HomeMy WebLinkAboutFDEDC Minutes 2018-01-23 Friendswood Downtown Economic Development Corporation (FDEDC)
Meeting of the Board of Directors
Meeting Minutes of January 23, 2018
Friendswood Public Library, Meeting Room
416 S. Friendswood Drive, Friendswood,Texas 77546
1. Call to order and roll call of Board Members
The meeting was called to order at 4:05 p.m. with a quorum present.
Present: President Ron Cox, Vice President Alton Todd, Secretary/Treasurer Dr. Pat McGinnis,
Arden "Trey" Hill, Dr. Rebecca Hillenburg, Elmer "Bubba"Johnson, Jr., and Paul Marx.
Staff member present: Karen Capps
Also present: Councilmembers Sally Branson, Mike Foreman,Jim Hill,John Scott, and Steve
Rockey. City Staff: Aubrey Harbin, Roger Roecker, and Morad Kabiri. Committees: Gary Kay—
EDC and Sherry Goen Parks/KFB. Members of the public: Jamie Bell and Philip Ratisseau.
2. Citizen comments (other than public hearing)
None
3. Consider and take action on approval of minutes
Dr. Rebecca Hillenburg made a motion to approve the January 9, 2018 meeting minutes, second
by Dr. Pat McGinnis. All in favor, motion carried unanimously.
4. Public Hearing
President, Ron Cox, provided an overview of the proposed Downtown Improvements Project.
The presentation provided information about the landscape architecture design team —Lauren
Griffith Associates, and their consultants that includes Gandy2, CORE Branding and TEI traffic
engineering. The team's qualifications and samples of work were highlighted, and how the
Board selected the firm after interviews with three separate qualified firms from the Houston
area. Information was also provided detailing the process to gather public input through
various public meetings and a survey. The project would begin in March and take about six
months to complete a final plan. Board members emphasized the importance of the
improvement plan as it will include a list of implementable project and budget estimates to
serve as a guide and continuity for current and future board members.
Public comments:
Councilmember Steve Rockey asked to make the focus groups as broad and inclusive as
possible, to think outside of the box, i.e. invite highschoolers.
Councilmember Sally Branson added that when she visited Tomball, they included high school
students to discuss the future of their City's downtown since they will be the ones it is built for
and utilizing it in the future.
Philip Ratisseau said he routinely attends FDEDC meetings and that he is in support of the
Board's efforts and financial responsibility of the citizen's pocketbook. He said that there needs
to be a larger group involved, get public detractors involved because many may convert in the
process. It was pleasing to see Lauren Griffith state that we won't have street cafes. Include all
of downtown, not just Main Street/Friendswood Drive.
Gary Kay stated that he relocated to Friendswood from a southern Californian town, Rancho
Cucamonga, that grew rapidly, but they had a plan and stuck with it. Having a plan will be an
asset for downtown.
Councilmember Gustafson said this is a long-term project and suggested the Board partner with
the folks that got the sales tax passed.
Councilmember John Scott suggested that a workshop of the presentation be given to City
Council so that is can be videotaped and place on the City's PEG channel.
Morad Kabiri stated that staff can videotape the presentation.
Philip Ratisseau stated there needs to be a clear delineation between FDEDC and FDFA, but still
be inclusive. Cohesive work needs to be done with CEDC, FDFA, and FDEDC.
Councilmember Carl Gustafson said he grew up in Newport, Virginia where they didn't have any
planning foresight. He said we need to do this, it's the right thing to do.
Councilmember Steve Rockey said planning ahead provides every chance for success comparing
this plan to the City having foresight over 20 years ago when they bought future water rights.
Most cities didn't plan ahead and we are grateful that Friendswood did.
With no further comments, President Ron Cox closed the public hearing at 5:01 p.m.
S. Discussion and possible action regarding amending the FDEDC's annual budget
Karen Capps explained the proposed amended FDEDC budget includes $150,000 for the
contract with Lauren Griffith Associates, $126,000 for Phase II of Project Poles and Wires
Relocation & Reduction along with $49,000 for capital improvements and contingencies.
Trey Hill motioned to approve the FDEDC's amended annual budget, Paul Marx seconded. All in
favor, motion carried unanimously. The amended annual budget will be considered by City
Council at their February 5 meeting.
6. Discussion and possible action with Lauren Griffith Associates regarding professional
landscape architecture services for downtown
Elmer "Bubba"Johnson made a motion to approve the contract with Lauren Griffith Associates,
second by Alton Todd. All in favor, motion carried unanimously. The contract will be on City
Council's February 5 meeting for their approval.
7. Financial Report
Karen Capps reported that according to the Comptroller's website, the anticipated sales tax
allocation for the FDEDC for the month of January is $39,325 however the funds haven't been
posted yet. The ending fund balance as of December 31 was $277,079.
8. Staff updates
Phase I of Project Poles and Wires Relocation and Reduction was completed almost two weeks
ago and a completed sign will be added to the existing project sign for public awareness. The
FDEDC requested that pictures be taken.
9. Member Comments
An update was given on the status of the election lawsuit appeal.
10. Future meeting dates
Tuesday, February 13 with an agenda item to consider Project Poles and Wires Phase II
11. Adjournment
With no further business to discuss,the meeting was adjourned at 5:15 p.m.
Patrick McGinnis, FDEDC Secretary/Treasurer