HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-09-14 Meeting of the La Porte Development Corporation Board of DirectorsRICHARD WARREN, PRESIDENT
MIKE COOKSLEY, VICE PRESIDENT
CHUCK ENGELKEN, BOARD MEMBER
JAY MARTIN, BOARD MEMBER
MIKE CLAUSEN, BOARD MEMBER
RANDY WOODARD, BOARD MEMBER
NANCY OJEDA, BOARD MEMBER
MINUTES OF LA PORTE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION BOARD
MEETING OF JUNE 9, 2014
The City of La Porte Development Corporation Board met on June 9, 2014, 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 Martin, Clausen, Woodard, Ojeda
Engelken and Vice President Cooksley.
Staff Present: Corby Alexander, Patrice Fogarty, Scott Livingston, Clark Askins and Traci Leach.
2. CONSENT AGENDA (All consent agenda items are considered routine by the La Porte Development
Corporation Board and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items
unless a Board member requests an item be removed and considered separately.)
(a) Consider approval of minutes of the meeting of La Porte Development Corporation Board
held on May 12, 2014 — P. Fogarty
Vice President Cooksley moved to approve the consent agenda as presented. Board member
Engelken seconded.
Ayes: President Warren, Vice -President Cooksley, Board members
Clausen, Woodard, Ojeda, Martin and Engelken
Nays: None
Absent: None
3. DISCUSSION OR OTHER ACTION
(a) Discussion or other action regarding Proposed Projects for Fiscal Year 2014-2015 Budget —
S. Livingston
Economic Development Coordinator Scott Livingston presented discussion on Proposed Projects
for the Fiscal Year 2014-2015 Budget.
Board member Woodard asked the difference between the Economic Alliance and Bay Area
Houston Economic Partnership. Economic Development Coordinator Scott. Livingston responded
they are both alike as far as what he would refer to as sub -regional Chambers of Commerce, with
Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership gravitating to the south, representing quality of life and
technology, assisted with the Ike Dike Project and flood insurance. The Economic Alliance
gravitating to the north around the Houston Ship Channel, representing the Petrochemical and
Maritime industries. Mr. Livingston added they help him develop prospects for industry and retail
developers. Mr. Livingston also advised he will set dates for the Economic Alliance and Bay Area
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Houston Economic Partnership to come before the Board members and City Council for a
presentation before the adoption of the Fiscal Year 2014-2015 Budget.
Board member Martin commented Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership worked well with the
Biggert Waters Act, and he feels comfortable with supporting them.
Board member Clausen commented the Economic Alliance is working hard with San Jacinto
College on workforce development.
EDC Livingston added Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership has a big interest in healthcare.
Board member Woodard questioned $23,900 for land acquisition in 2011-2012 and if the City
actually owned the land or if the land had been transferred. Assistant City Manager Traci Leach
informed the Board that lots at 908 and 912 West Main were sold. Board member Woodard then
questioned $35,500 for Harris County Bus Service. Assistant City Manager Traci Leach informed
the Board that the first two years of the service included the City of La Porte, San Jacinto College
and the City of Pasadena in a partnership for the communities. Ms. Leach advised the City of
Pasadena and San Jacinto College opted out of the agreement; and for the last 12 months, the City
has been providing services for the City of La Porte. Ms. Leach informed the Board that since
November 2012 through October 2013, there were 7220 riders; and from November 2014 through
February 2014, there were 2672 riders. Board member Woodard then questioned the routes for the
bus service. Assistant City Manager Traci Leach informed there are 12-15 stops in La Porte; a
Social Service bus that goes to the Social Security Office in Pasadena and the Strawberry Clinic;
and a bus that goes to the Transit Center in Baytown. Ms. Leach advised that as of November 2012
through October 2013, there were 4168 riders here in La Porte, and 3052 for the Social Service
bus. Board member Woodard commented none of the bus service should be paid out of the
Economic Development budget.
Returning to the subject of the budget, Economic Development Coordinator Scott Livingston
advised that the Debt Service will be increased to pay the debt a lot faster. Finance Director
Michael Dolby added the principal will be moved up in the payment schedule to reduce the interest;
and, eventually, the debt will go down when the interest rates are better. Mr. Dolby also added he
estimates about $10 million has been allocated to the La Porte Development Corporation Board for
issues such as the library and the work done on Bay Area Blvd. Board member Woodard asked if
the City of La Porte can allocate debt services to the La Porte Development Corporation. Board
funds for the payment on outstanding indebtedness when the Board does not have any outstanding
bonds. Mr. Dolby responded the La Porte Development Corporation Board cannot and is not ready
to issue debt on its own due to the length of operation, and the City Council has designated the
Board to pay the debt due to it being a budget issue.
4. SET DATE FOR NEXT MEETING — S. Livingston
Board members set the next meeting date for Monday, July 14, 2014, at 5:00 p.m.
5. STAFF REPORTS
(a) Receive Financial Report — M. Dolby
Finance Director Michael Dolby provided a report.
(b) Receive report on the recent ICSC (International Council of Shopping Centers) Show held in
Las Vegas — S. Livingston
Economic Development Coordinator Scott Livingston provided a report. More time will be spent on this
discussion at the next meeting.
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June 9, 2014, La Porte Development Corporation Board Minutes
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.
President Warren thanked everyone for attending the meeting.
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 the meeting adjourned at 5:48 p.m.
Re ctfully submitted,
r�
Patrice Fogarty, City Greta
Passed and approved on this 14'h day of July, 2014.
Presiden Richard Warren
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