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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCEDC Minutes 2012-02-01 RegularFriendswood Community and Economic Development Committee Meeting Minutes February 1, 2012 The Friendswood Community and Economic Development Committee met on Wednesday, February 1, 2012, at 8:30 a.m., in the second floor conference room of City Hall, 910 S. Friendswood Drive, Friendswood, Texas, with the following members present: Chair Skip Evans, Vice Chair Pauline Moore, Tony Annan, Brett Banfield, Mark Conrad, Kirk Lippert, Bill Provenzano, and Dr. Hilmar Zeissig. Liaisons present were Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership Executive Director of Special Initiatives Dan Seal, Friendswood Chamber of Commerce President Carol Marcantel, and Planning and Zoning Commissioner Mark McLean. Absent from the meeting was Jeremy Magnuson. Staff member present was Karen Capps. Also present were Jeff Newpher of the Friendswood Journal and C.A. Shields of Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership. 1. Call to Order. The meeting was called to order at 8:34 with a quorum present. 2. Roll Call. Roll call was made. 3. Approval of Minutes. Tony Annan made a motion to approve the January 4, 2012 meeting minutes. The motion was seconded by Bill Provenzano and it passed unanimously in the committee. 4. Discussion and possible action, but not limited to the Community and Economic Development Committee's strategic plan, goals, and action items. Brett Banfield provided a report on research that was done by Brett and Kirk Lippert regarding the Whitcomb property. The committee reviewed Vision 2020. Committee members noted the many accomplishments since Vision 2020, particularly concerning Vision 2020's goals. The committee discussed the downtown drainage and street improvements, and how City incentives such as the Neighborhood Empowerment Zone and municipal grant program have been an effective business incentive and marketing tool. Other notable improvements that committee members noticed were improved water pressure throughout the City and the desire to achieve an 80/20 residential/commercial tax base to maintain the tax base at build out. A committee member asked what Vision 2020 meant about "maintaining a visual image." Committee members commented on their recollection of empty buildings along or close to Friendswood Drive in 1998 when Vision 2020 was conducted — Friendswood Crossing Shopping Center's Gerland's Grocer which was replaced by 24-Hour Fitness and UTMB, empty Exxon Gas Station of FM528/FM 518 that is now McDonald's, Friendswood Re/Max that is now Walgreen's, Phillip's 66 that is now vacant land. The committee discussed how the LHWH program has been successful with many Friendswood business owner residents investing in the community. The committee mentioned Park Plaza, Dr. Baden-Friendswood Medical Wellness, Bergamos, Jacob White Construction, The Green Event Center, Friendswood Mediation and Conference Center, Parkwood Animal Hospital, Friendswood Chiropractic Clinic, and Parkwood Vision Center were all LHWH projects. Other LHWH businesses include Texas Tea Room, Visicor, Magnuson Hardware, Lessenger Chiropractic Clinic, VARC Solutions, Express Employment Professionals, Melange, Shear Pleasure, Style Junkie Boutique, Video Perspective, Wringle, Garnder and Co., Morningside Management, Law Firm of Alton Todd, Buzbee Properties, Attorney Jim Woltz, Timber Creek Golf, The Cake Lady, Ellie's Kitchen, Potter's Liquor, Rancho Mexican Restaurant, Stefano's Pizzeria, Lary's florist, Raymond Financial Services, Banfield Properties, Star Steppers Studio, Jeter Memorial Funeral Home, Texas Pediatric Associates and many others. Dan Seal said that looking back since Vision 2020, there were many successes that can be touted and in the future the EDA grant funded infrastructure will also help the FM 2351 corridor develop. This framework should be provided to City Council. The committee further discussed achieving an 80/20 tax base mix at build out. Tony Annan made a motion to request information concerning payments in lieu of taxes or other alternative. The motion was seconded by Kirk Lippert and it passed unanimously in the committee. The committee would like to review how tax exempt real property owners might be able to make a voluntary payment to cover their portion of city services used. 5. Reports: Planning and Zoning Mark McLean reported on the status of the new single-family residential estate zoning. Friendswood Chamber of Commerce Carol Marcantel reported that the Chamber's annual gala fundraiser was well attended and a success. A new event in 2012 will be the "Taste of the Town" on Thursday, May 10 at The Green Event Center. The event will include area restaurants with 21 booths. The CEDC discussed attending and being a part of this event. March's monthly luncheon will be the "State of the City" address by Mayor Smith on Thursday, March 1. Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership Dan Seal reported on BAHEP's Quasar banquet held on January 20 in which Texas State Senator John Comyn was honored. On Friday, February 17, NASA-JSC is hosting a small business forum at the Gilruth Center. Also reported was that a groundbreaking was held yesterday for the new Coast Guard headquarters facility at Ellington field. The new 117,000 square foot building will be a $43 million, four-story building and employ approximately 300 people and include a command center, investigative services, electronic support, public affairs, medical center, and fitness center. Dan also reported that BAHEP is revisiting their strategic plan to include the energy sector since NASA has technology to provide support, i.e. deep space is cold and dark and deep water drilling has similar conditions that are cold and dark. City Staff Karen Capps reported on her attendance to a recent International Economic Development Council conference. Both LHWH billboard banners are on display on FM 2351. The committee discussed updating the faded billboards. At a recent Council meeting, the City Manager reported on the New Business Guide being published. Ms. Capps reminded the CEDC that State Comptroller representative Russell Gallahan will attend the Monday, February 6 City Council meeting and provide information about municipal sales tax funding options. Capital Improvement Projects will also be discussed along with general obligation bonds as another funding option. The fourth quarter economic development e-newsletter was published as a print ad in the Friendswood Journal. An updated was provided about business prospects. 6. Adjournment. Kirk Lippert made a motion to adjourn the meeting and was seconded by Dr. Hilmar Zeissig. The meeting adjourned at 10:20 am.