Monticello Economic Development Commission
Board of Directors Meeting
August 6, 2008
The Board of Directors of the Monticello Economic Development Commission met at noon on Wednesday, August 6, 2008 in the Senate Room at the Gibson Center on the UAM campus. The following directors were in attendance: Wayne Fawcett, Ron Echols, Tommy Maxwell, Bettye Gragg, Jack Lassiter, and Carolyn Brown. The following directors were absent: Bennie Ryburn III, Al Womack, George Harris, Bill Wisener, Dave Dickson, Bobby Harper and Chris Lampkin, Guests in attendance were: Joe Burgess, Damon Lampkin Drew County Judge, Joe Rogers, Mayor of Monticello, Karen Brown, Tom Wingard, Misty Paschall, and Nita McDaniel. Truman Hamilton and Linda Jones of the staff were also in attendance.
Tommy Maxwell called the meeting to order at 12:15 pm. Upon motion made by Bettye Gragg and seconded by Jack Lassiter the minutes of the previous meeting were approved as printed. Upon motion made by Ron Echols and seconded by Jack Lassiter the treasurer’s report was accepted.
In opening comments, Tommy Maxwell gave a brief report about a hardwood flooring association meeting he has attended in Maine. He said that several speakers there gave good reports. Maxwell said that several speakers addressed alternative fuel development and that research is going on at a number of universities. Maxwell forecast that South East Arkansas will be in the middle of this new industry and we have no reason not to take advantage of the growth potential.
Truman Hamilton gave a report on the status of the Ridgeway Project. NBI is finalizing the financial information that the National Equity Fund requires to fund the project, Fennell Purifoy Architects are working on the final plans and specifications for the Ridgeway and this work will be completed by the first of October, The Department of Arkansas Heritage at a meeting this month will consider the Ridgeway Historic District-Monticello project for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places, and the new housing bill that became law last week has a number of provisions, which should positively impact the tax credit market and increase the value of tax credits. This should increase the value of the tax credits that we received for the Ridgeway. Hamilton also gave an update on the Intermodal Project. Bids are to be opened at the Drew County Judges office for the access road. Also bids were to be advertised for the construction of the water and sewer and rail siding. Hamilton complained that a value has not yet been established on the property in the Intermodal. He is talking with two potential companies that are interested in locating there. It is necessary to know if the property will be sold or leased and for what amount. In a discussion that ensued, it was brought out that the Intermodal Board has not yet made a decision but it was though that property would be leased. Hamilton also updated the group on a negotiated settlement on the rental amount for city land, the old city dump property north of town, used by the bird hunters. Carolyn Brown, council member said that this agreement would likely be approved. This agreement has been mailed to each council member for review and will be on the next council agenda. Additionally, Hamilton is working with the waste water division of the state to investigate the possibilities of developing the east lagoon property to generate revenue by planting pine timber. There is about 130 acres that may be developed. Dr. Lassiter asked Hamilton if there were any prospects interested in the Highway 35 spec building. Hamilton replied that there were none.
Old Business: There was none.
New Business: Hamilton presented a request for financial support from Betty Evans on behalf of the Junior Civil Air Patrol. Ron Echols suggested $250.00 and made a motion to that effect. That was seconded by Bettye Gragg. There was no opposition.
Dr. Lassiter made the group aware of Jo Ann Smith’s resignation as Director of the Cornerstone Coalition. The board is actively looking for a replacement.
UAM Report: Dr. Lassiter advised that facility will report back on campus Monday with traditional activity scheduled next week. The director of the state higher education department will be the keynote speaker, a state of the university address will be given Wednesday and the UAM family picnic will be Thursday. Friday morning, 7:30 to 9, the university will host a Chamber of Commerce coffee in the Trotter House on North Main Street. August 18th freshmen will report and August 20th classes begin. Lassiter said he expects a good enrollment. Pre-registration numbers are equal to or above last year. He said the football team reports today, there are 100 players expected to begin practice. A change this year, the coaches’ luncheon will be held at the Monticello County Club on Tuesdays this year; August 26th will be the first. A buffet lunch will be available. Ron Echols asked if the university was drawing students from out of the area. Lassiter replied that they were. He said that the majority of the students were being drawn from Southeast Arkansas, however, a greater number were coming from Arkansas in general, a number from Texas and Louisiana. He said that it continues to be difficult to draw from Mississippi. He said that continues to be a mystery,”We just can’t get them to come across the bridge.” Lassiter said that the other thing that has helped hold enrollment up is the older student. Lassiter said that the average age has increased to about 29 as older individuals are coming back to school to become better educated to enhance their employment opportunities.
Hospital Report: Ron Echols gave out three handouts. He pointed out the economic contribution of the hospital to the area. He said that the hospital directly or indirectly contributes 1002 jobs, $26.8 million in labor income to local individuals with a total of $34 million in value added revenue. Echols pointed out that this is based on 2006 information. On discharge information, Echols showed the area served by the hospital is predominately Drew County; however some patients are served from Chicot, Ashley, Cleveland, Lincoln and Bradley Counties. Numbers available were for DRG’s for the first 9 months of 2007. Echols pointed out that the numbers prove that there were more than enough patients to support the addition of an OBGYN. Lassiter said that two candidates were being interviewed for the CEO position. He said the board was satisfied with both individuals and should make a decision within the next week or two. Echols also pointed out the addition of Dr. Collins alone has made a significant impact on the bottom line of the hospital. The first three months of the physical year were profitable with an excess of $300,000.00. Dr. Fakouri started his practice Monday with a trial by fire. That morning, Dr. Reinhardt left the office to deliver twins and turned over all the waiting patients to Dr. Fakouri. When asked, Echols said that there was a prospect to fill the OB-GYN need at the hospital.
Nita McDaniel provided a map with a summary of an effort of the state economic development department to retain business that is currently in the state. Their effort will be coordinated with local economic efforts. The Arkansas Manufacturers Directory is a listing of products that are made or are available in Arkansas. An effort is to be made to make everyone in the state aware of what is made in Arkansas and place more emphasis on buying in state. She said that updated local information will be requested. Local retention efforts are also being developed. ARNET, Arkansas Retention Network is also being developed. This will be a data base of resources in an area and can be used, hopefully to address and solve problems that cannot be addressed at the local level.
Prescription Report: Karen Brown reported that in July, 11 patients were served, 20 prescriptions were provided, for a total of $5,707.80 in savings.
With no other business to conduct, the meeting was adjourned.
