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Home My WebLink AboutEDA 1999-08-11 Minutes - --- ~-~----~---- ._~--_.~--~-~.-------~ NORTH RICH LAND HILLS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING AUGUST 11, 1999 MINUTES Board Members Present: Richard Bates, Ranchview Investments, Inc. Alan Young, Owner, Alan Young Buick/GMC Trucks Janet Golightly, Owner, Golightly's Gallery Paula Grohman, Owner, Sir Speedy Printing Terry Willey, Manager, North Hills Mall Randy Moresi, CEO, 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 Bob Driscoll, President, Paragon Furniture Staff/Guests Present: Larry Cunningham, City Manager, City of North Richland Hills Steve Norwood, Assistant City Manager, City of North Richland Hills Marty Wieder, Director of Economic Development, City of North Richland Hills Marcy Ratcliff, Director of Planning and Inspections Ashley Stathatos, Marketing and Research Coordinator, City of Phyl Baloga, Administrative Secretary to Economic Development, City of North Richland Hills The City of North Richland Hills convened the third meeting of the Economic Development Advisory Committee in the Pre-Council Room at 12:00 p.m. 1. Mr. Wieder welcomed the committee members and then introduced the Economic Development Department's new Marketing and Research Coordinator, Ashley Stathatos. He also introduced Marcy Ratcliff, who is the City's Director of Planning. Marcy informed the Committee that the new sign ordinance was available but the landscape ordinance would be finished within the week. 2. Steve Norwood discussed the City Council's 1999-2000 Goals and Objectives (see attached). Mr. Norwood pointed out that the Council modified these goals in June so that they would be more direct and focused on the new FY Budget: , 1 '_."-----~-_._~_._---~.~---.---~-----~--_.- · Goal 1 Safety & Security Encompassing more than just Police and Fire protection, Mr. Norwood noted that this goal is meant to include the whole community. · Goal 2 Qualitv and DeveloDment Mr. Norwood focused on two objectives within this Council Goal: Phase I Landscape Ordinance preparation and Phase II Signage: Phase I-Landscape--Currently the work is staggering and more issues arise daily, however the landscape issue remains a key Council priority. The Council is likewise working on a tree preservation ordinance. Mr. Norwood referred to Flower Mound where a residential developer bulldozed acres of trees and did not follow City policy. NRH wants tree preservation but at what level and how detailed should it be? Phase II-Signage-Steve asked if three or four of the Advisory Committee members would like to assist in the remaking of the sign ordinance for replacement of existing signage. While the City Council wants to raise standards, they want to make good decisions and keep them reasonable. Currently there are signs that don't meet the new standards adopted in March. · Goal 3 Qualitv Redevelopment & Reinvestment An additional code enforcement officer is budgeted for FY 1999- 2000. City Council's objective is to communicate the need to maintain properties (especially homes), which will increase the values and make neighborhoods more aesthetically pleasing. · Goal 4 Financiallv ResDonsible City Government · Goal 5 Qualitv of Life Amenities for the Community · Goal 6 Effective Transportation System Randy Moresi asked if the landscape ordinance would affect current businesses or only new businesses. Mr. Norwood noted that it applies to new development. He pointed out that the Planning Department would work closely with businesses to make this ordinance benefit both parties. With the widening of Rufe Snow, for example, new businesses might not be able to meet the landscape requirements and provide their customers with adequate parking. Thus the City will need to be flexible. , 2 , :;: --'-~-~--~._-~---,_._. 3. Marty Wieder addressed the Board regarding the Economic Development Department's Goals and Activity/Performance Measures. The Department is responding to the Council Goals through its activities in a number of projects (see attached). Mr. Wieder explained how the Department arrives at the Activity & Performance Measures. He reported that NRH's property tax value per capita ($38,286) and sales tax revenues per capita ($140.02) exceeded what the Department anticipated for the 1998-99 Fiscal Year. City Manager Larry Cunningham noted how he would like to see the City initiate different business focus groups, inviting owners and operators to discuss their needs. Such groups may likewise allow business representatives to meet one another, which in turn may produce more job and business opportunities. He feels these groups should share the same concern, for example retailers with other retailers, manufacturers with other manufacturers. Mr. Wieder proposed convening "roundtables" of selected categories of businesses. He proposed targeting businesses on Rufe Snow for one roundtable group to discuss the widening project. 