BM 2001-03-07 EcDevCOPPELL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
March 7, 2001
MINUTES
The Coppell Economic Development Committee met at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 7, 2001
at Coppell Town Center, 2nd Floor Conference Room, 255 Parkway Boulevard, Coppell, Texas
75019. The following were present: Chairman Bill Rohloff, Bruce Bradford, Jay Thompson,
Dennis Onalaja, Bill Herries, Mohamed Elmougy, Councilmember Marsha Tunnell, Chad Beach,
Gary Sieb, and Andrea Roy.
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Call to Order
Chairman Bill Rohloff called the meeting to order at 6:10 p.m.
Approval of Minutes
It was moved by Bill Herries and seconded by Dennis Onalaja that the minutes of the
February 7, 2001 meeting be approved as recorded. The motion passed unanimously.
Request by the Expo Group for tax abatement for a 12.085-acre site
Ray Pekowski of the Expo Group and Sharon Morrison of the Staubach Company
presented. The Expo Group plans to construct a two-phase office/warehouse, containing a
total of approximately 167,000 square feet, at the southwest comer of Royal Lane and
Gateview Boulevard. The Expo Group is the maker of trade show exhibits and the
proposed building will house the company's corporate headquarters. The site plan aspect
of the project is scheduled to be heard by Planning Commission at the March Meeting.
Mr. Pekowski briefed the Committee on the company's operations and their involvement
in and dedication to the community in which they are located.
Chad Beach followed with the review of a summary of the results of the econometric
model, indicating that this is a standard abatement-the Expo Group is requesting a 5-year,
75% tax abatement. The Expo Group also requested, within their application packet, that
additional fees be waived. The applicant was informed that the Economic Development
Committee does not have the authority to waive impact or permitting fees.
It was moved by Bruce Bradford and seconded by Mohammed Elmougy that the Expo
Group (Pekowski Family 1998 Trust) be granted a 5-year, 75% tax abatement. It was
passed unanimously.
Discussion regarding Triple Freeport Exemption.
Staff informed the Committee that individual thank you letters, with a copy of the ad
from the Dallas Business Journal, were sent to all Triple Freeport financial contributors.
Additionally, staff passed out draft letters to be sent to the four developers who
contributed to Triple Freeport, indicating that a surplus in funds had resulted. Discussion
followed regarding the degree of refund which should be given back to the developers.
Additionally, staff also informed the Committee that more detailed information regarding
the mechanics of Triple Freeport was received from the Dallas Central Appraisal District
and will be used to compile information for Coppell's website and a pamphlet for
interested parties.
It was moved by Bill Herries and seconded by Jay Thompson that the City rebate all
unexpended funds to the four contributing developers. It was passed unanimously.
Discussion regarding the City of Irving/Irving Chamber Economic Development
Strategy/Coppell Impact
Gary Sieb briefed the Committee on the request made by the Irving Chamber to join them
in their promotion/marketing efforts with regards to telecommunication and technology
in this area. A brief outline was distributed, describing Irving's newly created
Centerpiece for Technology Council. Mr. Sieb mentioned that the Irving Chamber was
interested in discussing Coppell's participation in this endeavor. It was decided that Staff
would contact the Chamber and schedule a time for their attendance at an Economic
Development Committee Meeting.
6. Update on Development within the City (Planning).
Staff briefed the Committee on new development in the City. Additionally, Bill Herries
distributed a handout which discusses the possibility of extending tax abatements to
owner occupied developments; those who are active community members, serving on
boards, etc. Discussion followed. It was decided that the members would review the
proposal and discuss further at a later date.
Adjournment
With no further business to discuss, it was moved by Jay Thompson and seconded by
Dennis Onalaja that the meeting adjourn. By unanimous vote, the meeting was adjourned
at 7:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Andrea L. Roy