Lawton Economic Development Corporation Board Meeting …

Lawton Economic Development Corporation

Board Meeting Minutes Teleconference/ Videoconference via Zoom

April 15, 2020 @ 4:00pm This meeting was conducted via teleconference/videoconference for all board members and

members of the public to attend. The Zoom meeting link, meeting ID and password were sent to

the board members and public on April 14, 2020 at 3:40 p.m. in compliance with the Amended

Open Meeting Act. The Zoom meeting was recorded and saved in the electronic meeting folder

at the LEDC office.

I. Members Present:

Ron Nance-videoconference

Jesse Cross-videoconference

Paul Ellwanger-videoconference

Philip Kennedy-videoconference

Arthur Patrick-videoconference

Mayor Stan Booker-videoconference

Kelly Edwards-videoconference

President John McArthur-videoconference

Clarence Fortney-videoconference

Tim Hushbeck-videoconference and teleconference

Barry Ezerski-videoconference

Jim Landmark-videoconference

Michael Cleghorn-videoconference

Mark Scott-teleconference

Sylvia Burgess-videoconference

Jennifer Ellis-videoconference

Also, in attendance were Brad Cooksey and Teira Cole.

Members Absent: Joe Gallagher

II. Guests: Keith Bridges, 405-659-9918

III. Call to Order/Roll Call

Ron Nance-videoconference

Jesse Cross-videoconference

Paul Ellwanger-videoconference

Philip Kennedy-videoconference

Arthur Patrick-videoconference

Mayor Stan Booker-videoconference

Kelly Edwards-videoconference

President John McArthur-videoconference

Clarence Fortney-videoconference

Tim Hushbeck-videoconference and teleconference

Barry Ezerski-videoconference

Jim Landmark-videoconference

Michael Cleghorn-videoconference

Mark Scott-teleconference

Sylvia Burgess-videoconference

Jennifer Ellis-videoconference

IV. Introduction of Guests

Keith Bridges-videoconference

4056599918-teleconference

V. Consider approval/amendment/disapproval of March 9, 2020 Minutes

ACTION: Mr. Ezerski moved to approve the March 9, 2020 minutes; Mr. Cross

seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously; copy of minutes attached. Ms.

Ellis abstained from the vote due to her absence from the March 9, 2020 meeting.

Recorded votes:

Ron Nance-yes

Jesse Cross-yes

Paul Ellwanger-yes

Philip Kennedy-yes

Arthur Patrick-yes

Jennifer Ellis-abstain

Mayor Stan Booker-yes

Kelly Edwards-yes

Dr. John McArthur-yes

Clarence Fortney-yes

Barry Ezerski-yes

Jim Landmark-yes

Tim Hushbeck-yes

Mark Scott-yes

VI. Consider approval of Financials

ACTION: Ms. Ellis moved to approve the March 2020 financials; Mr. Patrick seconded

the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Recorded votes:

Ron Nance-yes

Jesse Cross-yes

Paul Ellwanger-yes

Philip Kennedy-yes

Arthur Patrick-yes

Jennifer Ellis-yes


Kelly Edwards-yes



Barry Ezerski-yes

Jim Landmark-yes

Tim Hushbeck-yes

Mark Scott-yes

VII. Reports

President’s Report

RFP Chart- LEDC had 3 new leads in the month of March.

Annual Luncheon- Mr. Cooksey informed the board members that due to

COVID-19 the LEDC Annual Luncheon was postponed to a date TBD.

Current and Upcoming Events- All scheduled spring and early summer events

have been cancelled or postponed.

Project Updates- Due to COVID-19 Project Cabana and Project Cherokee have

slowed progress but continue to move forward. The FISTA structural study is

scheduled to begin April 16th after a month-long delay.

Chairman’s Report

Nominating Committee-FY21 LEDC Board Members- Mr. Kennedy indicated

the committee plans to meet Tuesday, April 21st.

Westside 2 Land Purchase- Mr. Nance indicated the attorneys are preparing the

contract and closing documents.

