TEXAS CITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
MINUTES
AUGUST 16, 2017
CITY HALL CONFERENCE ROOM
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
MINUTES
AUGUST 16, 2017
CITY HALL CONFERENCE ROOM
The Texas City Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors met WEDNESDAY at 4:00pm in the City Hall Conference Room, 1801 9th Avenue North, in Texas City, Texas. A quorum having been met, the meeting was called to order at 4:00PM by Mark Ciavaglia with the following in attendance:
(1)
ROLL CALL
- Present:
-
- Mark Ciavaglia, Chairperson
- Harold Fattig, Vice-Chairperson
- Matthew T. Doyle, Mayor / Director
- Randy Dietel, Director
- Laura Boyd, Ex-Officio Member / Treasurer
- Absent:
-
- Mitchell Chuoke, Director
- Staff Present:
-
- Justin Herter, Secretary
- Nick Finan, Management Severices
- James Hartshorn, City Secretary
- Ronand Plackemier, City Attorney
- Doug Kneupper , City Engineer
- Matt Doyle, Mayor
- Rodney Cavness, TCISD Superintendent
- Jenny Center, Chamber
(2)
NEW BUSINESS
(a)
Approve Texas City Economic Development Board meeting minutes for June 7, 2017.
Motion by Vice-Chairperson Harold Fattig, Seconded by Director Randy Dietel
Vote: 4 - 0 CARRIED
(b)
Consider and take action on Resolution No. 17-16, appointing a Board Secretary and an Alternate for the Texas City Economic Development Corporation.
Michelle Garcia, the former Board Secretary, no longer works for the City of Texas City. It is proposed that Justin Herter is appointed as Board Secretary and James Hartshorn is appointed as the Alternate.
Michelle Garcia, the former Board Secretary, no longer works for the City of Texas City. It is proposed that Justin Herter is appointed as Board Secretary and James Hartshorn is appointed as the Alternate.
Motion by Director Randy Dietel, Seconded by Vice-Chairperson Harold Fattig
Vote: 4 - 0 CARRIED
(c)
Consider and take action on Resolution No. 17-17, approving purchase of property located at 615 7th Avenue North.
James Harsthorn stated the TCEDC has the opportunity to purchase the building located at 615 7th Avenue North, legally described as ABST 205 PAGE 6 LOT 9 BLK 154 TEXAS CITY. It is proposed that the TCEDC pays $10,600 (CAD value) and forgives the owner, Les Gilliam, of his debt under an Incentive Package Agreement dated July 6, 2015. Total debt to be forgiven under said agreement is $8,650. The owner of Hey Mikey's Ice Cream intends to purchase the building from the TCEDC. He would like to completely renovate the building and use for storage space, thereby beautifying and utilizing a building that is currently unused and unkempt.
James Harsthorn stated the TCEDC has the opportunity to purchase the building located at 615 7th Avenue North, legally described as ABST 205 PAGE 6 LOT 9 BLK 154 TEXAS CITY. It is proposed that the TCEDC pays $10,600 (CAD value) and forgives the owner, Les Gilliam, of his debt under an Incentive Package Agreement dated July 6, 2015. Total debt to be forgiven under said agreement is $8,650. The owner of Hey Mikey's Ice Cream intends to purchase the building from the TCEDC. He would like to completely renovate the building and use for storage space, thereby beautifying and utilizing a building that is currently unused and unkempt.
Motion by Director Randy Dietel, Seconded by Mayor / Director Matthew T. Doyle to purchase property at 615 7th Ave North.
Vote: 4 - 0 CARRIED
(d)
Consider and take action on Resolution No. 17-18, approving purchase of LED Wayfinding sign to be installed in front of the Police Station.
James Hartshorn stated it is proposed that the TCEDC approves purchase of a double-sided, full-color LED sign to be retrofitted into the existing monument sign located in front of the Police Station near the intersection of 9th Avenue North and 10th Street. The total cost for the LED sign, installation and repainting the monument sign black is $43,426.33.
James Hartshorn stated it is proposed that the TCEDC approves purchase of a double-sided, full-color LED sign to be retrofitted into the existing monument sign located in front of the Police Station near the intersection of 9th Avenue North and 10th Street. The total cost for the LED sign, installation and repainting the monument sign black is $43,426.33.
Motion by Vice-Chairperson Harold Fattig, Seconded by Director Randy Dietel to approve the purchase of a LED Wayfinding sign.
Vote: 4 - 0 CARRIED
(e)
Consider and take action on Resolution No. 17-19, approving expenditures for asphalt repair on 6th Street properties.
James Hartshorn stated it is proposed that the TCEDC approves expenditures related to asphalt repair on two 6th Street parking lots. The first lot is owned by the TCEDC and it is located on the southwest corner of 6th Street and 5th Avenue North. This lot is in a high-traffic area across the street from the Showboat and it is has gone into disrepair. The second lot is owned by Ned Visekruna and it is located one block north, on the southwest corner of 6th Street and 6th Avenue North. Mr. Visekruna has shown his support for the City and for 6th Street by allowing use of his parking lot for all special events requested, such as Food Truck Friday, Touch-A-Truck, Art Walk, and many others. This activity increases the "wear and tear" on his lot, and as a show of appreciation it is proposed that we resurface his parking lot. The total cost to resurface these two parking lots will not exceed $85,000.
James Hartshorn stated it is proposed that the TCEDC approves expenditures related to asphalt repair on two 6th Street parking lots. The first lot is owned by the TCEDC and it is located on the southwest corner of 6th Street and 5th Avenue North. This lot is in a high-traffic area across the street from the Showboat and it is has gone into disrepair. The second lot is owned by Ned Visekruna and it is located one block north, on the southwest corner of 6th Street and 6th Avenue North. Mr. Visekruna has shown his support for the City and for 6th Street by allowing use of his parking lot for all special events requested, such as Food Truck Friday, Touch-A-Truck, Art Walk, and many others. This activity increases the "wear and tear" on his lot, and as a show of appreciation it is proposed that we resurface his parking lot. The total cost to resurface these two parking lots will not exceed $85,000.
Motion by Director Randy Dietel, Seconded by Vice-Chairperson Harold Fattig
Vote: 4 - 0 CARRIED
(f)
Consider and take action on Resolution No. 17-20, ratifying purchase of the property located at 522 4th Avenue North.
James Hartshorn stated it is proposed that the TCEDC ratifies the purchase of the vacant lot located at 522 4th Avenue North, legally described as TEXAS CITY, BLOCK 142, S 50 FT of LOT 6 (6-2). The City of Texas City and the TCEDC own all of the adjacent lots. It was only recently brought to our attention that we did not already own this lot which we have maintained for many years. The total cost to purchase the property and to pay closing costs and taxes owed was $3,459.86.
James Hartshorn stated it is proposed that the TCEDC ratifies the purchase of the vacant lot located at 522 4th Avenue North, legally described as TEXAS CITY, BLOCK 142, S 50 FT of LOT 6 (6-2). The City of Texas City and the TCEDC own all of the adjacent lots. It was only recently brought to our attention that we did not already own this lot which we have maintained for many years. The total cost to purchase the property and to pay closing costs and taxes owed was $3,459.86.
Motion by Director Randy Dietel, Seconded by Vice-Chairperson Harold Fattig to approve purchase property.
Vote: 4 - 0 CARRIED
(g)
Consider and take action on Resolution No. 17-21, approving expenditures for demolition of the structure located at 622 3rd Avenue N for an amount not to exceed $60,000.
James Hartshorn stated the TCEDC has been working with the City's code enforcement department on eradicating dilapidated structures on or near 6th Street and other key commercial areas. This old apartment has been an eyesore for some time. Code Enforcement has recently obtained a abatement order through the courts for its unsafe condition. We would like to have the EDC eradicate and place a lien on the property. If the owner tries to sell, he would need to satisfy the lien first. We have an estimate not to exceed $60,000 for the entire property to be cleaned to the dirt.
James Hartshorn stated the TCEDC has been working with the City's code enforcement department on eradicating dilapidated structures on or near 6th Street and other key commercial areas. This old apartment has been an eyesore for some time. Code Enforcement has recently obtained a abatement order through the courts for its unsafe condition. We would like to have the EDC eradicate and place a lien on the property. If the owner tries to sell, he would need to satisfy the lien first. We have an estimate not to exceed $60,000 for the entire property to be cleaned to the dirt.
Motion by Vice-Chairperson Harold Fattig, Seconded by Director Randy Dietel to approve Resolution No. 17-21.
Vote: 4 - 0 CARRIED
(h)
Consider and take action on Resolution No. 17-22, approving expenditures for demolition of the structure located at 507 Texas Avenue for an amount not to exceed $25,000.
James Hartshorn stated similar to the previous item, code enforcement had determined this property is unsafe. However, this property is a Property In Trust (PIT) meaning the taxing entities are now the trustees since the owner defaulted on the taxes. We will place a lien, however, and more than likely we can acquire the land at the last struck price. We will approach the PIT committee and ask, since the TCEDC abated the nuisance, if we can leverage that against the last struck value.
James Hartshorn stated similar to the previous item, code enforcement had determined this property is unsafe. However, this property is a Property In Trust (PIT) meaning the taxing entities are now the trustees since the owner defaulted on the taxes. We will place a lien, however, and more than likely we can acquire the land at the last struck price. We will approach the PIT committee and ask, since the TCEDC abated the nuisance, if we can leverage that against the last struck value.
Motion by Director Randy Dietel, Seconded by Vice-Chairperson Harold Fattig to approve Resolution 17-22.
Vote: 4 - 0 CARRIED
(i)
Consider and take action on Resolution No. 17-23, approving funding to TxDOT to facilitate an additional off-ramp for additional retail and economic development activities in the I-45 corridor near Holland Road.
Largo Mar residents complained about TxDots plans to open a southbound exit ramp for Holland Road almost a mile away from the actual street. A patron from the area proposed a blueprint that was accepted by TxDot and will be modeled into their plans for $600,000.00. The City is willing to pay $200,000.00 but it is contingent upon the additional funding from residents and businesses. TxDot is not willing to fund any of the project.
Largo Mar residents complained about TxDots plans to open a southbound exit ramp for Holland Road almost a mile away from the actual street. A patron from the area proposed a blueprint that was accepted by TxDot and will be modeled into their plans for $600,000.00. The City is willing to pay $200,000.00 but it is contingent upon the additional funding from residents and businesses. TxDot is not willing to fund any of the project.
Motion by Chairperson Mark Ciavaglia, Seconded by Director Randy Dietel
Vote: 4 - 0 CARRIED
(3)
UPDATES
James Hartshorn stated that the Stay Classy Award for July was awarded to the Speed Fuel gas station.
James Hartshorn stated that the Stay Classy Award for July was awarded to the Speed Fuel gas station.
(4)
BOARD COMMENTS
(5)
ADJOURNMENT
Having no further business, Mark Ciavaglia made a Motion to ADJOURN at 3:30pm; . The meeting was adjourned.
Board Secretary
Texas City Economic Development Corporation
Date Approved: ____________________