2022 07 07 MDD Minutes MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF THE BAYTOWN MUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
July 7, 2022
The Board of Directors of the Baytown Municipal Development District(MDD)met in a Regular
Meeting on Thursday, July 7, 2022, at 4:31 P.M., in the Council Chamber of the Baytown City
Hall, 2401 Market Street, Baytown, Texas with the following in attendance:
Chris Presley Vice President
Laura Alvarado Secretary
Suhey Rios-Alvarez Director
Mary Hernandez Director
Charles Johnson Director
Heather Betancourth Director
David P. Jirrels Director
Gary Englert Director
Bandon Capetillo President
Rick Davis General Manager
Scott Lemond General Counsel
Angela Jackson Assistant Secretary
President Brandon Capetillo convened the July 7, 2022, MDD Board Regular Meeting with a
quorum present at 4:31 P.M., all members were present with the exception of the absence of
Director Jacob Powell, Director Mike Lester, Vice President Chris Presley who later arrived at
4:33 P.M., and Director Charles Johnson who later arrived at 4:33 P.M. as well.
1. MINUTES
a. Consider approving the minutes of the Municipal Development District Regular
Meeting held on April 7, 2022.
A motion was made by Secretary Laura Alvarado and seconded by Director Mary Hernandez to
approve the minutes of the Municipal Development District Regular Meeting held on April 7,
2022, as submitted. The vote was as follows:
Ayes: President Brandon Capetillo, Secretary Laura Alvarado, Director Suhey
Rios-Alvarez, Director Mary Hernandez, Director Heather Betancourth,
Director David P. Jirrels, and Director Gary Englert
Nays: None
Other: Vice President Chris Presley(Absent), Director Charles Johnson(Absent),
Director Jacob Powell (Absent), and Director Mike Lester(Absent)
MDD Board Regular Meeting Minutes
July 7,2022
Page 2 of 9
Approved
2. BAYTOWN MUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT FY2022-23 PROPOSED
BUDGET
a. Discuss the Baytown Municipal Development District's Fiscal Year 2022-23 Proposed
Budget and budget process.
General Manager Rick Davis introduced the item recalling from their last meeting that the MDD
Board went over the proposed projects that would be included in the proposed budget. For
example, Economic Development personnel expenses had been kept for the two positions Mr.
Davis had presented to the Board. It had not been removed, pending the discussion that night, and
staff was happy to take whatever direction the MDD Directors had for them. The other projects,
likewise, had not been modified since their last meeting.
Finance Director Victor Brownlees proceeded to present the draft budget. As Mr. Davis indicated,
there had not been any changes to any of the projects. However, Mr. Brownlees believed it would
be worth taking time to think about revenue which marked how successful the District had been
in generating sales tax. The sales tax, in turn, marked the continued economic growth within the
City. At that time, Mr. Brownlees relayed the MDD was already over the $8 million-dollar mark.
In terms of other specific expenditures, Mr. Brownlees noted Economic Development also
included the ongoing debt service for the Hotel Convention Center and the $1.4 million for the
Citizens Bank building project.A couple of years ago,the City had budgeted for the Citizens Bank
building within the MDD, the Water and Sewer Fund, and the General Fund. Thus, those funds
had been expended first. The City was only then getting around to using the MDD's portion.
Similarly, under Utility Projects, Mr. Brownlees recalled their conversation about the I-10 Lift
Station. There was an agreement that there should be a contribution from the MDD towards that.
The $600,000 in the proposed budget represented the MDD's portion of the debt cost related to
that I-10 Lift Station. For the Parks Projects, Mr. Brownlees allowed his colleagues from Parks
and Recreation speak on those at a later time.
All in all, the proposed budget would provide a buffer for any unforeseen and new initiatives of
over $700,000. Mr. Brownlees emphasized the MDD had been successful in generating revenue
and investing in infrastructure, specifically referring to the Hotel and Convention Center. Of
which, the success came at the cost of the MDD having negligible balances going forward. In the
quarterly monitoring, Mr. Brownlees assured that he would run a close eye over its performance
over the course of the year. With that, Mr. Brownlees was happy to take any questions.
Director Betancourth noticed the ending working capital for the proposed year was$0 and inquired
if that was normal. Mr. Brownlees answered that it was and that $742,148 was allocated to
unforeseen and new initiatives. If the budget were to leave anything in the end balance, it could
MDD Board Regular Meeting Minutes
July 7,2022
Page 3 of 9
not be recommitted during the year. Therefore, by putting the money in to unforeseen and new
initiatives, it gave the MDD the ability to allocate that in the year if the Directors so chose to.
