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Manvel EDC directs staff to publish notice for up to $20,000 reimbursement for Grease Monkey pit project
Summary
The Manvel Economic Development Corporation heard a presentation from Grease Monkey owner Gabriela Leal on a two‑pit expansion and alignment equipment; the EDC moved to publish a notice for reimbursement up to $20,000 and will follow a 60‑day publication process before returning to the board and city council for final approval.
Gabriela Leal, owner of the Grease Monkey franchise in Manvel, asked the Manvel Economic Development Corporation to support funding for a second vehicle service pit and for a later separate application for an alignment machine.
Leal told the board that the project’s scope is two pits — excavation with concrete, steel and electricity — and that one pit is nearly finished except for electricity. She said the completed pit cost about $25,000 and that the second pit would cost about $25,000; she said an alignment machine would cost about $30,000. “As soon as you give me money. Yes,” Leal said when asked how soon work on the second pit could begin.
The request followed Leal’s explanation that the store currently averages about 10 oil‑change customers per day at the Manvel location while a Texas City location averages 60 to 80 vehicles per day; she said adding the pit and alignment equipment would increase capacity and revenue. Leal said recent hiring included a manager and that she planned to hire two technicians. She also said the lease on the building is a 20‑year lease with a first right to buy and that the site is a franchised Grease Monkey store.
After the presentation the board recessed into executive session to discuss the company’s economic development incentive request. The board reconvened with no action taken in closed session and then considered the application. A board member moved to direct city staff to publish a notice of project for reimbursement up to $20,000; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously. The board clarified the funding would pertain to the second pit, since Leal and staff said the first pit was already under construction and nearly complete.
Economic development staff told Leal the publication period that begins the incentive process would last about 60 days and that, following publication, the item would return to the board and then to city council for final approval — a sequence staff estimated would take roughly 90 days.
Board action was limited to directing staff to publish the notice; the board did not approve final reimbursement or disbursement at the meeting.
Leal and city staff said Leal intends to submit a separate application for the alignment machine. The EDC record from the meeting shows the board’s vote was unanimous among members present; one member was absent for roll call.
