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Jill Francis named to HEDA Monday

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Jill Francis has been nominated to be a member of the Henryetta Economic Development Authority (HEDA).
That nomination came Monday at the monthly HEDA meeting. She will complete the remaining term vacated by the resignation of long-time member Steve Pearson.
Francis was nominated a year ago to be on the board but city council members turned it down citing a conflict of interest since Pearson is her brother.
In a separate action, current HEDA member Gary Clason was recommended to keep his seat on the authority.
Both names will be going to the city council for consideration later this month.
Henryetta is going to be represented at a major retailer convention in November.		 jill-francis
City manager Ted Graham, as well as Clason and HEDA member Mike Meek will be at the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) Nov. 4 through 6 in Dallas.
Clason said he attended the convention last year and made a connection with a representative from Quick Trip. That individual has been in Henryetta several times since then.
"If we can get five others to do the same, maybe we can get one to say they will come here," he said.
"It is good because we make those connections. It is educational," he pointed out.
HEDA members approved paying up to $1,500 for expenses for the three-day conference.
Graham said there has been some discussion over purchasing some property in Henryetta that has the potential for a strip shopping center. He did not reveal the location or the individuals involved. He pointed out one of the issues in getting some development along US 75 is the lack of space that can be used. He pointed out some areas lie in a flood plain while others have restrictions from bridges and overpasses.
"Aldis has reached out but the rooftop count is the issue with them.
Property the city owns on the west side of town continues to be discussed. Graham said there have been one person looking at the area for a travel center but he thinks part of the problem is funding. Another issue is direct access from the Interstate. "There is one person who is afraid of someone building in front of him," he said.
In other business, HEDA members approved reimbursing the city for $10,000 for KIBOIS Transportation as well as $16,241 to Vail Electric for installation of lights and electrical work at the Main Street tennis courts.