The council also heard from Randy Olson, head of an economic development and governmental relations committee which signed a cooperative endeavor agreement between the city and the Chamber in 2010, reported on the last six months.
"I am very pleased with Kate's six-month progress," Olson said.
MacArthur reported that her priorities for the past six months since she's been employed as the economic development coordinator, have been on identifying development ready sites, marketing Zachary, focusing on commerce and retail and business attraction.
"Land is just land until its been certified development ready," MacArthur explained.
She said one of the criteria that makes a site development ready includes being infrastructurally sound.
Another focus of economic development in Zachary has been a 50-acre business and technology park. "It's a work in progress," said MacArthur.
The park, if successful, will be located in the east end of Zachary across Plank Road and would potentially include restaurants and walking trails.
MacArthur said she is also working closely with the Americana developers.
Americana is a mixed use development of commercial and residential which will be located between Hwy. 964 and Hwy. 61 on Hwy. 64, and a new YMCA is the first of the development to be built. It's scheduled to open Spring 2013.
Lastly, MacArthur said Louisiana Economic Development has designated Zachary to be a pilot for the state regarding development ready communities. She said the selection could mean more money for Zachary.
In October 2009, Zachary was one of 12 communities selected for the Louisiana Development Ready Communities Pilot Program.
"The council also heard an audit presentation from Baxley and Associates, LLC.
Margaret Pritchard presented the report for the city's budget for 2011-12 and said that she loves giving reports where she can say the findings are great.
"The City of Zachary had an excellent report for this period," Pritchard told the council.
Zachary ended the year with a general fund balance $7,347,535 and showing an increase in net assets of $3,050,310.
Zachary also finished with General Fund revenues (including capital outlay grants received) totaling $12,144,814.
Total General Fund expenditures including capital outlay projects showed a balance of $12,976,051.
"We still have strong, positive financial numbers, although I will preface that with the understanding that the dollars are getting tighter and the gap between recurring revenue and recurring expenses is getting closer. This is mainly due to the increases in health care and retirement costs," explained Zachary's Chief Financial Officer Steve Nunnery.
Other agenda items included the approval of an alcohol permit for Cabo Grill.
Also, Lane Regional Medical Center was granted a waiver to erect a new monument sign for the hospital.
The Zachary City Council will meet again on Tuesday, Jan. 22, at 6:30 p.m.
Post a Comment