HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006/03/07-Minutes-Fort Worth Housing Finance Corporation (FWHFC) CITY OF FORT WORTH, TEXAS
FORT WORTH HOUSING FINANCE CORPORATION
CALLED—SPECIAL SESSION
TUESDAY, MARCH 7, 2006
Present:
President Kathleen Hicks
Vice President Becky Haskin (arrived at 1:14 p.m.)
Secretary Donavan Wheatfall
Treasurer Jungus Jordan
Director Mike Moncrief
Director Salvador Espino
Director Chuck Silcox
Director Carter Burdette
Director Wendy Davis (arrived at 1:09 p.m.)
City staff:
Dale Fisseler, Assistant City Manager
Vicki Ganske, Senior Assistant City Attorney
Jerome C. Walker, Director of Housing
Marty Hendrix, City Secretary
Other staff:
Gerald Pruitt, Deputy City Attorney
Peter Vaky, Assistant City Attorney
Donald Cager, Housing Program Manager
Christine Panagopoulous, Housing Development Specialist
Wayne Harper, Rehab Technician
Patsy Herout, Administrative Technician
Call to Order (Agenda Item I)
With a quorum present, President Hicks called the meeting to order for the Board of
Directors of the Fort Worth Housing Finance Corporation at 1:05 p.m. on Tuesday, March 7,
2006, in the Pre-Council Chamber of the Fort Worth Municipal Building, 1000 Throckmorton,
Fort Worth, Texas, with Directors Becky Haskin and Wendy Davis temporarily absent.
Approval of Minutes of the August 23, 2005
Meeting (Agenda Item II)
President Hicks opened the floor for a motion on the approval of the minutes of the
Tuesday. August 23. 2005 meeting.
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CITY OF FORT WORTH, TEXAS
FORT WORTH HOUSING FINANCE CORPORATION
CALLED—SPECIAL SESSION
TUESDAY, March 7, 2006
Page 2
MOTION: Upon a motion made by Secretary Wheatfall and seconded by Treasurer Jordan,
the Board of Directors voted seven (7) "ayes" and zero (0) "nays", with Directors
Haskin and Davis absent, to approve the Tuesday, August 23, 2005, minutes of
the Fort Worth Housing Finance Corporation as presented. The motion carried.
Report on Formation of Fort Worth City
Construction Company, L.L.0 (Agenda Item III-A)
Jerome C. Walker, Director of Housing, presented a PowerPoint Presentation on the
formation of the FW City Construction Company, L.L.C. He advised that City staff is seeking
approval for operation of the FW City Construction Company, L.L.C., and an appropriation of
$600,000 for the activities of the Corporation.
Mr. Walker provided background information as follows:
• The Fort Worth Housing Finance Corporation (FWHFC) was created in
1979 to issue tax exempt mortgage revenue bonds.
• Six issuances of bonds totaling $185,989,251 since inception, with one of
the issuances in the amount of $9.6 million for a senior citizen housing
complex.
• Refunded two bond issues in 1987 and 1991 resulting in windfall of$4.6
million, which was used to create the Fort Worth Housing Endowment
Fund which has been used for a number of housing projects over the years.
• Amended the Articles of Incorporation in 1996 to develop and promote
residential projects.
• Implemented an Infill Housing Program in September 1996.
• FWHFC has produced 110 single-family units and a 160 unit senior
project.
• August 2005, reported to Board on creation of a construction company
that was an HFC "dba" to build demonstration house in Model Blocks
areas and complete units in the Eastcrest Addition.
• Board expressed concern regarding liability associated with activities of
the construction company structured as a "dba".
• Staff should address the Board's liability before selling homes.
• On the advice of legal counsel, the FW City Construction Company,
L.L.C., was created in December 2005.
(Director Wendy Davis arrived at the meeting.)
