HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998/01/21-Minutes-HEDC Highlights of the
Wednesday,January 21, 1998
Economic Development Committee Meeting
I. Standing Items
None
II. New Business
A. Update on Linkages Project
Bob Riley, Acting Director of the Planning Department gave a quick background of
the linkages study and explained that this meeting was the first of the linkages steering
committee. He also gave a short overview of the status of the rubber tire trolley and
explained that updates of all aspects of the linkage study were to follow.
Ann Dively, Assistant Director of the Planning Department explained that a feasibility
study would be done on the need for a fixed rail between the different tourist districts
of the City. She explained that the COG would be providing the funding for the study
and that the steering committee will have oversight control.
Dan Walsh from the Transportation and Public Department discussed the realignment
of the CampBowie/7`' Street/University/Bailey intersection. He explained that out of
eight original alternatives,the alternative chosen would provide for the least amount of
disturbance to the businesses in the area while allowing for a significant amount of
landscaping to take place. The alternative chosen would also leave all streets open but
provide for better flow of traffic through the intersection.
Rick Trice from the Department of Engineering explained the method by which signs
and monuments would be developed for the entrance to the Stockyards. He presented
a proposed drawing of the type of monument to be used. He explained that moneys
for the signs and monuments are part of the improvement of the Saunders Park project
that should be completed during the summer 1998.
Ronnie Varnell gave an update on the type of signs to be used to move individuals
from district to district and on the proposal to have certain colors associated with
public infrastructure in the different districts. He explained that a consultant is
working on developing what the boundaries to the various districts should be in order
to identify where certain color schemes can be utilized. The consultant is also working
on identifying where signs should be placed throughout the districts and city. Council
member Wentworth asked what group would have the ultimate decision on the type of
signs and colors to be used. Mr. Varnell explained that public meetings would be held
to take input from citizens and businesses. Once all of the information has been
obtained, final plans would be presented to the steering committee and City Council.
Bill Boeker a member of the steering committee asked about the long term plans to
help improve the aesthetics of the actual linkage corridors themselves. He asked
whether any actions could be taken to provide development guidance to landowners of
properties situated along the corridors. He believes some sort of guidelines should be
created to help developers discern the type of designs most appropriate for the
different districts. Mr. Wentworth expressed his desire to have that issue studied
further.
B. Discussion on the Ozone Bump-up Status
Ed Sierra, Director of Environmental Management explained that the Metroplex is to
be re-classified to the severe level of ozone classification. He explained that the most
likely new measure the EPA may take against the area would entail the expansion of
mandated current programs. These include bus service expansion and tailpipe testing
expansion. The expansions of current programs are more than likely the only course
of action since the Metroplex has instituted all of the programs currently available.
Mr. Sierra explained that the area would be most benefited by expanding all programs
to the complete north central Texas area and not has them restricted to the four county
Metroplex area currently under the EPA mandate. He explained that although a large
percentage of the population currently employed in the main four county Metroplex
area commutes from outside counties, it does not have to meet the same vehicle
emission standards.
Mr. Wentworth asked why the area under mandate was restricted to only four counties.
Mr. Sierra explained that the COG has not expressed interest in expanding the area and
that EPA uses the COG as its main resource. Mr. Groomer explained that every
member of the COG, regardless of size has equal voting status. Consequently, the
more rural areas have been reluctant to expand the COG's area for environmental
concerns. Council member Hirt stated that she thought the issue should be brought to
the Governmental Affairs Committee of the City Council. Mr. Wentworth stated that
a joint meeting between the Governmental Affairs and Economic Development
Committees should be held to discuss the issues concerning COG and ozone status.
C. Update on Tecnol Tax Abatement
Mike Groomer explained that the purchase of Tecnol by Kimberly-Clarke will more
than likely lead to the cancellation of the tax abatement contract with Tecnol. He
explained that the contract has a date by which the Tecnol project is to be completed.
It does not appear as if the project will start in time to meet the construction
completion deadline. Mr. Groomer informed the committee that staff would
+' administratively deal with the cancellation of the abatement and that no Council action
is needed.
r,k'y44•.
1
D. Discussion of Sesquicentennial Celebration
Mike Groomer stated that the EDC Committee had been designated by the Mayor to
be the committee in charge of coordinating the City's celebration of the
sesquicentennial anniversary of the founding of Fort Worth. He explained that to date
no actions had been taken to develop any plans for the celebration. Pat Svacina
explained that the Mayor is currently in process of developing a committee that would
be the celebration steering group.
Council member Jim Lane presented an idea to have an official City Longhorn Cattle
Herd that could be introduced in conjunction with the celebration. Mr. Wentworth
agreed that the idea should be explored and asked staff to look into the issue further.
Mr. Svacina stated that those type of ideas are what the City is looking for in order to
create an original celebration that can have long lasting positive effects for the City.
E. Discussion of Ground Lease at Spinks Airport for "T" Hangar Construction
Lisa Pyles, Director of the Aviation Department gave an overview of the lease contract
for the construction of new"T"hangars on the West Side of the airport. The
construction will include 58 single engine hangars and 8 twin engine hangars.
Additionally, the development would include two other phases of hangar construction
that are planned to meet expected growth. The overview included lease arrangements
including lease costs and construction amounts. The committee authorized staff to
bring the lease contract to the full City Council for a briefing.
F. Update on "Sound Economy"
Ramon Guajardo explained that updates on activities having to do with Central City
re-development issues would provided including Fort Worth Works, the M/WBE
ordinance and the Central City Development Committee of Strategy 2000.
Sam Khrovjak and Teresa Carreon gave updates on activities having to do with
employment and recruitment for Trinity Industries, the Southeast Minyard Store and
the J.C. Penney distribution center.
Sundra Davis gave an overview of the major changes in the new M/WBE ordinance.
She stated that these changes insured that no conflicts exist between the City's new
ordinance and any Federal or State grants regulations. The major changes include
modifications to the good faith criteria, the ability for the City to certify businesses,
and the deletion of the size requirements formerly present in the ordinance. The
Committee directed staff to bring the new ordinance to the full Council for discussion.
Pat McCarthy, chair of the Strategy 2000 Central City Development Committee gave
an overview of the actions being taken in conjunction with the main problems found to
exist in central city that deter development. He explained that the committee has been
working with City departments to better educate city personnel to understand that the
re-development of older areas is more difficult and more likely to have special needs
and concerns. He explained the Planning Department is developing guidelines that are
available electronically to developers to allow them to meet City requirements more
smoothly. He also explained that these guidelines could also provide information of
the type of development being sought in various areas. Council member Hirt stated
that she thought that was an excellent idea and that it should possibly be expanded to
include the City as a whole.
3
C�r