The Italy Economic Development Corporation discussed options to assist connecting water lines between the City of Italy and South Ellis County Water in the event of an emergency.

Mark Stiles, IEDC president, invited Ray Loveless, SECW superintendent, and Dean Carrell, water superintendent for the City of Italy, to discuss options.

Stiles said he would like to see the area grow and said water is an important commodity for those looking at moving to the community.

He said emergency water restrictions, as the city recently experienced, could have been alleviated had there been a connecting line between the two water districts.

The City of Italy recently had two of its three water wells out of commission for more than a week. The city urged residents not to wash their car, water their yard or fill swimming pools until the wells were repaired.

Loveless said Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) urges water districts to have back up options with other water districts for emergencies.

Carrell said the city council is taking steps to improve the water quality but said having a back up option, such as an emergency connection, could benefit both districts.

Teri Murdock, city secretary/administrator, said the IEDC might not legally be able to assist with this type of project. She said, however, that she would contact the city attorney to see what they could legally do.

As a public service, Darryl Ratcliff, IEDC grant writer, had Tanya Eychner with the Texas Workforce Commission of Austin, present a brief meeting regarding Big News for Small Business in Texas.

She said the State or Texas gave the TWC $2 million for employee skills training with for-profit businesses. This training money is only available until June of 2012. Any unused money goes back to the state after that date.

She said training is available for businesses with fewer than 100 employees. Business owners can apply for tuition at a community college for themselves or for employees. She said up to $1,450 is available for new hires (less than 90 days) and $725 for incumbent employees per calendar year.

Eychner said in Ellis County, training is available through Navarro College, the Texas Engineering Extension Service or a technical college.

Business owners can learn more about this program by contacting TWC at 1-877-463-1777 or [email protected].

Ratcliff then presented a brief ONCOR presentation regarding grant programs.

Their goal is to reduce on-peak energy demand through various grant programs. He said there are various incentives with educational facilities, municipalities, non-profit and religious organizations.

Ratcliff said the initial step is to request an energy audit from ONCOR. The audit would show various ways to save along with qualifying rebates/grants.

In other business, the IEDC approved allowing Don Chambers to negotiate with Davis and McDill to survey the site for the projected new community center.

Stiles said the community center would be about 3,800 square feet with internal retractable walls, two offices, handicap accessible restrooms, a kitchen and a large meeting area.

The IEDC also approved a resolution (11-0725-01) to which allows the IEDC to reimburse itself for expenditures in connection with the design, planning, acquisition and construction of the community center project.

Before adjournment, Elmerine Bell, member thanked the business owners and citizens who attended the meeting.