BM 2001-09-12 EcDevCOPPELL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
September 12, 2001
MINUTES
The Coppell Economic Development Committee met at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 12,
2001 at Coppell Town Center, 2nd Floor Conference Room, 255 Parkway Boulevard, Coppell,
Texas. The following were present: Chairman Bill Rohloff, Gary Roden, Bruce Bradford, Jay
Thompson, Dennis Onalaja, Tim Brancheau, Mohammed Elmougy, Mary Ann Kellam,
Councilmember Marsha Tunnell, and Councilmember Jayne Peters, City Manager Jim Witt, Chad
Beach, Gary Sieb and Andrea Roy.
Call to Order.
Chairman Bill Rohloff called the meeting to order at 6:10 p.m.
Approval of Minutes
It was moved by Gary Roden and seconded by Dennis Onalaja that the minutes of the
August 1,2001 meeting be approved as recorded. The motion passed unanimously.
Discussion regarding additional incentives for business retention
Staff briefed the Committee with regard to the possibility of providing additional
incentives to companies that are substantial corporate assets to the City, which are
considering relocation. This would be done on a case by case basis.
Presentation of City Council Economic Development Survey Results
Staff briefed the Committee on the results of the City Council Survey. Discussion
followed regarding the Council comments, which echoed the goals of the council
regarding economic development.
Presentation of Development Community Survey Results
Staff briefed the Committee on the results of the Development Community Survey,
which provided much insight into Coppell's economic development efforts, including
staffing, business retention, marketing, and incentives. The developers made several
recommendations regarding the City's processes on building permits, the type of
information which should be available to the development community, and the need to
know the status of roadway improvements and other capital improvements. Additionally,
staff enabled the development community to openly express those development policies
and restrictions that they feel need to be altered and may be too restrictive. Staff will
look into these requests, particularly expedited permitting and the placement of signage
along roadways indicating when improvements will be made.
Economic Development Topics of Consideration
a.) Staffing and b.) Chamber of Commerce
The Committee discussed at length, the current and potential economic development
staffing needs, as well as the relationship and role of both the Economic Development
Partnership and Chamber of Commerce in economic development efforts. The
Committee took into consideration the By-Laws, Goals and Objectives, of both the
Committee and the Chamber and reviewed the recommendations of the development
community and Council. The Chamber of Commerce will discuss this issue with their
Executive Board, to assist in defining Chamber's role and responsibilities, and the
possible contributions of the Chamber. Discussion followed regarding the Chamber
sponsored events, such as the breakfasts and luncheons. Possible marketing tools were
suggested, such as lunches with corporate members and key staff members.
It was determined that item c.) Hot Spots, would be discussed at the October 3, 2001,
Economic Development Committee Meeting. There was a brief discussion on the Hot
Spots and it was determined that the Committee would prioritize these hot spots at the
next meeting. It was recommended that a reception be held for those owning this
property and those who may wish to develop these properties, allowing the City to
indicate our goals and vision for these areas. The reception would place developers, real
estate brokers, and the owners in direct touch with one another.
Update on development within the City
Staffbriefed the Committee on new development in the City, informing the Committee of
upcoming development cases.
Adjournment
With no further business to discuss, it was moved by Mary Ann Kellam and seconded by
Mohammed Elmougy that the meeting adjourn. By unanimous vote, the meeting was
adjourned at approximately 8:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Andrea L. Roy