HomeMy WebLinkAboutCEDC Minutes 2014-04-02 RegularFriendswood Community and Economic Development Committee
Meeting Minutes
April 2, 2014
The Friendswood Community and Economic Development Committee met on Wednesday, April
2, 2014 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 Pauline Moore, Brett Banfield,
Mark Conrad, Skip Evans, Jeremy Magnuson, Marcus Perry, Bill Provenzano, and Dr. Hilmar
Zeissig. Liaisons present were City Councilmember Carl Gustafson, Friendswood Chamber of
Commerce President Carol Marcantel, and Planning and Zoning Commissioner Jim Gibson.
Also present was Peree Griffin from BPI.
Absent from the meeting was Tony Annan.
Staff member present was Karen Capps.
1. Call to Order. The meeting was called to order at 8:35 a.m. by Chair Pauline Moore with a
quorum present.
2. Roll Call. Roll call was made.
3. Approval of Minutes.
A motion was made by Skip Evans to approve the March 5, 2014 meeting minutes. The motion
was seconded by Bill Provenzano and it passed unanimously in the committee.
4. Discussion with BPI regarding downtown properties.
BPI's real estate broker, Peree Griffin, was invited to attend the meeting to give an overview of
available properties located downtown and to discuss development ideas, and/or possible
assistance. Ms. Griffin gave an overview on what properties are available, properties that recently
sold, types of business prospects, and relayed BPI's aspiration are that any downtown
development should be a desirable development and positive impact for the city. Ms. Griffin
inquired about the platting process and reported that a brick paved sidewalk would be constructed
in front of 807 S. Friendswood Drive. The Economic Development Coordinator and the
committee discussed assistance with grants and contacting developers who have interest and
experience with downtown redevelopment.
5. Discussion and possible action, but not limited to the Community and Economic
Development Committee's strategic plan, goals, and action items.
The committee discussed the joint planning retreat that was recently held with City Council.
Good feedback was reported by the committee regarding City's Council's consensus in support of
economic development and developing an action plan to move forward. City Council liaison Carl
Gustafson, Pauline Moore, and Marcus Perry will work on a draft action plan that will be
presented to the CEDC and City Council for their consideration.
6. Reports:
Planning and Zoning Commission
Jim Gibson reported the commission finished their work on updated to the permitted use table and
the first reading of the new ordinance changes was adopted by City Council. The second reading
is scheduled for City Council's meeting in April.
City Staff
Karen Capps reported attending the groundbreaking on March 28 for Masa Sushi Japanese Fusion
Restaurant. A business will submit a municipal grant application in the next week. First Choice
Emergency Room submitted a site plan and there are several prospects that she is working with.
City Council
Councilmember Carl Gustafson stated that he thought great work had been done at the retreat and
said the next retreat will be held in June to discuss economic development policies.
Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership
Dan Seal spoke about Dr. Bill Gilmer's presentation about the Houston area economy. He also
reported the Biggert-Waters reform bill was signed by President Obama on March 21 which
includes provisions that grandfather properties so flood insurance rates don't increase.
Friendswood Chamber of Commerce
Carol Marcantel reported a record number of 225 attendees at the State of the City event that was
held in March. On April 3, the Chamber will host a luncheon in Stevenson Park along with the
Taste of the Town which will feature food from Dunn Brothers, Green Event Center, HEB, Joe's
Hot Dogs, Justin's Seafood, and Piccomolo. The annual FIG Festival and Car Show is scheduled
for April 26.
6. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 10:35 a.m.