Loading...
BM 2010-05-05 EcDev COPPELL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE May 5, 2010 MINUTES The Coppell Economic Development Committee met at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 7, 2010 at Coppell Town Center, 2nd Floor Conference Room, 255 Parkway Boulevard, Coppell, Texas 75019. The following were present: Bill Rohloff, Amanda O’Neal, Don Carroll, Kenneth Luttmer, James Walker, Greg Jenkins, Mary Ciminelli, Christi Greene, Matt Hall, Mindi Hurley, and Scarlett Hovland. Call to Order 1. With a quorum present, Bill Rohloff called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Approval of Minutes: April 7, 2010 2. It was moved by Amanda O’Neal and seconded by Kenneth Luttmer that the minutes of the May 5, 2010 meeting be approved. The motion passed unanimously. EXECUTIVE SESSION Convene Executive Session (Closed to Public) 3.  Section 551.087, Texas Government Code – Economic Development Negotiations. 1. Economic Development Prospects west of Freeport Pkwy. And north of Bethel Rd.  Bill Rohloff convened into Executive Session at 6:05 p.m. as under the above- stated article and discussed Item 1. Rohloff recessed the Executive Session at 6:43 p.m. and opened the Regular Session. Review of Corporate Appreciation Breakfast 4.  Mindi shared that the Corporate Appreciaion Breakfast on April 22 went well. A total of twelve businesses were reporesented. She thanked the Chamber and the Committee for their support in the planning and attending the event.  Surveys were available for the attendees; however, no responses on future topics were noted.  Discussion followed regarding possible topics which included Business Crime Watch, and Health Ins. Reform. Mindi asked that the committee suggest future topics at the meeting in June.  Hard Eight Bar-B-Q was a great host. Plenty to eat and plenty of room.  Some of the attendees made note that the North Lake College presentation was directed more at who the college was versus what the college could offer to local businesses.  Mindi advised that she would like to offer three appreciation events a year. It may be possible to schedule the next breakfast this fall. Retail Discussion. 5.  Mindi reviewed the 8-Min Drivetime Demographics study provided by The Retail Coach, LLC. The Retail Coach is a national retail analytics and locational intelligence firm that specializes in all aspects of retail market analyses and recruitment that offers a dynamic system of products and services that better enable communities to maximize their retail development potential.  Mindi will be attending the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) Conference the last week of May.  Mindi will provide copies of the 8-Minute Drivetime Summary at the conference. The summary includes demographics of Coppell’s population, income, race distribution, age and educational attainment.  The chamber members will visit all businesses in Coppell during the week of May 17 – 21. The purpose of this five-day community-based business visitation program is to encourage the growth of local business by identifying concerns and barriers local businesses are facing.  Discussion followed regarding offering an Appreciation Breakfast for the retail owners. A topic of interest could be health reform. Incentive Discussion 6.  Mindi proposed the following Neighborhood Commercial Tax Incentives: 1.Sales Tax Rebates 2.Façade Grants 3.Awning & Sign Grants 4.Landscape & Beautification Grants 5.Community Card / Shop Coppell 6.Construction Materials Sales Tax Rebate 7.Retail & Restaurant Incentive  Discussion followed.  The committee made note that the Construction Materials Sales Tax Rebate need not be offered.  The Neighborhood Commercial Tax Incentives will be brought before City Council at a council meeting this summer. Collateral Materials Discussion 7.  Mindi advised she had met with Gary Klingemann Design to begin planning for the “Fast Fact” Economic Development tri-fold brochure.  Mindi provided copies of the questionnaire that would help Gary create the brochure.  Mindi asked the committee for their feedback regarding the questions.  Discussion followed. Chamber of Commerce Update 8.  Christi Greene advised the following: Biz Walk, May 17 – 21. o State of City Address will be given by Mayor Jayne Peters at the Chamber o luncheon on May 19. Business Crime Watch Forum is scheduled for June 1 beginning at 7 p.m. o at Town Center. School District Update 9.  Recognized Coppell ISD achieved a "" state accountability rating for 2009 from the Texas Education Agency.  The School Board Election Day is Sat. May 8.  Increase Tax Election in September.  Coppell High School graduation is Sunday, June 6. General Discussion and Update on Commercial and Industrial Projects 10.  Rosa’s Café is open.  Good Fish is open.  Frida’s Mexican Grill is open.  Michael Dupey, founder of Michaels Arts & Crafts Stores passed away on May 1.  Census returns for Coppell was at 78%. Census takers will begin canvassing those who did not return their census form.  Mindi reviewed projects under construction and businesses that are now open or opening soon. With no further business to discuss, it was moved by James Walker and seconded by Kenneth Luttmer that the meeting adjourn. By unanimous vote, the meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Scarlett Hovland