09-09-19 Regular Meeting of the La Porte City Council

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(Councilperson Engelken has a conflict of interest affidavit on file for this item and did not participate in the discussion or vote.) Councilperson Bentley moved to adopt Ordinance 2019-3746 with a rate of 4.5% instead of 3%, granting a franchise to CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp., to locate and operate facilities for transmission of natural gas in public rights-of-way, for a term of ten years; Councilperson Bentley then chose to withdraw his motion. Councilperson Garza moved to adopt Ordinance 2019-3746 with a rate of 3%, granting a franchise to CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp., to locate and operate facilities for transmission of natural gas in public rights-of-way, for a term of ten years; the motion was adopted, 8-0. (b) Presentation, discussion, and possible action to proceed with allocating additional funding for Five Points Plaza Improvements. [Lorenzo Wingate, City Engineer] Chris Casey of Huitt-Zollars presented options and phasing for consideration. Councilperson Garza moved to approve proceeding with the restroom facility including storage and expanded parking lot option for the Five Points Plaza Improvements, without any of the other alternates offered; the motion was not adopted, 3-6, Councilpersons Oleda, Garza, and Lunsford voting in support. Martin moved that the City move forward with the project as proposed and have discussion at a later date on which of the three design options were preferred; the motion was adopted, 8-1, Councilperson Garza voting against. (c) Presentation, discussion, and possible action to adopt Resolution 2019-12 designating MRC Global (US) Inc., as an enterprise project. [Ryan Cramer, Economic Development Coordinator] Tom Lockwood spoke on behalf of MRC. Councilperson Garza moved to approve Resolution 2019-12 designating MRC Global (US) Inc. as an enterprise project; the motion was adopted 9-0. (d) Presentation, discussion, and possible action on the recommendation of the Chapter 172 Employee, Retiree Insurance and Benefits Board regarding employee and retiree health benefits. [Matt Hartleib, HR Manager Councilperson Ojeda moved to approve the recommendations of the Chapter 172 Employee, Retiree Insurance and Benefits Board: the motion was adopted 9-0. 7. REPORTS (a) Receive a report of the Fiscal Affairs Committee Meeting. [Councilperson Chuck Engelken] Councilperson Engelken reported on the Fiscal Affairs Committee meeting, relaying that the Committee reviewed the purchasing card and investment reports and found all in order. (b) Receive a report of the La Porte Development Corporation Board Meeting. [Councilperson Nancy Ojeda] Councilperson Ojeda reported on the La Porte Development Corporation Board meeting, relaying that the Board voted to deny a grant for 10325 West Fairmont Parkway, elected Richard Warren as President and Nancy Ojeda as Vice President, and approved the Economic Development budget. 8. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS • City Council Meeting, Monday, September 9, 2019 • Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting, Thursday, September 19, 2019 • City Council Meeting, Monday, September 23, 2019 • Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting, Thursday, September 26, 2019 City Manager Corby Alexander offered staff would reach out to Ms. Gerrish on the massage business ordinance. 9. COUNCIL COMMENTS regarding matters appearing on the agenda; recognition of community members, city employees, and upcoming events; inquiry of staff regarding specific factual information or existing policies. Councilpersons thanked all for participating in the Council deliberation process; complimented LPPD for their training and performance in the school district as all prepared for school to resume; recognized Agape Centric for Page 3 of 4 August 26, 2019, Council Meeting Minutes