HomeMy WebLinkAboutEDA 2006-10-27 MinutesCity of North Richland Hills Economic Development
Advisory Committee
Board of Directors Meeting
City Hall Pre-Council Room
Friday, October 27, 2006
MINUTES
Board Members Present:
Mr. Alan Young, Alan Young Pontiac-Buick-GMC Trucks
Mr. Jim Makens, The Makens Company
Mr. Dan Quinto, Roaring Brook
Mr. John Hunter, HealthMarkets
Mr. Gene O'Bannon, Walter Mortgage Co.
Ms. Linda Timmons, Bates Container
Ms. Janet Golightly, Golightly's Gallery
Mr. Randy Moresi, North Hills Hospital
Mr. Mike Rigby, Liberty Bank
Staff:
Mr. Richard Torres, Assistant City Manager, City of NRH
Mr. Thad Chambers, Economic Development Director, City of NRH
Mr. John Pitstick, Director of Planning and Development, City of NRH
Ms. Elizabeth Leasure, Marketing and Research Coordinator, City of NRH
The City of North Richland Hills convened the first Economic Development Advisory
Committee meeting for the year 2006 in the Pre-Council Room at 11:30 a.m., October
27, 2006.
Mr. Thad Chambers welcomed committee members, introduced himself and the other
City Staff present, then asked all committee members to introduce themselves.
After introductions, Mr. Chambers reviewed the purpose of the Economic Development
Advisory Committee. The primary functions of this committee are to provide an arena to
communicate with businesses seeking their input and discuss their concern and ideas.
Also needed are the committees review, update and feedback of the Economic
Development Strategic plan.
Mr. Chambers next addressed the need for a Chairman and Vice Chairman. These
positions need to be elected, as the advisory committee has never elected officers. The
Chairman would reside over the meeting and assist in agenda items. The Vice
Chairman would reside over the meetings in the absence of the Chairman. The City of
North Richland Hills staff will serve as Secretary. Since this committee has no budget,
the position of Treasurer is not necessary.
Mr. Randy Moresi moved to nominate Mr. Alan Young as Chairman and Mr. Jim Makens
as Vice Chairman. Mr. Mike Rigby seconded the motion. The motioned passed with no
objections.
It was stated the meetings are open meetings and posted according to the law
-1-
Mr. Moresi moved to approve the meeting minutes from the last meeting held October
26, 2004. Ms. Linda Timmons seconded the motion. The motioned passed with no
objections.
Mr. Young gave the floor to Mr. Chambers to give the update on North Richland Hills
development. Mr. Chambers highlighted the quarterly news program NRHUpClose
showing on Citicable. In his first broadcast on Citicable, Mr. Chambers interviewed
Mr. Randy Moresi with North Hills Hospital. Mr. Moresi spoke on the North Hills Hospital
expansion and construction of the Medical Office Building.
The next taping will be in December featuring Mr. Dan Quinto speaking on Hometown
NRH development. Mr. Chambers update also included committee discussion on the
former North Hills Mall site, Blue Line Ice site, and The Venue at Hometown.
Businesses that will soon be open for business include McAlister's Deli in the former
Rock Fish restaurant building, Chan's Mongolian Grill located in The Crossing, and
LetsTalk.com occupying space in North Richland Hills Village Center.
Mr. Chambers stated the Corridor 26 Business Association is moving forward by
adopting Bylaws and election of officers. The Association is open to merchants and
businesses south of the 820 Loop in the Cities of North Richland Hills and Richland Hills.
Mr. John Pitstick presented an update on the transportation project in North Richland
Hills and the widening of 820. The project is set for construction to begin in 2011.
Mr. Pitstick also distributed material on the regional rail study and the corridor rail stops
in North Richland Hills. The rails stops planned for North Richland Hills are located on
Iron Horse Boulevard and the intersection of Smithfield and Main Street.
The revitalization of Boulevard 26 is underway. Mr. Pitstick gave an update on the
million dollar intersections approved by the City Council of both North Richland Hills and
Richland Hills. The intersections improvements are planned for Boulevard 26 and Rufe
Snow as well as Boulevard 26 and Glenview.
The committee discussed topics and ideas for future board meetings. Topics mentioned
included possible resolutions for support of City Council moving forward on North Hills
Mall property and review and revision to the Economic Development Strategic Plan.
The next meeting for the committee will take place in late January 2007.
Mr. Jim Makens moved for adjournment. Mr. Dan Quinto seconded the motion. The
motion passed with no objections.
-2-