Director Betancourth further questioned when would be a good timeframe for the MDD to utilize
that unforeseen balance? Was there something the MDD Board should keep in mind around the
June-July timeframe, or did Mr. Brownlees have a recommendation? Mr. Brownlees
recommended, similar to how the Crime Control Prevention District (CCPD) dealt with that the
previous year, tracking that quarter by quarter. In the first quarter, it was identified there were
significant increases in revenue, so it was left to the end of the second quarter before committed.
Mr. Brownlees believed that was good rule of thumb to use and why he pointed out in quarterly
monitoring to look at that closely because the MDD did not have a large fund balance.
Under Utility Projects, Director Betancourth wondered what kind of parameters would be
considered to allow projects to be funded with the MDD? Mr. Brownlees explained there were
three line items: 1)was related to the development cost share with developers for upsizing; 2)was
only related to grown and development, such as the I-10 Lift Station; and 3) was related to the
ongoing debt cost for the Wastewater Treatment Plant. The presumption only was that the MDD
contribute to growth and development. Director Betancourth clarified it was not legal nor their
own policy to use MDD funds for existing infrastructure needs. It was mainly for growth. Mr.
Brownlees confirmed that was correct as the assumption was that the MDD was a development
district focused on development and growth.
Director Betancourth's final question was when the North East Wastewater Treatment debt service
would be scheduled to be paid off. Off the top of his head, Mr. Brownlees recalled it would be
twenty years from 2016. Thus, it would be 2036 before it would be finally extinguished.
Regarding the money allocated for unforeseen and new initiatives,President Capetillo commented
that would be the opportunity for anything the MDD Directors felt needed to be considered as a
line item in the budget.While things did happen mid-year,President Capetillo suggested any ideas
from the Directors to be spoken up for a cost estimate and so something could be budgeted.
President Capetillo had a few,himself,but would like to hear from the Directors if there were any.
As there were none at that time, President Capetillo proceeded to give his own.
President Capetillo noted the Art League Building was City-owned and staff had attempted to
address repairs and improvements. Yet,he did not think the City accomplished everything needed
for that building. Thus, President Capetillo would like to address some of the larger things, such
as: flooring, things to present the building better, and the second story. Mr. Brownlees noted the
Art League Building had been picked up in the Capital Improvement Plan(CIP)for$600,000. Mr.
Davis added that $600,000 was only as relevant as the budget turned out to be. City staff were
currently in the process of putting numbers to each of those items to make the building functional,
and would return the budget back to the MDD Directors to see the costs.President Capetillo agreed
$600,000 was a lot of money, but that was not what he was seeking. He would like to address the
first floor to make the gallery more presentable and accommodating for what they needed.
MDD Board Regular Meeting Minutes
July 7,2022
Page 4 of 9
Director Hernandez made note of their discussion on Pirates Bay parking and inquired if staff
continued to research that as well as the Cricket Field outside of that area. Mr. Davis replied staff
did continue to probe the possibility of acquiring the property adjacent to the existing Pirates Bay
parking. Furthermore, he believed there were other plans for additional parking and deferred to
Public Works and Engineering Assistant Director Andrea Brinkley. Ms. Brinkley stated on the
City Council agenda for July 14th, Public Works staff would bring forward an amendment for the
design of additional parking to serve the Wayne Gray and the Pirates Bay complex. Director
Hernandez further questioned if the Cricket Field would be expanded or would be looked at for
another location? At that time, Ms. Brinkley relayed staff would not impact the Cricket Field by
making it smaller or expanding. The Cricket Field was only being planned for additional parking.
Director Betancourth queried if the real estate negotiation for the parking was successful for the
land acquisition. Ms. Brinkley replied not yet, so Director Betancourth clarified the agenda item
she previously referenced was just for the design. Ms. Brinkley responded it was everything
involved with acquiring all the due diligence and the design thereof. Staff was hopeful and
confident that the acquisition would go through. Director Betancourth expressed concerns if it did
not go through, the City would have designs for a property it did not own. Without getting in to
how the City procured real estate, Ms. Brinkley relayed staff wanted to put forth a fair offer at
market value, so the City would be successful. The design would help with that.
