EDP - Minutes - 1996
COPPELL ECONOMIC DEVEWPMENT PARTNERSHIP
June S, 1996
MINUTES
The Coppell Economic Development Partnership met at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 5, 1996,
at Coppell Town Center, 255 Parkway Boulevard, Coppell, Texas 75019. The following
memqers were present: Bronwyn Brock, Chairperson, Jim Dippold, Ron Pankey, Tim
Brancheau, Bill Herries, Dave Greer, Gary Sieb, Isabelle Moro, Bill Stearman, Mary Ann
Kellam, Jim Witt, Chuck Sturges.
1. Call to Order
Chainnan Bronwyn Brock called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m.
2. Approval of Minutes
Minutes of May 1, 1996 were approved.
3. Update on CommerciaVlndustrial Development
Gary Sieb apprised the Committee of a possible sales tax reduction application, similar to the
one granted to Quill, which may be submitted by Haverty's, According to Sieb, Haverty's is
exploring the idea of requesting a 75 % sales tax reduction.
After considerable discussion involving a number of concerns, including the fact that Quill
was granted a fixed $50,000 credit for each of five years provided that at least $150,000 in
tax was generated in each of those years; the observation that the information submitted thus
far from Haverty's does not appear to reflect the Quill principle; the fact that the Quill tax
reduction applied only to those sales generated outside the local community; a concern with
the whole concept of a percentage reduction in taxes versus a finite number, led the
Partnership to take a cautious view of this potential proposal. They commented that
Haverty's needed to address potential sales tax credit in a fashion similar to Quill. It was
felt that once Haverty's addressed the Partnership concerns, more definitive action might be
warranted, depending on the results of a more detailed study.
Gary informed the Committee that Isabelle Moro has undertaken a project which outlines
some of the more important demographic data within the community, as well as a summary
sheet which identifies all the reinvestment zones in the City. A draft of Isabelle's documents
was distributed to all present.
4. Update on Terminating the Economic Development Service Contract
Bill Stearman made a motion to table this item, and Dave Greer seconded the motion.
Motion carried unanimously.
5. Determine Point of Contact
Until further notice, the City address and telephone number will be used as the point of
contact for future materials. Tim Brancheau motioned that an RFQ be prepared by the City
Manager, with input from the Partnership, to determine the direction to proceed regarding a
part-time Economic Development Coordinator. Bill Stearman seconded and the motion
carried favorably.
6. Status on Conceptual Idea for Third Prototype of Direct Mailing Piece
Bill Herries submitted a mock-up of the proposed third marketing piece, "Birth of a Star."
He indicated 65 copies of the proposal would be produced emphasizing a theme of new
horizon opportunities for Coppell as new industrial users contemplate locating to the City. It
will cost approximately $5,000 to produce this piece. After some discussion regarding the
cost figures, it was pointed out that an equal sum was spent on the first two marketing
endeavors, the jumper cables and the duck call. Tim Brancheau made the motion that the
third marketing piece be produced. Ron Pankey seconded the motion and it passed with all
in favor except Bill Stearman, who was opposed to the expenditure.
7. Executive Session (This item was earlier moved to end of the docket.)
The designated members of the Partnership adjourned into Executive Session at 7:50 p.m. to
discuss personnel matters as accorded by Texas Government Code, Section 551074.
8. Reconvene Regular Session
At 8:35 p.m., the Partnership reconvened into Regular Session. As a result of the Executive
Session, Tim Brancheau made the motion to take the action as outlined in Item #5 above.
The motion was seconded by Bill Stearman and the motion passed favorably.
With no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at approximately 8:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen Roach
minjune.605
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COPPELL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP
August 7, 1996
MINUTFS
The Coppell Economic Development Partnership met at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 7, 1996,
at Coppell Town Center, 255 Parkway Boulevard, Coppell, Texas 75019. The following members
were present: Bill Rohloff, Tim Brancheau, Jim Dippold, Bill Herries, Ron Pankey, Dixon Rich,
Gary Sieb, Isabelle Moro, Tom Morton, Chuck Sturges, Marsha Tunnell, Jim Witt and Kathleen
Roach.
1. Call to Order
Vice-Chairman Bill Rohloff called the meeting to order at 7: 10 p.m.
2. Approval of Minutes
The minutes of June 5th and July 10th were approved as presented.
3. Consideration of Request by Haverty Furniture for Sales Tax Rebate
Felix deGolian from Haverty Furniture was present to address the Committee regarding a
request for sales tax rebate. Mr. deGolian presented his proposal, which was similar to the
one granted Quill Corporation, and provided a letter of request along with a chart of sales
projections through the year 2002. The Committee addressed several questions to Mr.
