08-22-11 Regular Meeting of La Porte City Council

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6. DISCUSSION OR OTHER ACTION a) Discussion or other action regarding appointing members to the Fair Housing Activity Statement -Texas (FHAST) Work Group for the Hurricane Recovery Program — R. Bottoms Planning Director Tim Tietjens and Grant Administrator Bruce Spitzengel presented a summary. In addition to the city manager or his designee, and Tim Tietjens or his designee, Councilmember Zemanek appointed Russell Ybarra (Gringo's), Councilmember Clausen appointed Lloyd Graham (Superintendent of LPISD) and Councilmember Moser appointed Charlie Perry (La Porte citizen) to the Fair Housing Activity Statement -Texas (FHAST) Work Group for the Hurricane Recovery Program. Councilmember Engelken moved to approve the appointment of the five members to the Fair Housing Activity Statement -Texas (FHAST) Work Group for the Hurricane Recovery Program. Councilmember Zemanek seconded. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Leonard, Clausen, Zemanek, Mosteit, Engelken, Moser, Kaminski and Martin Nays: None (b) Discussion or other action concerning the proposed 2011 -2012 Fiscal Year Budget of the City of La Porte, Texas — R. Bottoms • Discussion regarding the City of La Porte's Mission Statement — R. Bottoms Mayor Rigby proposed 9:00 p.m. as the time to recess each budget meeting until concluded. City Manager Ron Bottoms presented the City's proposed 2011 -2012 Fiscal Year Budget and the City of La Porte's Mission Statement. Finance Director Michael Dolby began the presentation by discussing revenues and an indepth budget discussion followed. Mr. Dolby suggested auditors Null - Lairson's engagement letters be held until after the Fiscal Affairs Committee meets. The proposed budget book was presented in order, with the City Manager reviewing each department. City Council recessed for a break at 8:13 p.m. and reconvened at 8:22 p.m. Council directed staff to remove video streaming of council meetings and the Channel 16 upgrade. Council had questions on Hotel /Motel accounts 3001 (Memberships/ Subscriptions), 6015 (Community Festivals), and $25,000.00 budgeted for the concert series. Councilmember Engelken requested staff to address the following items on Tuesday, August 9, 2011: what is estimated cost for a two percent pay increase for city staff; is there a financial benefit of moving all staff evaluations to be effective on one particular date; is it possible for a new animal shelter and the proposed Lomax Arena improvements be funded by the La Porte Development Corporation; can speed limits in residential neighborhoods be lowered from 30 miles an hour to 25 miles an hour? Page 2 of 7 August 8 -10, 2011, City Council Meeting Minutes