MonticelloLive

Monticello Economic Development Commission (MEDC) meets the first Wednesday of every month. It is an open meeting that the public is invited and encouraged to attend. Meetings are held on the UAM Campus at the Gibson Center in the Caucus Room at 12:00 p.m. Meeting participants pick up a lunch tray in the cafeteria and proceed to the Caucus Room to enjoy their meal. We hope the information below is helpful and encourages more participation in the organization. You may also access these minutes at the MEDC site.

Board of Directors Meeting Minutes

April 4, 2007

The Board of Directors of the Monticello Economic Development Commission met at noon on Tuesday, April 4, 2007, in the Caucus Room of the Gibson Center on the UAM campus. The following directors were in attendance: Carolyn Brown, Dave Dickson, Ron Echols, Rich Goddard, Bettye Gragg, George Harris, Jack Lassiter, Tommy Maxwell, Bennie Ryburn III, and Bill Wisener. The following directors were absent: Chris Lampkin, Bobby Harper, Mike Reeves, and Al Womack. The following members and guests were in attendance: Russell Corker, Cliff Gibson, Lou James, Damon Lampkin, Glenda Nichols, Kristi Prince, David Ray, Mayor Joe Rogers, Yukiko Shepherd and Tom White… Ann Goad and Derrill Pierce of the staff were also in attendance.

President Bennie Ryburn III called the meeting to order at 12:25 p.m., noted that a quorum was present for the conduct of business and presided. Upon motions made, seconded and adopted minutes of March 13, 2007, meeting were approved as printed, and the treasurer’s report was accepted.

Jack Lassiter reported that he was very pleased with the prospect of significant state appropriations in support of expansion and physical improvements for the School of Forestry on the UAM Campus. Total state funding for improvements is expected to range between $3.7 and $4 million dollars. He complimented the Southeast Arkansas Legislative Delegation which was united throughout the session just concluded, noted that they acted as united team and accomplished a lot for this region of the state.

Ryburn reported that the World War II beacon at the airport has been repaired and returned to service. He described this most recent improvement as an important step forward in making the airport more accessible and landings safer. He also reported that he would soon be meeting with an organization of retired teachers to acquaint them with the principles of economic development and the operations of MEDC

Derrill Pierce reported that:

• Efforts are continuing to raise sufficient funds to acquire a five acre site for Centers for Youth and Family as a part of the medical complex, and that a groundbreaking for the new facility is anticipated in May or June of the current year;
• The Call Center prospect remains interested and a site visit with ADED personnel is anticipated in the near future;
• Mayor Rogers and Judge Lampkin showed the Spec Building to an active prospect, although a decision is not anticipated for several months;
• The Arkansas Communities of Excellence renewal of designation project is moving forward thanks to Ann Goad and will be completed after committee meetings of interested citizens has been completed;
• The City has selected the design architect for Mayor Rogers’ proposed new Community Center and Civic Complex;
• The Cornerstone Leadership Development Institute will kickoff its new regional program on April 17; and
• A regional Job Fair is to be held in Warren on April 19, and interested employers are urged to contact Nita McDaniel for further details and to make arrangement for participation.

Ryburn commented that:

• Some churches have agreed to work with MEDC and the Public Facilities Board in conducting neighborhood surveys intended to identify more potential participants in housing programs leading to ownership or rehabilitation;
• Architectural plans are now being developed for the redevelopment of the Ridgeway Hotel;
• Efforts are continuing to generate funding for the Centers for Youth and Families site acquisition, with the Southeast Arkansas Health Foundation having agree to contribute $5,000 and the possibility of MEDC contributing $25,000;
• The state aeronautics board has increased its maximum grant limitation from $6.5 million to $8.5 million as the result of increased sales tax revenues generated by more expensive fuel; and
• The Monticello fund for assisting Dumas in its tornado rehabilitation effort is now at a total of approximately $4,000 but more contributions are needed for a meaningful impact.

Dave Dickson reported that Twenty for the Future will schedule its quarterly meeting in May, and advance planning in support of the one cent sales tax renewal program. Mayor Rogers reported that the sales tax election is to be scheduled for July.

Ryburn commented that more “togetherness” is needed between various organizations working for community improvement using as examples closer working relations between numerous entities such as MEDC, the Chamber, Twenty, the City, County, Hospital and others.

Lampkin reported that offers of “free labor” are being made to governmental and non-profit organizations. However, the net effect anticipated is the persons participating in the program are expected to eventually become full employees.

Ron Echols reminded the Board that at the March meeting the board agreed to work toward making the recently concluded cleanup campaign a continual effort in Monticello and Drew County.

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 1:15 p.m.