HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-27-2025 LPDC minutesMINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE
LA PORTE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Members present: Nancy Ojeda, Richard Warren, Chuck Engelken, Danny Earp,
Amanda Gerrish, John Blakemore
Members Attending Remotely: None
Members Absent: Brent McCaulley
Council -appointed officers present: Corby Alexander, City Manager; Clark Askins,
City Attorney, Lee Woodward, City Secretary
The La Porte Development Corporation Board of Directors met
in a meeting on January 27, 2025, at the City Hall Council Chambers,
604 West Fairmont Parkway, La Porte, Texas, at 5:00 p.m.
1. CALL TO ORDER - President Oieda called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
2. CITIZEN COMMENT - There were no comments.
3. AUTHORIZATIONS
a. Presentation, discussion, and possible action to approve the minutes of the
December 9, 2024, meeting. [Lee Woodward, City Secretary]
Member Engelken moved to approve the minutes of the December 9 2024
meeting the motion was seconded by Member Earix the motion was adopted 6-
0.
b. Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Presentation - Presentation by
Herbert Hildebrand, Director of the San Jacinto College Small Business
Development Center (SBDC) on their business assistance programs. [Haley
Bowers, Economic Development Manager]
Mr. Hildebrand provided the presentation.
c. R Favorite Things LLC - Public Hearing - The La Porte Development
Corporation Board of Directors will conduct a public hearing to receive
comments on a proposed project for new or expanded business enterprises
in an amount not to exceed $138,510.00 for building and site improvements
at 228 West Main Street, La Porte, Texas; followed by discussion and
possible action to approve a project for new or expanded enterprises in an
amount not to exceed $138,510.00 for building and site improvements at 228
West Main Street, La Porte, Texas. [Haley Bowers, Economic Development
Manager]
President Oieda opened the public hearing at 5:10 p.m. Mrs. Bowers provided a
presentation. There were no public comments. President Oieda closed the public
hearing at 5:18 D.M.
Member Engelken moved to approve a project for new or expanded enterprises in
an amount not to exceed $138,510.00 for building and site improvements at 228
West Main Street, La Porte. Texas: the motion was seconded by Member Earp:
the motion was adopted. 6-0.
d. R Favorite Things LLC - Development Agreement- Presentation, discussion,
and possible action to approve an incentive agreement between the La Porte
Development Corporation and R Favorite Things, LLC in an amount not to
exceed $138,510.00, for improvements to building and business site at 228
West Main Street, La Porte Texas. [Haley Bowers, Economic Development
Manager]
motion was adopted. 6-0.
e. Dimensions Comics, Music, and More - Amended Incentive Agreement -
Presentation, discussion, and possible action to approve an amended and
restated Incentive Agreement between the La Porte Development
Corporation and Shelley Whalen in connection with building and site
improvement at 321 W. Main Street for Dimensions Comics, Music, and More
business, in an amount not to exceed $22,483.00. [Haley Bowers, Economic
Development Manager]
Music. and More business, in an amount not to exceed $22 483.00: the motion
was seconded by Member Eon): the motion was adopted. 6-0.
f. Amended Project - Presentation, discussion, and possible action to approve
publishing a notice to begin the 60-day comment period for an amendment
to the previously approved project of the La Porte Development Corporation
for Electric Vehicle Charging Station, by increasing funding for the project
to a total amount not to exceed $128,306.11. [Haley Bowers, Economic
Development Manager]
m
motion was seconded by Member Engelken: the motion was not adopted. 2-4,
Members Earp and Engelken voting in favor.
Member Gerrish moved to approve publishing a notice to begin the 60-day
Business Rental Assistance Grant Program Workshop - Provide
administrative staff with direction regarding a potential Business Rental
Assistance Grant Program. [Haley Bowers, Economic Development
Manager]
This item was pulled before the meeting.
4. STAFF REPORTS
Mrs. Bowers said there would be a free Small Business Development Administration
session on developing a marketing plan at City Hall on February 18 at 9 a.m. She said
staff would attend the Red River ICSC this week.
5. SET NEXT MEETING - Without obiection, the next meeting was set for February 24.
6. BOARD COMMENTS
Members spoke in support of further exploration of the electric vehicle charging
station; and put forward an idea for adult seating around park playgrounds.