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<br />MINUTES OF SPECIAL CALLED COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON APRIL 4, <br />2005 <br /> <br />Due to no quorum of Council being present, only informal discussions were held and <br />no action was taken. <br /> <br />Exel Staff Present: Vernon W. Schaefer, Director of Operations Chemical/Industrial - <br />Exel, William E. Martin, Senior Director of Operations Chemical/Industrial and Phil <br />Steelman, General Manager. <br /> <br />City Staff Present: City Manager, Debra Feazelle and City Secretary, Martha A. Gillett. <br /> <br />Council Present: Mayor Alton E. Porter, District 1, Mike Mosteit, District 4 Council <br />Member Tommy Moser and Councilmember At Large B Barry Beasley. <br /> <br />General Manager Phil Steelman provided the group with an overview of Exel and its <br />operations. In addition, he explained the safety procedures while visiting on site. The <br />company is a $14 Billion Dollar company that employs 110,000 - 120,000 staff members <br />world wide. <br /> <br />Mr. Steelman further stated concern regarding shipping and transportations costs, long <br />term viability and related issues and he hoped we could fmd a solution for the legislative <br />bill matter at hand. <br /> <br />Mr. Steelman reminded the group the bill before the legislature currently in House was the <br />bill regarding "Load Heavy" of trucks carrying containers. The bill would help industry <br />maintain what they currently have in place and allow them to move forward and be <br />competitive. . <br /> <br />Outlined below is a recap of general discussions: <br /> <br />Phil Steelman noted the bill would help Exel's customers. <br /> <br />Councilmember Barry Beasley inquired as to why the bill is important to industry? <br /> <br />Exel representatives noted their customers must be more competitive in the United States <br />or marketlbusiness would move overseas. Labor costs are higher in the United States. <br />Most other countries allow transport of 25 metric tons. Other areas in the Unites States <br />also allow transport of 25 metric tons. Overall larger loads allow result in more freight <br />moved in less moves. That results in astronomical savings. In addition, this would allow <br />larger exports on ships. The advantage would result in less trucks on the road, increased <br />safety and a reduction in air pollution. <br /> <br />They further noted they want to remain competitive and keep the business in our area. <br />