La Porte City Council on Monday voted unanimously to adopt a resolution nominating INEOS USA, LLC as a State of Texas Enterprise Zone Project.
“The Texas Enterprise Zone is an economic development program offered by the State of Texas that allows the State to promote job creation/retention and capital investment in economically distressed areas of the state,” Economic Development Director Stacey Osbourne said. “Companies that wish to apply for Texas Enterprise Zone project designation must have the nomination of a local community in order to participate. Companies can participate by either creating or retaining jobs, and they must commit to a minimum capital investment of $40,000 and creation or retention of a minimum of 10 jobs.”
The company is applying for designation as an enterprise zone project, and is committing $1 billion in capital investments and to retaining or creating 415 jobs during the next five years.
The city council voted unanimously to award a contract to Met Life to provide dental insurance and to Block Vision to provide vision insurance for employees.
The city council voted unanimously to schedule a public hearing for November 12 regarding a possible order to repair or demolish 12 structures in the city considered as dangerous buildings.
The city council voted unanimously to move forward with a scenario for performing both phases of improvements to the Lomax Park complex, including a new galvanized covered arena. The total cost is estimated at $1,769,121. The city currently has $1.2 million budgeted for the project.
The council directed staff to research funding sources for the remaining costs of the project, including 4B sales tax funds and hotel occupancy tax sources.
The city council met in executive session to consult with counsel regarding pending litigation in the State vs. Port of Houston regarding sound mediation, and the matter of Tammy Cooper vs. City of La Porte. No action was taken regarding the items.
All other items were approved by unanimous vote. All members were present. Agenda