DeGolian regarding his request. Mr. deGolian then departed the meeting and the Committee
continued their discussion. Some concern was raised that this request did not fit the
guidelines established for Quill's sales tax rebate, and granting this request could possibly
open a floodgate of requests from everyone bringing development to Coppell. Upon a
motion from Jim Dippold and a second from Ron Pankey, the Committee unanimously voted
to deny Haverty's request.
Tim Brancheau suggested that this Committee develop a strategic plan for future use since
the ordinance appears to be rather vague. There was some discussion about amending the
ordinance to clearly set out the parameters in order that the businesses in Coppell could
better understand whether or not they would qualify. Gary Sieb suggested that the
parameters include the City's expenses for infrastructure and primary services. Jim Dippold
offered the motion that staff develop an on-site minimum amount, based on the City's costs,
and bring it back next month for a Committee vote. Bill Herries seconded this motion and
the motion carried unanimously.
4. Consideration of Placing Ads in the 1997 Business and Industry .Journal and/or in the
Office & Commercial Real &tate Ma~azine
Isabelle Moro reported that the City has been contacted by both the Greater Dallas
Chamber's 1997 Business and Industry Journal and the Office & Commercial Real Estate
Magazine regarding advertisement. There was general discussion about the pros and cons of
spending advertising dollars in this way. A motion was made by Jim Dippold and seconded
by Bill Herries not to place ads in these publications. The motion carried unanimously.
5.
Update on Commercial/Industrial Development
Gary Sieb reported there is a lot of development activity going on in Coppell. Currently,
there is 1,412,000 sq. ft. of commercial/light industrial construction underway, and another
1,800,000 in potential future construction in the next few months. Gary showed the
Committee the current and proposed sites on the map.
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6. Status of Third Direct Mail Piece
Bill Herries brought a sample of the third direct mailing piece, "Birth of a Star," and after
explaining the piece, passed it around for all to view. Jim Dippold asked about the status
report on the results of the ftrst two direct mailing pieces. Bronwyn Brock was to have
provided that information, but is absent this evening. A motion was made by Jim Dippold to
have a status report on the ftrst two direct mail pieces provided to this Committee at the
September meeting. Ron Pankey seconded the motion and the motion carried.
7. Update on Aerial Map and Pocket Inserts
Isabelle Moro gave the Committee an update on the aerial map and the revised pocket packet
inserts. These will be printed in the very near future. Isabelle also handed out an updated
map and list of Coppell's tax abatement reinvestment zones, as well as a list of Coppell's
industrial employers.
8. General Discussion/Other Business
City Manager Jim Witt updated the Committee regarding his recent contact with the NCAA.
The City may be making a proposal for the relocation of their headquarters.
Jim informed the Committee he has had conversations with GTE regarding an economic
development video. If the City will provide some funds, they are willing to handle the entire
project. A sample of the videos they have produced for other municipalities will be
forwarded to us very soon. The video will be previewed at the September meeting and a
decision will be made whether to move forward with this project or not.
There was some general discussion about recruiting funds from various developers to offset a
portion of the expense. A motion was made by Jim Dippold, and seconded by Ron Pankey,
that Dixon Rich spearhead the campaign to solicit funding for this project from the
development community.
Jim Dippold commended the City Staff, the Mayor and the Partnership Committee for all
their efforts towards bringing business development to the City of Coppell.
With no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at approximately 8:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen Roach
minjuly.807
COPPELL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP
September 4, 1996
MINUTES
The Coppell Economic Development Partnership met at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September
4, 1996, at Coppell Town Center, 2nd Floor Conference Room, 255 Parkway Boulevard,
Coppell, Texas 75019. The following members were present: Bronwyn Brock,
Chairperson, Tim Brancheau, David Greer, Bill Herries, Isabelle Moro, Mayor Tom
Morton, Ron Pankey, Dixon Rich, Bill Rohloff, Doug Shaw, Gary Sieb, Bill Steannan, and
Marsha Tunnell.
1. Call to Order
Chairman Bronwyn Brock called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
2. Approval of Minutes
The minutes of August 7th were approved as presented.
3. Consideration to include the on-site sales tax rebate in the existing promom of
Chapter 380 of the Texas Local Government Code
Gary Sieb reported that last month the group had asked staff to develop an on-site
minimum sales tax figure based OIl the City's cost to provide services to useD. Chad
Beach, the City's Tax Assessor, is in the process of developing an econometric modd
which addresses the issue and he will make a presentation to the group at the October
meeting.
