BM 2004-03-03 EcDevCOPPELL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
March 3, 2004
MINUTES
The Coppell Economic Development Committee met at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 4, 2004 at
Coppell Town Center, 2nd Floor Conference Room, 255 Parkway Boulevard, Coppell, Texas 75019. The
following were present: Chairman Bill Rohloff, Jason Crawford, Gary Roden, Ed Thomas, John Durand,
Marvin Franklin, Kris Fichtner, Gary Sieb, Jeanette Cajide, Mayor Pro Tem Jayne Peters and
Councilmember Tim Brancheau, City Manager Jim Witt, Chad Beach, and Scarlett Hovland.
Call to Order
Bill Rohloff called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Approval of Minutes
It was noted that the February 4, 2004 minutes be amended to show that Marvin Franklin seconded
the meeting to be adjourned. It was moved by Marvin Franklin and seconded by Jason Crawford
that the minutes of the February 4, 2004 meeting be approved with amendment. The motion
passed unanimously.
Consideration of a Request by B. C. E. Specialties, Inc. for Tax Abatement
· Chad Beach presented summary of application for tax abatement requested by B. C. E.
Specialties, Inc.
· It was noted that B. C. E. Specialties was asking for five year 50% tax abatement for a
proposed 56,570-sq. ft. office/warehouse building on approximately 4.09 acres of land located
at the southeast comer of Royal Lane and Sandy Lake Road.
· It was noted that this would be an owner occupied development and that a small tract of the
land has some drainage issues.
· Based on the development factors listed above it was moved by Marvin Franklin and seconded
by Jeanette Cajide that B. C. E. Specialties be granted a 50% tax abatement for five years. The
motion passed unanimously.
Discussion regarding existing Tee Preservation Requirements
· Bill Rohloff and Andrea Roy met with the Coppell Park & Recreation Board at their February
committee meeting regarding the existing tree mitigation requirements.
· Bill shared that the Park & Recreation Board are receptive to discussing the tree mitigation
requirements and how it relates to economic development.
· A sub-committee consisting of Economic Development committee members Bill Rohloff, Kris
Fichter and Gary Roden will continue to review the tree mitigation ordinance with the Park
Board.
Discussion regarding Targeted Businesses
· Bill Rohloff shared with the committee that there is a need to identify a list of targeted
businesses that are needed to help complete Coppell's retail, commercial, and industrial mix.
· City Manager Jim Witt explained the Fantus Report. It was a report conducted for Coppell in
the early 1990's. The Fantus Report is a strategic plan on attracting and retaining businesses.
· Jim Witt will have the report available for the committee to review at the April meeting.
Discussion Regarding Retention Efforts
· Item was tabled until a later date.
Briefing on formation of Economic Development Foundation
· City Manager Jim Witt explained the need for an Economic Development Foundation.
· The foundation would assist the City of Coppell to promote and encourage economic
development and business opportunities.
· The City Attorney is drafting Articles of Incorporation, which will be available for review at
the April meeting.
Update on Commercial and Industrial Development Projects
· Chad Beach shared information on a confidential applicant for tax abatement.
· Jim Witt updated on several projects:
· Duke Realty has a 210,000-sq. ft. speculative office warehouse building to be located
behind Uline.
· IDI has a 375,000-sq. ft. speculative warehouse project on 30 acres to be located on
Beltline Rd. north of North Lake.
· Roly-Poly Restaurant opening next to CiCi's Pizza.
· Wings N Things Restaurant opening at 110 W. Sandy Lake, Suite 130
· The Container Store Headquarters is opening on March 16.
With no further business to discuss, it was moved by Jason Crawford and seconded by Marvin
Franklin that the meeting adjourn. By unanimous vote, the meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Scarlett Hovland
Secretary