The City of Brownwood, Brownwood Economic Development Corporation and the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce are working toward hiring Retail Strategies as a retail consultant with related services to promote Brownwood for retail recruitment and expansion.
Four years ago, the three entities jointly funded a similar contract with another retail consultant, the Retail Coach. Many positive results were generated from trade market analysis, trade shows and promotion of Brownwood to retailers and developers, according to City Manager Bobby Rountree.
Brownwood Mayor Stephen Haynes stated that the agencies were all very complimentary of the Retail Coach and that the reason for a change in consultants was not due to any complaints.
“They did a very fine job for us. We would not have United or some of the other developments within the city had it not been for their work,” said Mayor Haynes. “Emily (Crawford, BEDC Executive Director) and I met Retail Strategies at a trade show that we attended and were very impressed with them also, and the thought process to change from the Retail Coach to Retail Strategies was not due to a complaint, but rather to reach a new audience.”
Haynes further explained that the city also benefitted from an increase of about $1 million in annual sales tax since hiring the Retail Coach.
Councilman Jerry DeHay added, “Retail Strategies has a different approach, they are more oriented toward the next stage of retail development advancement and experiences that we felt would be more beneficial to us.”
Board members and staff of the Brownwood City Council, BEDC, and Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce met for a presentation from the two retail consulting firms. Retail Strategies was recommended by the entities to represent Brownwood for retail recruitment and expansion efforts.
“Retail Strategies will provide trade market demographics, mapping, site promotion, and retailer and developer recruitment,” said Rountree. “They will also offer support services to existing businesses and work with land owners and local real estate brokers to market available sites.”
The agencies agreed to enter a three year contract, splitting the cost equally (as previously done in 2011). The total cost of the service will be $33,400 the first year and $33,300 for the remaining two years, with each entity will pay roughly $11,100 per year, according to Rountree. The contract also includes a termination clause, should the company fail to fulfill its obligations.
The Brownwood Chamber of Commerce voted to participate in the contract during their March 30th board meeting. BEDC will vote on the contract in their next board meeting on April 21st. The City of Brownwood’s funds will come from reserves and a budget amendment will be presented to the council at the end of the year. The following two years will be budgeted, said Rountree.
In other items on Tuesday’s agenda:
*Council passed an ordinance on first reading prohibiting parking on the west side of Fisk Street from Chandler Street north for 60 feet. Rountree explained that this corner presented a danger to motorists crossing Fisk on Chandler or turning onto Fisk because of the obstructed visibility at the intersection when large vehicles are parked in front of the Verizon building. City officials have asked the business to park these large trucks and vans to the side or rear of the building; however without cooperation, the council decided to approve the resolution in an effort to improve safety at this intersection. Mayor Haynes expressed his concern for the loss of parking for any downtown business and was assured by Don Hatcher, City of Brownwood Engineer and Director of Public Works, that this will only affect two parking spaces. The ordinance will be brought before the council again at their next regular meeting in second, third and final readings.
*Council approved an ordinance on second and third/final readings amending the rules and regulations of the Brownwood Regional Airport to eliminate the requirement to obtain a permit from the Brownwood Regional Airport to perform work at the Airport; to establish the requirement that any person performing commercial/business activity at the Airport register with the Airport Manager; to eliminate the requirement that any person performing commercial/business activity at the Airport maintain liability insurance coverage.
*Council approved the purchase of a 1998 International diesel jet refueler truck from Bassco Services of Dallas in the amount of $64,500 for the Airport. The International truck has approximately 9500 hours on it, which is low for its age according to Rountree. The City had budgeted $65,000 for the replacement of their current 1984 F-600 gas powered truck, which is outdated and has many parts that are now obsolete. Government requirements for refuelers to have an interlocking brake system installed when refueling military aircraft also adds to the need to replace the older vehicle, according to information on a council briefing sheet. Another higher bid was received from Omega Aviation, Inc. of Houston for $92,250 for a 1992 Freightliner.
*Council approved the signing of a 5 year lease agreement with Sharco for a phone system at the Brownwood Police Department, located at the Brown County Law Enforcement Center. The current system is the original system installed in 2000 when the LEC was constructed and has been deemed to be obsolete and not able to be repaired. The new system is purchased through the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) which is similar to BuyBoard. Brown County Commissioners approved the digital Avaya system for the Brown County Sheriff’s Office during their April 6th meeting. The new system will increase the Police Department’s monthly cost from $1200 to $1930. The 911 service will not be affected by the new system’s installation.
