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Home My WebLink About07-23-13 Meeting of the La Porte Development Corporation Board of DirectorsRICHARD WARREN, PRESIDENT MIKE COOKSLEY, BOARD MEMBER CHUCK ENGELKEN, BOARD MEMBER MIKE CLAUSEN, BOARD MEMBER RANDY WOODARD, BOARD MEMBER NANCY OJEDA, BOARD MEMBER MINUTES OF LA PORTE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION BOARD MEETING OF JULY 23, 2013 The City of La Porte Development Corporation Board met on July 23, 2013, at the City Hall Council Chambers, 604 West Fairmont Parkway, La Porte, Texas, at 5:00 p.m. to consider the following items of business: 1. Call to Order President Warren called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. The following members of the La Porte Development Corporation Board were present: Board members Engelken, Martin, Woodard, and Ojeda. Absent: Board member Clausen and Vice -President Cooksley. Staff Present: Corby Alexander, Traci Leach, Sharon Harris, Scott Livingston, Michael Dolby and Assistant City Attorney Clark Askins. 2. Consider approval of Minutes of the La Porte Development Corporation Board held on June 10, 2013 — P. Fogarty Board member Engelken moved to approve the minutes as presented. Board member Woodard seconded. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: President Warren, Board members Woodard, Martin, Engelken and Ojeda Nays: None Absent: Vice -President Cooksley and Board member Clausen 3. Consider approval or other action regarding proposed budget for the 2013-2014 La Porte Development Corporation Board — S. Livingston Economic Development Coordinator Scott Livingston presented a summary for the proposed budget for the 2013-2014 La 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 9004 for $410,061 and 9015 for $695,000 Mr. Livingston informed Account 9004 is for Debt Service Payments for the library, Bay Area Blvd, Canada Road and the ball fields; and Account 9015 is for Lomax Arena and construction costs for 3rd Street. Board member Ojeda questioned the Special Programs Account 9997 for $85,927. Mr. Livingston informed it is a 3 percent increase for staff and Harris 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 board members the 1998 General Obligation bonds, 2000 General Obligation bonds, 2000 Certificates of Obligation, Limited Tax Series 2002, 2004 Certificate Obligation bonds, 2005 Certificates of Obligation and 2005 General Obligation bonds 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 for debt service for Fiscal Year 2013-2014. Board member Woodard questioned if Main Street Enhancement Grants awarded by the La Porte Development Corporation Board have expanded 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 available in the account for grants; and invoices are pending from Stepping Stone Funeral Home. Board member Ojeda questioned where additional 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 program by going door-to-door on Main Street advising business owners of the opportunity to apply for a grant. Board member Martin asked if the City has guidelines for use of funds from the Main Street Enhancement Grant Program. Economic Development Coordinator Scott Livingston responded no. Board member Martin asked if grants can only be 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 tenant to the board for consideration if they desire to upgrade the property. President Warren asked if additional funding will be needed for the program once it is depleted and possibly expanded to 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 responded it is the International Council of Shopping Centers conference. 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 since retail industries have individuals present at the conferences, La Porte 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, and the board member report back to the board after 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 conference and will not require a hotel room. Board member Martin agreed attending the seminars are beneficial and suggested Board members prepare for networking as a group before attending future seminars. Board member Woodard requested the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region provide a presentation to the Board within the next 12 months. City Manager Corby Alexander questioned if Board members would like staff to revise the proposed budget to include funds for Board members wishing 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 conferences should be extended to all Board members. EDC Livingston informed another ICSC conference will be held November 5-8, 2013; and the City plans to have a booth at 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 reported she has been involved and observed the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region and Bay Area Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau's board meetings and activities and appreciates their efforts. Board member Ojeda encouraged Board members to be involved, as well. Board member Ojeda moved to approve the proposed budget for the 2013-2014 La Porte Development Corporation Board. Board member Woodard seconded. City Manager Corby Alexander asked if Board members wish to include an amount in the proposed budget to accommodate travel for Board members to 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 attend the conferences. Economic Development Coordinator Scott Livingston responded approximately $500- $600 per person for registration but will require additional monies for flight, hotel accommodations and meals. Board member Engelken moved to amend the motion and include an additional $10,000 in training and seminars to the proposed 2013-2014 budget for the La Porte Development Corporation Board for Board members to network for the City. Board member Woodard seconded. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: President Warren, Board members 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 comments regarding 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 minutes. Board member Martin requested an update regarding Rob Johnson, owner of Rob Johnson Interests. EDC Livingston 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 City to 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. Reconvene into regular session and consider action, if any, on items discussed in executive session. There was no executive session. 9. Adjourn There being no further business, at 6:10 p.m., Board member Engelken moved to adjourn the meeting. Board member Woodard seconded. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: President Warren, Board members Woodard, Engelken, and Ojeda Nays: None Absent: Vice -President Cooksley and Board member Clausen Respectfully submitted, MZ)L�s.VAAA!4� haro Harris, Assistant City Secretary Passed and approved on this,4 aTaAy of GC1 , 2013. Presi ent Richard Warren Page 4 of 4 July 23, 2013, La Porte Development Corporation Board Minutes