HomeMy WebLinkAboutCEDC Minutes 2019-02-06 RegularCommunity and Economic Development Committee
Meeting Minutes
February 6, 2019
The Friendswood Community and Economic Development Committee met on Wednesday, February
6, 2019 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 Skip Evans,
Blaise Guzzetta, Gary Kay, and Jennifer Whitley. Liaisons present were Councilmember Trish
Hanks, Friendswood Chamber of Commerce President Carol Marcantel, and Friendswood ISD's
Superintendent of Business Operations Connie Morgenroth.
Staff members present were Karen Capps and Steven Rhea.
Also present was resident Jeremy Erb.
Absent: Meg Crowley, Mike Hickey, Pauline Moore
1. Call to Order. The meeting was called to order at 3:34 p.m.
2. Roll call. Roll call was made with a quorum present.
3. Approval of Minutes
Blaise Guzzetta made a motion to approve the January 16, 2019 meeting minutes. Gary Kay
seconded, all in favor, motion carried unanimously.
4. Discussion and possible action regarding:
-Friendswood cares business visits
Gary Kay reported on three business visits that he conducted in February. The need for initial help
on promotion and marketing was mentioned during the visits.
-City/Chamber Party on the Patio
It was reported that for the last two years, the City has helped sponsor this successful event. Karen
Capps and Carol Marcantel reported that this year's event will be held on Thursday, May 2 with
CEDC, City Senior Staff, City Council, Chamber members, as well as business property owners
invited.
5. Staff report/comments
Karen Capps reported that the first quarter LiveHere WorkHere story will include a video launch
featuring Karen Holbrook of Between Us Tea Room. A "Mayor Mike's Minute" video will soon air
about the City's Municipal Grant Program. The City received a rezoning request to opt into the
downtown district for the property across from Stevenson Park. Texas Supreme Court denied
rehearing the pending election lawsuit case.
6. Member comments
No comments
7. Liaison reports
Councilmember Trish Hanks reported on the necessity to increase water rates to cover essential
infrastructure improvements. A citizens' committee will be formed to research a possible bond
election this November for future projects that may include drainage, streets, and other
improvements.
Connie Morgenroth reported that H132 and SB2 were filed and schools, counties, and cities are
watching how the proposed property tax cap will affect each entities' finance and budget.
8. Adjournment
Next meeting will be on March 6, 2019. The meeting adjourned at 4:59 p.m.