65th Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting
January 12, 2009
10:00 a.m.
City Hall
Members Present:
Chairman Rick Buckner
Ron Anderson
Ron Henderson
Dean Infinger
Mark Phillips
Dave Warner
Members Absent:
Joe Bagwell
Staff Present:
Dennis C. Harmon, City Administrator
Jeff Molinari, Assistant City Administrator
Guest:
Mayor Michael J. Heitzler, Ed.D.
Press Present:
I. Call to Order – Chairman Rick Buckner
Mr. Buckner called the meeting to order at 10:07 a.m.
II. Approval of Minutes:
Mr. Anderson made a motion to approve the minutes from the October 20, 2008, meeting. Mr. Warner seconded the motion. All in favor, none opposed. Motion carried.
III. Comprehensive Plan Update/Role of EDAC – Daniel Ben-Yisrael, Planning Director:
Mr. Molinari reminded the EDAC Committee of his briefing to them on the Comprehensive Plan update at their last meeting in October 2008. He stated for 2009, City Council has allocated funds to pay for a consultant to assist the City with its comprehensive planning process. At this time Mr. Ben-Yisrael presented the EDAC with a PowerPoint presentation and thoroughly briefed and answered all questions from the EDAC in regard to the Comprehensive Planning process. Mr. Ben-Yisrael’s presentation was specifically geared toward the economic development element and what roll the EDAC will play. Mr. Ben-Yisrael stated the kick-off meeting will take place sometime in March, with the Planning Commission leading the effort.
IV. 2008 Economic Statistics:
Mr. Molinari briefed the EDAC concerning the number of housing starts in 2007 (479) versus 2008 (432). He stated considering the hard economic times, the City was holding steady financially.
V. Restaurant Outlook - 2009:
Mr. Molinari briefed the EDAC of the current status of the local restaurant industry and presented them with statistical information currently available in regard to the economy and how it has affected the restaurant business. He stated the number of people eating out is down due to economy and stated that one of the first things people stop doing when money is tight is they quit eating out.
VI. Downtown Redevelopment Update:
Mr. Molinari reminded the EDAC that the City was working toward obtaining an encroachment permit from CSX Railroad for aesthetic improvements and drainage along Highway 52. He stated the City has received conceptual approval from CSX in regard to the drainage segment of the plan and that CSX was still evaluating the fence and vegetation portion of the plan.
Mr. Molinari briefed the EDAC about the latest with the City’s downtown redevelopment and stated the City has initiated the first of a series of videos that have been posted on YouTube and linked from the City’s website. He stated this has shown to be a positive means of communicating with the public.
VII. Chairman’s Time:
Mr. Buckner briefed the committee on the proposed fundraising model at the Charleston Regional Development Alliance.
Mr. Buckner asked the EDAC to give some thought as to the Comprehensive Planning process and what input they wished to give the City.
VIII. Comments from Staff:
84 Lumber - Mr. Molinari stated the 84 Lumber property was for sale and the asking price was $1,275,000.00 for 3.6 acres ($354,166 per acre). He stated Mr. Ben-Yisrael has issued a letter to 84 Lumber requesting them to remove their sign, as required in the Zoning Ordinance after property has been abandoned for thirty (30) days.
National Car Rental - Mr. Molinari also stated he briefed the EDAC at the last meeting that there was a very promising lead to fill the building where National Car Rental was located. He stated the agreement fell through with the business that was to occupy the building. Mr. Molinari stated the site has nothing to do with the reason the deal fell through, that it was strictly a corporate decision with the company that was interested in the location.
Highway 52 Hiker/Biker Trail – Mr. Molinari stated the Highway 52 Hiker/Biker Trail has now been completed and there was now connectivity between the commercial sector and the municipal center.
Mayor Heitzler stated on behalf of City Council he appreciated each and every one of the members of the EDAC for their professional expertise and stated it was a valuable gift they gave back to the City.
Councilmember Phillips inquired as to the status of the property where the old Food Lion was located at the Crowfield Shopping Center. Mr. Molinari stated the property was owned by the University of South Carolina Development Foundation. He stated he is normally in contact at least a few times per year with the Executive Director of the Foundation. Mr. Molinari stated there have been approximately six (6) to seven (7) contracts on that property and they have all fallen through. He stated he was not sure why the property could make a sale, but said there was a lot of potential for the property.
IX. Adjournment:
Hearing nothing further, Mr. Buckner asked for a motion to adjourn. Mr. Henderson made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Warner seconded the motion. All in favor, none opposed. Meeting adjourned 11:32 a.m.
Minutes approved and adopted:
________________________________ Date: May 18, 2009
Rick Buckner, Chairman
