I.                   Call to Order – Chairman Rick Buckner

Mr. Buckner called the meeting to order at 11:00 a.m.

II.                Approval of Minutes:

Mr. Infinger made a motion to approve the minutes from the April 22, 2010 meeting.  Mr. Phillips seconded the motion. Hearing no discussion, Mr. Buckner called for a vote.    All in favor, none opposed.  Motion carried.

III.             Review Economic Development Checklist:

Mr. Molinari stated the committee received an update of the comprehensive plan at the previous meeting by Planning Director, Daniel Ben-Yisreal and Jessica Gillis from the Berkeley/Charleston/Dorchester Council of Governments.  He stated one of the components of the Comprehensive Plan was an economic development checklist which was used to develop the goals and objectives for the economic development element.  Mr. Molinari stated he had compiled the results of the checklists of the four (4) members who supplied answers to him. 

Mr. Molinari reviewed the input from the economic development checklist with the members of the committee.  He reviewed the “organizational capacity for economic development” and “strategies for economic development” portions of the checklist including existing business retention and new business formation.  The members of the committee discussed each question being reviewed and Mr. Molinari thoroughly answered all questions posed to him regarding the checklist.   There was a discussion regarding helping small businesses locate within the City and offer assistance through the City’s Web site by making relocation as easy as possible.  Mr. Phillips stated there was a small business owner who stated owning a small business within the City of Goose Creek was more difficult than in other municipalities.  Mr. Molinari stated the license requirements were the same as other surrounding municipalities, although Berkeley County did not require business licenses. 

In response to a question on the survey, Mr. Molinari stated there was not a funded organization specifically responsible for economic development in the City of Goose Creek; rather the EDAC was an advisory body to City Council.  Mr. Buckner stated it could be a topic of discussion at a future meeting and have someone explain the benefits of an Economic Development Corporation and gather an understanding from the committee’s perspective.  Mr. Phillips sated there were several local Economic Development Corporations that had gotten into a lot of trouble.  Mr. Buckner stated if an Economic Development Corporation was run like a government entity rather than a business, it would fail.  He stated an example was the Cigar Factory in Downtown Charleston. 

There was a brief discussion about the Alliance and the benefits of sitting on the board.   Mr. Phillips stated the EDAC should make a recommendation to City Council of what the City should do based on the results of the checklist.

Mr. Molinari stated the EDAC had been discussing the need for restaurants for a long time, and stated other needs were addressed as they came up.  Mr. Infinger stated there was a discussion at one point about recruiting a larger hotel with meeting and banquet facilities.  Mr. Molinari stated that the City of Goose Creek has become increasingly self-sufficient from a business standpoint over the last thirty (30) years.  Mr. Buckner stated by bringing in larger stores, such as Wal-Mart, the City was limiting the success of small businesses.  Mr. Molinari stated there was an initial impact to existing grocery stores after Wal-Mart opened, but they have recovered since that time.   There was a brief discussion about the Carnes Crossroads area being the most ideal place for new hotels, restaurants and shopping due to its proximity to the interstate.  Mr. Henderson stated having a Town Center was necessary in order to attract restaurants.  There was a brief discussion on the differences between Summerville and Goose Creek and the implementation of a downtown area.  Mr. Molinari stated the development of Carnes Crossroads would be the new gateway to the City of Goose Creek. 

IV.              Chairman’s Time:

Chairman Buckner asked the members to remember to fill out their surveys for the comprehensive plan, remembering the perception of the facts is just as important as the facts themselves. 

V.                 Comments from Staff:

Mr. Molinari stated he had mentioned buffer zones between commercial and residential areas to the committee.  He stated the planning commission gathered information and was setting parameters for any future development taking place adjacent to residential areas.   He stated the City had almost completed the work at the sign at the entrance to the City on Highway 52.    

Mr. Henderson stated the biggest eyesore in the downtown triangle was the backside of the Creekside shopping center.  Mr. Molinari stated that was a prime redevelopment opportunity, since it was a large shopping center in the center of town. 

VI.              Adjournment:

Hearing nothing further, Mr. Buckner asked for a motion to adjourn.  Mr. Infinger made a motion to adjourn.  Mr. Henderson seconded the motion.  All in favor, none opposed.  Meeting adjourned at 12:20 p.m.

Minutes approved and adopted:__________________________     

Date: October 14, 2010           Rick Buckner, Chairman