Council to consider intern position

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GONZALES — The Gonzales City Council will meet tonight at 6 p.m. Among the items they will consider is an opportunity to create an intern position for the Gonzales Economic Development Corporation (GEDC).

At their last meeting, GEDC discussed the possibilities of a “Grow Gonzales” internship program that could serve as a model for community-wide workforce development program.

City officials say that the Grow Gonzales program has the potential to encourage local youth to consider returning to town to develop their professional skills, invest in local job and business creation, volunteerism and entrepreneurship. In doing so, GEDC will invest in “growing” an educated and experienced workforce and economy.

The GEDC board has approved $2,000 of workforce funds to establish the program for the 2015-16 fiscal year. The internship would be a summer program, running May-August with board members serving as mentors and GEDC President Genora Young responsible for daily direction and oversight.

The board is already looking at a student from Texas A&M that needs study in this field to satisfy course requirements for her degree in tourism sciences. Councilmen will have a final say if this is implemented tonight.

Among other agenda items, council will:

  • Consider approving a budget amendment in the amount of $6,000 from the Gonzales Convention and Visitors Bureau to be used for advertising for the annual Come and Take It festival.
  • Discuss adopting setup fees for the Expo Center at J.B. Wells Park and amending rental fees for the arena.
  • Consider amending the sidewalk ordinance to allow bicycles and skateboards to be used on East and North avenues. This is the result of the city grant writer looking to secure funds to replace and widen the sidewalks on those streets.
  • Consider waiving utility late fees for customers over age 65 and living on a fixed income. This would bring the city in line with state levels.
  • Discuss grazing lease agreements for several parcels of city land.
  • Consider authorizing the closure of the 400 block of St. George Street for Angels & Outlaws and Gonzales Healthcare Systems Med Spa to hold a Spring Fling on May 14.

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