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BM 2011-01-05 EcDev COPPELL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE January 5, 2011 MINUTES The Coppell Economic Development Committee met at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 5, 2011 at Coppell Town Center, 2nd Floor Conference Room, 255 Parkway Boulevard, Coppell, Texas 75019. The following were present: Bill Rohloff, Gary Roden, Amanda O’Neal, Don Carroll, Kenneth Luttmer, James Walker, Aaron Straach, Matt Hall, Adam Darowski, Mary Ciminelli, Christi Greene,David Apple, Scarlett Hovland, and Mindi Hurley. Call to Order 1. Ken Luttmer called the meeting to order at 6:06 p.m. Introduction of Committee members: 2. Mindi welcomed new member, Aaron Staach. Each committee member introduced her/himself. Mindi provided a roster of the members and asked that they review it and to make the appropriate changes and return to Mindi. Nomination and Election of Officers – Chairman and Vice-Chairman 3.  It was moved by Amanda O’Neal and seconded by Gary Roden that Bill Rohloff serve as Chairman. The motion carried.  It was moved by Ken Luttmer and seconded by Matt Hall that Gary Roden serve as Vice-Chair. The motion carried. Nomination and Election of Coppell Economic Development Foundation members 4.  Mindi explained to the committee the duties and responsibilities of the Foundation members.  The Foundation members consist of the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Economic Development Committee along with three other members.  It was moved by Don Carroll and seconded by Amanda O’Neal that Kenneth Luttmer, James Walker, and Matt Hall will serve as members on the Foundation committee. The motion carried.  The Foundation members are named as Bill Rohloff, Gary Roden, James Walker, Matt Hall and Kenneth Luttmer. Mindi Hurley will act as staff liason.  Mindi will provide bank signature cards for each member. Approval of Minutes: November 3, 2010 5. It was moved by James Walker and seconded by Don Carroll that the minutes of November 3, 2010 meeting be approved. The motion passed unanimously. Project Collins 6.  Mindi Hurley advised that Project Collins is the company Barcel USA. Barcel is a maker of tortilla, potato chips and other confectionery and snack foods. It is a unit of Grupo Bimbo which produces bakery products and chips under a variety of popular brands.  Barcel USA is proposing to lease 200,000 sq. ft. of office/warehouse space at 301 S. Northpoint. . This space has been vacant for 8 years.  Barcel USA addressed the Red Team before Christmas regarding an abatement request for the furniture, fixture, and equipment which total $1,000,000.00.  Discussion followed.  It was moved by James Walker and seconded by Amanda O’Neal that a 50% tax abatement on business personal property with a 10 year lease be granted. The motion passed unanimously. Project Video 7.  Mindi advised that the project information for discussion was never received. Calendar of Meetings 8.  Mindi reviewed the meeting calendar. The Economic Development Committee will meet every first Wednesday of the month.  Mindi advised that meetings off location at area businesses will be scheduled. Mindi will provide a list of targeted headquarters and those businesses whose lease may be ending.  Mindi asked the committee to email any businesses they would like to schedule an off location meeting. Upcoming Year – Goals and Projects 9.  Mindi advised that business retention would be a major focus for the committee. The committee will also focus on the vacancies available for retail in allotted shopping centers.  Mindi advised that the City Council goal work plan for economic development regarding Coppell 2030 included Community Wellness and Special Place to Live. The work plan element would be in regards to Old Coppell Projects and Economic Incentives for Neighborhood Commercial Properties.  Mindi provided copies of the 2010 Economic Development Annual Report.  Discussion followed regarding goals and projects. 1. Create a contact roster for businesses 2. Meet needs of business for internet connection 3. A quarterly business letter be mailed, Recognize Business of the month 4. Concern regarding the many restaurant closings, Invite school PTO to help support local restaurants for a percentage of sales for school, Restaurant expert present to committee 5. Data base of business status. 6. Track the RFP’s and status, Mindi provided copies which were reviewed by the committee 7. Develop collateral material. 8. Retail Association: Pros. & Cons. Discussion 9. Continue Leadership Breakfasts 10. Presentation Day for Brokers & Developers, Golf, Casino, Skeet Shoot, Appealing door prizes  Mindi advised that the committee begin presentation ideas for the joint Planning/Council meeting. Suggestions included providing copies of the RFP Response List, Contact businesses prior to meeting to hear their needs, provide copies of the last 2 years results of the Chambers Biz Walk Survey. Mindi asked the committee to list concerns they had to bring forth. These concerns will be discussed at the February meeting.  The Comprehensive Plan will go to Council for approval on Jan. 25. The approved Comp. Plan will be available on the City Website. Chamber of Commerce Update 10.  Christie advised there had been a drop in membership due to closings of businesses.  The Coppell Gala will be held on February 26 at the Hilton Garden Inn beginning at 6 p.m. The theme is Black Tie Tailgate. Sponsors are still needed. School District Update 11.  David Apple shared that the school finances are a concern. The legislative session will give insights regarding state funding issues. General Discussion and Update on Commercial and Industrial Projects 12.  Mindi reviewed projects under construction and businesses that are now open or opening soon.  Mindi shared that Kentucky Fried Chicken, Pizza Inn, and Starbucks (Mcarthur location) may all be closing.  The Carter Crowley project and What-A-Burger have been approved by City Council.  The Kroger store is in the process of remodeling.  Mindi encouraged members to patronize the new restaurants recentlly opened in Coppell.  The Quick Trip project will be presented to Council on Jan. 11.  There will not be a P&Z meeting for January due to amount of cases submitted. With no further business to discuss, it was moved by James Walker and seconded by Gary Roden that the meeting adjourn. By unanimous vote, the meeting was adjourned at 7:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Scarlett Hovland Admin. Support Asst.