HomeMy WebLinkAboutFDEDC Minutes 2021-02-09Friendswood Downtown Economic Development Corporation (FDEDC)
Meeting Minutes of February 9, 2021
City Hall Council Chambers
910 S. Friendswood Drive, Friendswood, Texas 77546
1. Call to order
The meeting was called to order at 4 p.m. with a quorum present.
Present: Dr. Patrick McGinnis, President; Paul Marx, Secretary/Treasurer; Ron Cox, Elmer "Bubba"
Johnson, Alton Todd
Absent: Rebecca Hillenburg, Member and Arden "Trey" Hill, Vice President
Staff members present: Steven Rhea, Aubrey Harbin
Also Present: Marc Perry, Planning and Zoning Commission Liaison
2. Citizen comments
None
3. Consider and take action on approval of minutes
Alton Todd made a motion to approve the December 8, 2020, meeting minutes, second by Ron Cox. All
in favor, motion carried unanimously.
4. Discussion and possible action
A. Downtown lighting plan and TxDOT Curbs, Ramps, Sidewalks, Traffic Signals Grant Project
Jil Arias, City Engineer, gave an update on the TxDOT project. He explained that he has been working
with HDR Engineering and TxDOT. The project let and 9 bids were received. The low bid was $2.8 million
and the projection for the project was $3 million. He also explained the advanced payment agreement
is projected to be $10,600 but will probably be closer to $6,000 and any unused money will be returned.
He also explained that the Friends Church easement is outstanding and TOOT is working to resolve
that. The concern is for the trees; TOOT has some solutions to protect the trees. Chuck Davis is
verifying the locations of trees and future sidewalks. An arborist and TOOT project manager will be on
the project.
Some relocations of the light poles were needed. HDR worked with Texas New Mexico Power and
streetlights are in the correct locations. There is no overhead installations in the scope of this project.
The project should begin in 2-3 months.
B. Downtown District Signage and Branding
There was discussion about how to move forward with signage. We need to make a formal submittal to
TOOT for approvals including signage coloring. A verbal approval was received.
The suggestion was made to have a sign company design all of the signs and then the Board can decide
which ones to purchase and install. Steven Rhea is going to reach out to a couple of sign companies. If
the job is greater than $50,000, we will have to go out for bids.
C. Authorizing the FDEDC to pay for the cost for relocations and adjustments of water and sewer line
facilities owned and operated by the City of Friendswood along FM 518 from FM 2351 to South of
Whispering Pines by either 1) authorizing the FDEDC President to execute an Agreement for Voluntary
Utility Relocation Contributions on State Highway Improvement Projects in which the FDEDC directly
pays the State of Texas or 2) by reimbursing the City of Friendswood for the advance funding the City
paid to the State of Texas for cost for relocations and adjustments of water and sewer line facilities as
owned an operated by the City of Friendswood along FM 518 from FM 2351 to South of Whispering
Pines
Motion to approve: Alton Todd
Second: Ron Cox
Vote: 5 to 0 (unanimous)
This item will be considered by City Council on Monday, March 1, 2021.
5. Reports
A. Financial Report for FY 2019-2020
Steven Rhea reported that January's sales tax revenue was $453,101 and interest earnings were $488.
Expenditures were $18,051. The ending fund balance as of January 31, 2021 was $1,799,121.
6. Comments
A. Staff — None
B. FDEDC Board Members — Board Members expressed anticipation to see these projects move forward
and appreciate the resources being brought to the Board. They want to keep the momentum going.
7. Adjournment
With no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 4:49 p.m.