GASCONADE VALLEY ENTERPRISE ZONE
BOARD MEETING

June 24, 2010
Legends Bank, Linn, MO  

CALL TO ORDER
President Byron Baker called the June 24, 2010, meeting of the Gasconade Valley Enterprise Zone to order at 1:10 p.m. at the Legends Bank, Linn, MO.

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
Byron Baker, Larry Backes, and Russell Scheulen – Osage County; Jerry Lairmore – Gasconade County; Ray Schwartze and Les Clark – Maries County.

BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT
Mark Hayes, James Decker and Jay Gourley.

REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The minutes provided were from the previous GVEZ meeting. The January 28, 2010, meeting minutes will be approved at the July 22, 2010, meeting.

FINANCIAL REPORT – ­ B. PRIGGE
Bonnie Prigge presented the financial report for period ending May 31, 2010. Revenue for that timeframe was bank interest of $243.66 and contributions totaling $5,872.14. Gasconade County donated $2,000 and Belle donated $3,872.14. Expenses for that timeframe were fiscal administration and MRPC technical assistance, and $4, 073.78 for Enhanced Enterprise Zone assistance totaling $6,834.78. The total fund equity as of May 31, 2010 is $52,329.29.

Russell Scheulen made a motion to accept the financial report, as presented. Ray Schwartze seconded the motion, and the motion passed unanimously.

THIRD PARTY FINANCIALS:
Kim Staley of Chamois presented the third party review of financial records for 2008 and 2009. Ms. Staley reported that GVEZ’s fund equity increased from 2007 to 2008 by nearly $3,400, from $56,092.56 to $59,459.45. In 2009, fund equity decreased to $53,075.89. Because this was a third-party review and not an audit, Ms. Staley did not officially express an opinion. She did tell the board that she found everything she reviewed in order and well documented and she had no suggestions for improvement. Ms. Prigge discovered no copies of the balance sheet in the handout, and Ms. Staley agreed to e-mail the balance sheet.

Ray Schwartze made a motion to approve the third party review for 2008 and 2009. Jerry Lairmore seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

Jerry Lairmore made a motion to approve the cost of $350 for the 2008 and 2009 third party reviews. Ray Schwartze seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT – B. PRIGGE
Ms. Prigge reported that staff completed the 990 IRS filing. Maries and Osage counties EEZ applications have been officially approved. Ms. Prigge and Mr. Schwartze met with the Vienna City Council and the council agreed to donate funds to GVEZ.

Ms. Prigge explained that expenses are down because GVEZ has only met twice this year instead of three meetings. Once the EEZ meetings start, she will be spending more GVEZ hours.

Ms. Prigge reminded the board that GVEZ agreed to donate matching funds of $16,000 to the IRP /RLF fund. She explained that MRPC had decided to submit the application for approximately $175,000, based on matching funds now available. Once approved by USDA, MRDC can begin the loan process. Ms. Prigge explained that the donation would not be needed in one lump sum, but would be requested as each loan occurs.

Ms. Prigge provided Memorandums of Understanding (MOU’s) for the counties and cities that donated to GVEZ and requested board approval. Ray Schwartze made a motion to approve the MOU’s with Maries, Osage and Gasconade counties and the cities of Vienna and Belle. Russell Scheulen seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

Bonnie Prigge reported no change in the budget for midyear.

Ms. Prigge gave a report on cost overruns for the Maries-Gasconade counties EEZ applications. This was originally anticipated to be one application but when it was learned that it would require two separate applications, MRPC agreed to try to do them for the $4,500 but expected cost overruns. With Maries County approved and Gasconade County pending approval, Ms. Prigge said the cost overrun was $3,250. She asked that GVEZ pay the overrun and any additional costs for Gasconade County would be covered under the Osage County EEZ contract.

Russell Scheulen made a motion to approve the overrun in EEZ costs. Larry Backes seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

Ms. Prigge reported that the Gasconade Co. EEZ application appears to be moving up the approval ladder.

Ms. Prigge presented the contract with MRPC that must be renewed at the end of MRPC’s fiscal year, June 30, 2010. While hourly rates increased slightly, the cost-not-to-exceed (CNTE) for fiscal services stayed the same as in 2009-10 and technical assistance CNTE was lowered to $9,000, as budgeted. Jerry Lairmore made a motion to approve the contract addendum. Ray Schwartze seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

FUNDRAISING UPDATE – B. PRIGGE
Bonnie Prigge distributed copies of the fundraising tracking sheet and reported that staff has sent contribution requests to county and city governments and asked the board if they would like to add any private entities to the list of contacts. Staff will send out requests to private entities and distribute copies to board members for follow-up. The board discussed visiting Kingsford Manufacturing and inviting Steve Miller to the big three-zone meeting scheduled in September. Ms. Prigge will speak with Jim Grebing about follow-up with businesses in Hermann once Gasconade County is included in the zone.

CONTINUED DISCUSSION ON BRINGING EEZS INTO GVEZ — Bonnie Prigge
The group discussed providing administrative and marketing assistance to the four EEZs within the GVEZ area. The group tentatively planned a meeting in mid to late September. The purpose would be to bring all four EEZ boards together, bring them up-to-date on the new EEZs, and discuss marketing and joint fundraising. One idea was to ask Steve Miller of Kingsford to talk about his company’s experience with the original zone.

MISCELLANEOUS COMMENT:
Several board members did not receive ample notice of today’s meeting. Ms. Prigge will verify that correct e-mails addresses are in the system.

COMMUNITY REPORTS:
Ray Schwartze reported on a store relocation in Vienna that may allow another business to expand.

Russell Scheulen reported that the downtown beautification project is almost complete. The courthouse has new handicapped rails.

Richard Huse reported that there is now an opportunity for an unprecedented focus on individuals as entrepreneurs. Communities should have a good website and should spend time developing an approach to attract entrepreneurs.

Rural Missouri must do something about the meth problem before it can capitalize on jobs, it was noted.

Larry Backes reported that Chamois received $250,000 for new sidewalks through the Safe Routes to School grant program.

John Tracy reported that Owensville has completed its budget. Owensville is raising tax levy by 21 cents and still need to raise it another 33 cents. This will make street department funds available that were being used to subsidize other projects.

Pepsi donated $50,000 for a new sports park project. The Owensville Chamber of Commerce donated the land to the Lion’s Club, and the city will maintain the park. The $1.25 million dollar project will have at least two ball fields. The project began with a ground-breaking ceremony.

Jerry Lairmore reported that the political season is starting.

Byron Baker explained that young kids must have hope and hope leads to entrepreneurship. Communities should display and encourage entrepreneurs through classes and entrepreneur groups/networks.

ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 2:30 p.m.

Minutes Approved:

President Date

Attest Date