08-D Addendum No. 1 to Chamber Contract re V&CC

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CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REQUEST MEETING DATE: I March 26,2007 . Action D Discussion o Information o Refer to: SUBMITTED BY: Lisa A. Wright, Director of Community Development DESCRIPTION: Consideration of and action on a resolution approving an amendment to the Contract with the Chamber of Commerce of Lamar County, Inc. Section 7 of the V&CC Contract provides that the City must use the 5% HOT funds reserved by it only for special purpose grants; however, Section 351.101 of the Tax Code allows for broader uses. I request that the City revise Section 7 to allow for the use of the reserved funds for any tourism-related project allowe~ under said Chapter 351. Specifically, Culbertson Fountain and the Peristyle are both deteriorating at rapid paces, and restoration and preservation of those sites would be eligible expenses under Section 351.101 (a)(5)(B). I have spoken with Pete Kampfer, Chamber of Commerce/PEDC, and he is in agreement with the proposed revision and related projects. If this revision is approved, City staff from various departments will meet immediately to prepare a plan for restoration and will begin gathering quotes to determine exactly how much of the available funding will be needed for each project. The Fountain is currently our first priority because it is now leaning and has severe electrical and plumbing issues. BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The City Council approved Resolution No. 2005-148 (attached) on December 12, 2005, which authorized a contract with the Chamber of Commerce to maintain the Visitors and Convention Council for the purpose of managing the municipal hotel occupancy tax fund to promote tourism and the convention and hotel industry in the city of Paris. I hereby request revision of Section 7 of this contract as stated above. FISCAL AUTHORITY: BUDGETED: Yes Account #: GRANT: Account #: BOND / C 0 Account #: Other: See attached for recommended funding LEGAL REVIEW: I MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION: