HomeMy WebLinkAboutFDEDC Minutes 2017-08-08 di
Friendswood Downtown Economic Development Corporation (FDEDC)
Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors
Meeting Minutes of August 8, 2017
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 4:08 p.m. with a quorum present.
Present: President Ron Cox, Vice President Alton Todd, Secretary Dr. Pat McGinnis, Arden (Trey)
Hill, Rebecca Hillenburg, Elmer "Bubba"Johnson,Jr., and Paul Marx.
Staff members present: Karen Capps, Aubrey Harbin, and Roger Roecker.
Also present: City of Pearland Deputy City Manager Jon Branson and resident Phillip Ratisseau.
2. Citizen comments
None
3. Consider and take action on approval of June 13, 2017 meeting minutes
Motion by Rebecca Hillenburg to approve the meeting minutes, second by Dr. Pat McGinnis. All
in favor, motion carried.
4. Election of Board Officers
Rebecca Hillenburg made a motion to nominate Ronald Cox as President,Alton Todd as Vice
President, and Dr. Pat McGinnis as Secretary/Treasurer. The motion was seconded by Trey Hill
and the board's officers were unanimously reelected.
5. Presentation by City of Pearland Deputy City Manager,Jon Branson, regarding their
initiatives to improve and enhance city gateways and corridors
President Ron Cox introduced Jon Branson, Deputy City Manager- City of Pearland, who gave
an overview of the Pearland Economic Development Corporation's history, goals, and recent
activities. Mr. Branson reported that the Pearland EDC was formed in 1995 as a Type B half-
cent sales tax with currently$10 million of annual revenue. PEDC's projects are to encourage
business expansion and retention in the city with funds primarily spent on business incentives,
capital improvements, and maintenance. The 2016-17 budget includes $800,000 for business
incentives and the 2017-18 budget earmarks $2 million for incentives as a key component to
attract and retain businesses in the city. Current fund balance is over$20 million. In 2015, the
City approved "Pearland's 20/20 Community and Strategic Plan"that includes nine goals and
strategies that are being implemented. One of the goals is to aesthetically improve Pearland's
gateways and entryways. The City hired Clark Condon, a landscape architecture firm,that
provided an overall plan for beautifying and demarcating major corridors including 35 from
Broadway to Beltway, 288, Dixie Farm Road, and Pearland Parkway. Furthermore,the City also
adopted a Trails Master �, marketing plan, architectural plans;,__ l lighting standards to
improve the appearance and image of the city.
6. Consider and take action on a proposal to remove utility poles and lines
President Ron Cox stated that he requested this item to be on the agenda for discussion. The
Board first heard about this project in January of this year and since that time, the cost to
remove wooden poles and bury cable lines along Friendswood Drive continues to increase.
Currently, there are sufficient funds in the budget to approve one phase of the project's
proposals. Dr. Pat McGinnis asked about the status of the election lawsuit appeal. Rebecca
Hillenburg asked for information about any studies or community input that has been received
regarding what residents want downtown. Staff will email the 2013 Citizen Survey and a
downtown survey that was conducted by the Friends of Downtown Friendswood Association.
Following discussion, Dr. Pat McGinnis made a motion to proceed with Project Poles and Wires
Relocation and Reduction Project and to hold a public hearing at the September meeting and
consider approval of Phase I of the project, second by Paul Marx. All in favor, motion carried.
7. Approval of the FDEDC 201748 proposed budget
City staff stated the estimated revenue could increase if the telecommunications ordinance is
approved by City Council. Motion by Trey Hill to approve the FDEDC's 2017-18 budget, second
by Dr. Pat McGinnis. All in favor, motion carried.
8. Discussion and follow up regarding the Board's planning and goal-setting meeting
Paul Marx stated that he researched the Texas Downtown Association (TDA), and the FDEDC
could become a member for around $315 annually. The TDA provides board and stakeholder
training, downtown assessments, as well as other services. Rebecca Hillenburg reported that
she is researching the Texas Main Street Program.
9. Staff Updates
Karen Capps provided a financial report and gave a development update.
10. Members comments
None
11. Future meeting dates
Tuesday, September 12, at 4 p.m.
12. Adjournment
With no further business to discuss,the meeting was adjourned at 6:25 p.m.
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Patrick McGinnis, FDEDC Secretary/Treasurer