President Capetillo inquired for the date of the approval of the budget. Mr. Davis answered the
General City Budget would be approved in September and believed the same deadline applied to
the MDD.With that,President Capetillo suggested for any ideas the MDD Directors had to contact
Mr. Davis. Mr. Brownlees added the public hearing for the budget was on July 14th as well.
3. PROPOSED RESOLUTIONS
a. Consider a resolution approving changes to the guidelines for the Business
Improvement Grant Program.
President Capetillo announced Mr. David Isaac had signed up to speak on the item.
Mr. Isaac commented his approval of the resolution. Economic Development Manager Bret
Gardella had stated a lot of people were interested, and Mr. Isaac hoped applicants would be
approved depending on their merits. However,he believed there was more the MDD Board could
do. Mr. Isaac shared that he had driven from his office all the way to City Hall as there were no
other way to appear live during the MDD Meeting. Considering the MDD dealt with sales tax,Mr.
Isaac thought it was important the MDD Board be as transparent and participatory as possible.
Mr. Gardella then spoke on the item noting the Business Improvement Grant Program had
struggled in getting applications filled out. Thus, the goal in changing the guidelines was to make
it more accessible. Raising the limit to $40,000 on a 50-50 match gave people the opportunity to
do more interior projects as it was expanded from just life-safety issues. Interior improvements
could include: new flooring(excluding carpets), doors, windows, and built-in fixtures that would
beautify the space. Mr. Gardella felt that was necessary and doable for the City to help out with.
MDD Board Regular Meeting Minutes
July 7,2022
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In addition, the program also had problems with people that had already started the work before
getting involved with the program. Mr. Gardella rewrote the guidelines to allow a ninety-day
window, or grace period. If applicants started before they found out about the grant and applied,
the City wanted to be as amendable to them as possible.
With that, Mr. Gardella believed those were the two biggest changes to the guidelines of the
Business Improvement Grant Program. The Committee reviewed five applications that had been
submitted and presented to the MDD Board. Mr. Gardella noted a couple of the applications had
legal issues with the state regarding paperwork filing and naming issues. Once those were fixed
with the state and once the City was comfortable moving forward on a legal level, Mr. Gardella
relayed everything should be okay. With the five application,only one was looking at the$40,000
level, Lercy's Diner. Mr. Gardella explained that was due to issues with their sprinkler system on
their end as well as the City's. Staff wanted to make that correction, and Lercy's would be able to
take advantage of that rather quickly.
Vice President Presley recalled the MDD had approved the Revolving Loan Program and that Mr.
Gardella had iterated there were challenges with that. Vice President Presley noticed that did not
appear to be an option, so could that funding roll in to the Business Improvement Grant Program?
Mr. Gardella answered yes. In fact, he had approached different loan banks to be involved with
that program. Even though it was the City's money with no expense nor liability on their side, no
loan bank wanted to get involved. Thus, as of yet, the City did not have a Revolving Loan Fund.
However, Mr. Gardella would not stop as he and Mr. Brownlees continued to approach other
entities outside of the City to see if they could get that Revolving Loan Fund created. Mr. Gardella
reiterated those monies were rolled over in to the Business Improvement Grant Program and in to
the next year's budget. It was not under a Revolving Loan Fund line item.
Similarly, Director Jirrels recalled there had been an obstacle with an applicant that had to come
up with a cash contribution before qualifying for the grant. He questioned what that was and what
was the City proposing at that time. Mr. Gardella replied it was still a 50-50 match program. The
applicants had to do the work,pay for the work, submit the receipts, and the City would reimburse
them. As a grant program, Mr. Gardella could not justify coming in front of the MDD Board to
write a check up front. The City must make sure the applicant would do the work they said they
would do. Once done, it would be approved by his department and then the applicant would be
reimbursed. It was a matching program and Mr. Gardella believed the guidelines to stay with that
were important. Director Jirrels clarified if he were to apply for the$40,000 grant, he would have
to put in $20,000 before he could get reimbursed? Mr. Gardella relayed the guidelines of the
program where: 1)the applicant got accepted in to the program;2)the applicant would do the work
at whatever extent that would be; and 3) once completed, the applicant could submit it. For
example, if an applicant had$80,000 worth of work, the $80,000 would get them the $40,000.
