HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/21/1997
MINUTES
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION BOARD
MEETING
JANUARY 21, 1997
7:30 p.m.
CITY HALL CONFERENCE ROOM
Present:
Board
Gary McClure, President
Mary Watts, Council Member
Dave Kovatch, Council Member
Craig Sloan
Sue Walden
Ronnie Fischer
Rick Manser
Staff
Dennis Watson, Staff Liaison
Others
Tim House, Matthews Southwest
David Leininger, Economic Research Associates
Don Blackwood, Crow/Billingsley
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mr. McClure called the meeting to order at 7:34 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
3. UPDATE ON GOLF COURSE PROJECT
Tun House informed the Board that Matthews Southwest is close to deciding on a golf operator
for the course. Mr. House stated that they are seriously considering two proposals: one from M
and one from American Golf. Mr. House stated that Matthews Southwest has undertaken a more
detailed land planning and infrastructure analysis in support of the negotiations on the golf course.
Mr. House stated that Matthews is now considering putting the first 18 holes on Corps. land since
lease negotiations were moving along at a steady pace. He then turned the discussion over to
David Leininger.
Mr. Leininger briefly discussed the potential operators and their plans for the golf course. Mr.
Leininger stated that he feels comfortable with both proposals and that both companies have
proven reputations in the golf operating business. Mr. Leininger stated that by February 8, offers
from both parties should be in hand. Mr. Leininger stated that specific matters with the city
would need to be addressed. Those matters are as follows:
• The lease terms and conditions with the Corps and the City. It is anticipated that the length of
the sublease with the city will be 99 years and economic terms will mirror that Stewart
Peninsula lease previously provided by the City as an example.
• Water access agreement: address with the City of Dallas the terms and conditions for taking
water out of the lake. Assign those provisions to the operator.
• Support services and assistance by the city, such as directional signage from S.H. 121 and 720
to the course, and a waiver of city fees associated with construction of facilities and property
tax abatements for improvements on the Corps. land.
The Board discussed what actions to take regarding the requests by Matthews Southwest.
The Board suggested the idea of requesting Matthews Southwest to give an update on the golf
course to Council at their next meeting. Mr. Watson stated that he would see if Matthews
Southwest would be agreeable to this idea and if so get it on the agenda.
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF EDC'S MEETINGS FOR THE MONTH OF
OCTOBER, NOVEMBER, AND DECEMBER; AND FOR 8/27/96 AND 9/24/96
Mr. McClure made a motion to approve the minutes. Mr. Fischer seconded. The motion carried.
5. DISCUSSION ON ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN REGARDING ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT PLAN
Mr. McClure stated that the first goal of the economic development plan was to enact a sales tax
for economic development purposes. He stated that a representative from the State Comptroller's
Office will give a presentation on staging a campaign. Mr. McClure stated that the Board would
be working toward this goal. The Board began a brainstorming session on mapping out an initial
course of action for the Economic Development Plan. The goals included:
1. Enacting a sales tax
August 1997 target date
List Targeted Use (Infrastructure, Economic Development, Property Tax
Rollback)
2. Public Relations (Start Early)
EDC in front of Council every television meeting
2/3 Update on golf Course
2/17 Matthews announcement of golf operator
3/03 Presentation from EDC on how to implement goals of plan
Golf Course
Sales Tax Presentation (Bob Bearden)
EDC Outreach/ Partners for Progress
Budget
3. Fund Raising
Mr. McClure stated that all contacts should be channeled through Mr. Watson. Ms. Watts
suggested that after Board members make their initial contact they should let Mr. Watson know.
The Board discussed further the idea of contacting prospects.
6. OTHER BUSINESS
Mr. Sloan requested an update on Braum's and Auto Zone and inquired if there was anything the
EDC could do to assist in furthering along the progress of either one of these projects. Mr.
Watson stated that he would find out this information and report back to the Board at their next
meeting. Ms. Watts asked if the City Planner intended to inform the EDC on businesses that
have inquired about locating in The Colony. Mr. McClure asked Mr. Watson if he could draft a
correspondence on behalf of the EDC to the City Planner requesting a list covering the past year
or so of all serious inquiries by companies and also ask if this list could be provided on a regular
basis to the EDC. Mr. Watson stated that he would send the correspondence this week. There
being no further business the eetig was adjourned at 9:50 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled
for,lFebruary 4, at 6:00 p.m
Respectfully Submitted, Dennis Watson, Staff Liaison