Legal Representation- The Executive Committee met to discuss hiring Frank

Jenson to prepare legal documents for LEDC projects. Mr. Jenson will work 15

hours a month for $1000 per month. Discussions are ongoing with multiple

attorneys.

FISTA Committee Report and Recommendation on Hiring FISTA Manager-

Mr. Fortney reported on the FISTA progress. The contract to purchase the

Fairmont Creamery is being looked over by LEDC legal counsel.

The FISTA Manager job posting was active 2 weeks and 6 resumes were

received. The FISTA Committee interviewed 3 applicants and are making a

recommendation to the board to hire James Taylor as the FISTA Manager.

Partner Updates

VIII. Business

A. Consider approval the monthly activity Report. ACTION: Ms. Ellis moved to approve the monthly activity report; Mr. Kennedy

seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously; a copy of the report

is attached.

Recorded votes:

Ron Nance-yes

Jesse Cross-yes

Paul Ellwanger-yes

Philip Kennedy-yes

Arthur Patrick-yes

Jennifer Ellis-yes


Kelly Edwards-yes



Barry Ezerski-yes

Jim Landmark-yes

Tim Hushbeck-yes

Mark Scott-yes

B. Consider authorizing the President to make application and close the

Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) under CARES Act.

ACTION: Mr. Fortney moved to authorize the President to make application

and close the Economic Injury Disaster Loan under Cares Act; Mr. Cross

seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously.

Recorded votes:

Ron Nance-yes

Jesse Cross-yes

Paul Ellwanger-yes

Philip Kennedy-yes

Arthur Patrick-yes

Jennifer Ellis-yes


Kelly Edwards-yes



Barry Ezerski-yes

Jim Landmark-yes

Tim Hushbeck-yes

Mark Scott-yes

*Mr. Scott left the meeting at this time

C. Consider approval of 2020-2021 LEDC Budget

ACTION: Mr. Cross moved to approve the 2020-2021 LEDC Budget with an

amendment to add a line item to the Hotel/Motel column for Westside 2 annual

payments; Mr. Patrick seconded the motion. The motion was passed

unanimously.

Recorded votes:

Ron Nance-yes

Jesse Cross-yes

Paul Ellwanger-yes

Philip Kennedy-yes

Arthur Patrick-yes

Jennifer Ellis-yes


Kelly Edwards-yes



Barry Ezerski-yes

Jim Landmark-yes

Tim Hushbeck-yes

D. Consider approval of hiring FISTA Manager.

ACTION: Mr. Ezerski moved to approve hiring James Taylor as the FISTA

Manager; Mr. Kennedy seconded the motion. The motion was passed

unanimously.

Recorded votes:

Ron Nance-yes

Jesse Cross-yes

Paul Ellwanger-yes

Philip Kennedy-yes

Arthur Patrick-yes

Jennifer Ellis-yes


Kelly Edwards-yes



Barry Ezerski-yes

Jim Landmark-yes

Tim Hushbeck-yes

IX. New Business

X. Adjourn

ACTION: Mr. Patrick moved to approve adjourning the meeting; Mr. Fortney

seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously.

Recorded votes:

Ron Nance-yes

Jesse Cross-yes

Paul Ellwanger-yes

Philip Kennedy-yes

Arthur Patrick-yes

Jennifer Ellis-yes


Kelly Edwards-yes



Barry Ezerski-yes

Jim Landmark-yes

Tim Hushbeck-yes

5/8/2020 LAWTON-FORT SILL ECONOMIC DEV CORP Company: LED12:49 General Ledger - Period Ending 4/30/20 Page: 1

Date Mt Reference Account Description Current Year-to-Date

Beginning Balance 4517 City of Lawton Grant - FISTA 0.00* 4/6/20 4 CR3 4517 CITY OF LAWTON FISTA GRANT -1,100,000.00 PROCEEDS Ending Balance = -1,100,000.00* -1,100,000.00**

