HomeMy WebLinkAboutCEDC Minutes 2012-09-05 RegularFriendswood Community and Economic Development Committee
Meeting Minutes
September 5, 2012
The Friendswood Community and Economic Development Committee met on Wednesday,
September 5, 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,
Tony Annan, Brett Banfield (arrived at 9:30 after the executive session), Mark Conrad, Jeremy
Magnuson, and Bill Provenzano. Also present were the following liaisons: City Councilmember
Dr. Pat McGinnis, Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership representative Dan Seal, Galveston
County Economic Alliance President Don Gartman, Planning and Zoning Commissioner Jim
Gibson, and Clear Creek Independent School District representative Eva DeCardenas.
Absent from the meeting were Dr. Hilmar Zeissig and Carolyn Lessenger.
Staff members present were Karen Capps and Morad Kabiri.
Also present was Jeff Newpher of the Friendswood Journal.
Call to Order. The meeting was called to order at 8:35 with a quorum present.
CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION
The committee convened into Executive Session regarding Section 551.087: Deliberation
regarding Economic Development Negotiations.
RECONVENE INTO OPEN SESSION
2. Roll Call. Roll call was made.
3. Approval of Minutes.
Mark Conrad made a motion to approve the July 11, 2012 meeting minutes. The
motion was seconded by Tony Annan 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.
A work session with City Council is planned for November 5. The committee will further discuss
at next month's meeting. Dates of future meetings were discussed due to conflicts with
tradeshows and conferences. Future meetings are October 17, November 14, and December 5.
Karen Capps reported that Patrick Jankowski of the Greater Houston Partnership and Keith
Schoonover with Friendswood Development Company will be speakers at this year's broker
workshop. A "Save the Date" was emailed to brokers and so far, ten have registered for the event.
5. Reports:
Planning and Zoning
Jim Gibson reported there have been more DRCs in the last two months. P&Z approved the last
plats on the east side of FM 518 for West Ranch for garden homes.
Clear Creek ISD
Eva reported that CCISD Superintendent, Dr. Gregg Smith, may be named Superintendent of the
Year for the state. Dr. Smith was previously named 2012 Superintendent for Region 4. A
citizens' advisory committee has been formed to assess facilities' needs. The CCISD Board of
Trustees approved a balanced budget that reflects less expenditures than last year.
Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership
Dan Seal reported on the announcement made by Universal Weather and Aviation that purchased
the building located at 1150 Gemini that was owned by U.S. Space Alliance. Universal Weather
is currently located close to Hobby Airport and is a worldwide organization that provides weather
reports, training for air traffic control and employs 400-500 persons.
Galveston County Economic Alliance
Don Gartman reported that the Outlet Mall should open soon and Buccee's made there
announcement about constructing their largest store next to the outlet mall. It is estimated that
approximately five million people should stop at the mall and/or Buccee's annually. The Alliance
is sponsoring an economic forum honoring veteran small businesses tomorrow.
City Staff
Karen Capps reported on several DRC meetings and interest from prospective businesses. Ms.
Capps was invited to speak at the Houston Association of Realtors — HAR impact event to be held
tomorrow at Cullen's along with the economic developers from Pearland and Alvin.
Approximately 150 persons will attend the event. The Texas economic Development Council
annual meeting will be held at the end of September, the International Economic Development
Council's annual meeting will be held in Houston at the beginning of October, and the
International Council of Shopping Centers' Texas Deal Making Conference and tradeshow will be
held in Dallas in November.
6. Adjournment.
The meeting adjourned at 10:25 am.