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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCEDC Minutes 2019-08-07 RegularCommunity and Economic Development Committee Meeting Minutes August 7, 2019 Call to order The meeting was called to order by Chair Skip Evans at 3:41 p.m. 2. Roll Call Roll call was made with a quorum present. Present: Chair Skip Evans, Vice Chair Jennifer Whitley, Meg Crowley, Blaise Guzzetta, Thomas Hinckley Absent: Mike Hickey and Pauline Moore Also Present: City Councilmember Brent Erenwert 3. Public Comments None. 4. Consideration/approval of meeting minutes A. July Minutes Meg Crowley made a motion to approve the July 10, 2019 meeting minutes. Blaise Guzzetta seconded, all in favor, motion carried unanimously. 5. Discussion and possible action regarding A. Friendswood Cares business visits The committee discussed a visit that is scheduled with a local biotech firm which is now rescheduled for the end of this month. Ms. Capps stated that she attended the open house/ribbon-cutting for Texas Behavioral Health located at 104 Whispering Pines. The company will move about 20 employees to the Friendswood location for billing and administrative services. The committee would like to have lunch at Between Us Tea Room now that their location has expanded. The committee identified other businesses to visit. B. CEDC Annual Report to City Council Skip reported that he gave the committee's annual report to City Council and appreciated the attendance of Jennifer Whitley and Carol Marcantel. The CEDC's annual report is also available on City's FaceBook page. Brent Erenwert stated the presentation was very helpful to illustrate the committee's work for the past year. C. Commercial land development Karen Capps reported on new State legislation (HB 2439) which allows developers to use any building materials permitted through the International Building Code. Staff is researching whether the Neighborhood Empowerment Zone (NEZ) could be a tool to encourage developers to follow regulations in the downtown district and the community overlay district. This may be an item for further discussion at the next CEDC meeting if staff proposes any amendments to the NEZ. Commercial development that is planned or underway was discussed as well as several inquiries for commercial uses that require a specific use permit. 6. Staff Report Karen Capps reported on the new agenda/minutes software the City is utilizing. 7. Member comments Meg Crowley stated that the "Drinks, Drafts, and Downtowners" happy hour will be held next Thursday, August 15 at Brasserie 1895 Restaurant. 8. Liaison reports No reports. 9. Adjournment Next meeting will be on September 4. The meeting adjourned at 5:11 p.m.