1999-02-01Special Called Workshop of City Council

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e City of La Porte Interoffice Memorandum e To: Mayor and City Councilmen From: ~ Jeff Litchfield, Director of Finance/ACM Date: U "January 27,1999 Subject: Workshop on Joel E. Cook Properties In November of 1998, Decker McKim and Fred Westergren approached the City asking us if we were interested in purchasing a large block of the property owned by the estate of Joel E. Cook, who also owns properly under the name of La Porte Land Company. The property is burdened with a severe amount of delinquent taxes. Their offer was reviewed by Executive Staff at its staff meeting of November 19, 1998, at which time their proposal was reviewed in detail. After a couple of months to think about the proposal, staff again discussed it at their January 21, 1999 staff meeting. After review at both meetings, staff does not believe 1he City has a use for the entire 10 block area. It does have an interest in the property located directly behind the Recreation and Fitness Center, which is Block 1157. La Porte Land Company has 10 of those lots. This property will be the future site of a maintenance yard for the Parks and Recreation Department and is part of project 753 - Parks Maintenance Yard. Additionally, staff can foresee it would be advantageous for the City to own both sides of Little Cedar Bayou for future channel work/expansion or for park trail system. Unfortunately, the Cook's are not the only property owners of the blocks which are adjacent to the bayou. Attached is a copy of ttrle memorandum that was shared with the Executive Staff which I would like to review with you at the workshop. In conclusion, staff would like to approach McKimlWestergren regarding the purchase of the 10 lots in Block 1157.