A third amended and restated Ordinance authorizing, approving, confirming and ratifying certain matters relating to the City of Houston, Texas General Obligation Commercial Paper Notes, Series H-2, in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $100,000,000 for the purpose of financing certain authorized purposes; approving certain officers and employees to act on behalf of the City in the selling and delivery of such Notes in accordance with the procedures specified herein; approving and authorizing execution of a Credit Agreement, a Note and related agreements pertaining to such Credit Agreement; making certain covenants and agreements in connection therewith and resolving other matters incident and related to the issuance, sale, delivery and security of the Series H-2 Notes, including the approval of an Issuing and Paying Agency Agreement and an Offering Memorandum and the ratification of a Commercial Paper Dealer Agreement; and declaring an emergency

SUBJECT:  Third amended and restated Ordinance authorizing, approving, confirming and ratifying certain matters relating to the City of Houston, Texas, General Obligation Commercial Paper Notes, Series H-2

RECOMMENDATION: 

Approve a third amended and restated Ordinance authorizing, approving, confirming and ratifying certain matters relating to the City of Houston, Texas, General Obligation Commercial Paper Notes, Series H-2, in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $100,000,000 for the purpose of providing money for certain authorized purposes; Approving and authorizing certain authorized officers and employees to act on behalf of the City in the selling and delivery of such notes, within the limitations and procedures specified herein and making certain covenants and agreements in connection therewith.

SPECIFIC EXPLANATION: 

Starting in 1993, City Council created commercial paper programs to provide appropriation capacity and “on time” funding for various capital expenditures of the City funded with proceeds of general obligation debt. The issuance of commercial paper has provided an expedient, cost-effective method of providing interim financing. Commercial paper notes are later refinanced with fixed rate bonds with maturities matching the useful lives of the projects or equipment being financed.

The existing letter of credit that supports the Series H-2 CP program has an upcoming expiration date of November 21, 2017. The Series H-2 CP program currently supports the City's Capital Improvement Program.

Barclays Bank PLC will provide a replacement direct-pay letter of credit for the Series H-2 program in the amount of $100 million, plus interest. The liquidity facility will have a 3-year term, with a commitment fee of 30 basis points per annum based on the City’s current long-term ratings.

The Finance Working Group (the “FWG”) also recommends U.S. Bank National Association as paying agent, and Bracewell LLP and Edgardo E. Colon, P.C. as co-bond counsel. Barclays Capital, Inc., JP Morgan and Loop Capital Markets Inc. are recommended as dealers.

This transaction was presented to the Budget and Fiscal Affairs Committee on August 2, 2017.

Recommendation

The FWG recommends approval of this transaction.

Melissa Dubowski                                      Phone: 832-393-9101