MEDC Board Minutes December 2009
Monticello Economic Development Commission
Board of Directors Meeting
December 2, 2009
The Board of Directors of the Monticello Economic Development Commission met at noon on Wednesday, December 2, 2009 in the Caucus Room at the Gibson Center on the UAM campus. The following directors were in attendance: Bennie Ryburn III, Carolyn Brown, Mike Layfield, Jack Lassiter, Bill Wisener, Bettye Gragg, George Harris, Tom Wingard and Tommy Maxwell. The following directors were absent: Chris Lampkin, Wayne Fawcett, Dave Dickson and Bobby Harper. Guests in attendance were: Curtis Larsen, Joe Burgess, Dr. David Ray, Ranelle Eubanks. Truman Hamilton and Linda Jones of the staff were also in attendance.
Bennie Ryburn III called the meeting to order at 12:28 pm. Upon motion made by George Harris and seconded by Tommy Maxwell, the minutes of the previous meeting were approved as printed and the treasurer’s report was accepted.
Ryburn welcomed everyone to the meeting, advised that cleanup has started at the Ridgeway and that ADFA as unofficially announced that the top 13 projects will be funded. The Ridgeway is ranked #4 so it should have no problems. Title work has been done and the project is moving forward.
Airport Report:Ryburn gave an update of the progress on the airport fencing project. He also touted the AG operation area and the traffic that has generated. He said that 3.3 million pounds of fertilize has been flown from our airport during this operation, almost 800 takeoffs and landings. He also updated the group on an upcoming opportunity for a grant to build a ready room and conference area at the airport. This is anticipated to be 90-10 grant money. Ryburn discussed an avenue of relief should you need assistance with a situation that involves the government.
Director`s Report:Truman Hamilton gave a brief report on the status of several grants that had been secured and others that were pending. He then gave a report on the transfer of funds on the Ridgeway Project. The board has previously approved paying these invoices and Hamilton made the board aware that he has had to move funds into the Ridgeway account to cover these expenses. Hamilton advised the board on the status of the Revolving Loan Fund and he presented a letter of resignation from Ron Echols. The board voted to accept Echol`s resignation. Hamilton made the board aware of a letter he had received that was in response to a letter that has been sent to Maria Haley at the AEDC requesting that the position vacated when Nita McDaniel resigned be filled as soon as possible. Copies of the letter have been sent to John Lipton and our legislators. Hamilton advised that he would follow up monthly. Hamilton made the board aware of letters from participants at the high school rodeo that was held in Monticello on November 14th and 15th. The MEDC provided $1,500 to help sponsor this event. Hamilton made the group aware of the Pine Bluff Arsenal closing with 340 laid off in 2011. He also made the group aware of the second round of H1N1 flu shots that will be given December 11th.
UAM Report:Dr. Lassiter made the meeting aware of changes in the student financial aid program at UAM. Some individuals are abusing the system and steps are being taken to limit the amount of aid a student can receive if they aren`t attending class and making an attempt to get an education. Lassiter reported on the progress of establishing a retirement center for senior adults at UAM. There is a web site set up to respond to questions that may be asked. Lassiter reported that there is interest in securing additional student housing on campus. The residences halls have been filled on campus for the last three years. Private investors are being sought for both of these projects. Lassiter said that the Forest Resources Center building project is getting underway. Architects will be interviewed beginning next week. Lassiter said that the tree clearing on Highway 425 that is underway is for 64 apartments being built by private investors that live in Little Rock. The university is not involved with this project. He also gave an update on a delegation update to prepare for the 2011 session. He advised that the federal direct lending program will be changed and that the local banks should be aware of this change. A new program will be offered at the McGehee campus, a one year program, for correctional officers.
The Hospital Report:Mike Layfield reported that the hospital made $92,000.00 in profit for the month with about $600,000.00 profit for the year. He said that would have been more but a new doctor has been hired and the wound care program expense decreased the profit amount for the month. Layfield advised that about $1 million dollars will be spent on new equipment and repairs on the building in the next three months. He said that $250,000.00 will be invested in the operating room. This will decrease the reserve to about $4.5 million dollars. He said that the hospital has applied through the USDA for a $12 million dollar loan for Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the expansion. He said that the approval is expected next year and ground breaking anticipated to begin in 2011. He said that local banks will be asked to participate with loans of $2 millions dollars for the project. He said that they anticipated completion in 3 years and a careful conservative approach is being used. There are several hospitals in this area that are in financial trouble and this needs to be averted. Layfield elaborated on the plan and some of the flexibility necessary to make this program a success. Layfield said that a strength of the hospital is the relatively young age of the doctors, they work together and they use the facility and the ability of the hospital to recruit doctors. A number of hospitals are in trouble because of aging doctors and the inability to get replacements.
Southeast Arkansas Cornerstone Coalition:Mary Seymore was not in attendance. There was no report.
Drew H.E.A.L.T.H. Inc.Karen Brown was not in attendance but a report was included in the monthly information. Hamilton had previously made the group aware of the next flu shot clinic. Maxwell asked if planning has begun on the Washington D.C. trip. None has been done to date. Ryburn welcomed Tom Wingard to the board.
With no other business to conduct, the meeting was adjourned.