2013-10-28 Regular Meeting of La Porte City Council minutes

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SAID BUDGET; FINDING COMPLIANCE WITH THE OPEN MEETINGS LAW; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF. 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ASSOCIATED ORDINANCES (a) Public Hearing to receive comments regarding recommendation by the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 1 Board of Directors to accept and adopt amendments to TIRZ No. 1 Project Plan and Reinvestment Zone Financing Plan in connection with proposed enlargement of TIRZ No. 1 boundaries — S. Livingston The public hearing was opened at 6:20 P.M. Economic Development Coordinator Scott Livingston presented a summary. Jeff Anderson, Beazer Homes, addressed Council and advised the proposed homes are 2200-2300 square feet on average and are valued from $196,000.00-$200,000. Councilmember Zemanek commented he has concerns with the proposed information and feels people are being misled with the information given. Councilmember Martin commented Beazer is a good builder with a nice product. Paul Groman provided information regarding projects in various cities with Beazer Homes and the good quality of the homes being built. Mr. Groman also added if the home cost of $175,000.00 is not achieved, it is a tremendous financial loss due to not being able to obtain the TIRZ incentives. It is to their advantage to ensure homes are sold at $175,000 and above. Councilmember Zemanek read the agenda request and commented his concern was a proposed subdivision with 73 homes starting at $175,000.00. Mr. Groman responded with 14 neighborhoods complete and 7 more in process, the numbers are achievable, plus a good margin. Ken Schick, 4105 Crawford Rd., Spicewood TX, addressed Council as the landowner of the 32 acres and requested the entire piece of property be approved into the TIRZ. Robert Guerra, 342 Joshway, addressed Council and requested the item be tabled until it can be researched. David Janda, 412 Spencer Landing East, addressed Council also in favor of postponing the item. Economic Development Coordinator Scott Livingston advised the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 1 Board of Directors recommended enlarging the boundaries of TIRZ No. 1, City of La Porte, Texas. The public hearing was closed at 6:42 p.m. (b) Consider approval or other action regarding an Ordinance enlarging the boundaries of TIRZ No. 1, City of La Porte, Texas — S. Livingston Councilmember Zemanek moved to table Items 7b, c, e, and g until the December 9, 2013, Council meeting. Councilmember Moser seconded. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Engelken, Kaminski, Zemanek, Leonard and Moser Nays: Councilmembers Clausen and Martin Absent: Councilmember Mosteit Page 3 of 8 October 28, 2013, Council Meeting Minutes