2017-11-13 Regular Meeting of the La Porte City Council Minutes

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Councilmember Engelken made a motion to approve Consent Agenda Items pursuant to staff recommendations. Councilmember Jay Martin seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY 9/0 on Items 6 (a)-(g) and (i)-(I). Regarding Consent Agenda Item 6(h), Councilmember Earp abstained from voting on this item. MOTION PASSED 8/0/1. Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Leonard, Engelken, Ojeda, Zemanek, Kaminski, J. Martin, and K. Martin Nays: None Abstention: Councilmember Earp 7. AUTHORIZATIONS (a) Consider approval or other action authorizing the Planning Department to issue permits for use of temporary FEMA trailers with restrictions for City of La Porte residents affected by Hurricane Harvey — R. Mancilla Planning and Development Director Richard Mancilla presented a summary. Councilmember Leonard made a motion to authorize the Planning Department to issue permits, with some restrictions, for use of temporary FEMA trailers for City of La Porte residents affected by Hurricane Harvey. Councilmember Zemanek seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY 9/0. (b) Consider approval or other action regarding an Ordinance to repeal Ordinance 2017-3682, which provided for the condemnation of a dangerous/substandard commercial building located at 621 W. Main St. — Mayor Rigby Mayor Rigby presented the item for discussion and possible action. After lengthy discussion between councilmembers, the owner, the city manager, the engineer, and the assistant city attorney, Councilmember Earp stated he would be willing to propose granting up to 30 days to get a City permit and get building materials ordered. He stated that from the time they order the building, it will take four— five months to build it. From permitting to erecting the building, it would take five months on a fast track. Mayor asked, so, five months from tomorrow? Councilmember Earp said they've got 30 days to get a permit and get a building ordered. The owner said, "We can do that." A total of roughly six months — permit to finish — would give a completion date of June 1, 2018. Councilmember Earp stated he would be in favor of granting until June 1 to have the project completed, but the owner must have a permit issued within 30 days from tomorrow. If a permit has not been issued within 30 days from tomorrow, then the building remains on the dangerous building list for demolition. Councilmembers Zemanek and Leonard agreed. Assistant City Attorney Clark Askins offered that an amendment could be made in the last section of the repeal ordinance currently being considered by Council to provide for a 28-day delayed effective date instead of becoming effective immediately. As Mr. Askins understands, he stated a motion could be made to pass tonight's ordinance, which would have the effect of repealing the condemnation ordinance (0-2017-3682) passed September 25, 2017, but with an amendment to add a 28-day delayed effective date. What council would be looking for in that 28-day period is proof the owner has been issued the necessary permit(s). If that doesn't happen, if the owner does not meet that condition, the repeal ordinance would not go into effect; and the demolition ordinance (Ordinance 2017-3682) would stand. Page 3 of 6 November 13, 2017 Council Meeting Minutes