CITY OF FORT WORTH, TEXAS
FORT WORTH HOUSING FINANCE CORPORATION
CALLED—SPECIAL SESSION
TUESDAY, March 7, 2006
Page 3
Report on Formation of Fort Worth City
Construction Company, L.L.0 (cont'd) (Agenda Item III-A)
Mr. Walker presented the goal of the FW City Construction Company, L.L.C., as
follows:
• Complete 25 quality single family houses by June 1, 2007 (15 months).
• Square footage of the houses will range from 1400 to 1850 square feet.
• 20 floor plans available.
Mr. Walker advised that the floor plans were exhibited around the meeting room for the
Corporation Board Members to review. He stated that the prices of the houses would range from
$90,000 to $140,000.
Amenities will include:
• Ceramic tile
• His/Her Master closets
• Wood burning fireplace with built-in television hutch
• Brand name appliances
Mr. Walker reviewed the probable neighborhoods:
• Near Northside
• Edgewood/Eastcrest Addition
• Terrell Heights
• Lake Como
• Model Blocks (to be determined)
Mr. Walker discussed the innovative floor plans, which were exhibited on boards located
around the room and reviewed the designs as follows:
• "The Rosewood V"
• Four bedrooms with separate dining room
• Square Footage: 1472
• "The Abbey"
• Three bedrooms with window seats in dining room
• Square Footage: 1429
• "The Petite Maison"
• Open concept with large covered patio
• Square footage: 1461
CITY OF FORT WORTH, TEXAS
FORT WORTH HOUSING FINANCE CORPORATION
CALLED—SPECIAL SESSION
TUESDAY, March 7,2006
Page 4
Report on Formation of Fort Worth City
Construction Company, L.L.C. (cont'd) (Agenda Item III-A)
• "The Katherine"
• Open concept with large covered patio and island kitchen
• Square footage: 1505
• "The Lincoln"
• Two story with master downstairs and wrap-around porch that is 270
square feet
• Square footage: 1826
• "The Rosewood VI"
• Four bedroom with separate dining room
• Square footage: 1397
Mr. Walker presented a chart showing as an example the individual costs for "The
Rosewood V": construction costs of$77,389.40; soft costs of$7,986.60; total cost of$85,376.00
(1472 square feet x $58.00). He presented a comparison chart showing the cost for this product
by a private builder. He indicated that: construction costs of$77,389.40; soft costs of$7,985.60;
builder profit of$17,075.20; total cost of$102,451.20 (1472 sq. ft. x $70.00). He pointed out the
savings to the homeowner was $17,075, the builder's profit.
Mr. Walker presented the reasons for the FW City Construction Company, L.L.C.
(FWCCC) as follows:
• Control costs and quality of construction.
• Subcontractors work under Housing Staff's direct control, so they will be more
willing to handle warranty issues for which FWHFC is ultimately liable.
• Meet neighborhood expectations with unique floor plans and elevations.
• Already paying for insurance against liability, so no need to pay for the builder's
policy as well.
• FWCCC is taking the place of the builder—"the middleman".
• Maintaining high ratio of minority and women owned businesses as
subcontractors.
Mr. Walker reviewed the challenges plaguing small builders:
• Insurance requirements are expensive and most builders do not carry all of the
required insurance. Ultimate liability falls on the FWHFC.
• Not enough homes to keep them busy and interested in staying in an area.
• Not all are dependable in handling their warranty issues.
CITY OF FORT WORTH, TEXAS
FORT WORTH HOUSING FINANCE CORPORATION
CALLED—SPECIAL SESSION
TUESDAY, March 7,2006
Page 5
Report on Formation of Fort Worth City
Construction Company, L.L.C. (cont'd) (Agenda Item III-A)
• Most builders include 20% overhead as their profit margin.
(Vice President Becky Haskin arrived at the meeting.)
Mr. Walker presented the Board of Directors' liability insurance coverage for all of the
members at a cost of$3,700.00. He added that the coverage protects the members of the Board
of Directors against liability associated with the actions of the FWCCC.
Mr. Walker presented the marketing plan as follows:
• Strategically plan construction to be completed just as schools are released for
summer.
