CITY OF LAKELAND
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2010, 6:30 PM
CITY HALL, LAKELAND, TENNESSEE

I. CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 6:34 p.m., Thursday, September 23, 2010, by Chairman Tanya Wallace.

II. ROLL CALL:
Brasfield, Kathleen Absent (excused)
Dudas, John Present
Fairley, Francis Present
Roman, Josh Present
Smith-Anderson, Terri Present
Tompkins, Cecil Present
Wallace, Tanya Present

City of Lakeland Staff Present:
J Higbee, Growth Management Director

III. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES:
John Dudas made a motion to approve the EDC Regular Meeting Minutes dated June 24, 2010, as written. Josh Roman seconded the motion.
Motion carried. Voice vote, all in favor. 6-0

IV. PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
None.

A motion was made by Josh Roman to suspend the rules. John Dudas seconded the motion.
Motion carried. Voice vote, all in favor. 6-0

V. REPORTS FROM MEMBERS OF THE BOARD:
Update on New Business Licenses/Closed Businesses (Thomas)
J Higbee read a new businesses listing supplied by City Recorder, Sontidra Thomas.
Report only. No action taken.

Update from Planning Department (Higbee)
J Higbee gave the regular Planning Department Report.
Report only. No action taken.

*Summary of Sign Research (Higbee)
J Higbee reviewed signage research information included in the September 23, 2010, agenda packet.
Report only. No action taken.

Chamber of Commerce Report (Wallace)
Tanya Wallace reported that the Chamber has 20-30 members; it is working on a new website and has improved its organizational approach, but is struggling for membership and support. Ms. Wallace also reported the upcoming meeting of the Shelby County Chambers of Commerce Alliance on September 30, 2010, with Mayor Luttrell.
Report only. No action taken.

Memo Regarding Office Space at Club Windward (Wherry)
Memo included in September 23, 2010, Agenda packet.
Report only. No action taken.

VI. OLD BUSINESS:
1. Strategic
a. Strategic Planning Basics for ED (Higbee)
Presentations
i. shopping center sign project update
ii. audio training modules on economic development from IEDC online
iii. Strategic Planning Basics.

During the latter portion, Mr. Higbee distributed a partially completed resource listing and indicated that it needs further work by the EDC and exploration during the Strategic Plan process.
Discussion only. No action taken.

2. Tactical
a. None.

VII. NEW BUSINESS:
1. Strategic
a. None.

2. Tactical
a. Update on Sign Ordinance
*Information covered in the “Summary of Sign Research” Report.
Report only. No action taken.
b. Website information
No discussion. No action taken.
c. Lakeland Business Expo
Report only. No action taken.

3. Other
a. By-laws discussion
Commissioner Tompkins reported on pending revisions to the Economic Development Commission bylaws. There was discussion on the number of EDC members (five regular members, one BOC liaison, and one MPC liaison), the procedure for removal of members, and the process for forming committees.
Discussion only. No action taken.

A motion was made by Josh Roman to write a letter of support to the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce. Terri Smith-Anderson seconded the motion.
Motion carried. Voice vote, all in favor. 6-0

Staff was asked to prepare and forward the letter of support to Chairman Wallace for review.

b. Determine items for the next EDC Agenda
i. Strategic plans for other cities
J Higbee provided a CD of strategic plans from other cities and suggested review at a future meeting(s)
ii. Educational module – “The Economic Development Process” module from the IEDC online series
iii. Resource List – J Higbee was asked to develop specific suggestions on how to use some of the resources from the Resource List in the strategic plan process
iv. Prepare to conduct a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, & Threats) process
v. Discuss Special Meeting Schedule, 2010

VIII. ANNOUNCEMENTS:
None.

IX. ADJOURNMENT:There being no other business to discuss, Terri Smith-Anderson made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Francis Fairley seconded the motion.
Motion carried. Voice vote, all in favor. 6-0

The meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.

These minutes were approved October 28, 2010.

Tanya Wallace, Chairman

Theresa Meyer, Deputy City Recorder