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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/21/1988 - Joint Minutes City Council MINUTES JOINT MEETING OF THE COLLEGE STATION CITY COUNCIL AND THE COLLEGE STATION ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION Monday, November 21, 1988 5=$0 P.M. COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Ringer, Councilmen Brown, McIlhaney, Schneider, Haddox, Birdwell COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: Councilman Gardner ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESENT: Bill Cooley, David Pugh, Pat Cornelison, Maria Polites, Ken Shaw, Terri Tongco, Quest Daniel, Dennis Goehring ABSENT: Eddie Schultz STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Ragland, City Secretary Jones, Assistant City Attorney Banks, PARD Director Beachy, Public Utilities Director Woody, Finance Director Harrison, Public Information Officer Calllham Agenda Item No. 1 - Discuss Merger Proposal. Councilman Haddox explained that the program to combine the Economic Development Effort for Bryan-College Station was prepared by a committee composed of several groups. Mr. Haddox stated that the Brazos County Industrial Foundation has met and approved the proposed merger. Mr. Haddox stated that the College Station Economic Development Foundation met and reviewed the program and approved the merger. The Foundation has asked the Council for their consideration to approve the merger. Mr. Haddox stated that the Foundation recommended to the Council three persons to serve on the Bryan-College Station Economic Development Board. They are: Ken Shaw, Pat Cornelison, and Dick Haddox. The Foundation asked the Council to appoint these three members as approved by the Foundation. Mr. Haddox discussed the funding operations. The Joint Committee has requested that the City of College Station fund an annual amount of $100,000, the City of Bryan fund $100,000, and Brazos County Industrial Foundation fund $50.000. The CSEDF approved this funding proposal and recommends this amount to the City Council for their approval. Mr. Haddox stated that the CSEDF feels the Foundation should exist for a period of time to monitor the actions of the new Toint Meeting CSEDF '~onday, November 21, 1988 Page 2 Board. He also pointed out that the Foundation should stay in existence to oversee the plans for the College Station Business Park. At this time, Councilman Haddox asked the Council to consider the above items. Mayor Ringer stated that no action can be taken at this time. Discussion was held. Councilman Birdwell asked if the money budgeted for this year's College Station Economic Development Foundation fund could be allocated toward their portion of funding this program. Mr. Haddox replied that the City Council approved funding of $115,000 to the CSEDF. He noted that time will be a factor because the new Board will develop by-laws, hire a new Director, and other necessary actions must be considered to phase in a new program. Councilman Birdwell asked when the City of Bryan will consider this action. Mayor Ringer replied that this item has been placed on their agenda for Monday, November 28th. Councilman Schneider asked for a list of Brazos County and Bryan facilities, land development, etc. Mr. Haddox replied that the Joint Committee concluded that they not recommend the new Board take on the responsibility of the existing parks in the beginning phases. As a result, the Joint Committee felt each entity would maintain their own park until such time the new Board could take over these responsibilities. Councilman Schneider asked Mr. Haddox what he feels is the major purpose of combining the entities. Mr. Haddox replied that the primary purpose is to combine marketing efforts and represent the community in a unified, cooperative way. Councilman McIlhaney pointed out that in past budget processes, the Council has requested to see budgets of different organiza- tions before any money is committed. Councilman Birdwell asked about current funding for the Economic Development Division of the Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Goehring clarified that $35,000 allocated by the Brazos County Industrial Foundation funded the Chamber Economic Development Division. Councilman Birdwell asked if any Chamber monies are committed to the Economic Development Foundation. Mr. Goehring replied negatively. Councilman Schneider asked Mr. Haddox to summarize the proposal. Mr. Haddox stated that the CSEDF Board would like to see unifica- tion of the different boards to accomplish the goals together. Each CSEDF member was given the opportunity to express their feelings on the purpose of this joint effort. Ms. Terri Tongco stated that she feels it will be a Joint effort behind the marketing program for Bryan-College Station. Joint Meeting CSEDF Monday, November 21, 1988 Page 3 Ms. Pat Cornelison stated that she feels the main purpose is the coming together of all entities to work together and maximize the opportunities. Councilman Haddox expressed his enthusiasm to see many people from Bryan at the Amtrak ceremonies and noted that residents are beginning to look at this community as a whole. Mr. Quest Daniel expressed that this joint program is a window of opportunity in the near future to consolidate and focus on the marketing effort in a combined effort which will be much stronger than an individual group. Mr. Bill Cooley indicated consolidate this effort. that