HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999/08/26-Minutes-HEDC Highlights of the
Thursday, August 26, 1999
Economic Development Committee Meeting
STANDING ITEMS
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H. NEW BUSINESS
Chairman Wentworth called the meeting to order at 11:20 a.m. Chairman Wentworth moved items to be heard
on the agenda as follows:
Presentation on Airport/Meacham Development
The presentation on Airport/Meacham Development was requested by Board Member Lane who could not be
present with us today. This item was postponed for a future date per Chairman Wentworth. .
Update on Convention Center Expansion
Kirk Slaughter stated his presentation would be a bit repetitive but he walked the committee through the process
(handout out attached). Mr. Slaughter informed the Board of negotiations on the Carter Burgess/HOK architect
selection for the Convention Center renovation. A proposed contract is expected to be presented to Council in
mid to late September.
iscussion on the M/WBE Certification Process
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Sundra Davis gave a brief review and a handout on the certification process. (attached) Ms. Davis reviewed
the M/WBE Ordinance as it relates to certification:
1) the authorized certifying entities for the City are, North Central Texas Regional Certification Agency
(NCTRCA) and Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), highway division, and;
2) in the event of denial of certification by either of these entities, the City reserves the right to grant its own
certification for use on City projects only.
The Committee expressed concern that the responsibility to certify the firms mentioned in number two above
should rest solely with the M/WBE Office. Their suggestion was for final approval or sign-off is at the
Assistant City Manager level. We agreed to initiate such a process.
There was also a detail discussion of the time-lines for certification and the major reason for a delay in meeting
the time-line is 'incomplete applications.' The M/WBE Office, at the request of Council Member Moss, agreed
to provide assistance at forums to get more Fort Worth companies certified. After a brief discussion on the new
certification guidelines from the Federal Department of Transportation, the presentation was concluded.
Land Banking Update
Mr. Jerome Walker updated the beard on Land Banking (handout attached) Mr. Walker stated as of February
. 999 the Fort Worth Housing Finance Corporation Board approved the allocation of' $500,(HH) for
implementation of land banking. The balance in the land bank fund as of this presentation is $435,( (X). Since
implementation of the program, we have been able to acquire land that will provide for at least 73 lots.
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August 26, 1999
Economic Development Committee Meeting
fhe properties acquired thus far are located in several neighborhoods. These include:
• Near Southeast
• Hillside
• Stop Six
• Lake Como
• Morningside
• Polytechnic Heights
In terms of future additions to the land bank, an M&C will be presented to City Council within the next 90 days
in which the Corporation will acquire 71 properties from the City. In addition, 54 properties have been referred
to the City's outside attorney for tax foreclosure. If at the end of the process these properties are awarded to the
City, the corporation will purchase them.
Staff will also continue to purchase property from private owners, utilizing the services of Realtors when
appropriate. As land is assembled, it will be disposed in one of three ways:
• The property will be sold to a homebuilder "as is" for site development and new home construction.
• The FWHFC will undertake site development and sell the developed property to homebuilders for new
home construction.
• The FWHFC will act as the developer and undertake site development and new home construction.
Consideration of a Tax Abatement Application submitted by Bell
Chairman Wentworth would like Bell Helicopter and future companies to utilize Fort Worth's Minority
Chambers when seeking M/WBE's. He said although Bell Helicopter is using M/WBE's they would prefer
them to be Fort Worth owned M/WBE's.
Chairman Wentworth said an existing employee for Bell could not count as part of"meeting the requirements of
jobs filled" these should be new employees from Fort Worth.
Mr. Moss asked what is manufacturing support personnel? Bell representative said it was a dispatching and/or
scheduling position which helps with manufacturing the sale.
Mr. Higgins stated they would like to develop the contract and take it before council sometime within the next
30 days. The EDC Board agreed with going forward. Mr. Moss commended staff on the progress of the Tax
Abatements. Chairman Wentworth commended Bell Helicopter in helping them through the learning process
and the Staff for a great job. Mrs. Haskin made the motion to move forward with the Tax Abatement to the full
Council and Mr. Moss seconded. Chairman Wentworth stated that was a unanimous decision.
III. Adjourn
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The meeting adjourned at 12:45 p.m.
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