4. D~on on proposed leplation for .Goods-in-1'Joamit. Inventory
Gary Sieb explained that the new legislation had some significant changes regarding
the tax on inventories held in Texas. There was general discussion about the pros and
cons of supporting this legislation. Bronwyn Brock was of the opinion that businesses
will locate to a particular city regardless of the incentives offered. Gary Sieb
mentioned that the majority of the economic prospects which approach the City
always inquire in detail with regards to financial incentives. Ron Pankey stated that
this proposed legislation would be taking away bargaining chips for cities competing
for new businesses, consequently, he was opposed to such a bill. A motion was made
by David Greer and seconded by Bill Herries not to support this proposed legislation.
The motion passed unanimously.
5. Update on CommerciaVIndustrial Development
Gary Sieb reported there were two new proposed projects which had not been
discussed earlier. The first was being proposed by Lincoln Properties, located at the
southwest comer of Belt Line Road and Wrangler Drive involving the construction of
three new office/warehouses totaling over 222,000 s.f. The second project was
located on the Minyards tract as an announced 240,000 s.f. expansion of its
warehouse facilities. Mayor Morton mentioned to the group that Office Depot
acquired Staples, Inc. Office Depot will retain Staples' leased space in Coppell.
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6. Update or Third Direct Mail Piece
Bill Herries announced the third mail piece had been received and it is now available
for distribution.
7. Status Update on Aerial Map and Economic Development Pocket Packet Inserts
Isabelle Moro reviewed the updated Coppell Industrial Employers List and graph and
explained a number of the ind~strial users had cut back on employment. Despite the
cut back, the current overall employment is over 3300. Isabelle also distributed to
each member a copy of the new aerial map.
8. General ~OD and Other ~
Gary Sieb reported that last month Jim Witt had promised the group he would have a
sample of a GTE video for the group to preview. Gary had the group critique the
video done by GTE for the Rio Grande Valley. There was some discussion about the
merits of the video, as well as the expense of such a project. The general consensus
was that the video was a good marketing tool if we could limit the cost to not more
than $4,000.
TIm Brancheau reminded the group that last October the partnership had sponsored a
reception for the brokerage and development community. He inquired if the group
wanted to repeat such an undertaking this year. Tba'e was some di~l4Lci()ft about the
pros and cons of having a reception. During the course of the di~IJciOll it was
decided to postpone the reception until Spring, 1997.
Bronwyn Brock asked Gary if he knew what the Partnership's budget was for fiscal
year 1996-1997. Gary did not know but will have Tun Witt inform the Partnership's
Board Members of the budget.
With no further business to discuss, a motion to adjourn was made by Bill Stearman
and seconded by Dave Greer. Meeting adjourned at approximately 7:52 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Isabelle Moro
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COPPELL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP
OCTOBER 2, 1996
MINUTES
The Coppell Economic Development Partnership met at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 2,
1996, at Coppell Town Center, 2nd Floor Conference Room, 255 Parkway Boulevard, Coppell,
Texas, 75019. The following were present: Bronwyn Brock, Chairperson, Chad Beach, Tim
Brancheau, Debbie Cook, Bill Herries, Mary Ann Kellam, Pat Murphy, Ron Pankey, Bill
Rohloff, Gary Sieb, Bill Stearman, Kathy Stephenson, and Jim Witt.
1.
Call to Order
Chair Bronwyn Brock called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m.
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2. Approval of Minutes
It was moved by Bill Herries, seconded by Tim Brancheau, that the minutes of
September 4, 1996 be approved as recorded. The motion passed unanimously.
3. Consideration of a request by Lincoln Properties for a tax abatement
It was moved by Bill Herries, seconded by Tim Brancheau, that the 75 % tax abatement
(request of Lincoln Properties, located at the southwest comer of Belt1ine and Wrangler
Roads, be recommended for approval to the Coppell City Council. Motion passed
unanimously.
4. I Discussion regarding on-site sales tax rebate in the existing provisions of Chapter
380 of the Texas Local Government Code
Chad Beach led the discussion regarding our tax abatement policy and offered
information on sales tax rebates. After considerable discussion, the Partnership elected
to leave the existing policy as is. At least one member of the Partnership (Ron Pankey)
expressed dissatisfaction with granting sales tax rebates to potential users, and urged the
membership to carefully consider the granting of rebates to any future development.
5. Update on current and potential developments
Gary Sieb discussed the Lincoln Properties proposed development as well as another
25,000 square foot user locating off of Lakeshore Drive. He also mentioned that Capital
One, a large credit card operation was looking at 75-100 acre sites in Coppell for a
possible campus type development. Sieb added that it was too early to determine if
Capitol One would be coming to Coppell, that this was primarily a for-your-information
update only. As more information became available, staff would pass it on to the
Partnership. Jim Witt then advised the committee that the NCAA was looking at nine
areas of the country for possible headquarters relocation, and that property owned by the
Airport and located in Coppell was one of three Airport owned sites (the other two were
located in Euless and Irving, respectively) being considered for this possible relocation.
