BM 2002-09-04 EcDevCOPPELL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
September 4, 2002
MINUTES
The Coppell Economic Development Committee met at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 4,
2002, at Coppell Town Center, 2nd Floor Conference Room, 255 Parkway Boulevard, Coppell,
Texas. The following were present: Chairman Bill Rohloff, Gary Roden, Bruce Bradford, Jay
Thompson, Dennis Onalaja, Ron Hansen, Kris Fichtner, Mohamed Elmougy, Karen Hunt,
Councilmember Bill York, City Manager Jim Witt, Gary Sieb, and Andrea Roy.
Call to Order.
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m.
Approval of Minutes
It was moved by Mohammed Elmougy and seconded by Karen Hunt that the minutes of
the August 7, 2002 meeting be approved as recorded. The motion passed unanimously.
3. Update on Marketing options.
ICSC (International Council of Shopping Centers)
Staff updated the Committee on the scheduling of the ICSC 2002 Idea Exchange
to take place in San Antonio November 6-8. Chairman Bill Rohloff, Vice
Chairman Gary Roden, Planning Director Gary Sieb, and City Planner Andrea
Roy will be attending the Conference on behalf of the City/Economic
Development Committee. Staff also informed the Committee that a deal-making
booth has been reserved and a design and materials for the booth are being
formulated. Staff will discuss attendance and sponsorship of the deal-making
booth with area retail brokers/developers.
NAIOP (National Association of Industrial & Office Properties)
Staff updated the Committee on the scheduling of the NAIOP October breakfast
meeting, which the Committee was interested in sponsoring. A date has not been
set, but it is possible that if the date is postponed, the breakfast could conflict
with the ICSC Idea Exchange in November. If this is the case, the breakfast
sponsorship would have to be pushed back to the winter. Staff will discuss the
possibility of co-sponsorship of the breakfast with area industrial developers.
Reservations for Chairman Bill Rohloff, Committee member Ron Hansen, and
City Planner Andrea Roy to attend the September 26th NAIOP Annual Trends
Conference will be made.
Discussion regarding the creation of an Economic Development/SWAT Team.
City Staff provided Draft copies of the Red Team guidelines to the Committee members,
which indicates the duties of the Red Team and the proposed members. It was determined
that the Economic Development Committee Chairman and Vice Chairman would be
members of the Red Team and appointed Ron Hansen as the alternate if either the Chair
or Vice Chair is unable to be reached. Chairman Bill Rohloff also recommended that a
copy of the summary of results, indicating the Red Team's actions, be provided to all
members of the Economic Development Committee & City Council; this will be added to
the guidelines. This item will now be brought forward to City Council for review and
appointment of a member and alternate, in addition to the Mayor.
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5. Discussion regarding tax abatement policy revisions.
Staff reviewed several tax abatement policies from surrounding municipalities, which
offer a "sliding scale" of abatement levels based on a variety factors. The Committee,
Council, and Staff had discussed possible revisions the City's tax abatement policy to
more accurately reflect the more aggressive current market conditions. The City is aware
that the most recent incentive packages offered to companies of significant stature exceed
those municipality's written policies on tax abatements. The Committee agreed that the
current tax abatement policies are in line with the surrounding municipalities and that
incentives offered to exceptional companies will continue to be handled on a case-by-
case basis; also utilizing the advice of the Red Team.
Discussion regarding Old Coppell economic development.
Mr. Witt distributed a map of the properties owned by the City and located in Old
Coppell. Mr. Witt requested feedback from the Committee regarding the possibility of
the City leasing or selling the subject properties. After discussion by the Committee, it
was determined the City would place a for sale/lease sign on the property and see what
type of interest is generated.
Mr. Witt also mentioned that the restaurant opportunity that has been mentioned is still
very much interested in Old Coppell and has obtained additional detailed information on
Old Coppell and specific properties. Councilmember York recommended that
representatives of the City may want to visit the existing restaurant to show our support
for this type of project in Coppell. It was determined that the Economic Development
Committee would conduct a brief meeting next month and then proceed to dinner at the
existing restaurant; spouses of all members are invited to attend as well.
Update on Commercial and Industrial development within the City.
Staff updated the Committee on development in the City, including the official
announcement of The Container Store, which will be relocating its headquarters and
distribution facility to Duke Realty's Freeport North at Freeport Parkway Business Park.
Additionally, Staples has officially submitted plans for City Council approval. Staff also
informed the Committee that several medical/dental offices are proposed to be developed
along some of the remaining parcels along Sandy Lake, Belt Line, and Denton Tap
Roads.
Adjournment
With no further business to discuss, it was moved by Mohamed Elmougy and seconded
by Karen Hunt that the meeting adjourn. By unanimous vote, the meeting was adjourned
at approximately 7:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Andrea L. Roy, Secretary
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