HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-14-15 Meeting of the La Porte Development Corporation Board of DirectorsRIC HARD WARREN, PRESIDENT MIKE CLAUSE N, BOARD MEMBER
MIKE cOOKSLEV, VIcE PRESIDENT O A p RANoV WOOOARO, BOARO MEMBER
c HUcK ENGELKEN, BOARO MEMBER V NANCV OJEOA, BOARD MEMBER
JAV MARTIN, BOARD MEMBER
MINUTES OF LA PORTS MEVELOPMENT CORPORATION BOARn
MEETING OF r->ECEMBER -14, 20-15
The City of La Porte C)evelopment Corporation Board met on l3ecember 14, 2015, at the City Hall Council
Chambers, 604 West Fairmont Parkway, La Porte, Texas, nt 5-00 p_m. to consider the following items of
business:
1. CALL TO ORDER
President Richard Warren called the meeting to order nt 5:00 p.m_ The following members cf the
La Porte development Corporation Board were present: Vice -President Cooksley, Board members
Clausen, Engelken, Woodard, Martin and Ojeda. Staff Present: Corby Alexander, Traci Leach,
Patrice Fogarty, Scott Livingston, and Clark Askins.
2_ STAFF REPORTS
(a) Receive Financial Report — S. Livingston
Finance Clirectcr Michael [Dolby presented the Financial Report from the unaudited statement_
Board member Martin questioned if commitments have been received from Richard Industrial Group and
ACT Independent Turbo Service, Inc. Economic development Coordinator Scott Livingston responded
no; payment requests have not been received from either_ Mr_ Livingston advised that out of courtesy,
they can be reminded; however, it is up them to request payment_
3_ AUTHORIZATIONS
(a) Consider approval of minutes of the meeting of La Porte development Corporation Board held
on November 1 1. 201 5 — S. Harris
Board member Engelken moved to approve minutes of the meeting of La Porte development
Corporation Board held on November 11, 2015- Vice -President Cooksley seconded. MOTION
PASSED_
Ayes: President Warren, Board members Vice -President Cooksley,
Board members Woodard, Clausen, Engelken, Ojeda and
Martin
Nays: None
Absent: None
(b) Consider approval or other action authorizing an enhancement grant amount not to exceed
$42,057.86 to Brotamonte Asset 1, LLC., at the completion of the project — S_ Livingston
Economic E:)evelOpment Coordinator Scott Livingston presented a summary_
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Board member Woodard questioned the wording "new and expanding business enterprises" in the
summary and recommendation of the agenda request. Economic Development Coordinator Scott
Livingston responded this is a legal justification for spending economic development funds, and
Assistant City Attorney Clark Askins advised the statute does not reference residential development
and that Board members are to use their best judgement on the definition of "new and expanding
business enterprises." Board member Woodard asked if the project is for Section 8 housing.
Mr. Livingston responded no. Board member Woodard asked if half the amount of the project will be
spent on renovating the interior of the apartments. Mr. Edwin Brotamonte, the new owner of the
Sylvan Beach Apartments, responded yes.
Mr. Brotamonte presented his plan for the proposed project for the Sylvan Beach Apartments.
Board member Woodard asked what percentage of the units are leased; and if he is a general partner.
Mr. Brotamonte responded 65 percent of the units are leased; and, yes, he is a general partner. Board
member Woodard asked if the rental rates will be raised. Mr. Brotamonte responded this is a Class
C community, and rates will reflect the community.
Board member Martin asked if criminal background checks are run on new tenants. Mr. Brotamonte
responded yes.
Board member Woodard asked if this is the first apartment complex owned. Mr. Brotamonte
responded yes. Board member Woodard asked Economic Development Coordinator Scott Livingston
whether, with the development agreement, renovations can be first done to the interior of the
apartments. Mr. Livingston responded not according to the enhancement grant program.
Board member Clausen commented affordable housing is needed in the City of La Porte and wishes
that the Board could be guaranteed renovations are being done to the interior.
Board member Ojeda commented she has concerns if the definition means to an expanding business
and also commented asphalt repairs will go a long way for beautifying the neighborhood in the area
of the proposed project.
Board member Martin moved to table an enhancement grant amount not to exceed $42,057.86 to
Brotamonte Asset 1, LLC. at the completion of the project until Staff brings back more information.
Vice -President Cooksley seconded. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: President Warren, Board members Vice -President Cooksley,
Board members Woodard, Clausen, Engelken, Ojeda and
Martin
Nays: None
Absent: None
4. SET DATE FOR NEXT MEETING
Board members set the next meeting date for Monday, January 11, 2016, at 5:00 p.m.
5. 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 Woodard requested an agenda item to discuss changing the Bylaws for the La Porte
Development Corporation for the next meeting.
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December 14, 2015, La Porte Development Corporation Board Minutes
Board member Ojeda thanked Mr. Brotamonte for investing in the City of La Porte and asked for an
update on the restrooms at Five Points. Economic Development Coordinator Scott Livingston advised
he is working with Assistant City Manager Traci Leach and City Manager Corby Alexander and will
have information after the first of the year.
President Warren thanked everyone for attending the meeting and commented he wants everyone
to understand the duties and decisions made by the La Porte Development Corporation.
6. ADJOURN
There being no further business, Vice -President Cooksley moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:44 p.m.
Board member Woodard seconded. MOTION PASSED.
Respectfully submitted,
Patrice Fogarty, Ci ecre
Passed and approved on this 11th day of January, 2016.
President Richard Warren
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December 14, 2015, La Porte Development Corporation Board Minutes