To follow up on Director Jirrels question, Vice President Presley gave a hypothetical instance
where that applicant would not have the$80,000 in a lump sum. He inquired if it would be possible
to entertain dispensing that money in phases.For example,finishing half the work got the applicant
half of the money with the remaining to be given when all the work was finished. Mr. Gardella
stated he would have to think about that. For anything small, Vice President Presley agreed it did
MDD Board Regular Meeting Minutes
July 7,2022
Page 6 of 9
not make sense to split up $5,000, for example. However, when it would be major, perhaps there
could be two phases the applicant could conquer that in. Mr. Gardella explained the Business
Improvement Grant was one tool. For projects $80,000 or larger, the City had a separate tool.
Nonetheless, Mr. Gardella would work at whatever level the MDD Board wished, but requested
that he further research that. If the guidelines were acceptable, Mr. Gardella could make those
changes at that moment and would later research how the City might be able to do some type of
phased-in approach. He could also re-present that to the MDD to have another conversation to see
if that would be acceptable. General Manager Rick Davis suggested they look at a limit of phases.
The MDD Board further discussed the issues of the Business Improvement Grant Program, such
as: its attainability, marketing, and the timing of the applicant. Mr. Gardella noted when people
heard about the program, it tended to be after the fact as applicants were supposed to be in the
program first before doing the work. That being why Mr. Gardella edited the guidelines to that
ninety-day level. In fact,Mr.Gardella was willing to entertain if the MDD Directors thought ninety
days was too short of a period. He had chosen ninety days because that seemed to be the window
where people heard about the program,but had already started the renovations to their space.
Vice President Presley wondered if the City could automate the process in giving applications to
the program when individuals applied for a permit. Mr. Gardella was happy to work with Planning
and Development Director Martin Scribner and his department on that. Mr. Scribner stated he
would have to check with his staff to see how that would function. Mr. Davis noted it would just
be a matter of looking at the process and seeing where the appropriate place would be for that. As
it currently stood, Mr. Scribner relayed when Planning heard about new businesses, staff checked
with Mr. Gardella to make sure that he had some contact with them. Nonetheless, that was
something Mr. Scribner and Planning were willing to assist Mr. Gardella with. Although, Mr.
Scribner was unsure of what the limits would be at that stage with their technology. With the
Reinvestment Zone, Mr. Gardella believed it would be important for anybody starting a business
in that area to also have the knowledge that they could get permit fees waived and etc.
A motion was made by Director Charles Johnson and seconded by Vice President Chris Presley to
approve Resolution No. 441, related to Item 3.a. The vote was as follows:
Ayes: President Brandon Capetillo,Vice President Chris Presley, Secretary Laura
Alvarado, Director Suhey Rios-Alvarez, Director Mary Hernandez,
Director Charles Johnson, Director Heather Betancourth,Director David P.
Jirrels, and Director Gary Englert
Nays: None
Other: Director Jacob Powell (Absent) and Director Mike Lester(Absent)
Approved
RESOLUTION NO. 441
MDD Board Regular Meeting Minutes
July 7,2022
Page 7 of 9
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE BAYTOWN
MUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT APPROVING THE REVISED
GUIDELINES FOR THE BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT GRANT PROGRAM;
AND PROVIDING FOR THE EFFECTIVE DATE THEREOF.
b. Consider a resolution approving Business Improvement Grant applications in the
amount of$40,000.00 per approved grant application.
President Capetillo announced Mr. David Isaac had signed up to speak on the Item 4.b. as well.
Mr. Isaac wished to discuss the procedures of the Business Improvement Grant. The MDD Board
had just approved the increase of$20,000 to$40,000.Now,the City had applications for$40,000?
He believed that was sloppy. When people saw a change to a policy, perhaps they needed a week
or so to apply and for that to be made available. In regards to the marketing issue mentioned in the
previous item, Mr. Isaac inquired how would the City get out to those small businesses and help
them. He knew big developers got the attention they needed and he believed the same should be
applied to small businesses. In the previous item, Mr. Isaac heard and disapproved of the
apprehension in giving people money first. Of the five applications, Mr. Isaac spoke favorably of
Khadija Williams and her hair business. He further touched on others ways to help businesses
when he was reminded of the nature of the agenda item—to approve applications. While
challenging Vice President Presley and President Capetillo, Mr. Isaac's time had run out.
A motion was made by Vice President Chris Presley and seconded by Director Charles Johnson to
approve Resolution No. 442, related to Item 3.b. The vote was as follows:
Ayes: President Brandon Capetillo,Vice President Chris Presley, Secretary Laura
Alvarado, Director Suhey Rios-Alvarez, Director Mary Hernandez,
Director Charles Johnson, Director Heather Betancourth, Director David P.
