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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCEDC Minutes 2013-07-03 RegularFriendswood Community and Economic Development Committee Meeting Minutes July 3, 2013 The Friendswood Community and Economic Development Committee met on Wednesday, July 3, 2013, at 8:30 a.m., in the executive conference room of City Hall, 910 S. Friendswood Drive, Friendswood, Texas, with the following members present: Vice Chair Pauline Moore, Tony Annan, Brett Banfield, Mark Conrad, Jeremy Magnuson, and Marcus Perry. Liaisons present were City Councilmember Carl Gustafson, Planning and Zoning Chair Mark McLean, and Friendswood Chamber of Commerce President Carol Marcantel. Absent from the meeting were Skip Evans, Bill Provenzano, and Dr. Hilmar Zeissig. Staff members present were Karen Capps and Morad Kabiri. Also present was Friendswood Journal reporter Jeff Newpher. 1. Call to Order. The meeting was called to order by Vice Chair Pauline Moore at 8:33 a.m. with a quorum present. 2. Roll Call. Introductions and roll call was made. 3. Approval of Minutes. A copy of the meeting minutes were not attached so this item was moved to the August meeting. 4. Discussion and possible action, but not limited to the Community and Economic Development Committee's strategic plan, goals, and action items. Tony Annan gave a report on four meetings that were held with FM 528 landowners/brokers. In addition, Karen Capps reported on two telephone discussions she had with landowners. Tony Annan gave an update on the status of the Whitcomb tract that is currently under contract by a home developer. He said that two different commercial developers are interested in the tract, but neither the bank nor broker seems interested in discussing since the home developer has the majority of the property under contract. The committee said it would not be supportive of this development proposal. It was discussed that the uniqueness of this tract, being that it has about 3,824 linear feet of frontage on FM 528, that it does not abut residential, and the current and future land use zoning makes the highest and best use as primarily commercial. Brett Banfield reported on meeting with the drainage district. Morad Kabiri discussed FM 528 as a TXDOT road. The committee discussed prioritizing the top ten properties of commercial importance on FM 528 and utilizing the media to help convey the message regarding the importance of diversifying the tax base. The results of the recent Citizen Survey were reviewed and discussed. The results indicated that Friendswood residents responded saying the most important issue facing Friendswood today is taxes/diversifying the tax base. Regarding progress in the city, residents responded that the City has improved with more businesses. Regarding commercial development, almost half of the residents weren't aware that Friendswood's sales tax was lower than in surrounding communities. Eighty-eight percent of respondents said it is important to attract businesses to Friendswood and the types of businesses preferred are restaurants, retail, hotels, recreational facilities, and small independent businesses. Karen Capps reported that City Council would like to have a joint meeting with the CEDC. The committee would like to have a joint meeting at the public library to discuss the results of the FM 528 Strategy. 5. Elect Chair and Vice Chair. No action was taken. It was requested that this item be moved to the August meeting. 6. Reports: Planning and Zoning Commission Chair Mark McLean reported that P&Z is reviewing the Permitted Use Table and will convert and update it to the 2012 NAICS. Once their initial review is complete, the proposed changes will be reviewed with the CEDC. City Council City Councilmember Carl Gustafson said the CEDC's efforts are appreciated and that he hopes to learn more as the committee's liaison. Friendswood Chamber of Commerce Carol Marcantel said that the Chamber is busy with July 4 activities including truck raffle tickets which is a major fundraiser for the chamber. She also mentioned the first annual community awards luncheon that will be held on August 1 and provided information about nominations. City Staff Karen Capps gave an update on the status of DR Horton's proposed development plan. The CEDC's annual report to City Council is scheduled for the August agenda. City Council approved the reappointments of Tony Annan, Mark Conrad, Jeremy Magnuson and Pauline Moore at their July City Council meeting. New donated billboard ads will be up soon on FM 2351. Ms. Capps is working with several retail and medical prospects. One of the prospects may apply for a municipal grant. 7. Adjournment. The meeting was adjourned at 10:20 a.m.