Commission approves $5,000 consulting contract and accepts $13,492 promissory-note payment at closing for Newport Landing space

At its Dec. 17 meeting the La Porte Redevelopment Commission approved two business-related items: a short-term general services contract for consulting and a request to satisfy a remaining promissory note on a Newport Landing tenant space.

Staff asked the commission to authorize a general services contract with Connor Blue Consulting (packet references also show the name Karner Blue Consulting) not to exceed $5,000 to help with grant-related tasks, including closeout and housecleaning for an EDA-funded Boyd Boulevard stormwater project. The staff presenter said the city has been awarded EDA funds of $2,500,000 for that project and that the consultant's work has generated more value than the fee. The motion to approve the consultant contract passed on a 4-0 voice vote.

In other business, Bert Cook reported Smoothie King at Newport Landing has been sold and the new developer will occupy the space. The original redevelopment promissory note, described as roughly $64,000 at origination with a 20% annual rolloff over five years, has two years remaining. The owner, Parth Patel (referenced by staff), requested to pay $13,492 at closing to fully satisfy the remaining obligation; the commission moved to request that the Patel family pay $13,492 at closing, and the motion passed by voice vote. Cook said the commission was not losing out because a new tenant will occupy the space and perform renovations.

Both items were presented as administrative actions to support ongoing projects and property turnover rather than new policy initiatives. Staff will record the contractor agreement and note the promissory-note satisfaction as part of the Newport Landing closing.