• Variety of house plans available including single and two story houses with front
and rear garages, and three and four bedroom lay outs.
• List homes with an established broker in the area for timely sales.
• Base sales price on appraisal prior to completion of construction.
Mr. Walker concluded his presentation with the following recommendations:
• The Board of Directors approve operation of FW City Construction Company
L.L.C.;
• The Board of Directors approve the proposed resolution appropriating funds in
the amount of $600,000 from the endowment fund for FW City Construction
Company, L.L.C., to undertake single family construction activities.
Mr. Walker indicated that the current fund balance is $6.2 million.
Discussion and Consideration of a Resolution for an
Appropriation of$600,000 from Endowment Fund for
FW City Construction Company, L.L.C., to Undertake
Single Family Construction Activities (Agenda Item III-B)
President Hicks opened the floor for discussion. Secretary Wheatfall stated that he
understood the need for the product offering. He advised of a situation in southeast Fort Worth
with KB Homes where they came into a neighborhood but could not sustain themselves in that
market area due to the time factor. financial problems and other hurdles. He added they ended
up flipping the home sites and that area now has the benefit of nothing more than
CITY OF FORT WORTH, TEXAS
FORT WORTH HOUSING FINANCE CORPORATION
CALLED—SPECIAL SESSION
TUESDAY, March 7, 2006
Page 6
Discussion and Consideration of a Resolution for an
Appropriation of$600,000 from Endowment Fund for
FW City Construction Company, LLC to Undertake
Single Family Construction Activities (cont'd) (Agenda Item III-B)
"shotgun" rental houses. He further stated that he understands there is a need to create a
mechanism to go into the hard-to-reach areas with housing in order to improve the market. He
added he does not want the FWCCC to compete with the private building market. Secretary
Wheatfall requested clarification on the particular indicators that will be used to pull out of a
particular area and move on to another area in need of assistance. He expressed concern that the
FWCCC should not focus on a certain area for too long. Mr. Walker provided some historical
examples in the City. He indicated that the number of start-ups homes needed was one of the
factors and an increase in appraised values in the area was another factor. There was also
clarification by Mr. Walker that the FWCCC does bid the subcontracts.
Director Burdette indicated that he felt this was going to be a good program. He stated he
has similar concerns as Secretary Wheatfall, particularly for the Como neighborhood where they
are finally seeing some private developers coming into that area. He added if the program is put
into place, the FWCCC should be concerned about when and where it gets into competition with
private developers. He added he did not want to see private developers pre-empted or
discouraged from building. Director Burdette added he is also concerned about the costs of the
FWCCC getting into this program in terms of more employees to run the program and more
marketing costs to sell the homes. He indicated the need to keep careful records showing where
the program works and where it has not worked. He also spoke about the need to carefully
oversee the program if it is instituted to keep it on target.
Mr. Walker addressed Director Burdette's concerns. He stated that there would be no
additional employees necessary and the employees working in the department already have
expertise in this area and that one employee has been in the home building industry and has
construction experience. He recognized the employees and stated they are Christine
Panagopoulous, Donald Cager, Wayne Harper and Patsy Herout. Mr. Walker indicated that they
will oversee the construction management aspects of the project.
Director Moncrief stated that he understands the concerns that have been expressed. He
added at the same time he knows where there are demands but no capacity to meet the demands,
there is a place for this product. He stated he wanted to see quality affordable housing and this is
just adding a product to that menu.
Director Jordan indicated he was very concerned with going into the housing construction
business. He pointed out that there is a serious capacity issue with the City's Minority and
NVomen's Business Enterprise (MWBE). He added he "ants to do it competitively in the market
CITY OF FORT WORTH, TEXAS
FORT WORTH HOUSING FINANCE CORPORATION
CALLED—SPECIAL SESSION
TUESDAY, March 7, 2006
Page 7
Discussion and Consideration of a Resolution for an
Appropriation of$600,000 from Endowment Fund for
FW City Construction Company, L.L.C. to Undertake
Single Family Construction Activities (cont'd) (Agenda Item III-B)
place. He expressed more concerns about the possible cost escalation and explained that if the
FWCCC is not competing, then the costs are going to get out of hand. He indicated that he
wanted the FWCCC to go through the competitive process for the construction piece.
