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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-26-13 Meeting of the La Porte Development Corporation Board of Directors RICHARD WARREN,PRESIDENT MIKE CLAUSEN, BOARD MEMBER MIKE COOKSLEY, BOARD MEMBERRANDY WOODARD, BOARD MEMBER JAY MARTIN, BOARD MEMBERNANCY OJEDA,BOARD MEMBER CHUCK ENGELKEN, BOARD MEMBER CITY OF LA PORTE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION MEETING AGENDA Notice is hereby given of a meeting of theCity of La Porte Development Corporation to be held on August 26,2013, at the City Hall Council Chambers, 604 West Fairmont Parkway, LaPorte, Texas, at 5:00p.m. to consider the followingitems of business: 1. Call to order 2. Consider approval of minutes of the meeting of La Porte Development Corporation Board held on July 23, 2013 – P. Fogarty 3. Consider approval or other action authorizing staff to disburse a grant of $14,935 to Horace Leopard and Aubry Sartori, owner of Stepping Stone Funeral Home andgrant a 6 month extension to complete two murals included within the approved scope of work allowing submittal of final receipts for the remaining balance of the approved grant in the amount of $1,065 once completed - S. Livingston 4. Consider approval or other action concerning the proposed expenditure of the La Porte Development Corporation Board for funding of the Golf Course/Little Cedar Irrigation System – T. Leach 5. Set date for next meeting – S. Livingston 6.Board member commentsregarding matters appearing on agenda; recognition of community members, city employees, and upcoming events; inquiry of staff regarding specific factual information or existing policies. 7. Executive Session – The La Porte Development Corporation reserves the right to meet in executive session on any agenda item should the need arise and if authorized by the Texas Open Meetings Act, Title5, Chapter 551, of the Texas Government Code. 8. Reconveneinto regular session and consider action, if any, on items discussed in executive session. 9. Adjourn In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of La Porte City will provide for reasonable accommodations for persons attending publicmeetings. To better serve attendees, requests should be received 24 hours prior to the meetings. Please contact Patrice Fogarty, City Secretary, at 281.470.5019. CERTIFICATION I certify that a copy of the August 26, 2013, agenda of items to be considered by the Board of the La Porte Development Corporation was posted on the City Hall bulletin Boardon August 20, 2013. Page 1 of 1 August 26, 2013, La Porte Development Corporation Agenda RICHARD WARREN,PRESIDENT MIKE CLAUSEN, BOARD MEMBER MIKE COOKSLEY, BOARD MEMBERRANDY WOODARD,BOARDMEMBER CHUCK ENGELKEN, BOARD MEMBERNANCY OJEDA, BOARD MEMBER MINUTES OF LA PORTE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION BOARD MEETING OF JULY 23, 2013 July 23, 2013, The City of La Porte Development Corporation Board met onat the City Hall Council 5:00p.m Chambers, 604 West Fairmont Parkway, La Porte, Texas, at . to consider the followingitems of business: 1. Call to Order President Warren called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. The following members of the LaPorte Development Corporation Board were present: Board membersEngelken, Martin, Woodard,and Ojeda. Absent: Board member Clausenand Vice-President Cooksley. Staff Present: Corby Alexander, Traci Leach, Sharon Harris, Scott Livingston, Michael Dolbyand Assistant City Attorney ClarkAskins. 2. Consider approval of Minutes of the La Porte Development Corporation Board held on June 10, 2013 – P. Fogarty Board memberEngelkenmoved to approve the minutes as presented. Board member Woodard MOTION PASSED. seconded. Ayes: President Warren, Boardmembers Woodard, Martin, Engelkenand Ojeda Nays: None Absent:Vice-President Cooksley and Board member Clausen 3. Consider approval or other actionregarding proposed budget for the 2013-2014 La Porte Development Corporation Board – S. Livingston Economic Development Coordinator Scott Livingstonpresented a summaryfor the proposed budget for the 2013-2014La Porte Development Corporation Board. Board member Woodard questioned if the La Porte Development Corporation Board owned any property. Economic Development Coordinator Scott Livingston responded no.Board member Woodward questioned Services and Charges Accounts 9004for $410,061and 9015for $695,000 Mr. Livingston informed Account9004is forDebt Service Payments for the library, Bay Area Blvd, Canada Road and the ball fields; and Account 9015 is for LomaxArenaand construction costs for rd 3Street. Board member Ojeda questioned theSpecial Programs Account 9997 for $85,927.Mr. Livingston informed it is a 3percentincrease for staffandHarris County Bus Service and Workforce Training incentives. Page 1 of 4 July 23, 2013, La Porte Development Corporation Board Minutes Board member Woodard questioned the proposed cost for Harris County Transit services. City Manager Corby Alexander responded $35,500. Finance Director Michael Dolby informed boardmembersthe 1998 General Obligationbonds,2000 General Obligationbonds,2000 Certificatesof Obligation, Limited Tax Series 2002, 2004 Certificate Obligationbonds,2005 Certificates ofObligation and 2005 General Obligationbonds were refunded as a result of remaining funds from projects that reduced the debt payments for the La Porte Development Corporation, as well as other funds in the City. Mr. Dolby also informed board members the funds are available to fund five bond issues. Board member Woodard requested Finance Director Michael Dolby to review the bond materials with Texas Municipal League to make sure the reports are correct. Mr. Dolby advised he will review the reports for accuracy. Finance Director Michael Dolby advised the La Porte Development Corporation Board has to reserve $948,545 indebt for Fiscal Year 2013-2014. Board member Woodard questioned if Main Street Enhancement Grants awarded by the La Porte Development Corporation Board haveexpanded to the entire City. Economic Development Coordinator Scott Livingston responded no; but, it can be considered. In addition, Mr. Livingston informed board members approximately $150,000 is availablein the account for grants; and invoices are pending from Stepping Stone Funeral Home. Board member Ojeda questioned whereadditional funding will be allocated if the Main Street Enhancement Grant Program is expanded. Economic Development Coordinator Scott Livingston responded it will be a decision of the La Porte Development Corporation Board and City Council. Board member Martin suggested awarding grants until the account is depleted.Mr. Livingston informed he intend to promote the programby going door-to-door on Main Street advising business owners of theopportunityto apply for a grant. Board member Martin asked if the City hasguidelines for use of funds from the Main Street Enhancement Grant Program. Economic Development Coordinator Scott Livingston responded no. Board member Martin asked if grantscan onlybe applied for by property owners. Assistant City Manager Traci Leach responded she does not know if the application specifies property owner and/or tenant, but staff feel comfortable presenting an application on behalf of a tenantto the board for consideration if they desire to upgrade the property. President Warren askedif additional funding will be neededfor the program once it is depletedand possibly expandedto other areas. Economic Development Coordinator Scott Livingston responded additional funding would be required. Board member Ojeda commented she is interested in the program expanding and funds utilized to beautify businesses on Broadway since business owners on Main Street have been aware of the program for over two years.Board members asked Economic Development Coordinator Scott Livingston to provide an update to the Board after promoting the program to business owners on Main Street. Board member Woodard questioned the ICSC conference in the Training and Seminars Account 3020.Economic Development Coordinator Scott Livingston respondedit is theInternational Council of Shopping Centersconference.Board member Woodard questioned the benefit for the City by staff attending the ICSC conference in Dallas.City Manager Corby Alexander responded the La Porte Development Corporation and City Council have expressed the desire for retail opportunities in La Porte; and sinceretail industries have individuals present at the conferences, LaPorte will be present for interested businesses. Board member Engelken suggested staff Page 2 of 4 July 23, 2013, La Porte Development Corporation Board Minutes budget for a Board member to attend the ICSC conference in Dallas, andthe board member report back to the boardafter attending the conference. City Manager Alexander asked Board members if staff should budget for more than one Board member to attend future seminars. Board member Woodard commented he will be in Dallas next week and available to attend the July 28-30, 2013, ICSC conferenceand will not require a hotel room. Board member Martinagreed attending the seminars are beneficial and suggested Board members prepare for networking as a group before attending future seminars. Board member Woodardrequested the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region provide a presentation to the Board within the next 12months. City Manager Corby Alexander questioned if Board members would like staff to revise the proposed budget to include funds for Board memberswishing to attend the ICSC conference. Board member Engelken responded the Board should be more proactive increasing revenue in the City, and the educational opportunity to attend conferencesshould be extended to all Board members. EDC Livingston informed another ICSC conference will be held November 5-8, 2013; and the City plans tohave a boothat the conference.Board member Ojeda advised she may be available to attend the conference in November but not next week. Board member Engelken requested Board member Woodard provide a report of the activities during the conference if he is able to attend next week. Board member Ojeda reportedshe has been involvedand observedthe Economic Alliance Houston Port Region and Bay Area Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau’s boardmeetings and activities and appreciatestheir efforts. Board member Ojeda encouraged Board members to be involved, as well. Board member Ojedamoved toapprove the proposed budget for the 2013-2014 La Porte DevelopmentCorporationBoard. Board member Woodardseconded. City Manager Corby Alexander askedif Board members wish to include an amount in the proposed budget to accommodate travel for Board membersto assist with networking opportunities. Chairman Warren questioned when the conferences will be held. Mr. Alexander responded November and May. Board member Engelken questioned the registration fee to attendthe conferences. Economic Development Coordinator Scott Livingston responded approximately $500- $600 perperson for registration but will require additional monies for flight,hotel accommodations and meals. Board member Engelken moved toamend the motion and include an additional $10,000 in training and seminars to the proposed 2013-2014 budget for the LaPorte Development Corporation Board MOTION PASSED. for Board members to network for the City. Board member Woodard seconded. Ayes: President Warren, Boardmembers Woodard, Martin, Engelken and Ojeda Nays: None Absent:Vice-President Cooksley and Board member Clausen 4. Set date for next meeting – S. Livingston Board members set the next meeting date tentatively for August 26, 2013, at 5:00 p.m. Page 3 of 4 July 23, 2013, La Porte Development Corporation Board Minutes 5.Staff Reports (a)Receive Financial Report – M. Dolby Finance Director Michael Dolby provided a Financial Report. 6.Board member commentsregarding matters appearing on agenda; recognition of community members, city employees, and upcoming events; inquiry of staff regarding specific factual information or existing policies. Board member Ojeda noted a correction to strike the word “Vice” on Item 9 to the previously approved Rob Johnson, owner of Rob Johnson minutes.Board member Martin requested an update regarding Interests. EDCLivingston reported Mr. Johnson had requested a letter from the La Porte Development Corporation which stated economic incentives were available to attract new retail development in support of Mr. Johnson’s project on the former Chevrolet dealership. Mr. Livingston also reported Mr. Johnson was planning to make an application to the Cityto close the alley and easement on the property. President Warren welcomed new Board member Martin. 7. Executive Session – The La Porte Development Corporation reserves the right to meet in executive session on any agenda item should the need arise and if authorized by the Texas Open Meetings Act, Title 5, Chapter 551, of the Texas Government Code. There was no executive session. 8. Reconveneinto regular session and consider action, if any, on items discussed inexecutive session. There was no executive session. 9. Adjourn There being no further business, at 6:10p.m., Board member Engelkenmoved to adjourn the MOTION PASSED. meeting.Board member Woodardseconded. Ayes: President Warren, Board members Woodard, Engelken, and Ojeda Nays: None Absent:Vice-President Cooksley and Board member Clausen Respectfully submitted, ____________________________________ Sharon Harris,Assistant City Secretary Passed and approved on this____ dayof______________, 2013. ____________________________________ President RichardWarren Page 4 of 4 July 23, 2013, La Porte Development Corporation Board Minutes REQUEST FOR LA PORTE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AGENDA ITEM Budget Agenda Date Requested: 26August2013 Source of Funds:4B Sales Tax Requested By: Scott