EDC 12-08-2005 SCHERTZ ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMM~~'"~ N
6:00 p.m. December 8, 2005
La'Pasadita Mexican' Restaurant
17160 IH 35 N
Schertz,'TX 78154
Minutes
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CITY STAFF
COMMISSION Amy Madison, Community Development Director
Jackie Jones Erin Matlock, Administrative Assistant
Charles Mc Donald Reine Guillemette, Part-time Assistant
Carl Douglas, Council Member
Marjorie Douglas
Robert Statzer
Henry Gutierrez
Arnold Barrett
Harry Richburg
Klaus Weiswurm
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT OTHERS PRESENT
Bob Valiance None
1. Call to Order
Chairman Robert Statzer called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m.
2. Approval of Minutes: August 11, 2005
Mr. Richburg moved to approve the minutes of the August 11, 2005 Economic
Development Commission meeting. Ms. Jones seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Vote unanimous.
3. Discussion and take action on Technical Memo from TIP Strategies pertaining to:
• Tax Abatement Ordinance
• Organizational Realignment
Ms. Madison reviewed the options presented by TIP Strategies:
• Increase Capital Investment
• Increase job quality
• Incentive ordinance towards target industries
• Ordinance to encourage business expansion
Schertz Economic Development Commission Minutes
Minutes 12-8-05
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• Reduce personal property minimum requirement to $250,000
• Increase minimum wage from $25,000 per job to per capita income amount in
the region
• Modify abatement guidelines and criteria to make it easier to understand
Discussion by Commission was as follows:
Mr. Weiswurm stated that payroll of $25,000 is still at poverty level. Mr. Weiswurm
disagreed with the revitalization of Main Street, stating there are only two buildings
worth renovating.
Ms. Jones stated that TIP Strategies has not given the Commission anything new all
the information stated above has been requested by Commission. Would also like to
give incentives to retail. Ms. Madison stated that the only retail incentive given in the
City of Schertz was to Jason Dixon. Mr. Dixon was given a triple net lease, which is
passed on, to the tenants. Mr. Richburg stated that you would loose small retail. Ms.
Madison stated that we could target retail without abatement by doing a 380 rebate;
you can structure how many years you wish to participate and do not have to have a
public hearing. Ms. Madison defined a 380 rebate as an agreement with the City and
the retailer to rebate sales tax for a period of time.
General discussion was held to revise paragraph that define targeted industries and to
raise personal property from .$250,000 to $500,000. The Commission stated that the
realignment of events is staff related and not subject to the Commission. Ms. Madison
stated that she would like the Commission to consider a Town Center off of live Oak
Rd. (50 acres). Ms. Jones stated that Schertz is still a bedroom community and is it
necessary to have a Town Center.
The Commission stated that they would like to meet with TIP Strategies to discuss the
progress of the Strategic Plan. In general the commission is displeased with the
reports coming back with the assessment and would like to consider pulling out of the
contract. Ms. Jones stated (Why are we paying $80,000 for information we have
already agreed on.)
Mr. Barrett moved to approve Amy Madison the Economic Development Director to
rewrite the tax abatement. Mr. Richburg seconded the motion. Motion carried. Vote
unanimous
4. Comments from Executive Director
• Update: Comprehensive ED Plan
TEDC Meeting Sponsorship
AMPO Meeting/TEDC Meeting
• ICSC / CCIM Trade Shows
• Tri-County Economic Development Coalition / NEP Merger
• RCIC Appointement / RMCC Board Member
• New Industrial Park
• YMCA
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Minutes 12-8-05
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Ms. Madison presented a Director's Report to the Commission detailed above.
Ms. Madison stated that she would like the Commission to consider being a sub-
committee of the Schertz Economic Development Corporation and would like to
dissolve the Schertz Economic Development Foundation. Ms. Madison stated that the
$100,000 of the Schertz Development Foundation could be used as money to plan for
a Town Center or used to purchase land for a new industrial park. Ms. Jones stated
that she would have to decline voting on the latter as she is a member of the Schertz
Economic Development Foundation. Ms. Jones stated that the Schertz Economic
Development Foundation would have to decide what they wanted to use the money
for.
5. Comments from Commissioners
Ms. Jones stated that she would like to make a formal complaint to the City in
reference to the junkyard at the City facility off of FM 1518. Ms. Jones stated that FM
1518 is a major road leading into the City and the site is very unpleasant to view, a
privacy fence could fix this. Mr. Barrett agreed with Ms. Jones and stated for the record
he would also like to complain.
Mr. Barrett questioned the completion of Maske Road. Ms. Madison stated that would
be a Public Works question, however she would be happy to check into the completion.
Mr. Weiswurm stated that the speed limit sign in the Industrial Park is still slated at 20
mph which should read 30 mph and would like the City to keep the eighteen-wheelers
from parking on the side of the street. Mr. Weiswurm stated that he would also like
the consultant to consider a state of the art soccer field for the City, stating this would
be something the City could be known for.
6. Comments from the Chairman
Chairman Statzer stated that he would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas.
7. Set next meeting date: (January 12, 2006)
8. Adjourn
There being no further business, Mr. Barrett moved to adjourned the meeting at 7:45
p.m. Ms. Douglas seconded the motion. Motion carried. Vote unanimous
Chairman Robert Statzer Recording Secretary
Schertz Economic Development Commission Minutes
Minutes 12-8-05
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