05-12-14 Regular Meeting of La Porte City Council

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Councilmember Martin began by discussing the feasibility for Curbside Recycling and suggested the possibility of placing a nonbinding referendum on a ballot for voting. Public Works Director Dave Mick presented options for a Curbside Recycling Program. Currently, the City offers a drop off site for recycling at the Public Works yard. In reviewing feasibility for curbside recycling, several options were considered. The cost per account would be between $3 and $3.50 per month. At this time, Council directed staff to conduct a survey of residents to determine if there is any interest in curbside recycling; and if so, at what level are residents willing to pay for such a service. M. Fairmont Parkway Corridor Traffic Study D. Mick Public Works Director Dave Mick presented options for a feasibility study along the Fairmont Parkway Corridor and recommended a joint study with Harris County for the Fairmont Parkway thth corridor between 6 Street to 16 Street. The estimated cost for such a study is approximately $75,000. thth Councilmember Zemanek commented the signal needs to be moved from 7 Street to 8 Street. th Councilmember Engelken commented the City was told the traffic signal was at 7 Street and th not 8 Street because , there is th not enough clearance to install a left turn lane heading northbound on 8 Street. Mayor Rigby asked Public Works Director Dave Mick if Harris County was asked to half costs with the City on a study. Mr. Mick responded no. Council directed staff to speak with Harris County regarding their level of willingness to participate, both in the findings and in the funding for the study. N. Financial Report and Five Year Capital Plan for Streets/Utilities D. Mick City Manager Corby Alexander and Assistant City Manager Traci Leach proposed additional audits of various City functions, services, departments and other key revenue sources. Public Works Director Dave Mick presented a Financial Report and Five-Year Capital Plan for Streets/Utilities and recommended about $2 million a year for Capital Improvements. Staff has identified projects totaling approximately $5 million per year. City Manager Corby Alexander advised Council the proposed Five-Year Capital Plan for Streets/Utilities presented by Dave Mick has some funding from the current revenue stream from the street maintenance tax. Additional funding for this plan is currently identified as bonds that could be sold as current capacity is freed up in the next several years, which would allow the City to maintain the current tax rate. However, given the direction from the Financial Overview discussion, all options, including the debt strategy, is up for discussion in the near future. Finance Director Michael Dolby advised Council the Utility Fund needs to be self-sustaining without being supported by the General Fund, and revenues will need to be reviewed. Mr. Dolby also advised that projects are funded by tax revenue. Page 6 of 9 April 12, 2014, City Council Special Meeting Minutes