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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPR 24636: TRAINING AGREEMENT, PAEDC AND LAMAR STATE COLLEGE PORT ARTHUR, 2 YEAR ASSOCIATE DEGREEE PROGRAM t O\011l(MallO lnt,OSt.M$IMr. INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM Date: 11/5/2025 To: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Through: Ronald Burton, CPM I City Manager From: Krystle Muller, PAEDC, Interim CEO RE: P.R. 24636 I A resolution approving a Training Agreement between the City of Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation and Lamar State College Port Arthur for tuition reimbursement for ten(10) Port Arthur resident high school graduates attending a two-year associate degree program. Introduction: The Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation(PAEDC)requests City Council authorization to enter into a Training Agreement with Lamar State College Port Arthur(LSCPA) for Fiscal Year 2026. This agreement continues the PAEDC's investment in workforce and educational development, supporting Port Arthur residents in obtaining associate degrees and certifications in high-demand technical fields. Background: Since 2019, the PAEDC has partnered with Lamar State College Port Arthur to provide tuition reimbursement for Port Arthur residents pursuing two-year associate degree programs. This collaboration strengthens the city's workforce by aligning education with regional industry needs and employment opportunities. Under this agreement, LSCPA will manage enrollment and monitor academic progress, while PAEDC will provide scholarship funding directly to LSCPA on behalf of eligible students. Budget Impact: PAEDC will allocate a total of$90,000 for Fiscal Year 2026 to support ten(10)Port Arthur residents. Each scholarship provides up to $9,000 over a two-year period to cover tuition,books, and academic fees. All payments will be made directly to LSCPA from PAEDC Account No. 120-80-625-5475-00-00-000. Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council approve a resolution authorizing the Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation to execute the 2026 Training Agreement with Lamar State College-Port Arthur. This continued partnership ensures access to affordable,high-quality education and supports the city's long-term workforce development strategy. PR 24636 11/21/2025 SDG RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION APPROVING A TRAINING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PORT ARTHUR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND LAMAR STATE COLLEGE PORT ARTHUR FOR TUITION REIMBURSEMENT FOR TEN(10)PORT ARTHUR RESIDENT HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES ATTENDING A 2-YEAR ASSOCIATE DEGREE PROGRAM NOT TO EXCEED $90,000.00; FUNDS AVAILABLE IN EDC FY 25-26 ACCOUNT NO. 120-80-625-5475-00-00-000 (JOB TRAINING PROGRAMS) WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation("PAEDC")has found that supporting students in Port Arthur through 2-year associate degree programs helps to decrease the unemployment rate in the City of Port Arthur; and WHEREAS, Lamar State College Port Arthur ("LSCPA") offers numerous 2-year associate degree programs; and WHEREAS, the PAEDC Board of Directors has created Program Guidelines attached hereto as Exhibit"A"that establish criteria for recipient award qualifications and establish which degree programs are eligible; and WHEREAS, according to the Guidelines, the PAEDC Board of Directors will determine eligibility of award recipients, LSCPA will invoice PAEDC for costs associated with the degree program, and PAEDC will make payment; and WHEREAS,PAEDC will allocate a total of$90,000.00 for eligible students or $9,000.00 each for a total of ten (10) students; and WHEREAS, House Bill 1967 amends the Texas Local Government Code by adding §501.163 which authorizes expenditures for pre-employment training by PAEDC; and WHEREAS, at their November 3, 2025, regular Board meeting, the PAEDC Board of Directors approved a Training Agreement with LSCPA attached hereto as Exhibit "B" for tuition reimbursement for Ten(10) Port Arthur resident high school graduates attending a 2-year associate degree program in an amount not to exceed $90,000.00. NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT ARTHUR,TEXAS: Section 1. That the facts and opinions in the preamble are true and correct. Section 2. That the City Council approves PAEDC entering into a Training Agreement with Lamar State College Port Arthur for tuition reimbursement for Ten (10) Port Arthur resident high school graduates attending a 2-year associate degree program in an amount not to exceed $90,000.00. Section 3. That a copy of the caption of this Resolution shall be spread upon the Minutes of the City Council. READ,ADOPTED AND APPROVED on this day of A.D., 2025, at a Meeting of the City Council of the City of Port Arthur,Texas, by the following vote: AYES: Mayor , Councilmembers , , #2503835 Page 2 NOES: Charlotte M. Moses, Mayor ATTEST: Sherri Bellard, City Secretary APPROVED: Kryst Muller, AFDC Interim Chief Executive Officer APPROVED AS TO FORM: L/19.