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HomeMy Public PortalAbout1993_06_07SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES OF THE LEESBURG TOWN COUNCIL JUNE 7, 1993 A special meeting of the Leesburg Town Council was held on June 7, 1993, at 7:00 p.m., in the first floor executive conference room, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia. Notice having been delivered to all members of the Council prior thereto. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss a personnel matter relating to an economic development director. The meeting was called to order by the Mayor. COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT George F. Atwell Georgia W. Bange Ronald W. Blake Joseph R. Trocino Kristen C. Umstattd William F. Webb Mayor James E. Clem STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT Town Manager Steven C. Brown Assistant Town Manager Peter Stephenson Director of Parks and Recreation Gary Huff Mr. Chuck Thornton, representing Leesburg Renaissance Incorporated (LRI), addressed the Council stating that this is an opportunity to create a structure between LRI and EDAC - something that is constant and consistent that will attract new business. He stated that the town needs a strong executive director and support staff. Councilmember Trocino stated that he is disappointed that the town has to consider this in light of the County. The town should define the roles of LRI, EDAC, non-departments, the airport commission and the CVB. The Town is moving in non-basic industries. Funding should come from one departmental pile and the Council should define the function of funding. Councilmember Webb stated that the Council needs to decide tonight if the town is going to hire someone. .Mayor Clem reported that LRI has paid all of its back debts. Councilmember Atwell stated that he attended the EDAC and LRI meetings. They are doing a lot of wheel spinning. The town needs someone to implement ideas being brought in. General guidelines need to be set. The individual should be responsible to the Council to carry out these ideas. We need to make it as easy as possible for businesses to locate in Leesburg. Mayor Clem stated that Peter Stephenson can go out and put out fires and Gary Huff can write grants and can play an integral part. Councilmember Webb stated that the Council should also decide whether this individual will be on a contract basis or be an employee of the town. Councilmember Blake stated that he does not know enough about economic development but can offer some guidelines as to the qualificationsthat this individual should posses. There is no question that the town needs an economic development director. Councilmember Bange stated that this issue was discussed on several occasions at the Personnel Committee meetings. She stated that EDAC does a good job but there has been no implementation. The CVB can receive guidance from the town. We need cooperation among all departments - we are all here to sell Leesburg. We need to retain and attract businesses and change the attitudes of businesses in the town. An individual with a college degree won't do it. We need someone that has done this sort of thing before. Councilmember Blake stated that volunteerism is over. It is disappearing. Councilmember Umstattd agreed stating that she would support an economic development director - the position/individual is critical. She suggested that the town advertise for this position throughout the eastern seaboard. We need somebody like Lee Saxton. Someone who is strong with private sector experience. Someone who has had experience succeeding. She stated that she is leaning toward a long-term, 5 year contract - to include a termination clause. Councilmember Trocino stated that the person should be experiencediu the area of business attraction versus tourism. Councilmember Webb asked if the town has the money. Mr. Marc Weiss, representing EDAC, stated that direction is needed. He asked what is proposed for Saturday's agenda. He suggested a private contract. The contract should specify 3 to 5 commitments to the program such as: business development, business retention and tourism - a performance based contract. It can be a conduit for funding and should oversee the CVB. MOTION Mr. Webb made a motion to fund an economic development director position. The motion was seconded by Mr. Blake. VOTE Aye: Councilmembers Atwell, Bange, Blake, Trocino, Umstattd, Webb and Mayor Clem Nay: None DISCUSSION Mayor Clem asked how this person should be hired - town employee or under contract. Mr. Charles Fincher suggested a town contract position with specific goals and direction. Mr. Louis Cable agreed that the position should be by contract. The Council agreed. Councilmember Atwell stated that specific performances should be included in the job description/contract. Mayor Clem stated that the structure will be decided on Saturday. On motion of, and duly seconded, the meeting was adjourned. Clerk of Counci~ ' ~ /James E. Clem, Mayor 6/7/93 - 2 -