Mr. Walker stated that the City staff had looked at this long and hard. He indicated that
he understands the need to build capacity for minority and women contractors. He added the
FWCCC'S first task is to providing, promoting or ensuring quality affordable housing. Mr.
Walker indicated that in the past several years the City has not seen the capacity come forward.
Director Jordan interjected that Mr. Walker was talking about "apples" and "oranges."
He stated that the quality of the houses has nothing to do with the FWCCC being in the
construction business. Mr. Walker clarified that the City has not seen the builders with the
capacity to build the quality housing at a reasonable price either. Mr. Walker indicated that the
City staff was concerned about the time that it will take to build up the capacity of minority and
women contractors versus the continuing and growing need in the neighborhoods for the quality
affordable housing. He added this is the reason they are coming forward with this
recommendation.
Vice President Haskin stated that this issue is really the great fear of the unknown and she
added that a long time ago she wished that the City had done this type of program. She stated
the Council had wanted to do this type or program and tried to do it. She compared this process
with what the City is doing with the City's ambulance authority. She said there is a limited
capacity with MWBE. She added what the City ends up getting basically are the least qualified
and newest businesses and they are most likely to fold in the process. She added she wants to try
this program and she wants to see building in the neighborhoods where developers will not go.
Vice President Haskin added that she felt this program was something the City's Housing
Department was supposed to do. She stated that this Board was a good place for the City staff to
come back to and report on the status of the program. She indicated she felt the Housing
Department was competent in handling this program and she added she wanted to move forward
with the recommendations.
President Hicks stated that in her District 8 area there are a lot of vacant lots and probably
more than in any other district. She added that she deals quite often with the smaller builders.
She spoke of a recent tour of her district and expressed her dismay with what is being built. She
pointed out that these homes are not quality affordable housing and that the word
CITY OF FORT WORTH, TEXAS
FORT WORTH HOUSING FINANCE CORPORATION
CALLED—SPECIAL SESSION
TUESDAY, March 7,2006
Page 8
Discussion and Consideration of a Resolution for an
Appropriation of$600,000 from Endowment Fund for
FW City Construction Company, L.L.C. to Undertake
Sinule Family Construction Activities (cont'd) (Agenda Item III-B)
"affordable" plays a role in this process. She added that some builders are building inferior
products and then coming to the City requesting Neighborhood Empowerment Zone designations
and rebates. She pointed out that the builders often are not canvassing the neighborhoods to find
out what types of houses are appropriate for the area. President Hicks stated that the builders are
just expecting the City to accept anything they choose to build for housing stock and she no
longer wants to do this. President Hicks indicated that this is an opportunity to build some
quality affordable housing that the City can play a role in developing. She pointed out the
interest in the southeast portion of Fort Worth for redevelopment; however, there has not been
this type of interest to spur development and quality housing in the Como area.
Director Espino stated there can be genuine disagreement about policies of whether the
FWCCC needs to be in the construction business. He offered some highlights for the reasons he
supported the recommendations from the City staff. He pointed out the concerns he has for the
1,000 sq. ft. homes that are being built in the Central City. He stated that a lot of these are being
built in District 2 and they are not acceptable. He also spoke about the B-2 family zoning for
duplexes and that duplexes are being built next to single-family houses due to this zoning.