Beginning Balance 4520 Interest Income 0.00* 4/30/20 4 CR4 4520 FISTA ACCT INTEREST -159.72 Ending Balance = -159.72* -159.72**

This is a partial G/L. General Ledger is in balance. 0.00**2 Transactions

Current Profit 1,100,740.68 Y-T-D Profit 1,063,396.59

April RFP Chart

FY 21 LEDC Slate of Directors

Directors Term

Ron Nance July 1, 2020-June 30, 2022

Arthur Patrick July 1, 2020-June 30, 2022

Tim Hushbeck July 1, 2020-June 30, 2022

1 | F I S T A M a n a g e r R e p o r t – 5 / 1 1 / 2 0 2 0

LEDC Board - FISTA COMMITTEE UPDATE – 5/11/20

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Report to LEDC Board Membership.

As established by the LEDC FISTA Committee, chaired by Clarence Fortney, a set of specific

goals for the FISTA Manager have provided the framework for measuring established levels of

success and expectations for economic growth and collaborations with defense and defense-

related businesses in the FISTA. In this report, I am using the approved FISTA Committee short-

term goals for reporting an update to the LEDC Board.

While many businesses develop strategic planning within a short-term, medium-term and long-

term goal framework; short-term usually involves processes that show results within a year of

these goals being established.

As outlined in the FISTA Short-Term Goals (in bullet form, in black) is the basis for this report

with informational updates (that follow in parentheses, in blue).


Short-Term Goals Update as of 5/11/20

• Establish ownership and management of the FISTA (LEDC, in consultation, is completing

The Fairmont Creamery building purchase contract and Mortgage agreement.)

• Establish the FISTA Timeline:

o Completing building assessment, environmental analysis and work schedule for

redevelopment by April 2020 (due to COVID-19, building engineering assessment

and environmental analysis on-site visits have been completed. Final reports for each

are expected during week of May 11th for review and determination.)

o Administrative office established by April 2020 (supported by GPTC) FISTA

Manager will establish office in LEDC on June 1, 2020 or following receipt of

Operations Funds for FISTA.

o Identify, contact and follow-up with defense specific and defense-related

organizations and corporations to target as prospects as clients in the FISTA

(Collaborate with LEDC, CoDel, defense contractors and military organizations) by

May 2020 (Ongoing.)

o Begin Public Outreach locally, state and regionally May 2020 (Will provide plan

once FISTA Manager is onboard.)

o Redevelopment parking and signage for FISTA by June 2020 (Will provide this

information to LEDC Board from the FISTA Committee.)

o FISTA 1st Floor open by July 2020 (Will provide update to LEDC Board from the

FISTA Committee.)

o FISTA Labs (Maker Center, STEM and GPTC) open for design by August 2020

(Will provide this information to LEDC Board from the FISTA Committee.)

o Construct Auditorium by August 2020 (Will provide this information to LEDC Board

from the FISTA Committee.)

o Classified communications cabling installed by December 2020 (Currently in

discussion and planning with LEDC FISTA Committee. Will provide updates to this

information to LEDC Board from the FISTA Committee.)

o High Bay design and constructed (with extension as required) by 4th Qtr. 2020 (Will

provide updates to this information to LEDC Board from the FISTA Committee.)


• Complete FISTA governing documentation that meets local, state and federal guidelines for

operating FISTA as a business. (LEDC is completing required purchased contract and

Mortgage agreement. Discussions are ongoing with City of Lawton for all required

permitting and documentation. Will provide updates to this information to LEDC Board from

the FISTA Committee).

• Establishing the Financial, Banking, Accounting, Budgetary, Insurance, Legal and Real

Estate requirements for operating and managing the FISTA. (Establishing this process and

requirements through LEDC. Will provide updates to this information to LEDC Board from

the FISTA Committee.)

• Hiring or Partnering with Organizations / Agencies to provide staff operations and

maintenance support to the FISTA. (Conducting research and establishing requirements for

FISTA. Will provide updates to this information to LEDC Board from the FISTA

Committee.)

• Complete Operations Guidelines and Procedures Manual (Under development. Will provide

updates to this information to LEDC Board from the FISTA Committee.)

