BM 2011-03-02 EcDev
COPPELL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
March 2, 2011
MINUTES
The Coppell Economic Development Committee met at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 2, 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,Christi Greene,David Apple, Scarlett Hovland, and Mindi Hurley.
Call to Order
1.
Bill Rohloff called the meeting to order at 6:10 p.m.
Approval of Minutes: January 5, 2011
2.
It was moved by Amanda O’Neal and seconded by James Walker that the minutes of
January 5, 2011 meeting be approved. The motion passed unanimously.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Convene Executive Session (Closed to Public)
3.
A. Section 551.087, Texas Government Code – Economic Development Negotiations.
1. Economic Development Prospects west of Belt Line Rd. and south of Wrangler
Drive.
Bill Rohloff convened into Executive Session at 6:12 p.m. as under the above-stated article and
discussed Item 1. Rohloff recessed the Executive Session at 6:34 p.m. ad opened the Regular Session.
REGULAR SESSION (Open to Public)
SKEDS Overview
4.
Mindi advised that the contract has been signed with SKEDS.
SKEDS will supply material for businesses.
Mindi asked for committee members involvement to promote the SKEDS program to the retail
businesses in Coppell. Please email her if you are interested in volunteering. Each retail
business will need to be visited.
The City IT department is currently in the process of connecting the SKEDS program to the City
website.
Future Meetings Discussion
5.
Mindi provided a list of potential meeting locations.
Discussion followed regarding locations that may be close to ending their lease agreement, and to
prioritize locations to visit according to years of being established in Coppell.
Mindi asked members to email her with other locations they may be interested in.
Tax Incentive Policy Analysis
6.
Mindi provided copies of the 2009 – 2010 and 2010-2011 tax rate comparison of area cities. She
also provided copies of the 2008 – 2009 and 2010-2011 tax incentive options for area cities.
The current tax abatement policy was reviewed.
Discussion followed regarding what changes may need to be made to the current policy.
Discussion will continue in future meetings.
2011 Goals and Objectives Discussion
7.
Mindi provided copies a chart showing the goals and objectives listed and their status.
The chart was reviewed by the committee.
It was noted that the Comp Plan public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, March 8.
The quarterly newsletter was discussed. It was suggested that an email be listed in the newsletter
for a door prize for verification that it was read.
It was suggested that a “projected date” column be added to the goals and objectives chart.
Joint Meeting Discussion
8.
Mindi provided copies of suggested questions for the joint Planning / Economic Development /
Council meeting.
Discussion followed regarding the Comp. Plan / Redevelopment, Incentives/Business Retention,
Business Concerns and the impact of the Northlake Development.
Mindi will formulate questions from the discussion. She will provide the questions at the next
meeting.
No date has been set for the joint meeting.
Chamber of Commerce Update
9.
Christie advised that there were approximately 300 in attendance at the Gala.
Christie announced that Beverly Widner, President of the Chamber is retiring.
The membership drive has begun.
School District Update
10.
David Apple shared an update on the budget crisis regarding school finances.
General Discussion and Update on Commercial and Industrial Projects
11.
Mindi provided an updated roster of committee members.
Mindi showed the Coppell advertisement that was placed in the Dallas Journal Economic
Development Guide 2011.
Mindi reviewed projects under construction and businesses that are now open or opening soon.
Mindi shared that Kentucky Fried Chicken is selling their building.
Mindi announced that Barcel USA will be locating in Coppell.
Mindi shared that there were 24 people at the Business Breakfast on Feb. 17. Two businesses
were represented from the west side. Mindi will be sending a follow up letter to the businesses
regarding the breakfast and the information that was shared.
With no further business to discuss, it was moved by Matt Hall and seconded by James Walker that the
meeting adjourn. By unanimous vote, the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Scarlett Hovland
Admin. Support Asst.