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Home My WebLink AboutEDA 1999-03-10 Minutes NI~H March 3, 1999 Richard Bates Ranchview Investments 3200 Riverfront Drive #204 Fort Worth, Texas 76107 Dear Richard: The next meeting of the NRH Economic Development Advisory Committee is scheduled to take place- · 'l; ., ON: Wednesday, March 10, 1-998 AT: 11 :30 a.m. to 1 p.m. IN: North Richland Hills City Hall Pre-Council Room 7301 N.E. Loop 820, North Richland Hills You'll recall that City Manager Larry Cunningham recommended reconvening one month later to update you on the status of the draft sign and landscape ordinances-as well as provide you with a review of upcoming highway, road and street projects (see attached). This meeting will likewise provide us with the opportunity to get your input on 1999-2000 Departmental goals and objectives as we kick off the next Budget process. As we did last time, we'll serve a "working lunch" to help keep the meeting on track and allow you to return to your businesses early that afternoon. We hope your schedule will allow you to be with us on March 10. Please call me (581-5534) or Phyl Baloga (581-5652) if you have any questions or need additional information. Sincerely, Marty Wieder Director of Economic Development " N@R.TH R.ICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS 7301 N.E. Loop 820 · 76180 · (817) 581-5534· Fax (817) 656-7539 ~Jm a ¡I: nrhed@airmail.ne t . h 0 m e p age: http://www.ci.north-richland-hills.tx.us · .-_._.,.__.,---_.~--"~.,.~_._---~.---, NORTH RICH LAND HILLS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MARCH 10, 1999 MINUTES Board Members Present: Richard Bates, Ranchview Investments, Inc. Bob Driscoll, President, Paragon Furniture Janet Golightly, Owner, Golightly's Gallery Paula Grohman, Owner, Sir Speedy Printing Terry Willey, Manager, North Hills Mall Clifton Mills representing Randy Moresi, North Hills Hospital Board Members Absent: Dick Dansereau, Operations Manager, Kimberly-Clark Jim Makens, Owner, The Makens Company Don Waters, President, Summit Northeast Bank Kathleen Williams, Regional Manager, LaQuinta Inns Alan Young, Owner, Alan Young Buick-GMC Trucks Staff/Guests Present: Charles Scoma, Mayor, City of North Richland Hills Steve Norwood, Managing Director of Development Services, City of North Richland Hills Marty Wieder, Director of Economic Development, City of North Richland Hills Mike Curtis, Assistant Director of Public Works Phyl Baloga, Administrative Secretary to Economic Development, City of North Richland Hills The City of North Richland Hills convened the second meeting of the Economic Development Advisory Committee in the Pre-Council Room at 11 :50 a.m. 1. Mr. Wieder welcomed the committee members and then called on Mr. Norwood to review the Sign and Landscape Ordinances. These two ordinances will be discussed next Monday at the Council meeting. There will be a series of revisions before there is a hearing and public action. Both these ordinances address new development only. Existing signs will be addressed in the third quarter. Input from both the Ad Hoc Committees was vital in revising the Landscape and Sign Ordinances. The intent of both ordinances is to set into place a new standard since the City has approximately 25% of land available for new development. " The City would like to see the use of more shrubs, trees and green space and specifically the use of islands in parking lots. This would break up the sea of concrete. A tree every 20 parking places would be required which would result in minimal parking loss since the City already requires more parking spaces than needed. The new ordinances are targeting the Mid-Cities/Precinct Line Road. Since North Richland Hills has only 33% available land for new development future aesthetics are a priority. Signage and landscape ordinances are usually updated every two to four years. The City of North Rich/and Hills new ordinances are compatible with the neighboring cities but less restrictive than Southlake. The drafts of the new ordinances will be available on Friday May 1 ih . With the new ordinances landscaping would be required around pole signs, monument signs would need to be set back 7 ft. from the roadway, trees would be used as buffers between commercial and residential areas, currently just a 6 ft masonry wall is required. Trees would be spread throughout the property as would grass, and scrubs. This does not affect the freeway overlay zones. Mr. Sates interjected the fact that the State currently charges a stiff renovation tax which in turn discourages developers from buying and developing older areas. This is contrary to what the City promotes. 