EDC 11-15-2007
Minutes
REGULAR MEETING
SCHERTZ ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
November 15, 2007
11 :30 a.m. -1 :00 p.m.
Council Workshop, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, TX 78154
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
CORPORATION
Carl Douglas, President
Arthur Jones
Mark Roberts
Roy Richard
Steve White
James Jamison
Anthony Vaticalos
CITY STAFF
George Antuna, Executive Director
Jeff Jewell, ED Specialist
Erin Matlock, ED Specialist
Juan Santoya, Finance Director
Don Taylor, City Manager
David Harris, Assistant City Manager
THOSE ABSENT
Jim Fowler, Council Member
Others Present
Jennings Gray, Lowe's Representative
Robert Brockman, Citizen
Kelly Cofer, The Retail Coach
1. Economic Development Corporation Call to Order: President Carl Douglas
President Douglas called the meeting to order at 11 :31 a.m.
2. Introduction of Guests:
Don Taylor, City Manager
David Harris Assistant City Manager
Robert Brockman, Citizen
Jennings Gray, Lowe's Representative
Kelly Cofer, The Retail Coach
3. Public Comment
Mr. Brockman stated that a new business IS moving into the Texas Tack & Trailer
building.
4. OLD BUSINESS
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Minutes 11.15.07
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A. Minutes of the October 31, 2007 Meeting
The minutes for the October 31, 2007 meeting were not available.
B. Financial Report - (Juan Santoya)
Mr. Santoya briefed the directors on the financial report. Mr. Santoya stated that sales
tax revenue is up twenty percent from last year. The sales tax revenue for the month
is $167,000.
Mr. Santoya handed out a briefing on the Mid-Cities Project and Schwab Road
Project.
C. Set next meeting: TBD
President Douglas stated that the board will not meet in December unless necessary.
5. Presentation by the Retail Coach
Kelly Cofer from the Retail Coach handed out a presentation to each board member. Mr.
Cofer stated that his company would provide the City with a retail trade area to include the
whole City. The Retail Coach would also provide service for one year to the City of
Schertz after delivering the final product. The cost for the service would be $45,000 with
the final delivery of service to be complete within 120 days.
No action taken on this item
6. Discuss and take action on a request for a tax abatement and/or alternative incentive
for Lowe's
Jeff Jewell of the Economic Development Department gave a briefing on the Lowe's
incentive with a power point presentation to designate a time line of emails from the City
to Lowe's and David Cummings.
Don Taylor, City Manager for the City of Schertz gave a briefing on his knowledge of the
discussions with Lowe's. Mr. Taylor stated that the City only agreed to allow Lowe's to
use the CmD Fund from CPS Energy and to pay for the transfer of the water/sewer lines.
Mr. Taylor stated that prior to today's meeting he spoke with Amy Madison, former
Economic Development Director to confirm that no other incentive was spoken of. Ms.
Madison confirmed that the only incentive offered was the CmD Fund and reimbursement
of the water/sewer line.
Jennings Gray informed the board that the Real Estate Committee for Lowe's denied the
site in Schertz due to low revenue prediction. Mr. Gray stated that the REC (Real Estate
Committee) usually does not over turn a ruling. The ruling would only be overturned if an
offer was made for an incentive.
Director White stated that while he was the interim Economic Development Director for
the City of Schertz, he met with Sam Willoughby and Dennis Little to offer Lowe's the
following:
Schertz SEDC Board Meeting
Minutes 11.15.07
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. Power pole relocation = $15,500 (completed)
. Water line rerouting = $33,140
. Water Line Extension= $228,000
Director White stated that he did state that Lowe's was welcome to apply for tax
abatement.
Director Richard stated that the City of Schertz should commit to its original offer of the
power pole relocation, water line rerouting and water line extension.
Mr. Gray stated that if the City would participate in the original offer it would be greatly
appreciated.
Director Richard moved to approve original offer of power pole relocation, water line
rerouting and water line extension to Lowe's. Director Roberts seconded the motion.
Motion carried. Vote unanimous.
7. Discuss and take action on a request for a tax abatement and/or alternative incentive
Walgreen's
This item was tabled.
8. EXECUTIVE SEESSION: CALLED UNDER CHAPTER 551 TEXAS
GOVERNMENT CODE, SUB-SECTION 551.087 DELIBERATION REGARDING
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NEGOTIATIONS
9. Action if any on the above Executive Session
No items discussed
10. Items by Economic Development Director
Mr. Antuna stated that the ED staff was out of the office last week for the TML
Conference. Mr. Antuna invited the directors to look on line at the new ED booth.
Mr. Antuna stated that City Council voted unanimously to join the Austin-San Antonio
Corridor Commuter Rail. The annual membership fee for the committee will be $49,500.
11. Board Member Items
President Douglas stated that per State Statute, No monies will come out of the Economic
Development Corporation until the request has been presented to and action taken by the
Board of Directors.
Director White stated that the $49,500 annual fee for the Austin-San Antonio Corridor
Council will come out of the Economic Development Department under line item
membership.
17. Adjournment
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Minutes 11.15.07
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There being no further business, President Douglas adjourned the meeting at 1 :02 pm
President, Carl Douglas
Vice President, Steve White
SecretarylTreasurer, James Jamison
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