12-12-16 Meeting of the La Porte Development Corporation Board of Directors

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REQUEST FOR LA PORTE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AGENDA REQUEST FOR LA PORTE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AGENDA ITEMITEM December 12, 2016December 12, 2016AppropriationAppropriation Agenda Date Requested:Agenda Date Requested: N/AN/A Traci LeachTraci LeachSource of Funds:Source of Funds: Requested By:Requested By: Economic Development/TourismEconomic Development/TourismAccount Number:Account Number: Department: Report:Resolution:Resolution:Ordinance:Ordinance:Amount Budgeted:Amount Budgeted: Amount Requested:Amount Requested: Exhibits: Budgeted Item:Budgeted Item:YESYESNONO 1.Current Program GuidelinesCurrent Program Guidelines 2.Proposed GuidelinesProposed Guidelines 3.Chamber of Commerce Business ListingChamber of Commerce Business Listing SUMMARY & RECOMMENDATIONSSUMMARY & RECOMMENDATIONS On August 29, 2016, the Board approved a modification to the Enhancement Grant Program to eliminate the On August 29, 2016, the Board approved a modification to the Enhancement Grant Program to eliminate the Enhancement Grant Evaluation Committee, thereby streamlining the application review process.Enhancement Grant Evaluation Committee, thereby streamlining the application review process. The primary goal of the Enhancement Grant Program is to promote vitality and longThe primary goal of the Enhancement Grant Program is to promote vitality and long--term sustainability for local term sustainability for local businesses. Improving the curb appeal of businesses is a great way to help achieve this goal. Improving the curb appeal of businesses is a great way to help achieve this goal. The Program The Program requires that the applicants obtain quotes from three businesses for any project over $2,000.requires that the applicants obtain quotes from three businesses for any project over $2,000. The Enhancement The Enhancement Grant Program can further support the Shop Local mindset by also requiring that at least one bid/quote be provided Grant Program can further support the Shop Local mindset by also requiring that at least one bid/quote be provided by a La Porte business, whenever there is a qualifying business.by a La Porte business, whenever there is a qualifying business. There are advantages and disadvantages to incorporating this requirement.There are advantages and disadvantages to incorporating this requirement. The obvious advantage is that the The obvious advantage is that the requirement would potentially drive sales towards local La Porte businesses.requirement would potentially drive sales towards local La Porte businesses. The disadvantage to this requirement The disadvantage to this requirement is that the projects being bid are typically small projects.is that the projects being bid are typically small projects. Many vendors, specifically those involved with paving and Many vendors, specifically those involved with paving and concrete will not take time to bid small jobs.concrete will not take time to bid small jobs.concrete will not take time to bid small jobs.concrete will not take time to bid small jobs. This could unduly delay business owners in obtaining quotes and This could unduly delay business owners in obtaining quotes and This could unduly delay business owners in obtaining quotes and This could unduly delay business owners in obtaining quotes and completing an application.completing an application. Staff recommends amending the guidelines for the Enhancement Grant Program to require that a quote from at Staff recommends amending the guidelines for the Enhancement Grant Program to require that a quote from at least one La Porte business was sought whenever there is an applicable business.least one La Porte business was sought whenever there is an applicable business. In the event that the La Porte In the event that the La Porte business does not respond to the quote request, applicants may satisfy this requirement with email documentation business does not respond to the quote request, applicants may satisfy this requirement with email documentation of the request.of the request. Action Required by the La Porte Development Corporation:Action Required by the La Porte Development Corporation: Consider approval or other action to amend the Enhancement Grant Program to include a requirement to include Consider approval or other action to amend the Enhancement Grant Program to include a requirement to include La Porte businesses in the quotation process for applicable projects.La Porte businesses in the quotation process for applicable projects. Approved for the La Porte Development Corporation AgendaApproved for the La Porte Development Corporation Agenda Corby D. Alexander, City ManagerCorby D. Alexander, City ManagerDateDate