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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCEDC Minutes 2021-11-03 RegularCITY OF FRIENDSWOOD COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2021 - 4 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 1. Call to Order THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE WAS CALLED TO ORDER ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2021, AT 4 PM AT 910 S. FRIENDSWOOD DRIVE, FRIENDSWOOD, TEXAS WITH THE FOLLOWING PRESENT CONSTITUTING A QUORUM; CHAIR JENNIFER WHITLEY COMMITTEE MEMBER SUSAN ASIMAKIS COMMITTEE MEMBER DEREK BROWN COMMITTEE MEMBER JUDY WIGGINS COMMITTEE MEMBER ANDREA TRABANINO COMMITTEE MEMBER PAULINE MOORE — ENTERED AT 4:18PM ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER STEVEN RHEA DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUBREY HARBIN ABSENT: VICE CHAIR BLAISE GUZETTA ALSO PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBER SALLY BRANSON PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSIONER MARC PERRY 2. Communications from the Public None 3. Approval of Minutes A. Consider approving the October 6, 2021, Community and Economic Development Committee meeting minutes Derek Brown motioned to approve the minutes, seconded by Judy Wiggins. The motion passed unanimously. 4. Discussion and Possible Actions A. Discussion and take possible action in regard to the Community and Economic Development Committee retreat. Steven Rhea reminded the committee that the annual retreat will be held on Wednesday, December 1 and will be facilitated by Ron Cox. Mr. Cox will be meeting with each committee member individually on November 17. The meeting on December 1 will need to start earlier than usual ... at least 3pm. B. Discussion and take possible action regarding a digital discovery mapping project. Judy Wiggins introduced Jim Foreman, FISD teacher, and Dean Roberts, FISD student. Dean Roberts has an idea to create an interactive, digital map for Friendswood businesses. He is in the process of doing research and brainstorming ideas. He explained that it would be a city-wide map and he anticipates businesses being able to update their own information and announcements such as sales and special events. He hopes to include navigation, notifications and a heat map showing areas of high activity. Jim Foreman announced that the Shark Tank presentations by students would be presented at the Library on Tuesday, November 16 at 6pm and welcomed all to attend. C. Discussion and take possible action regarding the Friendswood Downtown Economic Development Committee projects. Steven Rhea explained that FDEDC funds can only be spent in the Downtown District and that they have the Downtown Improvement Plan formulated by Lauren Griffith and Associates which outlines projects for the downtown area. He provided an update on the projects that they are currently working on including sidewalks, curbs, and ramps project by TxDOT, which also includes replacement of the traffic lights at six intersections upgrading from the wire span traffic lights to mast arm traffic lights; the downtown pedestrian and street lighting; and branding and signage. The TxDOT project is well underway with most of the sidewalks on the north side of FM 518 already replaced. Electrical conduit will also be installed for the future lighting. The City's Engineering Department is working with Gandy Lighting on a proposal for the pedestrian and street lighting in hopes that a Request For Proposal could be sent out in December 2021 and the project begin mid-2022. As for the branding and signage, the Downtown improvement plan was formulated to help identify where Downtown is and the businesses within the district. Decals have been printed and are being distributed to businesses. Also, the color of the new street signs is being considered by TxDOT. 5. Reports A. Receive the Friendswood Independent School District Report. None B. Receive subcommittee reports. No reports. C. Receive the Staff Business Report. Aubrey Harbin reported that there were public hearings and approval of first readings at City Council's meeting on Monday, November 1 for the Subdivision Ordinance re -write, adoption of the Future Land Use Map, Cline Elementary Specific Use Permit, Banfield Office Park zone change from PUD to DD, and the Specific Use Permit for a 30 room hotel in the Downtown District. Steven Rhea also reported that an economic development grant for Tannos Development was approved. The agreement will waive the permit and impact fees for the proposed 4-story building at Virgatta Commons. 6. Comments A. Receive staff comments. Steven Rhea stated that he is happy to have a full committee. B. Receive committee member comments. Judy Wiggins reported that a new business is coming to town and inquired about whether or not there was a process in place to welcome a new business or if that is the intent of the business tool kit. Steven Rhea explained that would be a goal of the business tool kit, but if the business owner has any immediate needs or questions to reach out to staff. Susan Asimakis asked if we have any data showing the vacancy rates of businesses. Steven Rhea indicated that he can look for some data. Judy Wiggins also announced that The Reporter Newspaper is moving to Friendswood. 7. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 5:05PM.