Special Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting
February 24, 2011
11:00 a.m.
City Hall (Teleconference)

Members Present: Chairman Rick Buckner, Councilmember Mark Phillips, Joseph Bagwell, Ron Anderson, David Warner, Ron Henderson and Dean Infinger

Staff Present: Jeff Molinari, Assistant City Administrator

Guest Present: Ryan Byrd, IT Director Press Present:


I. Call to Order:

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

II. Charleston Regional Development Alliance (CRDA) Board Membership:

Mr. Buckner requested Mr. Molinari provide the EDAC members with a briefing in regard to the Charleston Regional Development Alliance (CRDA) and its board membership. Mr. Molinari stated the EDAC has been discussing the CRDA for the past year and a half and that two years ago, the CRDA revised their governance model and as part of that, the five (5) municipalities that were included in the original Alliance Board (City of Goose Creek, Town of Summerville, Town of Mt. Pleasant, City of North Charleston, City of Charleston) were removed. He stated instead of being able to serve on the board by virtue of being one of the five largest municipalities in the Charleston area, it became essentially a "pay-to-play" scenario wherein you have to make a minimum annual contribution of $10,00.00.00. Note: At this time Mr. Warner joined the meeting.

Mr. Molinari stated a few weeks ago, that he, Councilmember Phillips, Mayor Pro Tem Esarey, Mr. Buckner and Mr. Dennis Harmon, the City Administrator attended a meeting with Mr. David Ginn, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CRDA. Note: At this time Mr. Henderson joined the meeting. Mr. Molinari stated they spoke with Mr. Ginn and Mr. Ginn's assessment was that it would be good for the City of Goose Creek in that membership would enable the City to make some key contacts. Mr. Molinari stated the board membership of CRDA was comprised of the top people from each organization and was primarily made up of mayors and chief operating officers. He stated the CRDA Board consisted of approximately fifty-five (55) members. He stated there was some capacity in the Fiscal Year 2011 Budget for the City to pay the $10,000.00. He stated if the EDAC was interested in the City participating on the CRDA Board it was City staff's request the EDAC make a recommendation to City Council for their consideration at the March 8, 2011, City Council Meeting. Mr. Molinari stated this would be with Mayor Heitzler being the City's representative. Mr. Anderson inquired if the other four (4) cities, as mentioned earlier and the counties in the tri-county were involved in the CRDA. Mr. Molinari stated yes.

Mr. Buckner stated his position as Chairman of the EDAC would be that the City participates on the CRDA board and that Mayor Heitzler be the representative. Mr. Buckner stated he believed Mayor Heitzler has agreed to represent the City. Mr. Bagwell stated he fully agreed with Mr. Buckner and felt the City of Goose Creek should have a proper seat at the table. Councilmember Phillips stated he felt this was the right thing to do and that the City could lose out by not being a member of the CRDA board.

Mr. Anderson made a motion for the EDAC to recommend to City Council that Mayor Heitzler be allowed to participate as a member of the CRDA and as representative for City; and, for the City to pay the $10,000.00, membership fee, with commencement to begin as soon as a decision is made by City Council. Mr. Henderson seconded the motion. Hearing no further discussion, Mr. Buckner requested a roll call vote:

Mr. Anderson - Yes
Mr. Henderson - Yes
Mr. Bagwell - Yes
Councilmember Phillips - Yes
Mr. Warner - Yes
Mr. Buckner - Yes

Note: At this time Mr. Infinger joined the meeting.

Mr. Molinari repeated the motion for Mr. Infinger.

Mr. Infinger - Yes

All in favor, none opposed. Motion carried. Mr. Buckner asked if there was anything else Mr. Molinari wished to go over with the EDAC. Mr. Molinari stated he would draft a letter that day for Mr. Buckner's signature making the recommendation to City Council and he would get the letter before City Council at the March 8, 2011, regular City Council Meeting.

III. Adjournment:
Hearing nothing further, Mr. Anderson made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Bagwell seconded the motion. All in favor, none opposed. Meeting adjourned 11:12 a.m.

Minutes approved and adopted: Rick Buckner, Chairman  Date: April 27, 2011