Development Corp Board to Meet after Council Slapdown

The City of San Angelo Development Corporation Board of Directors will meet on Wednesday.  The Board will take up City Council's rejection of their proposed bylaws amendments.  

Discussion and possible action regarding City Council denial of the ratification of the proposed revisions to the COSADC Bylaws at their January 17, 2023 meeting. (Presentation made by Michael Dane, Interim Director of Economic Development) 

Assistant City Manager Dane presented the bylaws changes to Council and oddly answered "I don't know" a number of times to questions from Mayor Brenda Gunter and other Council members.  Not one board member spoke during the meeting.  The Assistant City Attorney who helped the COSADC board develop the changes had a very minor role.

A viewer might believe Dane submarined the bylaws changes given his lack of enthusiasm about the proposed language.

That leaves the Development Corporation trying to figure out a way forward.  The Board officer not given the opportunity to speak on the proposed bylaws asked for the following agenda item.

Discuss economic development initiatives to be addressed with City Council and possible avenues for such discussion between COSADC and City Council. (Per the request, of First Vice President Bariou)

It may take a new Economic Development Director to navigate a way forward.  Dane will have an update on that in the Board meeting.

Update 1-25-23:  The recruiter for the Economic Development Director position prepared a community profile to use in finding qualified candidates.  Dane will send his thoughts on the draft back today and invited any board members to come to his office after the meeting if they wish to review the draft and provide input.

The discussion on Council's rejection of proposed bylaws changes and the way forward with City Council used a number of words, including adversarial, shooting from the hip, misunderstanding and backfire.  COSADC board members sought information on Council's concerns and lamented the lack of presentation of the rationale behind their proposed changes at the last City Council meeting.

The City hired the PACE Group as reported to the COSADC board on 12-19-22.  Anthony is the recruiter.  The recruiter will present 3-5 qualified candidates within 75 to 90 days.  

Michael Dane texted on July 14, 2022 that the city would quickly begin the process for filling Guy Andrews position.  

Update 5-24-23:  After the first four candidates failed to move forward the city's recruiter has two candidates to present.  Their visits could be scheduled in the next one or two weeks.