The Italy Economic Development Corporation moved one-step closer toward constructing a community center after a two-hour called meeting and public hearing Tuesday evening.

The group authorized Ed Voss, city attorney, to enter into a contract with Anthony Mottla for architectural services.

Mottla’s firm was architect for the Waxahachie Senior Citizens Center and a community center/church annex at Bethel Methodist Church.

Mottla said his contract is in five phases.—schematic design, design development, construction documents, bidding/negotiations and construction administration.

The schematic design explains what is required inside the building. The design development details the plumbing locations, electrical lines, heating and air conditioner locations. The third phase deals with the preparation of construction documents. The fourth phase deals with bidding the project and the final phase is serving as a designated representative during construction.

The footprint of the building is 3,800 square feet. Mottla said he needed guidance as to whether they want one story or two stories; whether they required hard walls or if movable partitions would work, and how much storage is required.

He estimated construction cost to be about $125 per square foot. He said that is a median estimate but certainly could cost less once they iron out what is required inside.

Mottla stressed the need for flexibility within the area and explained that movable partitions have improved. He said they are basically looking at a secular version of a church fellowship hall.

Mark Stiles, IEDC president, said there are two mistakes they could make – not have enough money for what they build or construct a structure that is too small from the beginning.

Jimmy Hyles was the only resident at the meeting to address design concerns during the public hearing.

Hyles said he has gotten input from citizens and collectively and said they would like to see a single story structure with an old-looking store front that can be done without a great deal of expense. He said he would like to see flat awnings.

The IEDC decided to hold a workshop Monday, June 27, at 6 p.m. to prepare a “needs and wants” list for the architect. The members stressed the critical need for public input as to what type of facility would best serve the community.

In other business, Elmerine Bell gave a brief overview of a Texas Economic Development Corporation seminar in San Marcos she attended entitled “Texas Rural Challenge.”

She said “sustainability” is the new buzzword as is “going green.”

She said some small communities presented programs outlining their success in growing businesses. She said providing entrepreneurial programs have been beneficial and said she felt Italy has resources that would allow entrepreneurs to sell their wares.

Bell said there are also lenders that prefer lending to community development projects.

Darryl Ratcliff, grant writer, attended the same seminar.

He said communities like Italy need to stop younger people from leaving the community. Providing jobs is the key.

Ratcliff said he met several people there that provide skills grant training for businesses at no cost to the business. He said businesses could better train or cross train employees with this program.

He also met representatives with solar energy and wind-powered energy.

Financially, Teri Murdock, city administrator, reported the IEDC operating budget balance is $2,439 and money market balance is $105,509. 

Judi Rowe who spearheaded the community involvement with Tour d’ Italia said a little over 900 cyclists participated in the bike ride Saturday. She said that total is down about 300 riders from last year.

She said they speculated the weather as a major cause of the decrease in numbers but said the Lone Star Cyclists appreciated all the volunteers who helped this year.

Mark Souder Sr., IEDC meeting, was not present at the meeting.