2. Mr. Wieder pointed out to the Committee that Mr. Phifer was next on the schedule to talk however his plane was detained in Washington due to weather. Mr. Wieder spoke briefly about the importance of good roads for a healthy economic environment. He, along with Mr. Phifer and Mr. Curtis attend the Regional Transportation Council meetings in Arlington. The RTC allocates federal grant monies. Federal law governs the RTC. ISTEA (or Intermodal Surface Transportation Equity Act for the 21st century) now known at TEA 21 (Transportation Efficiency Act) determines how much money each State will receive for the various road projects. All three gentlemen will be attending the Partners in Mobility conference in Austin. These meetings bring different entities together to decide what is slated for redevelopment. The Western Mobility Coalition is working toward receiving more funds for this specific area. Mr. Wieder introduced Mike Curtis to the Committee. Mr. Curtis had listed three areas in which he would be talking about. A. Texas Department of Transportation Projects (current and future) S. City Projects under construction C. City Projects being Designed " ., ~..^.. ~,.,~~~~~~~.,--'--~,--------- A. TxDOT'S Proiects---- Phase 1 and phase 2 of the interchange have been completed. Phase 3 is slated to be completed by September of 2001. Phase 4, the ramps into Davis Boulevard off of Loop 820 will start in August of 2002. The widening of Loop 820 from Grapevine Highway west should start either in 2002 or 2003. TxDOT will hold public meeting this summer where the City will be active in soliciting earlier dates. The bridge at Rufe Snow Drive is tied into the Loop 820 improvement. Until the alignment is approved for Loop 820, the bridge cannot be started. The estimate for this project is two years down the road. TEA 21 funding will open up new opportunities. Mr. Wieder, Mr. Curtis and various City staff are working on a list of projects, which might be qualified for the TEA 21 funding. A project must have regional impact in order for the project to be considered eligible for funding. A brief discussion regarding the NAFTA Highway ensued. Mr. Wieder mentioned that for the last thirty years money has been going north and now times are changing and it is coming south due to the IH 35. Mayor Scoma mentioned that IH 35 is the only interstate that presents itself from border to border. B. City Proiects under Construction----- Mr. Curtis gave a brief description of the streets listed under construction. They are sections of Hightower Drive, Rumfield Road, Briley Drive, Sudbury Way, Wyoming Trail, Douglas Lane and Blaney Avenue. (see attached map). C. City Proiects being Designed----- Construction on Rufe Snow Drive which will change from five to seven lanes- should begin as early as next summer. The section from 820 to Mid-Cities Boulevard will be under construction first. This work can begin as soon as right- of-way and utilities are underway. According to TxDOT's plan, the eastern portion of Rufe Snow Drive will be started first and then the western section to follow. However, our City Council is asking TxDOT to divide Rufe Snow Drive by northern and southern boundaries so as to reduce the inconvenience to the businesses. The second and third area to be started is the northern portion of Rufe Snow Drive just north of Hightower Drive toward Bursey Road. Fourth on the list of City projects is the intersection of Rufe Snow Drive and Glenview Drive. Fifth is the section of Rufe Snow Drive from Karen Drive to Loop 820. We are currently waiting for TxDOT to acquire the right-of-way for the bridge. " , . _~ _'_"~"MO'__»___.~'~".~~_,,_______.____ Sixth is a section of Lynn Terrace, seventh is Grove Street, eight is Maryanna Way and ninth is Nancy Lane. Mrs. Golightly asked if the old ramp at Hudiburg just west of Grapevine Highway would be reopened. This ramp will not be reopened until 820 is widened from Grapevine Highway to the west. Mr. Wieder mentioned that the City is proactive toward transportation. The Congestion Mitigation Air Quality ( CMAQ) funding is intended to reduce congestion. Other forms of travel discussed were the Trinity Railway Express. It currently runs from Irving to downtown Dallas. Once again, our City Council is taking a proactive stance and helping fund the Trinity Railway Express. The Council of Governments has identified and explored other avenues of travel and the also believe the rail is viable form of transportation. The Cotton belt rail could be converted to commuter rail. The Tarantula currently runs on this track. Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) owns the Cotton belt. Park 'n Ride has also been identified as another alternative. Richland Hills Church of Christ's parking lot may be a Park 'n Ride site. Nine projects have been funded for Hike 'n Bike trails. One trail that has been completed is the trail from Richland High School to NRH20 (North Electric Trail). Mr. Wieder asked for input or additions to the goals list. He then opened the floor for questions or comments. Mr. Driscoll asked if the City was going to have businesses redo their existing signs? It was explained to him that the City will focus on new development first. Existing business signs will be addressed in the third quarter of this year. Without further business, the meeting was adjourned at 1 :30 p.m. " ~-->'_.~._-'~-----_._-~- DEPARTMENT: Promotional I Economic Development (105-15) ACTIVITY: Administration (01) ACTIVITY/PERFORMANCE MEASURES ACTIVITY Actual 1997-98 Budget 1998-99 Revised 1998-99 Formal contacts with new employers Requests for hotel/visitors information from DFWATC unknown unknown 200 350 300 400 PERFORMANCE Average time to respond to general requests for information (hours) Average response to major relocation leads (formal proposals) (hours) Increase in occupancy tax revenues Average property values per capita Sales tax revenues per capita (City's $.01 from Texas) 24 24 36 36 n/a 12% $37,051 $37,383 $136.29 $191.39 24 36 PERSONNEL SUMMARY Director Marketing and Research Coordinator Secretary 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 ~ . < 473 DEPARTMENT: Promotional (105-15) ACTIVITY: Administration (01) DESCRIPTION The North Richland Hills Economic Development Department works to facilitate the success of existing businesses, strengthen the City's tax base, attract new employers, ,jobs and investments and market the City as a business, shopping and recreational destination. GOALS 1. Continue facilitating Arcadia Realty Corporation's plans to develop a 280 acre upscale, mixed-use development immediately north of NRH20. Facilitate occupancy of the redeveloped 42.09 acre Richland Business Centre complex (formerly Richland Plaza). 2. Minimize impact of upcoming Rufe Snow widening projects on North Richland Hills businesses and the City's sales tax revenues. 3. Complete and publicize analysis of City demographics. 4. Complete and publicize updated feasibility study on restoring the historic Smithfield area. 5. Continue efforts to locate a new buyer/developer and stimulate renewal, absorption and possible expansion of North Hills Mall. OBJECTIVES 1. Regularly (at least bi-monthly) convene, coordinate and direct a multi-departmental team to work with Arcadia officials and help facilitate the project's development. 2. Coordinate Department's targeted marketing efforts with Today Richland Center, L.P. (developers) and leasing representatives of Richland Plaza 3. Implement recommendations of multi-departmental task force to maintain access to businesses located on Rufe Snow and publicize/promote alternative routes. 4. Complete a detailed study of North Richland Hills' community profile and report any trends uncovered in the analysis. 5. Conduct the City's second comprehensive Business Survey. 6. Complete multi-departmental update/review of the 1995 Smithfield Area Feasibility Study, research and explore the grants and assistance programs available through the Texas Main Street Program and recommend a plan of action for restoration of the historic community. 7. Continue meeting with representatives of Urban Retail Properties, Hamptons International, JMB Limited Partnership Number Ten and prospective new owners to encourage reinvestment in (and redevelopment and renewal of) North Hills Mall. " , . 472 ""-,.'_.,-_~'__,__.