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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCEDC Minutes 2020-08-12 RegularC911V&61m;1NI=1►11161 iVelf]ki COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2020 - 3:30 PM Minutes MINUTES OF A FRIENDSWOOD REGULAR MEETING HELD AT 910 S. FRIENDSWOOD DRIVE, FRIENDSWOOD, TEXAS STATE OF TEXAS CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD COUNTIES OF GALVESTON/HARRIS AUGUST 12, 2020 Call to Order MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE THAT WAS HELD ON WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2020, AT 12:00 AM AT ONLINE WITH THE FOLLOWING PRESENT CONSTITUTING A QUORUM: CHAIR SKIP EVANS VICE CHAIR JENNIFER WHITLEY COMMITTEE MEMBER BLAISE GUZZETTA COMMITTEE MEMBER MEG CROWLEY COMMITTEE MEMBER PAULINE MOORE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR KAREN CAPPS COMMITTEE MEMBER MIKE HICKEY WAS ABSENT FROM THE MEETING. ALSO PRESENT WERE CITY MANAGER MORAD KABIRI AND CITY COUNCILMEMBER TRISH HANKS. A. In accordance with the Texas Governor Abbott's suspension of various Open Meetings Act requirements pursuant to the Coronavirus Disaster Declaration (changes effective March 16, 2020 per TEX GOV'T CODE 418.016(e)), the Community and Economic Development Committee meeting will be held via teleconference. Connection information is below. Community and Economic Development Committee Meeting Wed, Aug 12, 2020 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM (CDT) Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://global.gotomeeting.com/noin/996883397 You can also dial in using your phone. United States (Toll Free): 1 866 899 4679 United States: +1 (312) 757-3119 Access Code: 996-883-397 New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/996883397 2. Communications from the Public None 3. Approval of Minutes A. July 1, 2020 Committee member Meg Crowley moved to approve the July 1, 2020 meeting minutes. Seconded by Vice Chair Jennifer Whitley. The motion was approved unanimously. 4. Discussion and Possible Actions A. Economic Impacts of COVID Karen Capps reported on Friendswood's economy during amidst COVID. Friendswood's unemployment rate in June was 7.3% compared to 11 % in May. At the beginning of the year, pre- COVID, the unemployment rate was 3.5%. Sales tax revenue is up by approximately 7% over prior year's revenue. In July, there were 23 new single-family home permits issued by the City compared with 27 issued in June. Last year, it was typically around 8 permits monthly. Despite COVID, new commercial projects are moving forward as well as new prospect inquiries. Business closures have been minimal. B. Business visits/calls Vice Chair Jennifer Whitley reached out to several businesses by phone/email including Tires by Design, Bergamos, Jenny's Bakery, Friendswood Grocery, and Friendswood Frame and Gallery. Karen Capps spoke with Magnuson Ace Hardware, Rancho's, and Masa Sushi. Committee members will continue to contact business owners. 5. Reports A. Staff Karen Capps reported that City Council approved the business incentive grant with Texas Behavioral Health (TBH). TBH will break ground soon on their 10,400 square foot addition. Morad Kabiri thanked the committee for serving and encouraged them to continue to serve as an ad hoc committee. B. Committee Liaisons None. 6. Comments A. CEDC Members The CEDC members expressed their gratitude for serving on the committee. 7. Adjournment Committee member Blaise Guzzetta moved to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Committee member Meg Crowley. The meeting was adjourned.