SEDCO Meeting

By:Jenna Howle

   The Slaton Economic Development Corporation (SEDCO) held its meeting on September 18, 2024, at the SEDCO Board Room, with President Clif Shaw calling the session to order at 12:02 PM.

   The meeting proceeded with the review and approval of minutes from the previous meeting on August 15, 2024.  The motion was approved and seconded.  Following this, the financial statements and monthly bills were presented, and the motion was approved and seconded. 

    During the public comment period, no remarks were made by attendees. The board then discussed the upcoming vacancy due to Teffanie White’s departure at the end of October. White proposed the appointment of Paula Bibbs Samuels to fill this position, and the motion was approved and seconded.

   The board also addressed the management of its rental properties, deciding against hiring a property management company, and they approved the motion to not pursue this option. 

Further discussions included a proposal to seek bids for an engineering study of the SEDCO property at 165 W. Lubbock St., which was tabled until additional information can be gathered. Additionally, the board reviewed the option to hire SPAG for recruitment services to find a successor for Executive Director Barbara Hopper, who will retire on December 31, 2024. The motion to not engage SPAG was approved.

   Barbara Hopper provided an update on the efforts of The Retail Coach regarding potential new businesses for Slaton, highlighting several prospects currently in discussions.

   The meeting then moved into executive session at 12:04 PM to deliberate on economic development negotiations and personnel matters, concluding at 12:55 PM. Upon returning to open session, the board approved a motion to grant The Combine up to $10,000 for a reimbursable Building Construction and Façade Incentive, contingent upon a clear five-year background check. They also decided to table the discussion on a Building Construction, Infrastructure, and Quality of Life Grant pending further information.

The session adjourned at 1:30 PM.