09/11/2000ENTERPRISE ZONE DEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
September 11, 2000
Present: John Connelly Chair
Bob Kinney Vice-Chair
Steve Bell Board Member
Lt. Don Hall Board Member/Police Department
Ralph Linn Board Member
Rick Rosa Board Member/Community Response Team
Linda Winfrey Board Member
Absent: Rev. Mack Sigmon Board Member
Cheryl Wade Board Member
Also Present: Miles Ballogg Economic Development Programs Manager
Leslie Dougall-Sides Assistant City Attorney
Diane Hufford Business Development
Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter
The Chair called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. at the Greater Clearwater Chamber of Commerce building, followed by a moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order.
ITEM #5 – Action Items
a) Approval of the Minutes
Member Kinney moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of January 18, 2000, as recorded and submitted in written summation to each board member. The motion was duly seconded
and carried unanimously.
b) November 20, 2000 Meeting.
Economic Development Programs Manager Miles Ballogg scheduled a tour of the gateway to downtown for the November 20, 2000 meeting at 10:00 a.m. A City van will pick members up at the
Greater Clearwater Chamber of Commerce building. A work session will follow to discuss revitalization suggestions and opportunities. It was suggested area business owners be invited
to participate in discussions.
ITEM #6 – Other Business
a) Presentation
Sue Basil Englander of EEI/Mod-Tech Industries reported on the HUBZone Empowerment Contracting Program and what it has meant to her firm. EEI/Mod-Tech Industries is an 8(a) certified
small, disadvantaged, woman-owned, HUBZone Business. Firm capabilities include MRO outsourcing, electronic component distribution, industrial product distribution, mechanical and electrical
assembly, wire prep, and kitting components. The HUBZone program provides Federal contracting opportunities to small businesses located in eligible areas. The Federal government annually
purchases $200-billion in goods and services. Congress has set aside a goal of 3% of the total value of all prime contracts for HUBZone contracting opportunities. The program’s 1999
goal was 1%, or approximately $2-billion. The goal increases each year and will reach almost $6-billion by 2003. All Federal prime contractors and subcontractors are required to maintain
federally mandated set-asides: 1) 23% - small business; 2) 5% - small disadvantaged business; 3) 5% - woman owned business; and 4) 1.5% - HUBZone business.
Additional program benefits: 1) employer tax credits of 20% of first $15,000 of wages or training expenses for qualified Empowerment Zone employees; 2) up to $3-million in tax-free facility
bonds for some empowerment zones & enterprise communities; 3) additional $20,000 tax deduction for qualified business or investments in Empowerment Zones; and 4) 8(a) firms located in
HUBZone areas able to receive contracting opportunities under both programs.
Program eligibility criteria: 1) company’s principal office must be located within a HUBZone; 2) company must be owned and controlled by one or more U.S. citizens; and 3) at least 35%
of company employees must be HUBZone residents.
Ms. Englander said the City has assisted her firm: 1) reimbursement for Phase I & II environmental study; 2) reimbursement for hydraulic lift removal; and 3) ongoing support from the
Economic Development Team.
Discussion ensued regarding yearly audits of the program. Ms. Englander said she found employees by reaching out to the community and visiting churches and apartment buildings. Concern
was expressed some neighborhood lifestyles, adapted by a small percentage of neighborhood residents, are difficult to change. The program helps those willing to help themselves. The
firm trains employees and helps with transport and bus schedules. The firm plans to open its training program to the community. It was suggested the board visit the business as a group.
Ms. Englander said she is willing to help other small businesses attain similar achievements.
ITEM #7 – Staff Reports
a) New Forms
New forms related to starting a new business are available. Staff will help applicants complete and submit the forms.
b) Recent Enterprise Zone Action
Accounting Clerk Teresa Jeffries reported a contractor for 5 town home units had filed for a $7,200 material tax refund. The Family Center is filing a request for a $5,000 material
tax refund.
In response to a question, Mr. Ballogg said businesses currently learn about the program by word of mouth. He hoped the new Enterprise Zone brochures will attract additional applications.
c) Brochure
Mr. Ballogg said 1,500 Enterprise Zone brochures had been printed. It was recommended the building department distribute the brochures to all who apply for permits. It was suggested
the brochures be mailed to qualifying building owners and business tenants or made available in Chamber of Commerce or Board of Realtors offices. It was suggested staff contact successful
enterprise zone programs for recommended strategies. Concern was expressed secretaries may discard the brochure without forwarding it to the business owner. It was suggested regular
postage stamps be used on the envelopes and that a letter from the Mayor accompany the brochures.
d) Annual Report
Mr. Ballogg reviewed the report, stating it must be completed quarterly. The report ties in information related to Brownfields and Brownfield accomplishments.
ITEM #8 – Public Comment – None.
ITEM #9 – Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 11:03 a.m.