now is the right time to Mr. Ken Shaw mentioned that if a prospect is interested in this area, he will be able to approach a united group. Ms. Maria Polites commented that this program will allow a more concerted, professional effort. Councilman Fred Brown commented that $80,000 a year is not enough money for marketing. He emphasized how critical this area of economic development is. He added that everyone will benefit from the combined program. Mr. David Pugh commented that this must be a redirecting the citizens mind to think of the whole. first step in community as a Councilman Haddox stressed that the Committee members who were involved in this program were unanimously supportive for this effort. CSEDF President Dennis Goehring commented that the critical area is marketing and that he is delighted to sell Bryan/College Station as a whole community. Mayor Ringer mentioned that the Bryan and College Station City Councils will each appoint 3 members. He asked how the three members of the Brazos County Industrial Foundation will be selected. Mr. Cooley responded that he was not sure how the members would be selected. Councilman Birdwell suggested that the three members be appointed by the Brazos County Commissioners Court. Mayor Ringer emphasized that the Board should be structured so that no perceptive problems result from favoritism. Mayor Ringer suggested that the three members appointed by the County also be approved by both City Councils. He added that the Board should be fairly represented by each entity. 070!9 Joint Meeting CSEDF Monday. November 21. 1988 Page 4 Councilman Haddox replied that this idea was discussed. He pointed out that as a Councilmember, he would not support the Board if the progress conducted by the Board members were not satisfactory. He added that the people selected to this com- mittee will need to be community-minded people who are willing to work with everyone Mayor Ringer asked if the Committee discussed changing the appointments to three year terms as opposed to two years, and having each entity name one individual every year. Mrs. Tongco replied that there are no concrete steps yet. At this time, the Board has expressed the need to know the Council's feelings of a merger. Councilman Brown noted that the County has less to gain from this reorganization, but should be commended for their active partici- pation. Mr. Quest Daniel commented "perpetuating problem" that the Board is aware of the Mayor Ringer stated that this item will be considered at a future council meeting. A~enda Item No. 2 - Discussion of Business Park Sign. Councilman Haddox referred to the memorandum from City Manager Ragland to PARD Director Steve Beachy. Mr. Goehring indicated that the Board recommended that the south entry welcome sign be located at the entrance of the College Station Business Park. He also indicated that the College Station Industrial Park sign would compliment this welcome sign, if feasible, to make this site attractive, he Board A~enda Item No. 3 - College Station Economic Development Foundation Progress Report. Mr. Goehring referred to progress reports for the Foundation for 1988. the packet materials containing the College Station Economic Development He expressed that 1988 was a major accomplishments by the Center; and (2) Federal Prison. enjoyed increased sales taxes. "boomer" year. He indicated two Foundations: (1) USDA Training He reported that College Station Mr. Goehring continued by stating that the CSEDF is continuing to generate more applications for the Certified Development Corp- oration. In looking forward to 1989, there are many projects happening for the community. For instance, the Super Collider which should generate economic growth to the community; horse racing will generate activity in terms of breeding facilities and the TAMU veterinary school handling of all inspections used for -,-,7o2n Joint Meeting CSEDF Monday, November 21, 1988 Page 5 the horse racing industry. Also, there is activity in general areas such as increased construction, for example, new schools. Mr. Goehring reviewed twenty projects in progress. These projects were listed in the packet provided to the Council. Councilman Birdwell asked what the CSEDF is doing to encourage individual retirees to live in College Station. Mr. Goehring replied that the Foundation is restricted by lack of funding and has not done a very good job in promoting this type of activity. Councilman Haddox pointed out that they are working with Mr. Bill Fitch to start another golf course where private development could sell properties on the golf course. Mr. Blrdwell pointed out that retirees are moving to Bryan and College Station without any development being done, but the City should promote this idea among the Former Students and persons who are familiar with the area and interested in sports, cultural activities, and enjoy a medium sized atmosphere. Retirees would bring economic growth to the community. Agenda Item No. 4 - Other Concerns. Councilman Haddox stated that he appreciated Councilman Birdwell's suggestion regarding promotion activities for active retirees locating in College Station. Councilman Schneider Foundation has done. seRse. expressed his appreciation for the job the He agreed that the merger plan makes good Mr. Goehring thanked Mr. Steve Beachy for his ideas in promoting the Hurricane Bowl. Agenda Item No. 5 - Adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m. APPROVED: ATTEST: