HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 9547 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 9547
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council February 12, 2013
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SUBJECT: FEE WAIVERS FOR RELOCATION OF AIRBASE SERVICES INC.
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Background:
Airbase Services Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Regent Aerospace Corp. (the "Company") is one
of the largest independent aircraft interior reconfiguration, restoration, refurbishing, and refreshing
companies in the world. The Company currently conducts business on both domestic and
international levels, including China, South Korea, France, and El Salvador. The Company is
currently located in Grand Prairie, Texas, but as part of a multi-state relocation search, is currently
considering construction of a new Headquarters/Manufacturing facility at the CentrePort Business
Park. Other sites under consideration for the project included Indianapolis, Miami and Los Angeles.
Recommendation:
The Company is proposing new capital investment of over $11,500,000.00 to construct and equip a
new 225,000 square-foot facility. The project will cause the retention of at least 204 employees, and
bring approximately 400 new full-time positions to the Fort Worth area at an average annual salary of
$31,000. In order to facilitate the development, the Company has requested that the City consider a
waiver of permitting fees.
Staff recommends that City Council provide the following fee waivers related to real property
improvements at the development site: (i) all building permit, plan review, inspection, and re-
inspection fees; (ii) all zoning fees; (iii) all temporary encroachment fees; (iv) all platting fees; and (v)
all fire sprinkler, and alarm permit fees. All other fees charged or assessed by the City, including, but
not limited to, transportation impact fees and water and sewer impact fees, will be fully payable. The
estimated value of the fee waivers is approximately $30,000.
Staff recommends these fee waivers as an appropriate tool that will serve the public purpose of
promotion of local economic development and stimulation of business and commercial activity in the
City, as authorized by Section 380.001, Texas Local Government Code, and Article 3, § 52-a, Texas
Constitution. Because construction of this facility will be overseen through the permitting processes
outlined in the City Code, City staff has adequate controls in place to ensure that this public purpose
is carried out. The fee waivers authorized herein constitute an economic development program under
Section 380.001, Texas Local Government Code.
Next Steps:
It is anticipated City staff will bring forward an M&C on February 19, 2013 at the regularly scheduled
City Council meeting. Please contact Jay Chapa, Director, Housing and Economic Development at
817-392-5804 with any questions.
Tom Higgins
City Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS