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Board member Engelken questioned if there is an option for development for property located <br />behind Discount Tire on Spencer Highway. Economic Development Coordinator responded it <br />maybe an option and developers may be looking in the area. <br />Board member Woodard left the table at 5:21 p.m. and returned at 5:22 p.m. <br />Economic Development Coordinator Scott Livingston advised Board members Dollar Tree is open <br />and will have the sign up on the building this week and Rob Johnson is looking for prospective <br />tenants for the other two spaces available next to the Dollar Tree. Mr. Livingston informed Board <br />members Rob Johnson has a prospective retailer interested in purchasing the property south of his <br />current development. Mr. Livingston also advised Board members of his conversations with <br />shopping center owners at the intersection of S. Broadway and W. Fairmont Parkway regarding <br />development projects. <br />Board member Martin left the table at 5:53 p.m. and returned at 5:54 p.m. <br />Vice -President Cooksley questioned if it City bay front property that Economic Development <br />Coordinator Scott Livingston will be promoting commercial development. Mr. Livingston responded <br />yes he is always looking for prospective developers. <br />Board member Ojeda questioned if Developer Rob Johnson has expressed feedback or difficulties <br />filing spaces in La Porte since spaces are filing up at the property located across from San Jacinto <br />College in Pasadena. Economic Development Coordinator Scott Livingston responded he has been <br />told retailers prefer to be closer to other retailers that are already currently established and La Porte <br />is considered too far East as per a demographic analysis conducted by some of the retailers. Mr. <br />Livingston also advised, Developer Rob Johnson is pursuing some of the same retailers that are <br />located in Deer Park and Pasadena. <br />(b) Discussion or other action regarding La Porte Development Corporation Board priorities <br />regarding the variety of projects for which the Board may wish to consider awarding financial <br />incentives. — S. Livingston <br />Economic Development Coordinator Scott Livingston presented the Tax Abatement Policy and a <br />Project Score Card and discussed priorities regarding the variety of projects for which the Board <br />may wish to consider awarding financial incentives. Mr. Livingston informed Board members of <br />businesses along Broadway St. that express interests for being awarded financial incentives and <br />his review of La Porte's current Tax Abatement Policy. <br />Board member Woodard questioned if staff is requesting the La Porte Development Corporation <br />Board to look at the Tax Abatement Policy. City Manager Corby Alexander responded no staff is <br />suggestion the policy is a tool for new businesses the City has as a whole in the recruitment and <br />retention process. <br />Board member Woodard then questioned if City Council and the La Porte Development Corporation <br />Board members would like for the La Porte Development Corporation Board to look at the Tax <br />Abatement Policy along with the incentive grants when new companies come to La Porte. Board <br />member Martin commented he does not have a problem with Economic Development Coordinator <br />Scott Livingston using the policy as tool if a prospective business requested the policy be utilized <br />and then presented to the board for City Council's consideration if required. <br />City Manager Corby Alexander asked Assistant City Attorney Clark Askins if he recalls the last Tax <br />Abatement Agreement. Mr. Askins responded the Tax Abatement is exclusive to City Council in <br />which it is written to law in the Tax Code. Finance Director Michael Dolby added the last agreement <br />has been a long time ago and as a Finance Director he does not care for the particular agreement. <br />Page 2 of 3 <br />August 18, 2014, La Porte Development Corporation Board Minutes <br />