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Board member Martin questioned ED Coordinator Scott Livingston how can funds for Workforce <br />Development Programs be distributed to a business in La Porte as an incentive. Mr. Livingston <br />responded it depends on how the funds are designated and how the Development Agreement is <br />crafted. <br /> <br />President Warren commented La Porte citizens should be taken care of first. <br /> <br />Board member Woodard commented he does like new businesses. <br /> <br />Board member Ojeda commented she does feel drawn to subsidized job training for individuals and <br />new businesses; but if an individual is unemployed, they should qualify for federal grants through San <br />Jacinto College. <br /> <br />Board member Engelken commented he agrees with President Warren and Board member Clausen, <br />and the tools for Workforce Development/Training should be used when requested. <br /> <br />It was the consensus of the Board to leave the funds allocated for Workforce Development/Training as <br />is. <br /> <br />(b) <br />Discussion regarding proposed projects for Fiscal Year 2014-2015 S. Livingston <br /> <br />Economic Development Coordinator Scott Livingston presented a summary and recommended <br />$25,000.00 should be earmarked for small business development. <br /> <br />Board member Woodard asked what the $25,000.00 be spent on. Mr. Livingston responded the funds <br />can be used for enhancement grants or to repair the space of a small business in La Porte. <br />Board commented a small business can fail lacking funds. <br /> <br />Economic Development Coordinator Scott Livingston advised a line item was added to the budget <br />for small business development, and he wanted Council to know the Board is aware the funds are <br />available for projects. <br />Board member Engelken commented if a project becomes available, it should be brought to the Board <br />for possible consideration. <br />Board member Clausen commented when incentive grants are given, for example, to the Rob Johnson <br />project, with a facility going on the tax rolls and money coming back, it is not giving funds away. <br />The Board was in favor of keeping the process as is, even if there is a mandatory public hearing waiting <br />time prior to giving a business incentive grants. <br /> <br />4. SET DATE FOR NEXT MEETING <br />S. Livingston <br /> <br /> <br />Board members set the next meeting dates for Monday, May 12, 2014; Monday, June 9, 2014; and <br />Monday, July 14, 2014. <br /> <br />BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS <br />regarding matters appearing on agenda; recognition of community <br />5. <br />members, city employees, and upcoming events; inquiry of staff regarding specific factual information <br />or existing policies. <br /> <br /> <br />Page 2 of 3 <br />April 28, 2014, La Porte Development Corporation Board Minutes <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />