03-11-03 Town Hall Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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. e Minutes of the Town Meeting - March 11, 2003 - Page 2 doing a good job on that. Mr. Meismer questioned if the group feels we are doing enough in utilizing those items, previously discussed, to the maximum advantage at this point in time. Stephen Barr feels we are moving in the right direction. We may not be doing everything that needs to be done, but we are taking steps. He is in favor of incremental change more than sweeping changes, because those things that you do to change, you can look back and see what has been done before doing anything else. John Joerns commented that, two things are missing: a promotional or unifying strategy for all the various major players in the community, and diversification of our economy. Betty Waters touted the City's Comprehensive Plan, saying that the Planning and Zoning Commission never makes a decision without referring to the Plan in some way. It is a plan created by the citizens of La Porte, and adopted by the Council. It is a "breathing" document and is well used. City Manager Debra Feazelle believes we have some opportunities in the area of economic development. We could be more aggressive in the pursuit of grants. We could monopolize on our geography and the amenities we have in the community, and build on them with partnerships. Colleen Hicks felt that rather than dwell on the past, there are opportunities to look to the future and go forward in a very positive manner. Cynthia Alexander stated we should take advantage of the opportunities available to us now, plan appropriately for the future and use those people who are available to us. Everybody should work together. Ms. Feazelle stated that teamwork is most important. La Porte, Shoreacres and Morgan's Point should try to unite as one community instead of trying to be separate, and she feels we'll grow with that. The consensus was to look forward, plan for the future, learn from lessons of the past, utilizing tools that were built in the past, move ourselves forward with some progressiveness. Mr. Meismer introduced the first speaker, City Manager Debra Feazelle, whose topic was the City's Commitment to Growth and Development. Slides were shown as Ms. Feazelle explained what the City has in place and opportunities that are available. Already in place are Industrial District Agreements; inter-city tax incentive program for projects over $21,000,000; Freeport tax exemption; tax increment reinvestment zone; tax increment financing with State and school district participation; hotel/motel tax. Potential programs are: 4A and 4B economic development bill; job creation incentives; work force development; amended Industrial District Agreements for smaller companies; residential tax abatements. Each item has specific details that can be explained if the need arises in the future. There are relocation incentives for companies to relocate to our City, preferably from another state; public improvement districts; neighborhood empowerment zone; enterprise zones; state surface transportation program; grants and loans for economic development are available, such as Community Development Block