-11191\ifiMOde uy N. Goodson, PAEDC Attorney APPROV TO FORM: Roxann Pais Cotroneo,City Attorney APPROV D AS TO AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS: ( 121 A/A-12" Lynd Bo3we11, Finance Director #2503835 Page 3 Exhibit "A" I #2503835 Page 4 PORT*ARTHUR ONOM IC DRY FIOPMFNT CORPOR AI'lo\ LSCPA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Introduction disbursed in as many as eight(8)installments over two(2)years(four installments per academic The Port Arthur Economic Development year). Corporation Scholarship Program is an essential resource for many students, offering financial How to Apply assistance and a supportive network that Interested students must request a LSCPA promotes academic success and personal Scholarship Application from a high school development. By fostering a culture of scholarship counselor or the Port Arthur Economic and collaboration, Lamar State College Port Arthur (LSCPA) has established itself as a beacon of hope Development Corporation(PAEDC). for aspiring scholars, ensuring that education Complete the LSCPA Scholarship Application and remains an achievable goal for all members of the provide the requested documents. Requested Port Arthur community. documents include: 1) completed application, 2) The Port Arthur Economic Development official high school transcript, 3) essay, and 4) any Corporation (PAEDC)offers a scholarship program additional material requested. Deliver the for Port Arthur graduating high school seniors.The application before the deadline. program awards ten (10) scholarships annually to Selection students pursuing associate degrees at Lamar State College Port Arthur(LSCPA). A selection committee reviews applications based on established criteria. Finalists may be invited for The Port Arthur EDC Scholarship Program plays a an interview to discuss their educational goals and vital role in shaping the future of the local commitment to their chosen field of study. community by empowering individuals through education and training. By investing in its residents, Scholarships are announced by school guidance the program seeks to cultivate a skilled workforce counselors, PAEDC website, City of Port Arthur that supports economic growth and prosperity in website, social media, news and local television. Port Arthur and beyond. Scholarship Notifications Goals Recipients will be notified of their selection by • Increase the number of Port Arthur residents email and will receive instructions about claiming pursuing higher education and technical their scholarship. training. Awards are also announced or published by school • Foster community involvement and support guidance counselors,the PAEDC website,the City for Lamar State Port Arthur. of Port Arthur website, social media, and local • Equip the workforce with skills needed for television. sustainable employment in growing regional Delays 1 industries. Recipients may delay the education at LSCPA for Scholarship Amount up to one year with prior written notification to The Scholarship Program will award scholarships PAEDC. Extensions beyond one year are at up to$9,000 over two years.The award may be PAEDC's discretion. Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation Lamar State College Port Arthur Scholarship Application Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation LSCPA SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION The Economic Development Corporation of Port Arthur (PAEDC) offers a scholarship for ten (10) high school seniors graduating this year,who intend to enroll at Lamar State College Port Arthur(LSCPA).Applicants must meet the Eligibility Criteria and be enrolled in an Eligible Associate Degree Program at LSCPA to be considered for a scholarship. SCHOLARSHIP REQUIREMENTS Eligibility Criteria and proof of full-time enrollment to the PAEDC. To be eligible for the PAEDC Scholarship, applicants must be: b. Distributions occur annually and are limited to four(4)distributions a. A graduating high school senior,Class of 2026. per academic year Submission b. A resident of Port Arthur. (Spring, Fall,Summer 1 deadline is c. Enrolled at LSCPA. &2) d. Enrolled in one of the Eligible Programs and May 21,2026 e. Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. c. Subsequent distributions will be contingent upon the Eligible Associate Degree Programs student following the LSCPA Recommended 1. Drafting Program of Study and earning a minimum 2. Emergency Medical Technician cumulative GPA of 2.5. 3. Heating,Ventilation,and Air Conditioning d. Grades for each semester and full-time 4. Instrumentation Technology enrollment for the next semester must be 5. Machining and Millwright submitted to PAEDC as proof of eligibility prior 6. Medical Coding Specialist to the next disbursement of funds. 7. Medical Office Administration 8. Physical Therapy Assistant(Fall 2026) e. Scholarship checks will be sent directly to the 9. Process Technology LSCPA Financial Aid Office. 10. Renewable Energy Ineligibility and Fund Management 11. Surgical Technology 12. Nursing(LVN) a. Any scholarship funds not distributed due to 13. Nursing(Upward Mobility) ineligibility will remain the property of PAEDC. Scholarship Amount b. If a recipient leaves LSCPA before completing the program, any remaining scholarship funds a. The maximum scholarship award is $9,000 will be forfeited. and will be distributed in up to eight (8) segments over the course of a two-year General Information college program. a. Applicants are encouraged to review the b. The LSCPA Scholarship must be used for requirements carefully and ensure all tuition, books, laboratory fees, and other conditions are met before applying for the academic costs and miscellaneous fees. scholarship. Disbursement b. Scholarship applications must be submitted by the published