Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCEDC Minutes 2017-10-04 RegularFriendswood Community and Economic Development Committee Meeting Minutes October 4, 2017 The Friendswood Community and Economic Development Committee met on Wednesday, October 4, 2017 at 3:30 pm., in the second floor conference room of Friendswood City Hall, 910 South Friendswood Drive, Friendswood, Texas, with the following members present: Chair Gary Kay, Vice Chair Marcus Perry, Meg Crowley, Pauline Moore, Jennifer Whitley, and Dr. Hilmar Zeissig. Liaisons present were City Councilmember John Scott and Friendswood ISD Assistant Superintendent of Business Operations Connie Morgenroth. Also present was Friendswood resident, Jim Gerland. Staff member present was Karen Capps. Absent from the meeting were Skip Evans, Lorrie Foreman, and Bill Provenzano. 1. Call to Order. The meeting was called to order by Chair Gary Kay at 3:42 p.m. 2. Roll call was made. Roll call was made. There was a quorum. 3. Approval of Minutes Meg Crowley made a motion to approve the August 2, 2017 meeting minutes. The motion was seconded by Dr. Hilmar Zeissig and it passed unanimously in the committee. 4. Discussion and setting action steps regarding committee goals Meg Crowley provided an analysis of the Friendswood commercial market. She stated that the market conditions and business climate are very good in the city. The city has great demographics with an ample supply of office space. Though the flood has temporarily reduced the supply, it should rebound in three to six months. Buildings appear to be relatively new and in good condition. She also added that adequate financing is available with local financial institutions that are very involved in business development. It was suggested that the New Development Report be available on the City's website for prospects. She said the City of Friendswood lacks a brand identity. The committee discussed a community -wide effort of branding. Karen Capps reported there are companies that specialize in branding communities. Marcus Perry suggested that the CEDC champion a competition, perhaps with the community or high school students. Setting benchmarks was also discussed. Councilmember John Scott stated that we need to get to 80/20 with the available property that is left in the city and suggested the committee review the amount of land that is commercially zoned and undeveloped and analyze if it is not developing due to lack of infrastructure or other reasons. He also suggested getting an estimated breakdown at buildout of city revenue. Karen Capps said that UHCL prepared a Vision 2020 update in 2007, and that an update could be possible since the City has a GIS mapping person on staff. 5. Discussion and possible action regarding recommendations pertaining to infrastructure, storm preparation, and economic development. 6. Staff and member comments Karen Capps gave an updated Development Report to the committee and reported on upcoming conferences which include the Texas Economic Development Council annual conference and ICSC- Texas Dealmaking Conference and Tradeshow for retail. A business damage assessment survey was sent out with sixteen responses. The 15th annual Broker and Developer Day will be held on October 26. Copies were provided of the quarterly business, fast facts, retail ad, and incentive success stories update. The Chamber is hosting a Business Expo on October 9 at the Friendswood Junior High. Hilmar Zeissig thanked Councilmember Scott and the Friendswood High and Junior High School students for helping muck out his house in Frenchman's Creek. He also thanked FISD for making the high school available as a shelter since his home received ten feet of flood water. 7. Liaison reports No reports. 8. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 5:43 p.m.