HomeMy WebLinkAboutMontana Transport Authority Minutes 10.19.1990MONTANA TRADEPORT AUTHORITY
MEMBERS PRESENT:
STAFF PRESENT:
The meeting was
Minutes of the
distributed.
Minutes of October 19, 1990 Meeting
K. Foster, G.
B. Strausburg
T. McKerlick,
galled to order
September 21,
Selover, D. Roberts, L. Ridle,
D. Richardson
P. Richmond..
at 7:05 a.m. by chairman Selover.
1990, meeting were approved as
Tom McKerlick gave a brief introduction of the MHD
(magnetohydrodynamics) process that might ultimately be used to
retrofit the Corette Power Plant here in Billings. This front-end
steam power plant process results in a higher temperature burning
of coal that both increases the power generating capacity of the
plant some 33 percent and reduces the harmful plant emissions over
90 percent. If the experiment in Butte is successful and selected
for implementation by the U.S. Department of Energy, the retrofit
would take place here in Billings, creating some 1500 construction
jobs for a two-year period and 25-40 permanent operating jobs
thereafter. If financing of some $350 million can be raised over
the next few years, this project could begin by 1996 or 1997. We
are, however, also in competition with another experimental process
being developed in Tennessee for use on a Florida plant.
George Selover discussed the economic impact that this project
might have on Billings and our need to organize the community,
behind this effort. He will be introducing this program to the
Economic Development Coordinating Council at their next meeting in
an attempt to bring all local economic development organizations
into a unified, active support position for this MHD project.
Tom reported on his attendance at the Trading with Japan Conference
in Missoula and reiterated the comments of his memo, stressing the
importance of building long-term personal relationships with the
Japanese. He also stated that the Western part of the state is
much more organized and active in its trade programs than the
Eastern area and that there is alot of catching up to be done, both
in trade contacts and with the trade specialists in the State
Department of Commerce.
Larry Ridle was concerned about this communities lack of
involvement with the rest of the state in the foreign trade area
and asked what could be done. Tom suggested the development of
better working relationships with the State Department of Commerce
and better networking with the rest of the state. He also
emphasized the need for Billings to bring conferences and foreign
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Page Two
trade delegations to this area, especially when they are coming to
the state anyway as was the case of the 50-member Japanese
delegation. Larry Ridle suggested that Tom come back to the Board
with some suggestions on how we can get more involved. Chairman.
Selover suggested we might bring Chuck Brooke, the Commerce
Department Director, to Billings for an informational meeting. Kay
Foster mentioned the need to become more involved with the
Mansfield Center in Missoula as they do coordinate a lot of
Japanese trade activity in Montana.
Kay Foster reported.on her attendance at the Governor's Economic
Summit Conference in Helena. She said that a "hands on" approach
was stressed as was togetherness among entities.
Kay also reported on the Executive Director search--it's not moving
as quickly as originally planned. There is an interview with a
candidate on October 22 and others within the next two weeks. Kay
stated the Committee was meeting "constantly."
Don Roberts advised that the respondents to the consultant search
have been scheduled for a personal interview in the Commissioners'
conference room on Wednesday, October 24, after which the committee
will present its recommendation to the board.
Dwight MacKay presented a report on the Big Sky Dividend which
involves turning the coal tax dollars back into a city/county
infrastructure for the State. Dwight claimed this breaches the
state constitution and requires a three--quarters majority vote of
the state legislature. He recommended the TradePort draft a letter
to the City of Billings, Chamber of Commerce, etc. in support of
this program and send same to the Governor. He asked that the
Board consider this action and Chairman Selover suggested it be
considered at the next Board meeting.
Tom McKerlick reported on the $2,000 Imprest Fund established for
the TradePort and gave a synopsis of his modification suggestions.
Larry Ridle moved and it was seconded to accept the account and
Tom's ideas for it. Tom also recommended First Interstate Bank in
which to place this account.
Proposed changes to the State of Montana Enabling Legislation for
TradePorts presented by Cal Cumin last month were very briefly
discussed and approved unanimously by the Board. The proposed
changes were clarifications to existing language with no material
changes. These changes will now be presented to the State
Legislature this coming year.
The upcoming Canadian Trade Show (10/29-30) was described by Tom to
the Board. It will focus on small business interaction between the
two countries. Tom stated that the Chamber of Commerce had
attempted to enlist local small businesses to attend this, but
October 19 Minutes
Page Three
there was no response. The Chamber gave this information to
local businesses that trade with Canada. Chairman Selover
suggested that Tom McKerlick attend this trade show; this was
discussed by the Board with a question by Larry Ridle as to the
need of the TradePort to attend. Tom stated representatives from
the State Department of Commerce would attend, along with people
from the larger trade centers in Western Montana and stressed the
need for involvement by this area.
A discussion followed regarding the need for a viable road system
between Billings and Great Falls. Cal Cumin reported on the
Department of Highways' plan to simply improve the existing two-
lane highway when the real need is for an inter-state system.
Larry Ridle stressed the need for interaction among agencies and
Chairman Selover and Dwight MacKay suggested that the TradePort
contact both the Department of Highways and the Department of
Commerce. Chairman Selover asked Tom McKerlick to prepare a draft
to named individuals re: roads by the next meeting. Larry Ridle
suggested the Economic Development Council, the City, and the Board
of County Commissioners also be involved in this project.
Doug Richardson suggested a mare strategic approach; i.e., specific
recommendations with prioritization (comprehensive) of needs.
Dwight MacKay stated the Comprehensive Plan covers these needs and
that the Strategic Planning Committee would "link up" in this
study. Chairman Selover appointed Tom McKerlick to check into this
possibility and report to the Board at the next meeting.
Tom presented an update on the status of the office
staffing/equipment purchases. A part-time secretary will be hired
by the first part of November and the equipment (furniture, word
processor, etc.) is on-order and should arrive shortly.
Regarding CI-55: Kay Foster gave a report and stated that economic
development groups are urged to oppose this measure. Dwight MacKay
gave input on the legality of entities opposing any issues, en
masse. No body which receives Federal funding is allowed, by State
law, to endorse/oppose any ballot issues. He suggested the
'business -plan approach.' Chairman Selover suggested the
'information only' approach.
Comments/Floor: Cal Cumin urged area representation at the
Canadian Trade Show and stressed Canada's interest in trade with
our state. Bill Strausburg moved that Tom represent,the TradePort
at this, Don Roberts seconded with Larry Ridle opposing. The
motion was carried.
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October 19 Minutes
Page Four
Tom advised that 216 head of cattle were slaughtered on October 18
at the newly reopened packing house by Meats of Montana. Chairman
Selover read aloud a letter from Alan Tandy, City Administrator,
commending the efforts of Tom McKerlick on behalf of Meats of
Montana and also thanking the TradePort for its participation.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned by
Chairman Selover at 8:05 a.m.
NOTE: The next meeting will be held at Lincoln Center on Thursday,
November 15th, at 7:00 a.m.
Minutes prepared/submitted by:
l
M.A. (Peggy Richmond
:mar