• Complete Marketing Plan to promote and highlight clients within the FISTA. (Developing

Draft Plan. Will provide updates to this information to LEDC Board from the FISTA

Committee.)

• Take direct input from the Lawton-Fort Sill Working Group and FIRES Patriots that applies

to emerging programs and policies. (Ongoing discussions and meetings as appropriate. Will

provide updates to this information to LEDC Board from the FISTA Committee.)

• Establish working relationship with AMTC Huntsville, Alabama (Initial discussions

conducted – Will provide updates to this information to LEDC Board from the FISTA

Committee.)

FISTA Informational Update (recent meet/events): • FISTA manager is establishing office in LEDC on or about June 1st.

• FISTA Budget pertaining to allocation and management of CIP funding from City of Lawton

submitted to LEDC FISTA Committee (following review by Scott Hatch)

• FISTA Manager escorted Environment Division Manager for EST (comprehensive

environmental services) to conduct on-site Environmental Analysis of Fairmont Creamery.


Building owner (John Rutherford) and LEDC President (Brad Cooksey) participated. CBDL,

Inc. provided historical blueprints of the building for documentation.

• LEDC President and FISTA Manager met with Raytheon Site Executive for Lawton/Fort Sill

Center to provide FISTA brief and tour of Fairmont Creamery.

• The new State Director, Aerospace & Defense for the Oklahoma Department of Commerce

(Geoffrey Camp) will be in Lawton / Fort Sill for meetings and briefings from CASA,

FISTA, Fort Sill (FCoE and both CFTs) on Thursday, May 14th. Governor’s office has

cleared Director Camp for travel and meetings in Lawton / Fort Sill.

Will provide updates to this information to LEDC Board from the FISTA Committee.

Respectfully Submitted,

James Taylor James Taylor

FISTA Manager

405.595.8430 / [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

200 200 200 200 200 200 200 200 200 200 200 200

0 0 0 0

64

0 0 025 12 0 00 0 0 0

64 64 64 6489 101

0 00

100

200

300

New Primary Jobs

FY 20 Targets End Month #

The Lawton-Fort Sill Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) closed the month of April by

promoting Lawton-Fort Sill, pursuing new business, and assisting our local companies to expand

their job base.

We responded to 1 new lead for the month of April: Project “Fixx” was generated from ODOC.

Due to the recent Covid19 pandemic, LEDC stands ready to assist the local community with

support and assistance to federal resources. We continue to work with the Chamber, GPTC, and

Cameron University. We have been in constant contact with our major employers monitoring their

situation. In a collaborative effort with the above parties, LEDC is leading a project to provide

grants to small businesses in our area.

We continue to monitor and work our leads as they move forward. The current situation has

slowed the process down slightly, but we continue to push forward.

$0$10,000$20,000$30,000$40,000$50,000$60,000

Ju

l-1

9

Au

g-1

9

Sep

-19

Oct

-19

No

v-1

9

Dec-

19

Jan

-20

Feb

-20

Mar-

20

Ap

r-20

May-2

0

Ju

n-2

0

Average Salary of New Jobs

FY 20 Targets FY 20 Actuals

Lead:

“Fixx"

12 site consultants/real estate

exec. contacts

1 national corp. contacts

For any question about this report, feel free to contact LEDC

at 580-354-1625. Brad Cooksey, President

Lawton-Fort Sill Economic Development Monthly Activity ReportReporting Period April 2020

Performance Measures FY 20 Targets Month Actuals YTD

Leads 24 1 31Prospects 100 2 85

National Site Consultants/Real Estate Executives 75 12 71National Corporations Contacted 20 1 22

Current and Upcoming Events:

MRO America – ppd

OU EDI – ppd

IMPACT MANUFACTURING – ppd

AWEA TRADE SHOW – ppd

SELECT USA - ppd

Social Media- 18

Website Views- 21,930

National Media Stories- 0

Documents

Lawton Economic Development Corporation Board Meeting …