Jirrels, and Director Gary Englert
Nays: None
Other: Director Jacob Powell (Absent) and Director Mike Lester(Absent)
Approved
RESOLUTION NO. 442
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE BAYTOWN
MUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT APPROVING BUSINESS
IMPROVEMENT GRANT APPLICATIONS; AUTHORIZING
REIMBURSEMENT FUNDING UNDER THE BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT
GRANT PROGRAM IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED THE MAXIMUM
GRANT AMOUNT OF FORTY THOUSAND AND NO/100 DOLLARS
MDD Board Regular Meeting Minutes
July 7,2022
Page 8 of 9
($40,000.00) PER APPROVED GRANT APPLICATION; AND PROVIDING
FOR THE EFFECTIVE DATE THEREOF.
4. REPORTS
a. Receive the Monthly Construction Status Report for the Baytown Hotel and
Convention Center Project.
Finance Director Victor Brownlees introduced Hugh Cronin from Broaddus, the construction
monitors, who produced the report before the MDD Board. Before handing it over to Mr. Cronin,
Mr. Brownlees mentioned that he had been on call with SMP as part of their regular monitoring
of the bonds issued in respect to the Hotel and Convention Center. Mr. Brownlees apprised SMP
on the progress, current construction activities, and issues relating to the wider economic growth
of the City. SMP was pleased with the responses from the City and would advise bondholders
accordingly.
Public Works and Engineering Assistant Director Andrea Brinkley presented to the MDD Board
recent construction photos. With the images on display, Mr. Cronin began giving the report by
stating the contract price, or current IGMP, was $60,626,237. Mr. Cronin noted that amount
included an amendment the MDD Board approved in June which had been the only amendment
approved thus far. There were no other pending amendments at that time other than the receipt of
the final GMP which was anticipated for the end of July.The amendment also included transferring
the cost of the kitchen and laundry equipment from the soft cost budget over to DPR.
As of the end of June, DPR had been invoiced for$20,268,021—about 35%of their total contract
value. Mr. Cronin relayed DPR were nine months in to the construction project as per their
schedule. DPR started on November 8, 2021 with an aggressive seventeen-month schedule.
Therefore, they were about 53%in to the construction schedule and had been invoiced for 35%of
the total cost of the project. As of that day, DPR was on schedule. Mr. Cronin had been on site the
week prior and shared that the contractor was getting ready to pour level four concrete. DPR
tracked their own critical path and Broaddus felt they would finish, or achieve substantial
completion, by the end of February—as per the contract—in 2023. Mr. Cronin further discussed
the contents of the displayed images and then inquired for any questions from the MDD Directors.
Director Jirrels recalled a conversation about the Directors touring the site and asked if they were
still going to do that. Mr. Cronin replied they would love to do that, but was unsure how to
coordinate that. General Manager Rick Davis had run in to Sam Sprouse who was formerly with
Broaddus and was now with DPR Construction. Mr. Sprouse gave Mr. Davis his contact
information, so Mr. Davis recommended they contact Executive Assistant Jason Burlin to arrange
a tour. President Capetillo suggested they plan one tour for the MDD Directors and propose a date.
In regards to the tour, Mr. Cronin noted at the end of the following week there would be a final
review of the model room so the Directors could see what the rooms would look like. Moreover,
President Capetillo knew there were renderings that had been sent to Council and suggested that
be sent to the MDD Directors as well if it had not been done already.
MDD Board Regular Meeting Minutes
July 7,2022
Page 9 of 9
5. MANAGER'S REPORT
a. The next Baytown Municipal Development District special meeting is scheduled for
Thursday, July 14, 2022, at 5:30 p.m., in the Council Chamber located at City Hall, 2401
Market Street,Baytown,Texas, 77520.
On the note of the Hotel and Convention Center, General Manager Rick Davis forwarded to the
MDD Directors what the interior would look like. Mr. Davis then relayed there would be a special,
budget-oriented MDD Meeting on Thursday, July 14, 2022, at 5:30 P.M. there in the Council
Chambers. Before adjourning, Vice President Presley requested the consideration of having a
Sergeant at Arms present at MDD Meetings. Mr. Davis agreed to have a discussion about that.
6. ADJOURN
With there being no further business to discuss, President Capetillo adjourned the July 7, 2022,
MDD Board Regular Meeting at 5:10 P.M.
Angela JacZcson, Assistant-Se t
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