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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-1320 10-13-2009RESOLUTION NO. 09-1320 A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING AND ADOPTING THE EULESS REVITALIZATION "ER" PROGRAM AS PART OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS OF THE CITY OF EULESS, TEXAS WHEREAS, as part of the long range planning and future projection efforts of the City of Euless, the Mayor and City Council have authorized the City Manager's Office to embark on a program of residential structure rehabilitation efforts for the purpose of preservation and protection of the ad valorem property tax base; and WHEREAS, home restoration projects are deemed to be of economic benefit to the City of Euless and contribute to sustaining the City's property values; and WHEREAS, on March 25, 2008, the Euless City Council authorized the City Manager to expend funds for the "Home Project" in partnership with Tarrant County, HUD, and local churches; and WHEREAS, in 2004, the Euless City Attorney's Office reviewed state statutes and the City Charter and determined that the City of Euless can establish grants of funds for purposes of promoting local economic development and business and commercial activity within the city, and the stabilization of the ad valorem tax base directly impacts the economic development of the city at both the residential and commercial levels; and WHEREAS, Euless land mass and its inability to expand geographically heighten the importance of making the best use of existing residential development; and WHEREAS, many houses in Euless were built in the 1950's and 1960's and are exhibiting various stages of decline which has a major impact on the deterioration of the real estate property tax base throughout the city through a ripple effect; and WHEREAS, the demand for city government services may remain constant or expand over time even though the older residential tax base may decline, thereby creating a situation whereby remaining property owners have to assume the burden of paying a larger portion of tax revenue in order to maintain city service levels; and WHEREAS, in order to address the issue of declining residential property values and erosion of the tax base, the City of Euless has established a home rehabilitation program which kicked off in 2008 as a pilot program; and WHEREAS, the months since the pilot program began have revealed a community need for such a revitalization program, a community desire for such a program, and support for the program from volunteers both inside and outside the community; and WHEREAS, over 500 volunteers, including citizens, businesses and churches, both inside and outside the City of Euless, have exhibited strong support for and wide participation in the program; and WHEREAS, the State of Texas has established other economic development tools for municipalities to address residential revitalization efforts through the Local Government Code, Chapter 378, Neighborhood Empowerment Zones, and Chapter 380 tax incentive agreements; and WHEREAS, the Texas Local Government Code Chapter 380 allows a city to provide incentives consisting of loans and grants of city funds, use of city personnel, facilities and services with or without charge, for the promotion of economic development; and WHEREAS, the promotion of the redevelopment of existing housing stock in the city promotes economic development within the city and is essential for the continued economic growth of the city and it is well established that the availability of quality housing stock encourages the relocation of business and attracts new business enterprises, as well as the expansion of existing business enterprises within the city, which in turn stimulates growth, creates jobs, and increases property and sales tax revenues; and WHEREAS, the promotion of the housing stock is a major contributing factor to the economic health and growth of the city, which in turn stimulates trade and commerce and reduces unemployment, contributing to the well -being and economic growth of the community; and WHEREAS, residential development and redevelopment will attract and encourage business relocation and expansion since business will look to the available housing stock to meet the needs of management and the work force; and WHEREAS, cities too numerous to mention have established residential revitalization programs, including but not limited to Fort Worth, Richardson, Garland, Farmers Branch, Arlington, and others. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EULESS, TEXAS, THAT: SECTION 1 The City Council of the City of Euless supports the Euless Revitalization "ER" program and deems it a valuable and important economic development tool. SECTION 2 The City Council of the City of Euless adopts the Euless Revitalization "ER" Program as part of the city's economic development efforts to help stabilize the Resolution No. 09 -1320 Page 2 of 3 residential tax base of Euless for future generations, as well as for the health, safety, and welfare of the entire citizenry of Euless. SECTION 3 The City Council of the City of Euless authorizes the City Manager to expend funds as budgeted and required for this purpose. The City Council encourages participation in this program and supports the ability of non - profit organizations to partner in the Euless Revitalization "ER" Program. The City Manager is authorized to grant advance funding in those cases where it is beneficial to leverage other funds toward the City's advantage relative to grant activities. In such cases which are deemed appropriate by the City Manager, said funding may be granted at 25% to 50% of expenses, not to exceed $5,000.00, the provision of which will enhance program results and grant matching requirements. Expenses may include actual or donated goods, labor, or services. The City Manager may use his discretion in determining whether a particular expense item will be considered for reimbursement by the City of Euless as part of this program. APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Euless City Council on the 13th day of October 2009, by a vote of 7 ayes, o nays, and o abstentions. APPROVED: lkLt/LL Mary Lib Saleh, Mayor ATTEST: u an Crim, T MC, City Secretary APPROVED AS TO FORM: ob McF- rland, C y Atto Resolution No. 09 -1320 Page 3 of 3