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BM 2011-09-07 EcDev COPPELL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE September 7, 2011 MINUTES The Coppell Economic Development Committee met at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 7, 2011 at Coppell Town Center, 2nd Floor Conference Room, 255 Parkway Boulevard, Coppell, Texas 75019. The following were present: Bill Rohloff, Gary Roden, Don Carroll, Kenneth Luttmer, Matt Hall, Amanda O’Neal, James Walker, Adam Darowski, Aaron Straach, Casey Klein, Christi Greene, Scarlett Hovland, and Mindi Hurley. Monica Diamond also attended. Call to Order 1. Bill Rohloff called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. Approval of Minutes: August 3, 2011 2. It was moved by Ken Luttmer and seconded by Matt Hall that the minutes of August 3, 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 east of Freeport Pkwy. And north of Bethel Rd. Bill Rohloff convened into Executive Session at 6:11 p.m. as under the above-stated article and discussed Item 1. Rohloff recessed the Executive Session at 6:31 p.m. and opened the Regular Session. REGULAR SESSION (Open to Public) Incentive Discussion 4.  Mindi provided copies of guidelines regarding incentives for business retention and new business.  The guidelines are based on the business personal property, jobs added, space leased, sales tax generated, and duration of lease.  Discussion followed regarding the following: make the incentives beneficial to the tenant and make guidelines available for the brokers and developers.  Mindi advised that the comptroller’s office has ruled that purchasing companies with sales tax rebate agreements with cities will no longer be considered places of business for sales tax remittance purposes. There are two such businesses in Coppell. The city attorney’s office is working to determine what our next steps are. Both business entities have rescinded their agreements with the City in order to remain compliant with this ruling. Strategic Plan Discussion – Presentation by the Business Sub-Committee. 5.  Ken Luttmer presented the business sub-committee’s notes regarding their goals. I. Identify and Map Targeted: A. Create, map and maintain a list of developed and undeveloped land that corresponds to the Coppell 2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan B. Identify property owners on developed land and determine status of current leasehold interest, status of leasing efforts, etc…… II. Identify and Address Challenges A. Identify (on an ongoing basis) obstacles to future new business recruit and development (related to city and / or city government control). B. Interview existing and potential Coppell businesses and developers to get business perspective of obstacles and challenges to locating in Coppell. C. Provide feedback to City Council (and / or P&Z) and provide suggestions for improvement. III. Market City and Properties A. Identify and maintain a Target Audience list. B. Identify and market community resources and advantages such as amenities, location, Triple Freeport, Schools, pro-business groups and programs. C. Establish effective marketing tools. IV. Incentives A. Financial Incentives B. Non-Financial Incentives  Discussion followed.  The consensus of the committee is that the small groups are beneficial. Chamber Update 6.  Casey advised that the Chamber Luncheon is scheduled for Friday, September 9. The luncheons th will be scheduled on the 4 Friday of every month at the Senior & Community Center.  The golf tournament is scheduled for September 30 at Riverchase Golf Club beginning at noon until 6 p.m.  The Taste of Coppell is scheduled for October 1 at Riverchase Golf Club. School District Update 7.  Mindi reported in the absence of David Apple.  Student numbers are up about 600, which means classrooms are more crowded than expected.  According to the Dallas Morning News, Coppell ISD is one of the top school districts in the area in terms of graduating students being college ready. General Discussion and Update on Commercial and Industrial Projects 8.  Mindi reviewed projects under construction and businesses that are now open or opening soon.  Mindi reminded the committee that applications for Boards & Commissions will be accepted no later than Friday, Sept. 23. The applicant interviews are scheduled for October 19. The new term will begin in January 2012.  JP Morgan Chase Bank will be hiring 500 employees.  Scentsy Inc. will be opening a 150,000-square-foot distribution facility at 500 Freeport Parkway to serve the south central United States and plans to hire 190 new workers.  The City bought back the property from the Kolbergs as per contract. The Kolbergs were unable to secure financing for the project within the allotted time.  The Sign Ordinance committee met on Thursday, August 18. The meeting went well with discussion regarding monument signs, color and lighting for signs.  The available property analytics were reviewed.  Mindi asked the committee members to submit their retail suggestions. With no further business to discuss, it was moved by James Walker and seconded by Amanda O’Neal that the meeting adjourn. By unanimous vote, the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Scarlett Hovland Admin. Support Asst.