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2004 09 28 WS MinutesMINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN September 28, 2004 The City Council of the City of Baytown, Texas, met in work session on September 28, 2004, at 4:00 p.m. in Tucker Hall, Lee College, Lee Drive and West Gulf Street, Baytown, Texas, with the following in attendance: Ronnie Anderson Mercedes Renteria III Sammy Mahan Calvin Mundinger Gary M. Jackson Bob Leiper Ignacio Ramirez, Sr. Gary W. Smith Council Member Council Member Council Member Mayor City Manager Assistant City Manager City Attorney City Clerk Absent was: Don Murray, Council Member, and Scott Sheley, Council Member. The meeting was opened with a quorum present after which the following business was conducted: Receive presentation and discuss the Economic Development Strategic Plan. Wanda Cash reviewed the genesis of the Economic Development Strategic Plan for Baytown and West Chambers County. The stakeholders were identified and each nominated a member of the Steering Committee. The Steering Committee first met in October 2003. After requesting proposals, Angelou Economics was selected to assist in the development of the strategic plan. The plan was developed through interviews and input from diverse stakeholders, surveys, focus groups, and database research. Amy Holloway, Angelou Economics, presented the Economic Development Strategic Plan. She stated that the implementation of the plan must be reviewed annually. The vision is "To experience a new era of prosperity by improving job opportunities and attracting a new generation who will expand the City's position as an economic engine of the Texas Gulf Coast." The on -line survey must be repeated annually. The first product delivered was the community assessment. The second product is the economic development plan. The plan is to be implemented over a five -year period. The strengths identified are as follows: Lee College, Goose Creek Consolidated Independent School District, regional workforce, Cedar Crossing, the greater Houston area, the Port, outdoor recreation, highways and airports, and major employers. Page 2 of 3 Minutes of the Work Session — September 28, 2004 The weaknesses identified are as follows: lack of entrepreneurship, wastewater capacity, skills vs. employer needs, physical appearance, lack of retail /restaurants, poor self - image, and pressure on the petro- chemical industry. Target industries are as follows: I . Energy - fuel cells 2. Logistics and distribution 3. Advanced manufacturing equipment) 4. Retail and restaurants. (environmental controls /measurement equipment, electrical The goals and recommendations of the plan are in five categories. 1. Workforce development and educational programs meet high standards and are focused on preparing local workers to supply Baytown/s targeted industries. • Middle college • Technology at GCCISD • Young professional organization • Hispanic community involved in economic development • Improving the local image of GCCISD. 2. Baytown's sites and infrastructure meet the needs of target industries and a growing population. • Implement the plan on wastewater • Inform the public about the improvements • Containerization facility at Cedar Crossing • Heavy -haul roadway in Cedar Crossing. 3. Baytown offers a place for its residents to live, play and work. • Beautification program (adopt a neighborhood, Baytown Pride Committee) • Increase retail and restaurant options • Annual festival • Community Development Corporation to fund community improvements. 4. Baytown's economic development efforts are efficient, effective and the best that they can be. • Support entrepreneurship and small business growth • Reinvigorate the revolving loan program • Strengthen the Small Business Development Center • Co- locate the SBDC and the CDC • Increase funding of the Baytown/West Chambers County Economic Development Foundation ($350,000 per year). Page 3 of 3 Minutes of the Work Session – September 28, 2004 5. Baytown is engaged in a proactive, targeted, marketing campaign to send a clear message that the City is dedicated to improving business opportunities. • Spread news of the Economic Development Strategic Plan • Organize a Baytown Pride Campaign • External marketing • Develop a strong economic development website • Perception campaign in area and state • Awareness campaign at the national level. The theme must brand around existing industries — "Baytown, Powering Business." The plan must be implemented by adoption of the plan, establishing an implementation committee (meeting regularly to review the plan and establish an action agenda), form five task forces (one for each goal) to accomplish the day -to -day tasks, and give the public a way to stay involved. Finally, the plan must be reviewed and adjusted as needed. Mayor Mundinger addressed the activities to support the Economic Development Strategic Plan. The planning is underway for the construction of the new Northeast Wastewater Treatment Plant. Growth is occurring between Thompson Road and the San Jacinto Mall area and the new budget includes funding for planning the expansion of the West District Treatment Plant. The City has adopted impact fees to allow the new development to share in the costs of the growth. The City will seek other innovative solutions to the wastewater capacity problem. The Municipal Development District has increased its support of the EDF from $50,000 to $100,000 annually. Funding in the amount of $100,000 has been set aside for a revolving fund. Funding is available from Hotel Occupancy Taxes to support new initiatives. The City will develop positive relationships with neighboring communities and governmental entities to further mutual interests. A master plan has been adopted for downtown redevelopment and funding has been provided for a market analysis and a revolving loan program. The new budget provides funding for reconstruction of the City's website. The Baytown Outdoor Festival is rapidly developing. Adjourn. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 5:15 p.m. ary . Smith City Clerk