Director Espino stated that if the FWCCC moves forward with this program and does it right
then it is setting the standards for development. He added then the market makes the other
developers do it right. He added that he felt the FWCCC should try this program and see how it
goes. He stated that quality affordable housing is what is needed in neighborhoods throughout
the City. He added that he felt the citizens of the Central City would purchase the products being
offered. He stated that many of the subcontractors could be MWBE's and this would be a way
of building the capacity of those contractors. He stated that by starting out in this way they can
become qualified contractors and learn how to build a superior product. Director Espino pointed
out the need to look at the northside area as well as the far greater northside as that area needs
good quality affordable single-family housing because there are too many duplexes being built in
that area.
Secretary Wheatfall stated that he has been struggling with this concept when brought to
the Council by the staff. He stated that the Council needs to look at policies and the
implementation of policies. He stated that the Council needs to look at concerns of the entire
Council and concerns in the individual Council districts. He stated that he can relate to the
concerns of Council Members Hicks, Espino and Burdette in that they have seen the housing
products provided by private developers and they are not acceptable. He further stated that it is
CITY OF FORT WORTH, TEXAS
FORT WORTH HOUSING FINANCE CORPORATION
CALLED—SPECIAL SESSION
TUESDAY, March 7,2006
Page 9
Discussion and Consideration of a Resolution for an
Appropriation of$600,000 from Endowment Fund for
FW City Construction Company, L.L.C. to Undertake
Single Family Construction Activities (cont'd) (Agenda Item III-B)
unacceptable due to the market not providing the quality affordable housing in areas of need. He
stated that in his opinion the places where government needs to go is where the private sector
will not go in order to build and create the capacity for the private market. He pointed out areas,
i.e., Como, Stop Six, southeast Fort Worth, and advised that today the FWCCC can build a
product cheaper in those areas due to the fact that it does not require a profit overhead. He added
that he is in favor of what the City staff is recommending due to the fact that he has seen what
the private sector is building and it is not acceptable. He stated that the products being built
today are just adding to the problems in the neighborhoods that the City is trying to address. He
pointed out that the new housing is being built for renters and thus these houses attract nomadic
people who tend to destabilize a neighborhood. Secretary Wheatfall felt that the FWHFC was
moving forward with the recommendation in the direction of some of the other larger cities in the
country that are building housing stock in deteriorated parts of their communities to revitalize the
areas. He added that he wanted to move forward and measure its performance and measure the
obstacles. He stated that he felt the understood goal should be to create this base then for the
private developers to come into an area and sustain the development.
Treasurer Jordan requested clarification on the City staff on the goal for the MWBE
participation in the subcontracts. Mr. Walker indicated that the participation level is proposed at
50% and in a recent contract the participation level was 54%. Treasurer Jordan added he is not
arguing the need for quality affordable housing in the City. He clarified that he is arguing with
the issue of the FWHFC and the FWCCC getting into the construction business. He pointed out
that the issue is to increase the capacity of the MWBE contractors and he pointed out that this is
the prime target for them to get involved. He emphasized the need for the City to work in that
direction. He added that he felt the FWCCC is competing with that community if it builds the
houses.
Director Silcox agreed with the comments made by Treasurer Jordan. He added that he
has always been of the opinion that government should not be in competition with the private
sector. He stated that while the stated goal is good, in his opinion there is no control over the
program. He stated his concern is whether one house or 100 needs to be built before the
FWCCC leaves an area and allows the private sector to take over. He reiterated his concern that
there is no control over this program for when and how long the FWCCC is going to stay in an
area building the houses. He reiterated that he does not want to compete with the private sector.
