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

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Councilmember Engelken suggested staff review allocated funds of $862,000.00 in Other Professional Services (5007) as well as the $329,000.00 contingency. Councilmember Engelken also requested the risk and benefits of spreading residential solid waste increased rates over a two -year period versus one year. Councilmember Kaminski requested information discussed at the April 2011 Council Retreat. Councilmember Zemanek suggested funding for the Lomax Arena improvements be provided by the La Porte Development Corporation. If funded by the Development Corporation, the City's general fund may be sufficient to provide raises for city employees. The meeting recessed at 9:10 p.m. to reconvene on Tuesday, August 9, 2011, at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 9, 2011 Mayor Rigby called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 9, 2011. All members of Council were present. Also present were City Secretary Patrice Fogarty, City Manager Ron Bottoms, and City Attorney Knox Askins. City Manager Ron Bottoms continued presenting the proposed 2011 -2012 Fiscal Year Budget, started with the Legal Department budget. There were no questions from City Council. The Municipal Court budget was presented with no questions from Council. The City Secretary budget was presented next. • Discussion or other action regarding S.B. 100 (Senate Bill 100) and Future Elections — P. Fogarty /R. Bottoms City Secretary Patrice Fogarty presented a summary regarding the impact of S.B. 100 on City Elections. There was discussion regarding the purchase of voting equipment for City Elections. Councilmember Engelken recommended continuing utilizing the eSlate voting equipment because La Porte citizens are familiar with this equipment. Councilmember Moser also recommended the eSlate equipment. It was reported that La Porte ISD and San Jacinto College have indicated they are willing to pay their fair share of costs to purchase this equipment. Staff was directed to meet with the other entities and advise on the purchase of the eSlate voting equipment. City Secretary Fogarty stated she would provide a more definite cost analysis for the eSlate equipment. City Manager Ron Bottoms discussed the La Porte Economic Development Corporation budget. Council recommended staff to change the contingency from $25,000.00 to $1,000.00. Council requested clarification on Advertising (6005) expenses for Fiscal Year 2011. Stacey Osborne will provide this information to Council. Council discussed housing development and advertisement for retail businesses in the city. Page 3 of 7 August 8 -10, 2011, City Council Meeting Minutes