Economic Development Corporation

FINAL - MINUTES OF THE NEW BRAUNFELS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION REGULAR MEETING OF TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2022 AGENDA 1. CALL TO ORDER President Kathy Meurin called the meeting to order at 5:01 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL Present: Kristen Carden, Stuart Hansmann, Neal Linnartz, Kathy Meurin – President, Jim Poage, Don Austin Absent: Brian Cox 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A) Presentation of the meeting notes of the November 1, 2022 joint meeting with City Council. Director Linnartz moved to approve this item. Director Austin seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. 4. CITIZEN'S COMMUNICATIONS This time is for citizens to address the Board on issues and items of concerns not on this agenda. There will be no Board action at this time. Jeff Jewell, Director of Economic and Community Development, introduced Mandi Scott as the Economic and Community Development department’s new Coordinator. Mr. Jewell also stated that Susie Kelley would be leaving the Economic and Community Development department and thanked her for her service. 5. TREASURER'S REPORT Jared Werner, Assistant City Manager, presented this item for September 2022, the last month of fiscal year 2022. This report was not broadcast onto the screen, but hard copies were provided to the board. Mr. Werner reported that although sales tax revenues this month were down 10.6%, the month to month comparison after adjustments show that collections were down 6.1%. This is a continued trend with the loss of the HD Supply sales tax. This downward trend is expected to continue for four months until the city is able to compare collections without the HD Supply sales tax Tuesday, November 22, 2022 New Braunfels Economic Development Corporation Regular Meeting  revenues. The total growth rate for fiscal year 2022 is 6.1%. Industry specific information was not yet available for reporting. Projected revenues were shown from fiscal year 2023 through 2026. 6. ADVISORY TEAM REPORT Jonathan Packer, President and CEO of the Greater New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce, gave an update of items related to the economic development agreement with the board. He reported that $575,000 of private sector funds has been raised against a starting point of $215,000. Five year pledges have been requested from companies. These funds have enabled a hiring of a business analyst for data analysis; and a director of workforce and industry development to work with local companies. Mr. Packer added that the report was to be presented at the October board meeting, but that the meeting had been cancelled. The report was shared with the advisory team at a meeting on October 13 and emailed to the board shortly after. This report was not broadcast onto the screen, but hard copies were provided to the board. Michele Boggs, Vice President of Economic Development for the New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce, presented a third quarter 2022 economic development pipeline report including lead information, business retention and expansion efforts, and marketing activity. Ms. Boggs added that a new marketing campaign will align with the efforts of each of the industries included in the target industry study. Ms. Boggs and Mr. Packer answered questions from the board. 7. DISCUSSION AND ACTION A) Presentation and recognition of NBEDC director Jim Poage’s years of service to the New Braunfels Economic Development Corporation. President Meurin read the aforementioned item and presented Mr. Poage with a plaque for his years of service to the board. Mr. Jewell added his appreciation for his insight and perspective. B) Presentation and discussion of a proposed project expenditure of up to $1,000,000 to Texas State Technical College for the purchase and installation of job training equipment at the Central Texas Technology Center in support of the Texas Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education initiative. President Meurin read the aforementioned item. Mr. Jewell noted the board has previously received information on this Tuesday, November 22, 2022 New Braunfels Economic Development Corporation Regular Meeting  program. He continued with an overview of FAME and its AMT program, and the funding needed to begin the program. He answered questions from the board. Mr. Packer added that one of the Chamber of Commerce’s top legislative priorities in the upcoming state session is to grant the TSTC authority by right to operate in Guadalupe and Comal counties to benefit the community into the future. Staff will bring this item back as an action item once terms have been finalized. C) Presentation of recommended actions of the Workforce Housing Advisory Committee President Meurin read the aforementioned item. Mr. Jewell an overview of local housing issues as it relates to economic development. He shared the presentation that was given at the joint workshop of the Workforce Housing Advisory Committee and the City Council. D) Discussion and possible action recommending an appointment to the Workforce Housing Advisory Committee President Meurin read the aforementioned item. Director Linnartz made a motion to appoint Larry Hammonds to the Workforce Housing Advisory Committee as a representative of the EDC. Director Austin seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. 8. EXECUTIVE SESSION In accordance with the Texas Government Code, Section 551.071, the Board reserves the right to retire into executive session concerning the items listed on this agenda to consult with its attorney. In addition, the Board may convene in executive session on any of the following items, with any final action being taken in open session: A) Deliberate Issues Regarding Economic Development Negotiations in accordance with Section 551.087 of the Texas Government Code. 1. Project New 2. Texas State Technical College President Meurin read the aforementioned item. Tuesday, November 22, 2022 New Braunfels Economic Development Corporation Regular Meeting  The board retired to Executive Session at 5:50 p.m. Director Linnartz recused himself for the Project New discussion. Staff will introduce a public hearing at the next meeting for Texas State Technical College. The board returned to open session at 6:21 p.m. 9. ADJOURNMENT President Meurin adjourned at 6:22 p.m. By: ______________________________ KATHY MEURIN, PRESIDENT Tuesday, November 22, 2022 New Braunfels Economic Development Corporation Regular Meeting