Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMontana Transport Authority Minutes 12.21.1990 MONTANA TRADEPORT AUTHORITY Minutes of December 21, 1990 Meeting MEMBERS PRESENT:George Selover, Larry Ridle, Dick Skewis, Kay Foster, Don Roberts, Nick Cladis, Al Swanson, and Bill Strausburg STAFF PRESENT: Tom McKerlick, Peggy Richmond APPROVAL OF MINUTES The meeting was called to order at 7:05 a.m. by Chairman Selover. Minutes of the November 15, 1990 meeting were approved as distributed. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SEARCH Kay Foster gave some brief background on the candidate search including the fact that there were over 100 applicants, the short--listing of the applicants to 18 and subsequently to five finalists. Kay then moved that the position be offered to Tom McKerlick with the motion seconded by Bill Strausburg. Kay acknowledged that she had taken into consideration the desires of the Strategic Planning Committee, but felt that we needed to moue forward with the business of the TradePort and that her committee felt that Tom McKerlick had been doing a good job as the Interim Executive Director. The motion was passed by. a vote of 5-2 with Larry Ridle and Dick Skewis dissenting. Kay thanked her committee members for their hard work and long hours and they, in turn, were thanked by Chairman Selover. CONTRACT FOR SERVICES - ARTHUR D. LITTLE, INC. Larry Ridle moved to delay any action on this item until after meeting with the Strategic Planning Group and interacting with the members of this committee. Dick Skewis seconded. A question was raised by Nick Cladis as to this delay. Larry Ridle again stated that the Little Proposal stressed the transportation aspects and nothing else. He also reiterated his objections to the cost of the plan. Al Swanson stated that the Strategic Planning Group probably would not have anything definite until March or April and that the Board should go ahead with the Little Proposal as presented. This was followed by a discussion between Chairman Selover and Larry Ridle and a question by Dick Skewis regarding the original RFP for this project and stated, as far as he understood, Little does not address the minimum requirements of this proposal and he further stated that we are not getting what we asked for. Al Swanson questioned how the proposal could be changed and Dick Skewis suggested that he check the Rademacher proposal. Dick Skewis stated his opposition to spending $32,000 without a specific project in mind. Tom McKerlick stated the Little Proposal is structured on both transportation and overall economic development lines. The Little firm will determine demand for the TradePort. Larry Ridle stated that his understanding was that the main thrust should be transportation. Tom McKerlick agreed but that other areas would also be covered. Larry Ridle repeated that it would be an error to give 0?) R? N ' off' r transportation as the primary objective to the Little Plan. Kay Foster stood in favor of making transportation a primary factor. Larry Ridle questioned this strongly and cited the competition with Burlington Northern, the creation of an intermodal hub center, etc. Dick Skewis stated the Little Plan ignored the minimum scope of services and that possible legal ramifications existed. Dick Skewis and Larry Ridle then asked to be shown five specific projects listed in the Little Plan and also questioned whether Rademacher's proposal contained five projects. Tom McKerlick stated that the Rademacher proposal had outlined 10 to 12 projects. Tom McKerlick stated the Little Proposal is structured to identify up to 10 viable projects for the TradePort to undertake taking into consideration those projects that have already been identified. Their approach emphasizes more of an overall Economic Development planning process with transportation being the main element. Chairman Selover called for the question. The motion to table the Little Contract was defeated five to two. A new motion to approve the contract was made by Don Roberts, seconded by Al Swanson and was passed by a vote of 5-2 with Skewis and Ridle dissenting. MERIDIAN MINERALS PROJECT Tom McKerlick attended a meeting in Roundup three weeks ago where testimony was given on Meridian Minerals' request to exchange land for coal rights with the BLM. This is just part of a process where Meridian Minerals is getting in a favorable position to establish a major coal mining operation in the Bull Mountains south of Roundup. Tom felt it was important that the Board take a position on this mining effort so that he could testify on their behalf at future public meetings. Ai Swanson moved that the Board officially endorse the Meridian project with Larry Ridle seconding. The motion passed unanimously. INTERNATIONAL TRADE PROGRAM Moe Wosepka was unable to attend the meeting due to inclement weather and will be rescheduled for either the January of February TradePort Board Meeting. BABI REQUEST FOR FUNDING - $4,000 Tom McKerlick gave some background information on the Billings Area Business Incubator program. This was established in combination with the Small Business Development Center to avoid duplication of entities. The office is to be located in . Market Square and will provide 10 to 12 different courses at Lincoln Center geared to assist small businesses. These courses will begin in January, 1991. The estimated funding necessary to begin this venture is $60,000. This will require $2,000 from both the City and the County, $4,000 from the TradePort, .$30,000 from the State of Montana and, $10,000 from local businesses, equalling $43,000 in cash. The balance of $12,000 to $13,000 will be made up of in-kind services. Larry Ridle questioned why the TradePort had to supply $4,000 when the other entities paid $2,000 each. Tom McKerlick stated the TradePort is in better financial shape, represents the whole county and, that it would establish good r Public relations overall. George Selover asked if this was to be an annual request and was told it would not be. Nick Cladis moved to accept the request, Dick Skewis seconded and the motion passed unanimously. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR COMMENTS Tom McKerlick attended a. Clean Coal Technology Meeting at EMC last week where information was given on the Phase IV funding cycle. This cycle will be funded at $600 million and will address projects that will lead to commercialization of the technology. The primary thrust of the meeting was the application process and the types of projects that would qualify. The first half of the Yellowstone County Property Taxes have been collected and our share, net of advances already made to the TradePort by the County, will approximate $130,000. Tom recommended that we invest this money in the State of Montana Short Term Investment Plan pending our use of it over the next six months. The State Plan will pay us in the neighborhood of eight percent and will release part or all of the monies with two days notice. Al Swanson moved that we invest our funds in this account with Larry Ridle seconding the motion. The motion carried unanimously. COMMENTS /AUDIENCE Kathy Kelker gave comments on the Process Committee of the Strategic Planning Group and presented a graph showing the different aspects of their plan. Under this, the TradePort would become the Economic Development Board. Kay Foster questioned the structure of Strategic Planning Committee and complimented Kathy on the foresight and vision of her group. Kay also inquired as to the present set-up of the group. Kay urged overall representation of all the area's economic development entities under one common Board. Chairman Selover asked that Kathy and her group be placed on the January agenda for the TradePort meeting. Dwight MacKay made comments regarding the resignation of Doug Richardson from the TradePort Board and gave parameters for the accepting of applications for a new board member. These applications are due by January 4, 1991, with a selection being made by January 18, 1991. This selection will be made by the Board of County Commissioners. Dwight gave a brief summary of the qualifications for this position, including the applicant having substantial business dealings in Yellowstone County, having an established reputation, and exhibiting community spirit. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business at this time, the meeting was adjourned by Chairman Selover at 7:50 a.m. Res ctfully su itted, M. A. tey) Richmond