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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998 09 09 Commerce & Industry Development Board Meeting Minutes MINUTES COMMERCE & INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD SEPTEMBER 9, 1998 - REGULAR MEETING I. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 8:21 a.m., Wednesday, September 9, 1998, by Chairman Mel Glickman in the Commission Chambers of the Municipal Building (City Hall, 1126 East State Road 434, Winter Springs, Florida 32708). Roll Call Mel Glickman, Chairman, present Sally McGinnis, Vice Chairperson, present Jennifer Booton, present Walt Dittmer, present Roger Owen, absent Also Present Ronald W. McLemore, City Manager Charles C. Carrington, AICP, Community Development Director Thomas Grimms, AICP, Comprehensive Planning/Zoning Coordinator Approval of the August 12, 1998 Commerce & Industry Development Board Meeting Minutes Motion and Second. With consensus of the Board, Chairman Mel Glickman accepted the minutes of August 12, 1998 as read. Motion passed. II. REGULAR AGENDA A. Letter from Chairman, Mel Glickman, to the City Manager There was initial brief discussion regarding the status of the letter that Chairman Glickman had sent to Ronald McLemore, City Manager; and the reply from Manager McLemore; (specifically the final notation mentioning that an Agenda Item will be on the September 14, 1998 City Commission Agenda pertaining to the future role of the Commerce and Industry Development Board). Mr. Tom Grimms, AICP, Comprehensive Planning/Zoning Coordinator addressed this particular topic with the Board. Chairman Glickman then suggested that all of the Commerce and Industry Development Board Members attend the September 14, 1998 Commission Meeting. "In preparation then, for that meeting", Vice Chairperson Sally McGinnis suggested that the Board discuss their concerns this morning. There was discussion about the recent comments and contributions from Commissioner Edward Martinez, Jr. and MINUTES COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD SEPTEMBER 9,1998 - REGULAR MEETING PAGE 2 OF 3 Commissioner Robert S. Miller, (who recently spoke to the Board); annexation issues; the June 22, 1998 letter and the August 27, 1998 follow-up letter that Chairman Glickman wrote to Manager McLemore; and the future role ofthis Board. Vice Chairperson McGinnis spoke about her concern with wanting to make a real contribution as a Commerce and Industry Development Board Member; some of the many changes that have occurred here in the City of Winter Springs; along with the past accomplishments of this Board, (including the published brochure and the Business Community Breakfast). Vice Chairperson McGinnis also spoke of the contributions that Charles C. Carrington, AICP, Community Development Director has made, along with the professionalism of City Manager Ronald McLemore. Chairman Glickman welcomed Ronald McLemore, City Manager to the meeting. Board Member Walt Dittmer spoke of a neighboring business that is considering relocating his business out of the city limits. The Board then discussed how some of the Board Members came to join this Board; their individual backgrounds; and the membership comprising this Board. City Manager Ronald W. McLemore spoke to the Board about the various situations that this Board can and cannot feasibly assist with - within the true scope of their powers. Manager McLemore discussed how this Board could best perform, in a "Chamber of Commerce" type of role; and he further spoke of the difficulties involved in realizing the true potential and effectiveness of this Board's contributions as a "sounding board" and as "an arm oflocal government". There was further discussion about marketing efforts, and the City's quandary as to how to best utilize the merits and strengths of this Board, along with discussion about the various possible contributions that a Chamber of Commerce type of organization could make - and how this function could contribute to improved business retention for the City. Chairman Glickman then addressed the various marketing tools that the City of Altamonte Springs has utilized; and perhaps how this Board could act as an Advisory Board to the City's Staff, should we similarly further our marketing efforts. Manager McLemore agreed about this Board could fulfill an advisory role to City Staff in similar endeavors. Everyone agreed that "it was an impossibility" for this Board to act as an entity that would recruit new businesses into the City. Manager McLemore then spoke on possible future annexations, and upcoming development issues that could impact the City. He further suggested that this Board should consider ways to assist the City as our business sector grows. MINUTES COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD SEPTEMBER 9,1998 - REGULAR MEETING PAGE 3 OF 3 Board Member Jennifer Booten asked Mr. McLemore to "give us a mission" - and she said that this Board was more than willing to assist the City in whatever way they could. The Board further discussed what the best role for this Board should be, and how they could most effectively support the City. Manager McLemore suggested to the Board that perhaps we could work with several former (retired) Chamber of Commerce Directors, who appreciate the merits of our City, and could assist us in developing the most appropriate focus for this Board. There was further discussion about what the role of this Board should be. Board Member Dittmer spoke on the many accomplishments that have resulted under Manager McLemore's administration. The Board agreed with Manager McLemore that it was beyond the scope of this Board to "market the City" and that they should consider developing a new focus for the Commerce and Industry Development Board. There was further discussion about potential future annexation efforts - along with past and future Chamber of Commerce efforts. Manager McLemore said that he would contact a couple of people to possibly work with this Board to define a new and improved focus. III. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS No specific agenda items were suggested. IV. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 9:16 a.m. Minutes respectfully submitted by: Andrea Lorenzo-Luaces, Deputy City Clerk City of Winter Springs DOCSlboards/commerce/fy9798/minutes/090998.doc