D. Livingston Account Number: CIP 015-9892-993 Department: Administration/Economic Development Amount Budgeted:$16,000 Report: Resolution: Ordinance: Amount Requested:$16,000 Exhibits:Enhancement Grant Final Report for the Stepping Stone FuneralHome Budgeted Item:YESNO Exhibits: PowerPoint Presentation of Before and After Pictures Exhibits SUMMARY & RECOMMENDATION On June 10, 2013, Aubry Sartori and Horace Leopard requested approval from the 4B Boardfor an enhancement grant to benefit the Stepping Stone Funeral Home at 215 S. Broadway Streetin La Porte, Texas. $16,000 The applicant requested a reimbursement of up to for an enhancement grant project. $16,000 The 4B Board approved an amount not to exceed for approved work. All the approved work, except for thetwo (2)muralson the south and eastexteriorwalls of the building, has been completed. During the summer season, Stepping Stoneexperienced difficulty in recruiting high school artists to complete the two (2) murals. The applicantis optimistic that she will be able to complete the murals, if the Board grants her petition for an additional six (6) months to complete them. $14,934.91 Stepping Stonesubmitted each of the work receipts to stafftotaling . Staff has verified that the work has been completed and that each receipt has been rendered.The Board $16,000$1,065.10 authorized Stepping Stoneto be reimbursed up to .A balance of remains in this enhancement grant account. Stepping Stone requests three (3) things from the Board: $14,934.91 (1)Please authorize staff to reimburse for approved and completed enhancement grant work, (2)Please provide six (6) additional months to complete the two (2) murals on the south and east exterior walls of the building, and $1,065.10 (3)Please authorize use the remaining balance of to complete the murals, per the original enhancement grant application to the Board. Staff recommends giving Stepping Stone an additional six (6) months to complete the two (2) $1,065.10 murals on her building for a reimbursable amount not to exceed . Action Required by the La Porte Development Corporation: 1.Consider approval or other action to authorize staff to disburse a grant of $14,934.91 to Horace Leopard and Aubry Sartori, owner of Stepping Stone Funeral Home. 2.Consider approval or other action to grant a 6-month extension to Stepping Stone to complete the two murals included within the approved scope of work and allow Stepping Stone to submit final receipts for the remaining balance of the approved grant in the amount of $1,065.10 once that work has been completed. Approved for the La Porte Development Corporation Agenda Corby D. Alexander, City Manager Date REQUEST FOR LA PORTE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATIONAGENDA ITEM Budget Agenda Date Requested:August 26, 2013 Source of Funds: Fund 038 Requested By: Traci E. Leach Account Number: Department: Administration Amount Budgeted: Report: Resolution: Ordinance: Amount Requested: $ 154,000 Budgeted Item:NO SUMMARY & RECOMMENDATION During the July 23, 2013EDC Board meeting, staff discussed the proposed FY 2014 budget for the Development Corporation. The Board approved the budget with one change to include funding for Board members to attend ICSC and other trade shows next year. That change was made and was presented to the City Council on August 13, 2013 during the budget workshop. The City Council has asked for the Development Corporation Board to consider funding one additional project next year- replacement of the irrigation system that serves Little Cedar Bayou Park and BayForest Golf Course. This $154,000 project would fund the replacement of the irrigation system, which is original with the construction of the golf course 25 years ago. One of the pumps required replacement this year and it is not a matter of if the equipment will fail, but when. Staff felt the prudent course of action was to plan for and schedule the replacement to minimize any collateral damage, such as loss of greens, fairways, and ballfields, that may occur should the system become inoperable unexpectedly. This is an eligible expenditure for the Development Corporation (Section 4B(a)(2)(A), (C), (D), and (E)). The Board may consider the following actions regarding this request: Approve including this project in the Development Board Corporation budget as presented; Approve funding a portion of the project costs; Disapprove funding for the project. Action Required by La Porte Development Corporation Board: Any action desired by the Board, as outlined above. Approved for La Porte Development CorporationAgenda Corby D. Alexander, City Manager Date