HomeMy WebLinkAboutFDEDC Minutes 02-13-2024fpu's
Friendswood Downtown Economic Development Corporation (FDEDC)
Meeting Minutes of February 13 — 4:00 P.M.
City Hall Council Chambers
910 S. Friendswood Drive, Friendswood, Texas 77546
1. Call to order
The meeting was called to order at 4:00 p.m. with a quorum present.
Present: Dr. Rebecca Hillenburg, President; Elmer "Bubba" Johnson, Vice President; Arden Trey Hill,
Member; Alton Todd, Member; Paul Marx, Secretary/Treasurer
Staff members present: Steven Rhea, Assistant City Manager; Karen Horner, City Attorney; Aubrey
Harbin, Director of Community Development
Councilmembers: Sally Branson, Joe Matranga
Absent: Dr. Pat McGinnis, Member; Ron Cox, Member; Kristina Cuellar, Secretary
2. Citizen comments
Sally Branson spoke about a piece of property that may be for sale by the current owner. If FDEDC
had the opportunity to purchase the property, the existing structure could be demolished, and the
site could then be used as temporary parking for the downtown district area.
3. Approval of Minutes
Consider the approval of the minutes of the Friendswood Downtown Economic Development
Corporation Meeting held on December 12, 2023.
Motion to Approve: Marx
Second: Hill
Vote: 5/0 Approved
4. Work Session Topics
A. Receive a presentation and discuss the Friendswood Hometown Heroes Program.
Friends of Downtown Friendswood Association (FDFA) president Meg Crowly presented the
Friendswood Hometown Heros Banner Program to the committee. The program is a non -political,
non -partisan, and not -for -profit program intended to serve as a living memorial to those servicemen
and women from the City of Friendswood by hanging a banner with the service members' picture,
name, and military branch. The banners will be displayed on the light poles along 518 in downtown
Friendswood for Memorial Day and Veterans Day, with the city being responsible for installing and
removing the banners on the poles. The program is scheduled to launch in March; application
submissions will be accepted from March 1st — April 15th, 2024, for service members who have
resided in Friendswood, past or present. Banners will be limited to 1 per serviceperson for a fee of
one hundred dollars, which covers all administration and production costs.
S. Reports
A. Receive and discuss the TxDOT Curbs, Ramps, Sidewalks, and Traffic Signals Project report.
Rhea stated that the contractor for TOOT is working on punch list items, sidewalk contractors have
returned and repaired sections of concrete and pavers and the pedestrian signals have been
activated.
B. Receive and discuss the FM 518 Illumination Project report.
Rhea stated that around 35 properties require easements due to site conditions and obstructions.
Easement surveying is complete and provided to the Engineering Department; engineering staff will
then send the easement exhibits to the property owners, to whom many have already verbally
approved. Rhea applauded the city's Engineering Department for providing alternate foundation
designs where needed. The project is 20% - 25% done; the intent is to illuminate each section for a
brief test run once circuits are completed.
Marx informed the committee that he had contacted AT&T and Comcast about possibly removing
the above -ground communication wires in the downtown district. He has asked Rhea to speak with
AT&T about waiving the five -hundred -dollar activation fee. Rhea stated that the city's engineering
department has also investigated the removal of the above -ground city wires and will also be in
contact with AT&T and Comcast.
C. Receive and discuss the Friendswood Downtown Economic Development Corporation Financial
Report for January 2024.
Rhea presented the updated financial report with a $2,563,731 Beginning Fund Balance for January
2024, added revenue of $71,431 and expenditures of $215,681, including staff services. The
ending fund balance is $2,418,147.
6. Adjournment
With no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 4:33 p.m.