FEDC reconsiders Victorian Village property

During its regular Feb. 13, 2020 meeting, the Forney Economic Development Corp. met to consider incentives and property development RFP for Victorian Village or ???

• Financial report: Mr. Burrus said 1/3 through Fiscal Year, a few % ahead of projections, sticking to budget, in good shape.
  
• Executive Director's report: Mr. Ketteman said many meetings w/ developers, from Red River in Fort Worth; census planning meeting Mr. Myers will serve on Complete Count Committee, Ken Leonard is census contact, people need to fill out forms if they get them - funding is based on the data, census information is not shared with law enforcement; met w/ new Chamber board president Starla Howell; Rusty Taco event - entrepreneur forum at Enos - Inspire brands looking for a franchisee here, less than a million buy-in; Reeder Road opened in the rain; project in Don T Cates industrial park, last land FEDC owns; business retention event - FIRM : Mr. McGregor said they do this 2x / year, doing N. Tx. economic outlook, will have a rep from Dallas FED speaking this year about info from FED.   Chmn. McBeth said governor's office asked Mr. Ketteman to do talk about freeport exemption.
  
• Approved Facade/Interior incentive for 210 S. Bois d'Arc, 25% of expenses up to 10k.
      Mr. Ketteman said building this side of Crumbzz, Ms. Ballard purchased buildings, still plans to use one building; they will go before ARB to add a door in back, as part of HOZ.   Mr. McGregor said Ms. Ballard received grant for exterior, interior allows up to 25% as Ms. Ballard didn't use the incentive/grant.   Mr. Ketteman expects ARB to approve.   The packet shows estimate of 24k, but contractor came with 52k.   Sass and Sunshine was in a few months, then building was sold.   Interior incentives were completed before rental.   Office is a valid use downtown, grants don't require retail business.
      Chmn. McBeth said the applicant is already coming to FDBA meetings
  
• Approved an RFP for property on the northeast corner of Main and Chestnut and for staff to publish it.
      Mr. Ketteman asked City Attorney Thatcher if needed to enter executive session - not really.   Mr. Thatcher introduced asst. city attorney Jennie.   They have been working on this a while, previously Victorian Village.   Never saw dirt being turned.   They are seeking other teams to develop property, this will inform them plans for Victorian Village are available if they desire to use them.   Incentives could include reduced land cost, but not the same deal as before.   They will also accept other plans.   This could be published Feb 17, then be back before board in April.   Chmn. McBeth asked about types of incentives; Mr. Thatcher said fairly open, developers may request incentives.   Mr. Ketteman said board may reject any or all.   Ms. Browning asked if will wait for project completion before land conveyed - yes.   Mr. Ketteman said have had some local interest.   Chmn. McBeth asked about time-frame - that will be part of developers response.   Mr. Alexander asked if want to continue w/ Victorian Village; Mr. Ketteman said could, or might get a better suggestion.
  
• Held a 90-minute executive session
  
• Approved settlement agreement between FEDC and Garret Moore Company.
  
• Adjourned at 2029