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Downtown Redevelopment Authority Board of Directors met May 14.
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
The Board of Directors (the “Board”) of the Downtown Redevelopment Authority (the “Authority”) convened in regular session, in person and open to the public, inside the H-Town Conference Room at the Authority’s office, located at 1221 McKinney Street, Suite 4250, Houston, TX 77010, on May 14, 2024, and the roll was called of the duly constituted officers and members of the Board, to wit:
Curtis Flowers Chair
Michele Sabino Vice Chair
Barry Mandel Secretary
Keith Hamm Treasurer
Regina Garcia Director
James Harrison Director
Kirby Liu Director
Tiko Reynolds-Hausman Director
William Taylor Director
and all of said persons were present except for Chair Flowers and Director Garcia. Also attending were Allen Douglas, Executive Director (“ED”) of the Authority; Kris Larson, President of the Authority; Jana Gunter, Director of Finance; and staff members Brett DeBord, Cassie Hoeprich, Amanda Marquez, Jamie Perkins, Albert Sanchez, all with the Authority; Algenita Davis, consultant to the Authority; and Clark Lord with Bracewell, outside counsel to the Authority.
In addition, presenters and guests attending included Lieutenant Jennifer Kennedy with the Houston Police Department (“HPD”) and Jennifer Curley, Executive Staff Analyst with the City of Houston.
DETERMINE QUORUM; CALL TO ORDER
Vice Chair Sabino conducted a roll call, and a quorum was established. The meeting was called to order at 12:08 PM.
INTRODUCTIONS AND PUBLIC COMMENTS
Vice Chair Sabino asked if anyone attending from the public wished to comment. There were no comments from the public.
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
The Board considered approving the minutes of the April 9, 2024 regular joint board meeting. Vice Chair Sabino asked the Board for questions or revisions.
Hearing none, Vice Chair Sabino called for a motion, moved by Director Taylor; seconded by Reynolds-Hausman; and the minutes of the April 9, 2024 regular joint board meeting were approved as presented.
FINANCE MATTERS
April 2024 Check Register
Vice Chair Sabino called on Jana Gunter to present financial updates from the month prior. Ms. Gunter shared highlights from the check register for the month ending April 30, 2024. No questions were raised.
Vice Chair Sabino entertained a motion to accept the April check register; moved by Director Harrison; and seconded by Director Reynolds-Hausman; and the Board accepted the April check register as presented.
MUNICIPAL SERVICES & INITIATIVES UPDATES
Vice Chair Sabino asked ED Douglas to introduce this topic. He opened with a brief statement and invited Lieutenant Kennedy to share updates on HPD’s initiatives for the third quarter of FY 23-24 and share a presentation. Lieutenant Kennedy gave a summary of the actions taken in the third quarter, which included highlights from crime suppression and civil enforcement initiatives around The Beacon and 500 Fannin.
Next, Lieutenant Kennedy shared information on efforts taken to increase bike patrols in the Theater District, actions taken to reduce auto theft, increase traffic patrols, reduce illegal vendors, and other safety measures in downtown. Discussion ensued and questions were asked and answered. No further action was required.
DEBRIEF ON DRA HOUSING FINANCE WORKSHOP
Next, Vice Chair Sabino invited President Larson to provide a debrief on the 2024 Housing Finance Workshop. President Larson began by summarizing the main objectives of the workshop, and then reviewed the goals set during the workshop. He then summarized other topics touched on during the workshop and asked for any additional input or insights on these topics, which included DLI 2.0, defining success, and potential partnerships and policies. Discussion ensued and questions were asked and answered. No action was required.
MORE SPACE MAIN STREET 2.0 PROJECT UPDATE
Cassie Hoeprich was invited by Vice Chair Sabino to share the latest updates with the More Space Main Street 2.0 Project. Ms. Hoeprich spoke of project milestones made thus far, provided an updated project timeline, and spoke about upcoming future engagements that will continue moving the project forward. Discussion ensued and questions were asked and answered. No action was required.
PRESENTATION ON EVENTS AND PROGRAMMING
Vice Chair Sabino called on ED Douglas, who then introduced Amanda Marquez, Program & Events Manager with Downtown Houston+ and the Authority. Ms. Marquez provided information on scheduled programming events taking place at Market Square and Trebly Parks for the spring and summer of 2024. She then shared programming highlights and a calendar with these events. Questions were asked and answered, and discussion ensued. President Larson concluded with a call for an Authority Board member to serve as a liaison on an upcoming programming project at Market Square Park. He asked for those interested to contact Chair Flowers. No further action was taken.
STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT UPDATES
President Larson was invited to share the latest updates on the cross-organizational Strategic Alignment goals. Questions were asked and answered. No further action was taken.
NEXT MEETINGS
Vice Chair Sabino announced the dates for upcoming Board and Collaborative Committee meetings as follows:
• Thrive DT Committee –Wednesday, May 15th at 12:00 PM (virtual meeting)
• Engage DT Committee – Thursday, May 16th at 12:00 PM
• Enhance DT Committee – Monday, May 20th at 12:00 PM
• Connect DT Committee – Tuesday, May 21st at 9:00 AM
• Board of Directors – Tuesday, June 11th at 12:00 PM
OTHER BUSINESS & ADJOURN
Vice Chair Sabino asked if there was any further business to be discussed. No additional business was brought forth to the Board. She then called for a motion to adjourn the May Board meeting; which was moved and seconded; and the meeting was adjourned at 1:28 PM.
https://ctycms.com/tx-houston/docs/board-packet---6/11/24