Jim mentioned that as more information became available the Partnership would be
advised.
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6. Economic development packet inserts
Gary Sieb distributed new development packet inserts that reflected changes in several
of the informational enclosures, bringing the inserts up to date with current development
activities.
7. Update on marketing efforts with GTE
Gary Sieb advised the Partnership that GTE, in a luncheon meeting with Jim Witt and
Gary, had volunteered to develop a new Coppell video at no cost to the City. They
agreed to produce it provided we allow some recognition of GTE in the video, we
establish a committee to work with GTE in developing the video, and that we introduce
the video to our citizens at a major community event. Sieb went on to state that GTE
is anxious to get started on the proposal, and was shooting for the week of October 21st
or 28th to begin the project. The Partnership expressed support for this undertaking and
Bill Stearman, Ron Pankey, Mary Ann Kellam, and Tim Brancheau volunteered to work
with GTE and staff as this project proceeds. In addition, Jim Witt added that we might
be wise to have the video formatted for CD ROM--which would be our expense, not
GTE's--and the Partnership concurred.
8. General discussion and other business
With no further business to discuss, a motion to adjourn was made by Bill Stearman,
seconded by Bill Herries. By unanimous vote, the meeting was adjourned at 7:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Gary L. Sieb, Acting Secretary
102ptnr
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COPPELL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP
NOVEMBER 6, 1996
MINUTES
The Coppell Economic Development Partnership met at 7:00 p.m. on
Wednesday, November 6, 1996, at Coppell Town Center, 2nd Floor
Conference Room, 255 Parkway Boulevard, Coppell, Texas, 75019. The
following were present: Tim Brancheau, Bill Harris, Scarlett Hovland, Isabelle
Moro, Pat Murphy, Ron Pankey, Bill Rohloff, Doug Shaw, Gary Sieb, Kathy
Stephenson, Chuck Sturges, and Jim Witt.
1. Call to Order
It was moved by Bill Harris, seconded by Tim Brancheau that Ron
Pankey be Chair in Bronwyn Brock's absence. Ron Pankey called the
meeting to order at 7:10 p.m.
2. Appro.val of Minutes
It was moved by Tim Brancheau, seconded by Pat Murphy, that the
minutes of October 2, 1996 be approved as recorded. The motion passed
unanimously.
3. Update on Current & Potential CommerciallIndustrial Developments
Jim Witt led the discussion regarding updates on the NCAA, Moore
Business Forms and Capital One site selection process. No firm
commitments had been made by any of these possible users.
4. Status Update on the Economic Development Video for CoppeD
Gary Sieb led the discussion regarding information gathered from the
GTE meeting he hosted on October 28, 1996. Some of the issues
discussed were: to focus on the economic development of Coppel
rather than the quality of life; the video would be produced in the Spring
for better scenery and climate; Partnership Staff to be involved in tape.
Ron Pankey discussed the budget allowance for the video; possible costs
for CD Rom and/or Helicopter. Gary Sieb will follow up with details on
what expenses that might be incurred. Ron Pankey mentioned what
might be our responsibility to set up shots as far as citizens being
involved. Isabelle Moro mentioned that Marsha Tunnell is very interested
in being coordinator for the video production, and has volunteered to
assume that role.
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5. Discussion and nomination of three Partnership representatives to
serve on the Telecommunications Board to develop a Home Page for
CoppeD
Isabelle Moro led the discussion regarding a need for volunteers to serve
on a Home Page committee, being established by the Telecommunications
Board. The Board meets every third Tuesday of each month with the
first meeting being held November 19, 1996. Ron Pankey and Kathy
Stephenson volunteered to be on committee. Isabelle Moro will invite
Dave Greer to also serve on the committee.
6. Discussion on a potential HotellMotel Occupancy Tax
Isabelle Moro led discussion on the different hotel/motel occupancy tax
rates within the Metroplex as per hand out provided. After considerable
discussion, Bill Herries made a motion which was seconded by Bill
Rohloff to increase the occupancy tax rate in Coppell from 4 % to 7 % .
Motion passed unanimously. Jim Witt will take motion to Council.
7. General discussion and other business
With no further business to discuss, a motion to adjourn was made
by Ron Pankey and seconded by Bill Herries. By unanimous vote,
the meeting was adjourned at 7:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Scarlett Hovland