HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000/03/21-Minutes-HEDC City of Fort Worth
City Council
Economic Development Committee
Highlights of the Meeting Held
Tuesday, March 21, 2000
Committee Members Present: Jeff Wentworth, Becky Haskin, Frank Moss, and Jim Lane
Other Council Members and Staff Present: Mike Groomer, Tom Higgins, &David Yett
1. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by Chairman Wentworth at 1:40 p.m.
2. Approval of Minutes from the Previous Meeting: Chairman Wentworth asked if anyone had any corrections
to the minutes. There were none. The minutes were approved.
3. 2012 Olympic Update: Donna Parker & John Scovil, Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce gave a slide
presentation (see attachment). Chairman Wentworth and the committee were very concerned with the Dallas
2012 logo and representation of Fort Worth in the PSA. It was explained that the Dallas 2012 is the logo used
for the official bid but in the overall marketing of the event North Texas 2012 logo will show. Ms. Haskin was
concerned that there were no women representing Fort Worth on the 2012 Board. Ms. Parker will propose to
the board adding women candidates. Mr. Scovil stated if selected 90 venues would be needed, 29 potential
sites in Dallas, 24 in Fort Worth and 37 in surrounding cities. After receiving answers to their questions, the
Committee recommended that Mr. Scovil have the PSA redone with Fort Worth being represented more
favorably. Mr. Wentworth also requested that the EDC be updated more frequently and suggested that Mr.
Higgins schedule a 2012 Olympic update to the entire Council.
4. Convention Center Expansion Update: Kirk Slaughter, Public Events Director, informed the Board that
construction has begun. Starting in the theatre, anything that is salvageable is being removed and taken to Will
Rogers (chairs, lights, sound equipment etc.). Asbestos is scheduled to be removed April ls` until mid May.
Demolition will begin mid May or beginning of June. Phase I is scheduled for completion in late 2001 and
Phase II in late 2002.
5. Historic Tax Credits: Ramon Guajardo, ACM, presented information on James E. Guinn School, Historic
Rehabilitation Project (see attachment). National Development Council representatives Sally Loveland and
Mark Foster were present to address questions. Mr. Guajardo stated that this was an important facility which
the City would want to keep control. The Business Assistance Center will be located at the Middle School and
would be the General Partner. Mr. Guajardo stated there is a limited partnership and the businesses have no
intention of taking over the facility to get the tax credit. The scheduled move in time is December/January - for
the Middle School, (Gym/Incubator) and by September 2000 for the High School. Ms. Loveland gave a brief
overview of Ramon's presentation. After receiving answers to their questions, Chairman Wentworth
recommended the Committee be briefed when it was decision making time.
Policy for the Installation of Community Facilities Agreements: Mike Groomer, ACM. discussed a
revision in the policy to allow letters of credit not used now but would like to use and the bank to determine.
There were no questions from the Committee.
EDC Minutes
March 21, 2000
Page 2
7. Update on the North American International Trade Corridor Partnership: Ramon Guajardo, ACM,
informed the board that the City was one of the first cities to join the partnership; therefore we have a seat on
the NAITCP Board. Amtrak will improve the corridor going to Monterrey and Mexico City because they are
committed to go to Moncivia. Hillwood asked to make a presentation about the corridor and work with the
Fort Worth and Hispanic Chambers. May 10 - 13, 2000 Ric Roberto, Ramon Guajardo, Councilmembers,
CVB Reps, and Chamber reps will attend this conference and make a bid to host the 2001 Summit in May
2001. This would be a tremendous opportunity to benefit businesses, communities, universities and other
education entities. They will be going before the City Council and asking for a $20,000 cash advance
campaign material.
8. New Tax Abatement Policy: Tom Higgins discussed a broad outline of the new policy (see attachment) Mr.
Higgins mentioned a portion of the tax abatement policy refers to the "inner city" and it would be best to
include the Council's determination of"inner city" in the new policy. Chairman Wentworth asked Mr. Higgins
to present a broad outline of the new policy at the next EDC meeting, so that the Committee can discuss the
proposed new policy.
9. Adiourn: Chairman Wentworth adjourned the meeting at 3:35 p.m.
Approved By:
Jeff Wentworth, Chairman