deadline. Specific time a. The first distribution of scholarship funds will windows when applications are being be completed after the scholarship recipient accepted will be communicated to the delivers a letter of acceptance from LSCPA school's guidance counselor and PAEDC's website. c. Scholarship recipients will be announced at high school Awards Banquet, Graduation Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation Lamar State College Port Arthur Scholarship Application a. Ceremony,or equivalent event if the schedule INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMITTING A allows. LSCPA SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION b. If a scholarship winner must delay their a. Submit a completed LSCPA Scholarship education, the recipient must notify the Application. PAEDC in writing as soon as possible. The scholarship will be reserved for no more than b. Type or neatly print all information. one year following the date PAEDC has been c. A high school counselor or principal must notified of the delay. After that time, the verify the TSI/SAT scores, class rank, and PAEDC will reserve or withdraw the cumulative grade point average. After scholarship award. verifying the information, the high school c. The deadline for submitting applications is counselor or principal must sign the May 21,2026. application. d. Provide official high school transcript. e. Attach a one-page essay described in Section 5 of this application. Questions? f. Sign and date the last page of the application. Shawn D.Granger M.CD,MBA,PM! g. Deliver or mail the completed LSCPA Workforce and Community Scholarship Application to the Port Arthur Development Manager Economic Development Corporation, Attn: Port Arthur Economic Development Shawn Granger, 501 Procter St., Ste. 100, Corporation Port Arthur,TX 77640. 501 Procter Street I Ste:100 I Port Arthur,TX 77640 h. All applicants will be reviewed, and the sgranger@paedc.org scholarship finalists will be contacted to 0:409.963.0579 schedule an interview. Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation Lamar State College Port Arthur Scholarship Application Section 1: Personal Information Name' Phone Address Email City State,Zip Student ID or SSN Name of Father/ Family Less than$50,000/year Guardian Income More than$50,000/year Name of Mother/ Guardian Number of college students in the family the next school year(not including self) Section 2: Education Information Yes I have completed my application to Lamar State College, Port Arthur. No I have been accepted to Lamar State College, Port Arthur. Yes No Other colleges you have applied to and/or been accepted into Intended profession/career Name of high school Cumulative HS GPA SAT(verbal/math)scores Cumulative high school rank TSI scores High School Class Size Section 3:Activities Extracurricular activity School year which you Major office held/ Most significant sponsored by HS participated in activity honors received contribution Examples:Academic Clubs,Musical Groups,Sport Teams,etc. ' List your legal name as it appears on your birth certificate. Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation Lamar State College Port Arthur Scholarship Application Section 4:Work Experience School year or Average Employer Position summer? hrs/week Section 5: Essay Attach an essay to this application.The document should be approximately 500 words, double-spaced in 10 to 12-point font. (Applications submitted without an essay will not be considered) Describe why you deserve the PAEDC Scholarship.Discuss why you chose your field of study,your objectives, and how a higher education will help you further realize your goals. Signatures I hereby certify that the information provided in this application is true, accurate, and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any false or misleading information may result in the disqualification of this application or, if discovered after acceptance, may lead to disciplinary action or revocation of any offer or benefits granted as a result of this application. Student Signature Date Counselor or Principal Name(Print) Date Counselor or Principal Signature Date PA EDC Application Received by: Application Received Date by: Date EXHIBIT B PORT ARTHUR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION LSCPA 26-28 TRAINING AGREEMENT PROGRAM GUIDELINES & SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION (This exhibit outlines the eligibility criteria, disbursement process, and application requirements for scholarship recipients enrolled at Lamar State College Port Arthur.) I PR No. 24636 1 LSCPA 26-28 Agreement TRAINING AGREEMENT BETWEEN PORT ARTHUR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND LAMAR STATE COLLEGE PORT ARTHUR RECITALS WHEREAS, the Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation("PAEDC") Board has found that supporting Port Arthur students through two (2) year associate degree programs helps to decrease unemployment in the City of Port Arthur; WHEREAS, Lamar State College Port Arthur("LSCPA") offers numerous two-year associate's degree programs (the "Program"); WHEREAS, PAEDC will establish a committee made up of PAEDC representatives, LSCPA representatives, school officials/counselors, and community members to create program guidelines that establish criteria for recipient award qualifications and identify which degree programs are eligible; WHEREAS, after the Committee determines eligibility, LSCPA will invoice PAEDC for costs associated with the degree program and PAEDC will make payment; and WHEREAS, PAEDC will allocate a total of Ninety Thousand Dollars ($90,000) for eligible students, or up to Nine Thousand Dollars ($9,000) each for a total of ten (10) students. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the recitals set forth above, which are incorporated herein as if fully set forth below, and in consideration of the mutual promises, covenants, conditions and agreements contained herein, the parties agree as follows: AGREEMENT DATES 1. Agreement Start Date: August 1, 2026 2. Agreement End Date: July 31, 2028 PR No. 24636 1 LSCPA 26-28 Agreement PARTIES 3. PAEDC, located at 501 Procter Street, Port Arthur, Texas 77640, is a not-for- profit corporation authorized to do business in the State of Texas under Section 4A, Article 5190.6 V.T.C.A. (the Development Corporation Act of 1979). Its Board of Directors has approved this Agreement, and this Agreement has been duly authorized by Resolution of the City Council of the City of Port Arthur. 4. Lamar State College Port Arthur, 1500 Procter Street, Port Arthur, Texas 77640. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT 5. This Agreement has no legal consequence unless and until both the Board of Directors of PAEDC and the City Council of the City of Port Arthur approve this Agreement in its final form. PROMISED PERFORMANCE 6. The parties agree to perform as follows: A. PERFORMANCE BY LSCPA 1) Funding in the amount of Ninety Thousand Dollars ($90,000) is allocated to LSCPA, subject to City approval. LSCPA shall: a. Work with PAEDC to identify eligible students pursuant to the Program Guidelines (Exhibit "A"). b. Provide invoices to PAEDC for costs associated with the degree program. c. Provide PAEDC with reports on student progress and outcomes. B. PERFORMANCE BY PAEDC 1) PAEDC shall submit payment in an amount not to exceed Nine Thousand Dollars ($9,000) per student after receiving a valid invoice from LSCPA. Payment will be made within sixty (60) days of receipt of a valid invoice. 2) PAEDC shall allocate a total of Ninety Thousand Dollars ($90,000) to the Program. PAEDC'S CONDITIONAL OBLIGATIONS AND LIMITED LIABILITY 7. PAEDC or the City, at its sole option, may terminate this Agreement for nonperformance or failure to comply with the terms of this Agreement. In the event of such termination by PAEDC, PAEDC may immediately cease all further funding, and PAEDC shall not be liable to LSCPA for payments not yet made under this Agreement. PR No. 24636 1 LSCPA 26-28 Agreement 8. PAEDC's sole liability/obligation shall be to LSCPA and shall be limited to the funding for the Program detailed in this Agreement. PAEDC shall not be liable, in contract or otherwise, for any expense, expenditure, or cost incurred by or on behalf of LSCPA related to the Program except as set forth herein. RECORDS / INSPECTION / AUDIT 9. All records pertinent to this Agreement shall be retained by LSCPA. 10. Upon written request, LSCPA shall provide PAEDC with all reports reasonably necessary for PAEDC compliance with the Development Corporation Act of 1979 and Chapter 504, Local Government Code. CHANGES AND AMENDMENTS 11. Any alterations, additions, or deletions to the terms of this Agreement shall be made by amendment in writing and executed by all parties. 12. Any alterations, additions, or deletions to the terms of this Agreement required by changes in federal, state, or local law are automatically incorporated without written amendment and shall become effective on the date designated by such law or regulation. DEFAULT/TERMINATION 13. In the event of default of any of the obligations of LSCPA detailed herein, PAEDC may, at its sole and exclusive option, withhold and/or disallow further PAEDC payments to LSCPA. 14. This Agreement may be terminated at any time when both parties agree, in writing, to the terms and conditions of any such voluntary termination. ORAL AND WRITTEN AGREEMENTS/ PRIOR AGREEMENTS 15. All oral and written agreements between the parties to this Agreement relating to the subject matter of this Agreement that were made before the execution of this Agreement have been reduced to writing and are contained in this Agreement. VENUE 16. For purposes of litigation that may accrue under this Agreement, the venue shall be Jefferson County, Texas, where substantially all performance will occur. PR No. 246361 LSCPA 26-28 Agreement ADDRESS OF NOTICE AND COMMUNICATIONS Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation 501 Procter Street Port Arthur,Texas 77640 ATTN: Krystle Muller, Interim CEO Lamar State College Port Arthur 1500 Procter Street Port Arthur, Texas 77640 ATTN: Dr. Betty J. Reynard,President CAPTIONS 17. This Agreement has been supplied with captions to serve only as a guide to the contents. The caption does not control the meaning of any paragraph or in any way determine its interpretation or application. ATTORNEY APPROVALS APPROVED AS TO FORM: Guy Goodson,Legal Counsel for PAEDC VERIFIED AS CONSISTENT WITH CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION: Resolution Number: Roxann Pais Cotroneo, City Attorney PR No. 24636 I LSCPA 26-28 Agreement AGREEMENT EXECUTION SIGNED AND AGREED TO on the day of , 2025. PORT ARTHUR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION By: Krystle Muller, Interim CEO By: Kaala Jacobs, Board Secretary LAMAR STATE COLLEGE PORT ARTHUR By: Dr. Betty J. Reynard, President PR No. 24636 I LSCPA 26-28 Agreement