FEDC moves forward w/ Crumbzz building sale

During its regular Apr. 12, 2017 meeting, the Forney Economic Development Corp. met and (this is the preliminary report, subject to change):

• Held a 120-minute joint executive session with City Council re:
  
  
  
  • Projects “Rocky Mountain,” “Robin Hood,” “Big Deal,” “Basketball,” “Victorian,” “Business Park”
    
  • HP Forney 548 Partners, LP
    
  • Racetrac Development Project
    
  • LCG Highway 80, LLC

• City council adjourned and left.
  
• Treasurers' report: revenue 50.85% projected, expenses below budget.
  
• Directors report - downtown project has begun, every Friday 07:30 have meeting with contractors at Donut shop. Latham Bakery will be open Friday. Chmn McBeth said Grace for Life has almost opened. Mr. McGegor said Waffle House opened today.
  
• Approved incentive to Racetrak for $87,000 . Mr. Ketteman said city council has discussed seome rebate of impact fees. Discussion and possible action concerning economic development negotiations with current prospects. covers the culvert and sewer extensions.
  
• Mr. Phillips spoke, they are from Poetry, purchased the property about 5 months ago, been cleaning up, will be adding firewalls inside the building. Phillips electric will go in the right side, the left side will be wired 440v 3-phase. They will fill in the loading dock with dirt. Hope to be open end of August. Will have new wiring, sprinklers , showers, 6,000 sq ft will be available for rent. Will be adding about 10k worth of landscaping. Chmn McBeth said this will be a nice anchor down main street. Mr. Phillips said the entire project will cost about 175k. Ms. Browning asked how many people be employed - about 7, but will be hiring more. Currently based in Mesquite. Mr. Phillips said they have many rental properties, has built 3 houses in Forney. Chmn McBeth asked how many office staff that would stay in Forney: probably 2.
  Approved a redevelopment grant incentive application for Phillip’s Electrical 501 E. Main St.
  
• Approved a façade grant extension for 105 E. Main St. and 117 E. Main St, with stipulation that it be completed in 3 months.
  Mr. McGegor said two grants were approved. Mr. Ketteman explained it was put on hold for several reasons, the contractors have purchased materials and are ready to go. The original was approved before the grants were 50/50. Chmn McBeth said FDBA is still working to have a mural on the building. Mr. Burrus asked if the money was still in the budget: yes. Ms. Browning asked if they should reapply; Mr. Burrus asked if this was an extension of previous agreement: yes. Chmn McBeth asked if this was the only one of this kind outstanding - yes. Ms. Browning agreed should honor the original request, this will have a time limit and if that isn't met, they will have to reapply under the new rules.
  
• Public Comment - none.
  
• Held a 60-minute executive session re:
  
• Chmn McBeth recused himself.
  
• Re: the sale of EDC-owned property at 212 S. Bois D’Arc St.
  Board directed the director to proceed with the process by offering tenant first right of refusal to purchase property.
  (the exact motion: to direct the edc director to proceed with the current tenant of 212 Bois D'arc execution of right of first refusal to purchase that property, to begin that process. )
  
• Chmn McBeth returned to the chair.
  
• Mr. McGregor said next month will be HOT funds workshop.
  
• Mr. Ketteman said members Alexander, Amanda, Burrus & Tayamen terms are expiring on June 30, they will be contacted to see if they wish to be reappointed.
  
• Adjourned at 2220