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Board member Martin inquired if there are any other options for the Old Kroger building on <br /> Fairmont Parkway. Mr. Livingston responded he met with the owner, and there are a few ideas for <br /> retail development. Board member Ojeda commented she know of a non-profit that was inquiring <br /> about the Old Kroger building, and the roof is being repaired as of today. Board member Woodard <br /> commented the types of businesses for employment in the community should be the type of <br /> businesses that provide enough of a wage that employees can purchase homes, raise families <br /> and contribute to the community. <br /> (c) Discussion and possible action regarding expansion of the boundaries of the La Porte <br /> Enhancement Grant Program and transferring $107,669.00 from the La Porte Development <br /> Corporation General Fund Balance to Capital Improvement Projects Account 015-9892-993 — S. <br /> Livingston <br /> Economic Development Coordinator Scott Livingston presented a summary and update on the three <br /> enhancement grant projects, which includes Eagle Energy, Lafitte's Cajun Station, and the Oak Center. <br /> Mr. Livingston presented the issues raised for making potential changes to the program that would <br /> include adding parking lot construction, incorporation of the City's Local Bidder Preference Policy, and <br /> eliminating the requirements that multiple bids be required for each eligible component less than <br /> $2,000.00. In addition, Mr. Livingston presented Staffs request for the Board to expand the boundaries <br /> of the La Porte Enhancement Grant Program to include W. Main Street/Spencer Hwy. from Hwy. 146 to <br /> the railroad tracks; southeast corner of Farrington Drive and Spencer Hwy.; northeast corners of Myrtle <br /> Creek and Spencer Hwy.; and southern corners of Underwood Road and Spencer Hwy. <br /> Board member Woodard asked if there is a map and definition of "blighted areas" of town. Economic <br /> Development Coordinator Scott Livingston advised he will provide the Board with the definition of <br /> `blight' under Housing and Urban Development. <br /> Board member Martin questioned making grant availability to all businesses in the City of La Porte on a <br /> first-come first-served basis. Mr. Livingston responded the Board can certainly offer grants to all <br /> businesses on a first-come first served basis. Board member Martin suggested not having any specific <br /> boundaries listed in the program. <br /> Board members directed Mr. Livingston to include all commercial properties and remove the clause <br /> from the application stating alterations should not be made within 5 years from construction, otherwise <br /> an applicant may be required to reimburse the La Porte Development Corporation immediately for the <br /> full amount of the grant. Mr. Livingston was advised he would bring all revisions back to the Board. <br /> Vice-President Cooksley moved to authorize Economic Development Coordinator Scott Livingston to <br /> publish notice for a public hearing to fund the Enhancement Grant Program in Fiscal Year 2015-2016. <br /> Board member Martin seconded. MOTION PASSED. <br /> Ayes: President Warren, Vice-President Cooksley, Board members <br /> Woodard, Engelken, Ojeda and Martin <br /> Nays: None <br /> Absent: Board member Clausen <br /> (d) Discussion and possible action regarding the proposed budget for La Porte Development <br /> Corporation Board for Fiscal Year 2015-2016 - S. Livingston <br /> Page 2 of 4 <br /> July 7,2015,La Porte Development Corporation Board Minutes <br />