4. Mr. Wieder asked if any of the Advisory Committee members had any comments or questions. Janet Golightly asked about the lack of sewer lines in portions of some older areas of the City, specifically Buck and Frankie B. streets. She also inquired about land zoned for duplex development. Mr. Wieder suggested that Mrs. Golightly contact Greg Dickens in the Public Works Department regarding the sewer issue. Mrs. Ratcliff addressed Mrs. Golightly's interest in duplexes, noting that while very little land is zoned for duplexes, she would assist her in locating those properties. Randy Moresi asked for the status of the hike/bike trail between the Mall and the Hospital. Mr. Wieder noted that the Park & Recreation Department has contracted with a company to design the trail. He reminded Advisory Committee members that the City applied for and was granted Federal funds for the trail. Mr. Wieder added that he had an appointment with the senior vice president of May Realty-the company that owns Foley's-at the recent International Conference of Shopping Center's in Las Vegas regarding their concerns for bikers using their parking spaces to unload bikes. Unfortunately, the Foley's representative decided not to attend the convention at the last minute. , Richard Bates questioned the effective use of the future Trinity Railway Express station in Richland Hills. Mr. Norwood noted that NRH has 3 .....-.__.~-_._.þ------- shown support by being the first Mid-Cities City to commit to their share of the Trinity Railway Express operating costs. Alan Young inquired about Phase III of the Interchange. The State's contractor is working quickly and should finish Phase II early winter-and let Phase IV shortly thereafter. Mr. Wieder pointed out that Expo Design officials apparently don't believe the Interchange will be a deterrent to this area, and their construction at Davis and Grapevine Highway is a pretty good signal that the fly-over ramps should not be a problem. Terry Willey expressed concern for the small sign on the Grapevine Highway exit. He plans to get with the Texas Department of Transportation and request a larger sign. He noted that the steel frame is up, and it's just a matter of getting a sign installed. Mr. Wieder offered to have the Public Works contact TxDOT officials again on the Mali's behalf. Mr. Moresi said he thinks TxDOT officials should come out and drive this area, especially the section of Loop 820 that curves southward toward Precinct Line Road/Glenview. He believes there should be a sign placed much sooner informing drivers of this immediate exit. Otherwise, they have to exit at Highway 10 and come back on Booth-Calloway. Alan Young's asked about the status of Burk Collins bid to purchase North Hills Mall. Mr. Wieder reported that Mr. Collins is working with an investment group out of California, a two billion-dollar family trust. While the company initially withdrew their offer, they decided to re-enter negotiations. Mr. Collins has been talking with Foley's and they seemed pleased with the investment company's plans. Mr. Collins is also talking with other tenants and is receiving a positive response. Terry Willey informed the Board that Burk Collins has received an extension. He predicts plans will be finalized by November. He also said that Mr. Collins is almost single-handedly accomplishing the sale and rejuvenation of the Mall on behalf of the California family trust. Mr. Bates reported that all exterior work on Richland Business Center will be completed by the end of November- and will be ready for move-in the first quarter of the new year. Ranchview Investments paid a contractor to mow and trim the trees in the median on a temporary TxDOT permit. Haltom City has received a grant for their portion of the median and is working with TxDOT on a detailed landscape plan. Birdville ISD is likewise in taking bids to remodel Birdville Stadium and also has plans to improve and expand the Administration Building. 5. Marty continued with updates around the City, which are: , 4 · NRH Town Center developer Arcadia Realty Corporation has hired Dan Quinto as its new project manager. Mr. Quinto was previously Vice President of Construction with Cooper & Stebbins-and served as project manager of the Southlake Town Square. · Tom Thumb and Albertson's have submitted their plans for the Davis and North Tarrant area. · Oakridge Investments will be developing 23 acres at the northeast corner of Davis and North Tarrant Parkway. NRH staff believes this development will be retail. · A non-retail user is looking at Richland Pointe Mall. Texas Drug Warehouse left the Mall earlier this year and has since filed for bankruptcy. On the opposite end is 24-Hour Fitness. They are doing so well they plan on expanding into the Mall interior. · Imagisphere has moved into North Hills Mall it is doing extremely well, with over 1,000 visitors the first week and 5,000 the first month. In their old space they had 1,000 visitors per month. Mr. Willey noted that it has been a win/win situation for everyone. He added that the Patio Food Court has profited, and the Mall has welcomed a new retailer in Just for Kids. The mall is 90% leased with Christmas tenants coming back from last year. · Alan Young asked about the China Coast location but Marty was not free to offer any information at this time. · Krispy Kreme was brought up but they are currently focusing their sites on the Dallas area. Having no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 1 :28 p.m. , 5 . . . .....-.._~-~-~~'~,--------~ N I~H Goals for 2008 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 , 1 ~.,--_._..__.+--"-_._--- 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 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 · I mproved traffic safety · Seek funding sources ~ 2 , ,