Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCEDC Minutes 2020-11-04 RegularCITY OF FRIENDSWOOD COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 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 NOVEMBER 4, 2020 1. Call to Order MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE THAT WAS HELD ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2020, AT 3:30 PM AT 910 S. FRIENDSWOOD DRIVE, FRIENDSWOOD, TEXAS WITH THE FOLLOWING PRESENT CONSTITUTING A QUORUM: VICE CHAIR JENNIFER WHITLEY COMMITTEE MEMBER BLAISE GUZZETTA COMMITTEE MEMBER MIKE HICKEY COMMITTEE MEMBER PAULINE MOORE (VIA PHONE) ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER STEVEN RHEA DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUBREY HARBIN 2. Communications from the Public None 3. Discussion and Possible Actions A. CEDC Future Objectives and Goals Steven Rhea explained that staff needs input to provide to City Council regarding future objectives and goals for this Committee. He clarified that the guiding principles need to come from the Committee, not staff. He also clarified for the members that the new staff liaisons to CEDC would be himself and Aubrey Harbin. Staff's reasonings of attempting to change CEDC to an ad -hoc committee included limited ability to have in -person meetings due to COVID, lack of need for the City's economic development due to government funding and support such as CARES Act, county assistance, and federal stimulus packages to businesses during the pandemic. Additionally, minimal businesses were lost during pandemic and sales tax is up 5-6%. Discussions among the committee members ensued by asking questions such as how does CEDC get involved and what are we doing to help businesses. Mike Hickey said that he feels the business visits that have been conducted in the past show that they City cares, especially when mayor and councilmembers attend. Check presentations for awarded grants has also been beneficial. Jennifer pointed out that the Vision 20/20 plan expires this year and that time has gotten away from us. She suggested that the goals and study be updated, possibly with a 5-year economy plan and a 2-year pandemic plan. Numerous vacant lots are a concern, as well as attracting national chains. There are also many small businesses owned by residents who live here. Blaise Guzzetta said that Karen attended events and invited franchises to City; Aubrey Harbin explained that the developers have the ability and incentives to bring many of the businesses themselves. Aubrey Harbin informed the Committee that the Planning and Zoning Commission is in the process up updating the Comprehensive Plan. Jennifer felt that this downtime would be a good opportunity for the Committee to re-evaluate their marketing goals. She asked where the grant money comes from, and Steven Rhea explained that the money comes from the general fund and the 90 day reserve. Jennifer then suggested possibly providing smaller grants to small businesses, for those building on a vacant lot, or businesses that complete renovations or curb appeal improvements or fagade improvements. Currently, awarding grants is limited to the types of businesses on the target market list, and the suggestion was made that the list be reviewed. The idea CEDC should be cheerleaders or provide education for existing businesses was mentioned. Pauline Moore said that in the past the focus has been on providing input on zone changes and Vision 20/20, and promoting the Live Here Work Here program, but she also questioned what are goals moving forward. Steven Rhea also pointed out that the City partners with the Chamber of Commerce to help support businesses through their events and promotions. As far as meetings, Blaise Guzzetta said that monthly meetings are more beneficial for attendance rather than meetings that are spread out/occasional. Jennifer brought a flyer from the City of Hamilton, Texas, advertising virtual showings of vacant B. Future Meeting Dates The next regular meeting will be Wednesday, December 2, 2020. 4. Reports Steven Rhea let the Committee know that the grant check for Tannos Holdings four story building is ready to be issued and that there would be a photo opportunity next week for the presentation of the check. He also let them know that the City was putting together a Holiday Shopping Contest on Facebook to help promote all retail and restaurant businesses in Friendswood during the holidays. The winner will receive a basket of swag from the City. 5. Comments None 6. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 4:32pm.