BM 1996-08-07 EcDevCOPPELL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP
August 7, 1996
MINUTES
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. Calf, 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 Hermes seconded this motion and
the motion carried unanimously.
4. Consideration of Placing Ads in the 1997 Business and Industry. iournal and/or in the
office & Commercial Real Estate Magazine
Isabelle Moro reported that the City has been contacted by both the Greater Dallas
Chamber's 1997 Business and Industry JoumW 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 Heroes 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.
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 first 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 first 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 contactwith 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