09-13-11 Meeting of the La Porte Development Corporation Board of Directors

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Board member Woodard moved to hold a Workshop Meeting of the La Porte Development Corporation on a Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. as soon as possible. Board member Pizzitola seconded. The motion was not put to a vote, and discussion continued. The board discussed posting requirements, preparation and deadlines of agenda items, meeting dates and a possible Joint Workshop meeting with the full City Council. Board member Woodard commented a list of questions could be prepared by the board and addressed by staff at a workshop meeting in addition to receiving guidance from City Council. City Manager Ron Bottoms questioned Board member Woodard if there was more of a need for Council input rather than staff input. Board member Woodard responded yes. Committee member Zemanek commented the issue and confusion to new members is the name of the board, and that the board is dealing with quality of life issues which are all approved expenditures by the rules. City Manager Ron Bottoms commented board members had been presented with economic development ideas in the past and that funds are spent on projects when they become available. Mr. Bottoms also commented City Council had requested the board fund Lomax Improvements and the Dog Park at the Council Retreat in April, which he considered a form of direction by Council. Councilmember Clausen agreed the board should work on economic development and commented funds that are legally spent on quality of life issues contribute to economic development by people wanting to live and work in the city. Board member Woodard moved to schedule a Workshop Meeting on Monday. The motion died for lack of a second. The board continued discussion. City Manager Ron Bottoms questioned how a Workshop Meeting would be held without any direction from City Council as previously mentioned. Mr. Bottoms also informed the La Porte Development Corporation Board 2011 -2012 proposed budget required approval by board members. Committee member Woodard questioned if City Council had directed staff to bring the Lomax Improvements to the La Porte Development Corporation for consideration of funding. Committee member Clausen responded yes and added that the City of La Porte 2011 -2012 budget has not yet been approved by City Council. Committee member Zemanek informed at the Budget Workshop Meeting he recommended the La Porte Development Corporation and Hotel /Motel tax collections fund all improvements to the Lomax Rodeo Arena because it would bring tourism and economic development to the city. Board member Woodard moved to hold a workshop meeting whenever City Council could join. Board member Pizzitola seconded. There was no vote taken, and the board continued discussion. City Manager Ron Bottoms suggested staff adding an agenda item for the September 12 City Council Meeting advising Council the La Porte Development Corporation requested input and direction from City Council. Mr. Bottoms also suggested board members be in attendance at the meeting to hear discussion. Page 2 of 5 August 23, 2011, La Porte Development Corporation Board Minutes