BM 2014-01-08 EcDev
COPPELL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
January 8, 2014
MINUTES
The Coppell Economic Development Committee met at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 8, 2014, at
Coppell Town Center, Second Floor Conference Room, 255 Parkway Boulevard, Coppell, Texas, 75019.
The following were present: Don Carroll, Vice Chairperson; Sue Bird; Aaron Straach; Jeff Varnell;
Christi Greene; Gayle Westapher; David Apple; Monica Diamond; Scott Spray; Maggie Lucas; Davin
Bernstein (arrived at 6:40); Vincent Hsieh (alternate); George Williford (alternate); Mindi Hurley; and
Amy Swaim.
REGULAR SESSION
(Open to public)
Call to Order
1.
Vice Chairperson Carroll called the meeting to order at 6:11 p.m.
Introduction of Committee Members
2.
Introductions were made, including newly appointed Economic Development Committee (EDC)
member Maggie Lucas and alternates Vincent Hsieh and George Williford.
Election of Officers
3.
Motion by Jeff Varnell, second by Don Carroll to nominate Bill Rohloff for Chairperson of the
EDC. AYE: All. The motion passed unanimously.
Motion by Jeff Varnell, second by Monica Diamond to nominate Don Carroll for Vice
Chairperson of the EDC. AYE: All. The motion passed unanimously.
Approval of Minutes
4.
Motion by Aaron Straach, second by Jeff Varnell , to approve the November 6, 2013, minutes as
presented. AYE: All. The motion passed unanimously.
Election of Coppell Economic Development Foundation, Inc., Members
5.
The following EDC members indicated interest in Coppell Economic Development Foundation,
Inc. membership: Bill Rohloff (via email); Don Carroll; Aaron Straach; Jeff Varnell; and David
Apple.
Motion by Sue Bird, second by Monica Diamond, to nominate the above-mentioned slate of
candidates for membership to the Coppell Economic Development Foundation, Inc. AYE: All.
The motion passed unanimously
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Discuss Calendar and Action Plan for 2014
6.
Mindi indicated EDC normally cancels July and December meetings. She stated June could
possibly be cancelled due to her leave of absence during that month.
Mindi presented the Committee with an action plan for various EDC projects within the
upcoming months. Projects discussed included the following:
Prioritizing the Fund Balance - She reminded the Committee that this is a major area of
focus and will be discussed at the March meeting.
Retail Strategy – Discuss in February and March 2014 (Mindi noted Catalyst has been
hired to perform study)
Redevelopment “Hot Spots” – Discuss in April 2014
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Business Newsletter – Review and finalize 1 edition in March 2014
Business Retention Plan – Discuss in March 2014
Community Value Parameters – Discuss in April and May 2014
Small Business Assistance – Discuss in February 2014
Mindi reminded the committee that all proposed dates are subject to change.
General Discussion and Update on Commercial and Industrial Projects
7.
Mindi stated Council is considering revising the City’s Ethics Clause. She explained the revision,
in part, includes requiring any person serving on a board, committee, or commission to wait
twelve (12) months after stepping down or term expiration before representing a case or item on
behalf of someone else at any City of Coppell public hearing. Mindi indicated City staff wanted
feedback from all boards, commissions, and committees before moving on with the revision. All
present on the EDC showed opposition to the revision. The consensus was the revision felt like a
penalty, and the “Twelve month” clause would discourage potential, qualified board members.
Additionally, Mindi discussed various projects and where they are in the development process,
including development along Freeport Parkway and the hotel, which is scheduled to open by the
end of the year.
ADJOURNMENT
Vice-Chairperson Carroll adjourned the meeting at 7:22 p.m.
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