BM 1991-01-09 EcDevMinutes of the
Economic and Business Development Board
January 9, 1991
The Economic and Business Development Board met in regular session
on Wednesday, January 9, 1991, at 7:30 p.m., in the Executive
Conference Room of Coppell Town Center. The following Board
members were present:
Richard Johnson, Chairman
Barbara Austin
Kim Brooks
Lee Richardson
William Rohloff
City staff members present were:
Alan Ratliff, City Manager
City Council Liaison:
Tom Morton
Guests: Leslie R. Reeves, Coppell Gazette
Item 1: Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by
Chairman Johnson, noting a quorum was present.
Item 2: Review and Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the
December 5, 1990, meeting were reviewed. William Rohloff
made a motion to approve the minutes and Kim Brooks
seconded it. The motion carried, and the minutes were
approved.
Item 3: Available Funding for Economic Development: Alan Ratliff
distributed copies of a memorandum identifying funds
currently available for economic development use
($28,496.83). He then reviewed the concept of a 1/2 cent
sales tax for funding economic development activities and
the experience with such in the cities of Abilene and
Amarillo. Key to the discussion was note of the need for
amending State legislation to allow such a tax in
Coppell. At present, a condition to existing statute
prohibits use of taxation in Coppell for economic
development. To effect such an amendment, the Board
acknowledged that support is needed from the Chamber of
Commerce, and the community would need to be educated on
the issue. Lee Richardson made a motion to recommend to
the City Council that the Council direct the Economic and
Business Development Board to investigate and implement
Minutes of the January 9, 1991
Economic and Business Development Board Page Two
a 1/2 cent sales tax for economic development. Barbara
Austin seconded the motion, and it was approved.
Item 4: Coppell Gazette Progress Edition: Leslie Reeves made a
presentation to the Board concerning the Coppell
Gazette's planned "Progress Edition" and solicited the
Board's interest in placing an advertisement in that
publication. The "Progress Edition" is a special tabloid
reflecting achievements in Coppell during 1990 and plans
for the future. It will be published February 13 and
distributed to 6,100 addresses. After discussion, Lee
Richardson made a motion that the Economic and Business
Development Board not place an ad in the Gazette's
"Progress Edition." Kim Brooks seconded the motion, and
it was approved.
Item 5: Review of Bids for Coppell Video: Richard Johnson
distributed copies of a summary "grid" comparing the bids
received from six (6) companies seeking to produce a
video promoting Coppell. Note was made that all of the
bids exceed the initial budget of $10,000, and quotes
range from $15,860 (Phil Smith) to $50,085 (M. Leaman
Productions). Alan Ratliff recommended narrowing the
list to two or three candidates and then interviewing
them, with the thought of seeking revised proposals with
reduced cost. As a part of this project, comment was
made that the video footage taken earlier last year by
Bob Kryzak should be obtained and reviewed for relative
worth. The Board viewed some sample videos prepared by
some of the bidding vendors. Lee Richardson made a
motion to invite Sullivan Productions, Pyramid
Teleproductions, and ,Phil Smith Video and Graphics to
attend the next Board meeting for further interview
(about 20 minutes each). William Rohloff seconded the
motion, and it was approved. Alan Ratliff will contact
the vendors.
Item 6: Role and Goals of the Board for 1991: Richard Johnson
addressed his desire for this Board to develop some
finite objectives for 1991 and further establish itself
as a visible and positive contributor to the growth and
management of Coppell. Some brief discussion followed,
and the following preliminary objectives were identified:
a. The Board should pursue a more aggressive posture
with the City Council in getting economic development
activity funded.
Minutes of the
Economic and Business Development Board
January 9, 1991
Page Three
b. The Board should pursue the idea of a 1/2 cent sales
tax for funding activity.
c. The Coppell video project needs to be completed.
d. A barbeque event for area realtors should be
considered for promoting insight into the Coppell
community.
In addition to the objectives noted above, an operating
budget for the Board was discussed. Lee Richardson, Kim
Brooks, and Richard Johnson will get together and develop
a preliminary budget.
Item 7: Review and Discussion of Projects:
a. Video Production - The discussion is noted in Item
5 above.
b. Coppell Celebrates - The Coppell Celebrates project
is in need of seed money to move forward. Lee
Richardson made a motion for the Board to contribute
$500 to the project, payable immediately. `William
Rohloff seconded the motion, and it was unanimously
approved.
c. Goods in Transit - There was no discussion.
Item 8: New Business/New Projects:
a. Alan Ratliff noted to the Board that two (2)
companies, Toyo Tire and Thacker Container, have
contracted for significant building sites in the
Prentiss development.
b. The Board discussed the recent City Council decision
to liberalize the restaurant ordinance to allow
serving of alcoholic drinks. A 60/40 ratio of food
to drink is to be maintained, and drinks are to be
served in restaurant situations only.
c. Richard Johnson reviewed the recent luncheon meeting
involving Bob Minyard, Linda Carter, Texas Stock Tab,
and the Danish Ambassador. He felt that it was a
very good meeting and could lead to some positive
activity.
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Minutes of the
Economic and Business Development Board
January 9, 1991
Page Four
d. Alan Ratliff informed the Board that he is putting
together an information packet on the concept of
State Civil Service and its potential impact on
Coppell City employees. A Town Meeting on the
subject is scheduled for next month.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at
10:22 p.m.
7ectfully submitted,
IL a '6-&+e
William A. Rohloff
Recording Secretary
Economic and Business Development Board
City of Coppell
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: January 9, 1991
TO: Alan D. Ratliff, City Manager
FROM: Frank Trando, Deputy City Manager/Finance Director *14r
SUBJECT: Economic Development Financial Report
The financial position of funds for Economic Development at
December 31, 1990:
Donations Fund - Funds Available $23,977.50
General Fund - Budget $5,600.00
Expended to Date 1,080.67 4,519.33
-------- ---------
Total Funds Available $28,496.83
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31, 1990
City Of Coppell
Economic Development Board
P.Q. Box 478
Coppell, TX 75019
Dear Sirs,
I would like to consult the Economic and Development
Board on Jan. 9, 1991 concerning the Coppell Gazette's Progress
Edition.
This particular special tabloid will outline the achievements
of Coppell during 1990, as well as future plans for the city.
Advertisements and editorial content will revolve around the
city's progress during 1990. Your cooperation will be sincerely
appreciated.
Thank you,
V
Leslie R. Reeves
Coppell Gazette
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