CITY OF FORT WORTH, TEXAS
FORT WORTH HOUSING FINANCE CORPORATION
CALLED—SPECIAL SESSION
TUESDAY, March 7,2006
Page 10
Discussion and Consideration of a Resolution for an
Appropriation of$600,000 from Endowment Fund for
FW City Construction Company, L.L.C. to Undertake
Single Family Construction Activities (cont'd) (Agenda Item III-B)
President Hicks stated there is no competition currently and the products being built are
not satisfactory. She spoke about her concerns for the district that she represents, the poor
quality of duplex homes being built, and the expectations of the private builders that the City will
just go along with the use of Neighborhood Empowerment Zones for this product. She added
that if the FWCCC can raise the bar then it needed to do so. Director Davis indicated that she
agreed with comments that had been made and stated that what the market has dictated in certain
areas are products that promote rentals and not purchases. She added that there is no competition
in those markets. She spoke about the recent work done on the City's development standards for
housing and she requested support for those upcoming changes. She pointed out that whether the
home building was done by the private sector or the FWCCC, she hopes that the housing
products under the new standards would be something that the City will take pride in. She felt
that it would provide opportunities for doing two good things, i.e., building good housing but
also partnering with people that will grow into good MWBE partners. She stated that if they are
working under the FWCCC guidance and working under the standards then something good will
come out of it.
Director Moncrief stated that the FWCCC can be an incubator for the smaller MWBE's
who are trying to get started. He stated the FWCCC needs to work with the area Chambers to
build the capacity of the MWBE's. He stated that the philosophy of"it will do" or "it is good
enough" will have to go away. Director Moncrief indicated that he understood the positions of
Directors Jordan and Silcox; however, he expressed his concerns that the private sector
developers are just not interested and the private sector is comfortable with the "it will do". He
added that this is not quality affordable housing. He also expressed his concerns with the
structures not lasting and in the long run the City will have to take over and take these structures
down before they fall down.
Director Burdette indicated that he is in favor of moving forward with this
recommendation; however, he does hear the comments from everyone. He suggested that the
Board look at this like an experiment. He pointed out that the goal is 25 homes in 15 months.
He wants to see the report on when these 25 homes are completed; how they fit into the market
place; what the true costs are and whether it is a worthwhile goal for the FWCCC to undertake.
President Hicks agreed with his comments.
CITY OF FORT WORTH, TEXAS
FORT WORTH HOUSING FINANCE CORPORATION
CALLED—SPECIAL SESSION
TUESDAY, March 7,2006
Page 11
Discussion and Consideration of a Resolution for an
Appropriation of$600,000 from Endowment Fund for
FW City Construction Company, L.L.C. to Undertake
Single Family Construction Activities (cont'd) (Agenda Item III-B)
MAIN MOTION: A motion made by Director Moncrief that the Board of Directors approve
operation of FW City Construction Company, L.L.C., and that the Board
of Directors approve the proposed resolution appropriating funds in the
amount of$600,000 from the endowment fund for FW City Construction
Company, L.L.C., to undertake single family construction activities. The
motion was seconded by Vice President Haskin.
Treasurer Jordan indicated that if the FWCCC acts as an incubator in this process then he
can go along with that position; however, if the FWCCC becomes the competitor with private
development, then he does have a problem with that approach. Director Moncrief reiterated that
he felt the incubator approach can work and particularly to build the capacity in the MWBE's.
He added that he also wants to see a report at the completion of the construction to see how well
it worked and how the private developers feel about what the FWCCC has done. Secretary
Wheatfall indicated that he felt that is the control and the Board Members are the control. He
stated the Board Members can analyze the information in the report and decide whether to allow
for further funding for more construction. President Hicks added that in several years she hopes
that this is not needed and that quality developments have come to these overlooked areas in the
City.
AMENDMENT TO
MAIN MOTION: Treasurer Jordan made a motion to amend the main motion to include
approval of the FWCCC as an incubator to build the MWBE capacity.
Director Silcox seconded the motion.
There was further deliberation on the amendment. Director Davis stated she felt the
language already captured what the program is trying to achieve with the limitation on the
appropriation at $600,000. She stated that once that figure has been expended then the Board
can receive and review the report in terms of the effectiveness in the quality of the homes but
also the activities that were supported by the MWBE's. She stated once those issues have been
reviewed then the Board can decide whether to move forward or whether the MWBE capacity
has grown in order to move forward on their own.
