hess for the position of Chairman of the EDC. There being no other nominations, the EDC elected Connie Hess Chairman by acclamation.
Motion approved by acclamation.
Connie Hess nominated Josh Roman for the position of Vice-Chairman of the EDC. There being no other nominations, Shirlee Clark moved to elect Josh Roman Vice-Chairman of the EDC, seconded by Vice-Mayor Mark Hartz.
Motion approved by acclamation.
Shirlee Clark nominated Theresa Meyer for the position of Secretary of the EDC. There being no other nominations, Boyd Ruppelt moved to elect Theresa Meyer Secretary of the EDC, seconded by Shirlee Clark.
Motion approved by acclamation.
III. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES:
EDC Regular Meeting Minutes, October 23, 2008, 6:30 p.m.
Motion made by Josh Roman to approve the EDC Regular Meeting Minutes dated October 23, 2008, as written. Motion seconded by Boyd Ruppelt.
Motion approved by acclamation.
IV. PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
NONE
V. REPORTS FROM MEMBERS OF THE BOARD:
Update on Lakeland’s Chamber of Commerce. (Hess)
EDC Chair, Connie Hess, will serve as the Economic Development Commission representative to the Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce on the Board.
Update on New Business Licenses. (Franklin)
There were eight (8) new businesses reported since the October 23, 2008, meeting. Chairman Hess will notify the Chamber of the new businesses.
The Friendly Faces program is a combined effort between the City and the Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce. The goal is to make contact with businesses on the front end.
Josh Roman made a motion to add “Discussion on Scope of Economic Development Commission” to New Business.
Motion approved by acclamation.
Update on Planning Department. (Higbee)
▪ Harding Academy on file; has not gone to MPC.
▪ The Meadows Secondary Detailed Development Plan went all the way through BOC and was approved.
▪ Village at Water’s Edge is still pending at applicant’s request.
▪ SR Consulting has contacted Mr. Higbee to schedule a pre-application conference regarding Lake Forest’s, first phase of Commercial.
▪ Regions Bank is close to locating at the Corner Shops site.
▪ Lakeland Commons was denied at Board of Commissioners meeting.
▪ Mr. Higbee has had an inquiry about the commercial frontage at Winstead Farms; nothing has been filed.
On January 29, Doug Farr, Principal of FARR Associates, will be coming to Lakeland. A public meeting, which is also a joint meeting between the MPC and the BOC, will be held at the IH Managerial Clubhouse at 7 PM. At City Hall, there will be a reception from 2:30 – 4:30 PM followed by dinner at 5:30 PM for Boards, Commissions, and the Advisory Committee with Mr. Farr.
New Land Development Regulation project schedule:
▪ Wrap up review by March ‘09
▪ Final draft from FARR by April ‘09
▪ April – July, lots of meetings
▪ Adopt by July ‘09
Outstanding item requested by EDC - viability research/presentations on commercial development as proposed in the new codes. Mr. Higbee is talking with ZHA (market experts) and working to get information to put together scope and cost.
A combination of the U of M market study and ZHA market study filtered to address our particular case should provide information we need at a reduced cost.
Update on Status of Canada/I-40 Interchange. (Wherry)
Currently at the Federal Highway Administration. Federal and State representatives are working on it.
VI. OLD BUSINESS:
NONE.
VII. NEW BUSINESS:
1. Discussion on Scope of Economic Development Commission
Chairman Hess opened the floor for discussion. Following discussion, on methods that could be used to contact Lakeland businesses, the EDC decided to make personal contact with all Lakeland businesses. Josh Roman was asked to organize the effort.
Josh Roman made a motion to table the discussion until the next meeting when the EDC would have a working document to discuss. Shirlee Clark seconded the motion.
Motion carried, voice vote, all in favor.
VIII. ANNOUNCEMENTS:
NONE
IX. ADJOURNMENT:
There being no other business to discuss, Vice-Mayor Hartz made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Boyd Ruppelt seconded the motion.
Motion carried, voice vote, all in favor.
The meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m.
These minutes were approved February 26, 2009.
Connie Hess, Chairman
ATTEST:
Sontidra Franklin, City Recorder
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