BM 2009-02-04 EcDev
COPPELL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
February 4, 2009
MINUTES
The Coppell Economic Development Committee met at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 4, 2009 at
Coppell Town Center, 2nd Floor Conference Room, 255 Parkway Boulevard, Coppell, Texas 75019. The
following were present: Bill Rohloff, Gary Roden, Greg Jenkins, Dornell Reese, Kenneth Luttmer, Bradley
Snyder, David Apple, Thom Hulme, Matt Hall, Clay Phillips, Scarlett Hovland, and Mindi Hurley.
Call to Order
1.
Bill Rohloff called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m.
Approval of Minutes: January 7, 2009
2.
It was moved by Dornell Reese and seconded by Bradley Snyder that the minutes of
January 7, 2009 meeting be approved. The motion passed unanimously.
Consideration of a request by ABGI Properties for a tax incentive for one (1) building
3.
consisting of approximately 45,650 sq. ft. of space for office/warehouse space, located at 680
S. Royal Lane.
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Mindi updated the committee on Advanced Business Grpahics Inc. on their relocation.
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ABGI is relocating from 600 S. Royal Lane to 680 S. Royal Lane. ABGI will own the
building.
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ABGI is requesting a tax incentive of the building located at 680 S. Royal Lane consisting
of approximately 45,650 sq. ft. of space.
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Mindi reviewed ABGI’s sales tax for 2007 – 2008.
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Discussion followed concerning the following incentives.
Structure retention incentives on an individual bases
Community involvement
Waiving of certain fees
Consider dollar offered on an individual bases
Set parameters for incentives
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Mindi will advice City staff of discussion and will report back to committee at the March
meeting.
. Project Computer
4
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Mindi advised the committee that Project Computer, a technology company is looking to
relocate to Coppell in a building consisting of 350,000 sq. ft. of space with 700 employees
by the end of March.
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Project Computer’s request for a 75% tax abatement on personal property for 5 years has
already gone to the City Council for a quick decision.
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Project Computer is also asking for Foreign Trade Zone which can take up to a year to
implement.
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Project Computer is also considering the Alliance Gateway area for relocation.
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Mindi will keep the committee apprised on Project Computer’s decision.
Project Apparel
5.
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Mindi Hurley advised that Project Apparel is locating to 1230 Crestside Bldg.
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The City building inspection has been completed.
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Project Apparel is asking for Foreign Trade Zone.
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Mindi will be meeting with Project Apparel next week.
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Mindi will meet with City Staff to discuss any incentives that could be offered including
Foreign Trade Zone.
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Discussion followed.
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Mindi will keep the committee apprised on Project Apparel.
Shopping Center Discussion
6.
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Clay Phillips informed the committee that the tenants in the Tom Thumb Retail Strip
Mall are continuing to fight the higher property tax payment that was formulated by
the Dallas Central Appraisal District.
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City Staff did conduct a comparison to other strip malls within the city limits and
found that the Tom Thumb Retail Strip mall appraisal was much higher.
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Clay Phillips advised that the City cannot do anything about the Dallas Central
Appraisal District’s tax increase.
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Discussion followed.
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Clay Phillips advised that City staff will stay apprised of the situation and will
investigate ways to adjust future appraisals.
Incentive Policy Discussion
7.
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Mindi shared with the committee that City staff continues to review the incentive
policy.
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Discussion followed concerning the following:
Budget Report
Zoning Map
Tax abatements and roll offs
Homeowner taxes compared to business tax revenue
Infrastructure
Foreign Trade Zone
Comparison of incentives offered by surrounding metroplex cities
Chamber of Commerce Update
8.
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Thom Hulme was introduced as the new Chamber liaison
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Thom advised the committee on the following:
Chamber is employing to mentor businesses
Partner with City for business retention
Employing procedures to welcome businesses
Offer “Shop Coppell” incentive
Develop Strategic Planning Committee
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Coppell Chamber Gala will be held on February 28. Tickets are still
available.
School District Update
9.
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David Apple advised the committee on the following:
CISD is in the budget process
Bond Election
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Mindi shared that the new Tech High students would like to present their
projects addressing “What does Coppell need?” in a future meeting.
General Discussion and Update on Commercial and Industrial Projects
10.
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Mindi reviewed projects under construction and businesses that are now open or
opening soon.
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Leadership Coppell will begin on February 12.
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The April 1 meeting will be combined with Planning & Zoning and Council at
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6 p.m. in the Fire Station Training room.
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American Home Mortgage will be relocating to Point West I with 1500
employees.
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Market Street reports they are very pleased with business.
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The Kirkland Home restorations have begun.
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The Senior Center is scheduled to be opened in July.
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Mindi is meeting with a hotel consultant interested in locating a hotel in Coppell.
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Clay Phillips gave an update on the Streamlined Sales Tax Legislation.
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Filing begins on Monday, Feb. 9 for City seats.
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Mayor Douglas Stover will not seek Mayoral Seat.
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Councilmember Jayne Peters will seek Mayoral Seat. Councilmember Marsha
Tunnell and Councilmember Marvin Franklin will run again.
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Chilli’s Too and Appetite restaurants will be closing this month.
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Tom Thumb Grocery located at MacArthur and Belt Line will not be remodeling.
With no further business to discuss, it was moved by Bradley Snyder and seconded by Greg
Jenkins that the meeting adjourn. By unanimous vote, the meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Scarlett Hovland
Secretary