CITY OF FORT WORTH, TEXAS
FORT WORTH HOUSING FINANCE CORPORATION
CALLED—SPECIAL SESSION
TUESDAY, March 7,2006
Page 12
Discussion and Consideration of a Resolution for an
Appropriation of$600,000 from Endowment Fund for
FW City Construction Company, L.L.C. to Undertake
Single Family Construction Activities (cont'd) (Agenda Item III-B)
There was further clarification on whether the action of this Board has the final decision
or whether the City Council makes the final determination. City staff advised that the Board has
the final authority.
At the request of Secretary Wheatfall, President Hicks called for the vote on the
amendment to the main motion.
VOTE ON THE
AMENDMENT: The Board of Directors voted two (2) "ayes" and seven (7) "nays", with
Directors Hicks, Haskin, Davis, Wheatfall, Burdette, Espino and Moncrief
casting the negative votes. The motion failed.
President called for the vote on the main motion.
VOTE ON THE
MAIN MOTION: The Board of Directors voted seven (7) "ayes" and two (2) "nays", with
Directors Jordan and Silcox casting the negative votes, in favor of the
main motion. The motion carried.
Status of Victory Art Center Proiect (Agenda Item III-C)
Using a PowerPoint Presentation, Jerome C. Walker updated the Board on the status of
the Victory Art Center Project (formerly known as the Our Lady of Victory Convent) located in
south Fort Worth on Hemphill. He advised that the FWHFC approved a bridge loan for this
project in December of 2001 pending the organizational creation in order to obtain the tax
credits. He stated that it was worth $7.2 million and the purpose was to save the structure and to
provide a building for the promotion of the arts and to also provide housing. He advised that the
building has 46 multi-family units, with an artist workspace, art space, event space and theatre.
Mr. Walker indicated that this project was undertaken to save an historical structure and renovate
it, provide for affordable housing and provide for stimulation of revitalization in a diminishing
area. He stated that Chase Bank, the primary lender, is now in the process of foreclosure and he
wanted to inform the Board of this.
Director Burdette questioned if the building was open only to artists for residential units.
Mr. Walker indicated that the housing is opened to anyone; however. they had targeted
CITY OF FORT WORTH, TEXAS
FORT WORTH HOUSING FINANCE CORPORATION
CALLED—SPECIAL SESSION
TUESDAY, March 7, 2006
Page 13
Status of Victory Art Center Proiect(cont'd) (Agenda Item III-C)
artists. There was further deliberation on the occupancy rate. Mr. Walker indicated that it was
90% occupied. He stated that the problem was the leasing of the special events space. He added
that they have tried to market this property, out with no success.
Director Espino requested clarification on the amount of performance space and what
seems to be the problem, i.e., costs too high for the rental of the space. Mr. Walker indicated
that the space is about 3,000 to 5,000 sq. ft. Mr. Walker indicated that it could be used for
meetings, weddings, receptions, parties, etc. He stated that the events are hard to underwrite.
Director Espino stated that there is a need throughout the City for event space and he questioned
if the costs for rental were prohibitive. There was further deliberation on this issue and what the
apparent problem seemed to be for this facility.
This item was received as a matter of information and no formal action was taken on it.
Executive Session (Agenda Item IV)
This agenda item was passed over by President Hicks.
Request for Future Agenda Items and/or Reports (Agenda Item V)
There were no future agenda items requested by the Board Members or reports given by
the Board Members.
Adiourn (Agenda Item VI)
With no further discussion, President Hicks adjourned the called — special session of the
Fort Worth Housing Finance Corporation Board at 1:45 p.m. on Tuesday, March 7, 2006.
These minutes approved by the Fort Worth Housing Finance Corporation Board of
Directors on the 11 th day of July, 2006.
APPROVED:
Kathleen Hicks
President
CITY OF FORT WORTH, TEXAS
FORT WORTH HOUSING FINANCE CORPORATION
CALLED—SPECIAL SESSION
TUESDAY, March 7,2006
Page 14
ATT S
Donavan Whe tfall
Secretary
Prepared and respectfully submitted by:
Marty Hendrix
City Secretary