__,O<,""~____~___ GOALS FOR 2008 (Updated June 1999) 1. Safety & Security · Low crime rate, low fire loss, favorable ISO rating · People feeling safe any place any time; public perception · Safe schools and community for youth · Active presence in the community - high police visibility, work with citizens in a preventive approach · Better response times · Safe streets 2. Quality Development · Raised standards: streetscape, zoning codes, landscaping, architecture, comprehensive plan · Balanced mixed use development integrating residential and commercial · Effective code enforcement - maintaining and enhancing quality and residential · Plans and zoning reflects City goals · Protection of home value and ownership · Community pride and identity - increase our image to ourselves (community) and others outside 3. Quality Redevelopment & Reinvestment · Revitalize older areas of the City - commercial and residential · Active reuse of both commercial and residential properties · Prevention of decline of existing residences and businesses · Protect and maintain property values · Reinvest in the community through redevelopment 4. Financially Responsible City Government · Self sustaining local economy · Diversified tax base · Attract high quality business along major corridors · Maintain tax rate · Maintain good bond rating · Strong fund balance · Maintain reserves for capital projects · Cost effective and quality delivery of quality services · Use of community resources- private sector, community organizations, citizens 5. Quality of Life Amenities for The Community · Recreational, leisure, cultural and educational · Strong library · Quality parks, open space and trails · Strong support and partnership with the community · Recognize regional resource · Provide a mix of amenities for citizens and businesses , 1 . ..__.. .......o._~__'_,.~,.._._·__'~~__~_._,~.__~__~.__~~__ GOALS FOR 2008 (Updated June 1999) 6. Effective Transportation System · Well maintained quality streets · Effective use of rail as link to the Metroplex · Expand use of trails as a mode of transportation · Reduced congestion on major interstate/highways · Improved traffic safety . Seek funding sources 'I 2 NI~H QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: RUFE SNOW WIDENING PROJECT The City of North Richland Hills has recognized the need to improve Rufe Snow Drive for many years-and City officials are pleased that the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) selected the busy thoroughfare to receive federal funding for a Rufe Snow widening project. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will supervise the widening of Rufe Snow Drive from five to seven lanes, beginning from Loop 820 to approximately 200 feet north of Mid-Cities Boulevard. Likewise, grant monies will also allow contractors to flare or expand (and make signalization improvements) to Loop 820, Dick Lewis Drive, Browning Drive, Stardust Drive and Mid-Cities Boulevard at those intersections with Rufe Snow. Upon completion of the project, the "new and improved" Rufe Snow will relieve traffic congestion, provide greater safety and increase traffic flow-benefitting residential and corporate citizens alike. QUESTION: "WHEN WILL THE RUFE SNOW WIDENING PROJECT BEGIN?" ANSWER: The project is already underway. An engineering firm prepared and submitted 400 pages of construction plans, which Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) officials are reviewing. Likewise, right-of-way (ROW) agents are conducting appraisals and initiating talks with affected property owners. City of North Richland Hills and TxDOT representatives anticipate seeking bids for construction in the Spring of 2000-and expect that a contractor will be selected and will begin working no later than June of 2000. QUESTION: "HOW LONG WILL THE CONSTRUCTION TAKE?" ANSWER: Project engineers have planned for a 35-month schedule. Therefore, contractors should complete the project by May 2003 (weather permitting). The North Richland Hills City Council requested that the project be separated into two parts to help ensure that no one company had construction work taking place directly outside its place of business any longer than 12 to 18 months. While this resulted in a longer time frame for the overall project, it will benefit the NRH business community. N@R.TH R.ICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS 7301 N.E. Loop 820 · 76180 · (817) 581-5534· Fax (817) 656-7539 .email: nrhed@airmail.net · homepage: http://www.ci.north-richland-hills.tx.us \ No. : -, . . UTHQ IN U.S.A. Pablos #029 DonThe "REAL" Enchi lada 315 BAR AM _______ -------·-------·------ÑRH---·--· Gst 17 Chk 5567 Aug11'99 10:43AM _______ --_....-- -.- .~------ ----...-- -------- --., ** TO GO ** 1 * TO GO * 17 Chicken Caesar Subtotal Tax 10:44 Total 0.00 0.00 @ 6.69 113.73 ~ 123.11 ð.t-~ð ~ Please join us for ~apP4Y7Hour in the Bar Man-Fn -. ,