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
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
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
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
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
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
*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
Mayor Stan Booker-yes
Kelly Edwards-yes
Dr. John McArthur-yes
Clarence Fortney-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
Mayor Stan Booker-yes
Kelly Edwards-yes
Dr. John McArthur-yes
Clarence Fortney-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
Mayor Stan Booker-yes
Kelly Edwards-yes
Dr. John McArthur-yes
Clarence Fortney-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
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
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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).
2 | 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
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.)
3 | 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
• 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.
4 | 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
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]
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
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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
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