CITY OF LAKELAND
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES
THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 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, April 23, 2009, by Don Barber.

II. ROLL CALL:
Don Barber Present
Shirlee Clark Present
John Dudas Present
Mark Hartz Present
Connie Hess Absent (excused)
Josh Roman Present (arrived at 6:36 p.m.)
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, March 26, 2009.
Boyd Ruppelt made a motion to approve the EDC Regular Meeting Minutes dated March 26, 2009, as written. Shirlee Clark seconded the motion.
Motion approved by acclamation.

IV. PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
None.

V. REPORTS FROM MEMBERS OF THE BOARD:
Update on Lakeland’s Chamber of Commerce. (Hess)
Not available.

Update on New Business Licenses. (Thomas)
Not available.

Update from Planning Department. (Higbee)
•Development Code project goal - “final draft” over the summer.
•RCLCO Study should be completed by the end of the month.
•Parks Master Plan may be one of the only items going to May MPC
•Harding Academy requested postponement to June.
•Minor Plat request for Corner Shops
Report only. No action taken.

Update from Engineering Department on I-40/Canada Road Signal and Interchange. (Stuckert)
Report only. No action taken.

Report on Mid-South Planning and Zoning Institute. (Higbee/Hartz)
Report only. No action taken.

Josh Roman made a motion to move Announcements before Old and New Business.
Motion carried, voice vote, all in favor.

VIII. *ANNOUNCEMENTS:
UT MTAS Economic Development Course, Tuesday, May 12, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at Bartlett Performing Arts Center.

VI. OLD BUSINESS:
None.
VII. NEW BUSINESS:
1. Discussion and possible action on the role and responsibilities of the EDC and possible initiatives that could be undertaken by the EDC. (Wallace)
General discussion regarding activities the EDC could initiate in order to provide resources for the business community. Josh Roman made a motion to table discussion until the next scheduled meeting.
Motion carried, voice vote, all in favor.

2. Discussion and possible action on raising funds to assist in EDC activities. (Wallace)
Discussion included:-The use fundraisers to provide a budget to fund some of the EDC projects.
-Markets created by festivals and fairs to strengthen community spirit, gain exposure for the community and promote the community.
-Organizing an event for businesses to come together to promote their business.
-Staff providing a list of EDC accomplishments since its inception.
-Focusing on a single project such as making contact and soliciting input from local businesses.
Discussion only. No action taken.

VIII. *ANNOUNCEMENTS:
(Item taken out of order)

IX. ADJOURNMENT:
There being no other business to discuss, Josh Roman made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Boyd Ruppelt seconded the motion.
Motion carried, voice vote, all in favor.

The meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.

These minutes were approved May 28, 2009.

Connie Hess, Chairman

ATTEST:
Theresa Meyer, Deputy City Recorder