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<br />Board member Woodard questioned new and expanding business enterprises in the <br />summary and recommendation of the agenda request. Economic Development Coordinator Scott <br />Livingston responded this is a legal justification for spending economic development funds, and <br />Assistant City Attorney Clark Askins advised the statute does not reference residential development <br />and that Board members are to use their best judgement on the definition of nding <br />business enterprises. Board member Woodard asked if the project is for Section 8 housing. <br />Mr. Livingston responded no. Board member Woodard asked if half the amount of the project will be <br />spent on renovating the interior of the apartments. Mr. Edwin Brotamonte, the new owner of the Sylvan <br />Beach Apartments, responded yes. <br /> <br />Mr. Brotamonte presented his plan for the proposed project for the Sylvan Beach Apartments. <br /> <br />Board member Woodard asked what percentage of the units are leased; and if he is a general partner. <br />Mr. Brotamonte responded 65 percent of the units are leased; and, yes, he is a general partner. Board <br />member Woodard asked if the rental rates will be raised. Mr. Brotamonte responded this is a Class C <br />community, and rates will reflect the community. <br /> <br />Board member Martin asked if criminal background checks are run on new tenants. Mr. Brotamonte <br />responded yes. <br /> <br />Board member Woodard asked if this is the first apartment complex owned. Mr. Brotamonte responded <br />yes. Board member Woodard asked Economic Development Coordinator Scott Livingston whether, with <br />the development agreement, renovations can be first done to the interior of the apartments. Mr. <br />Livingston responded not according to the enhancement grant program. <br /> <br />Board member Clausen commented affordable housing is needed in the City of La Porte and wishes <br />that the Board could be guaranteed renovations are being done to the interior. <br /> <br />Board member Ojeda commented she has concerns if the definition means to an expanding business <br />and also commented asphalt repairs will go a long way for beautifying the neighborhood in the area of <br />the proposed project. <br /> <br />Board member Martin moved to table an enhancement grant amount not to exceed $42,057.86 to <br />Brotamonte Asset 1, LLC. at the completion of the project until Staff brings back more information. <br />MOTION PASSED. <br />Vice-President Cooksley seconded. <br />Ayes: President Warren, Board members Vice-President Cooksley, <br />Board members Woodard, Clausen, Engelken, Ojeda and Martin <br />Nays: None <br />Absent: None <br />4. SET DATE FOR NEXT MEETING <br /> <br />Board members set the next meeting date for Monday, January 11, 2016, at 5:00 p.m. <br /> <br /> <br />5. BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS <br />regarding matters appearing on agenda; recognition of community <br />members, city employees, and upcoming events; inquiry of staff regarding specific factual information <br />or existing policies. <br /> <br />Page 2 of 3 <br />December 14, 2015, La Porte Development Corporation Board Minutes <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />