BM 2004-10-06 EcDevCOPPELL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
October 6, 2004
MINUTES
The Coppell Economic Development Committee met at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 6, 2004 at
Coppell Town Center, 2nd Floor Conference Room, 255 Parkway Boulevard, Coppell, Texas 75019. The
following were present: Bill Rohloff, Gary Roden, Jason Crawford, John Durand, Marvin Franklin, Matt
Hall, Larry Kingsbury, Kris Fichtner, Allen Mushinski, Bill Lowery, Ken Luttmer, Jeanne Hooker,
Councilmember Billy Faught, Councilmember Marsha Tunnell, Deputy City Manager Clay Phillips, Asst.
Finace Director Chad Beach, and Andrea Roy.
Call to Order
Chairman Rohloff called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. Outgoing Chamber of Commerce
Appointee Ron Hansen spoke to the Committee, thanking them for the opportunity to serve.
The order of agenda items was revised as follows.
4. Election of Officers-Chairman and Vice Chairman
It was moved by Jason Crawford and seconded by Kris Fichtner that Bill Rohloff continue in his
role as Chairman and Gary Roden continue in his role as Vice Chairman. The motion passed
unanimously.
Swearing in of new appointees
Chairman Bill Rohloff swore in reappointed Committee members Kris Fichtner and Gary Roden.
Oaths of Office were signed by all parties involved and copies provided to City Staff and members.
All other new appointees were previously sworn in at the September 28, 2004 City Council
meeting.
Approval of Minutes: September 1, 2004.
It was moved Kris Fichtner and seconded by Larry Kingsbury that the Minutes of September 1,
2004 be approved as written. The motion passed unanimously.
Discussion regarding the compilation of an Economic Development Strategic Plan.
City Staff distributed materials relating to the items that will be incorporated into the Strategic
Plan. The Committee discussed what additional information may be needed in order to analyze the
manner in which to layout a strategic plan. It was requested of City Staff that information
surrounding the major categories be provided to the members. Background materials will be
provided to members relating to the Streamlined Sales Tax movement, Hot Spots, existing
incentive programs, Old Coppell, and general community information. Deputy City Manager Clay
Phillips outlined the vision of the Committee's participation in the Strategic Plan process and
discussion continued related to the format and content of the Strategic Plan.
It was decided that a special meeting should be held to focus solely on the Strategic Plan. The
Committee decided to call a special meeting in two weeks to begin to focus on the Plan. The
Committee will meet on Wednesday, October 20, 2004, at 6:00 p.m., in the 2nd Floor Conference
Room of Town Center to continue discussions on the Plan.
Consideration of a request by Duke Realty Corporation for tax abatement for a 140,000 and
70,000 sq. ft. speculative office/warehouse facilities.
Bob Rice of Duke Realty presented to the Committee, distributing materials on the project. Mr.
Rice indicated that Duke is requesting a 5-year, 75% tax abatement for the two buildings, totaling
210,000 sq. ft. There are no planned tenants for the speculative office/warehouses at this time, but
Mr. Rice indicated that these facilities are designed to be constructed of a higher level of finish out
than most typical industrial buildings. Total investment value is estimated at approximately $9.3
million.
The Committee discussed the request with Mr. Rice, who answered several questions of members.
Mr. Rice exited and Chad Beach proceeded to distribute a cost-benefit analysis of the project,
outlining the financial implications to the City and applicant.
After discussion of the request, it was moved by Larry Kingsbury and seconded by Marvin
Franklin that a 5-year, 75 % tax abatement for the 210,000 sq. ft. speculative office/warehouse
project by Duke Realty be recommended for approval. The motion passed unanimously.
Introduction of Committee Members
All Committee members introduced themselves, providing a short summary of their backgrounds.
General Discussion
There were no items to discuss under General Discussion. Committee members were reminded of
the special meeting that will be held on Wednesday, October 20, 2004, to begin in depth
discussions regarding the Economic Development Strategic Plan.
With no further business to discuss, it was moved by Gary Roden and seconded by Kris Fichtner
that the meeting adjourn. By unanimous vote, the meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Andrea Roy
Economic Development Coordinator