09-22-14 Regular Meeting of La Porte City Council

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Councilmember Earp questioned the future of controlling and monitoring the Insurance Fund. Finance Director Michael Dolby responded since the City is self- funded employees are encouraged to stay In- network rather than Out-of network; the City is with Aetna an excellent carrier that offer large discounts; and 1.5 million dollars are set aside based on trends. Councilmember Earp suggested staff begin looking and discussing ways to control the future of the Insurance Fund. During the presentation of the Hotel/Motel Occupancy Fund, Councilmember Earp commented Jake Worthington advised him it may be a couple of years before he does a concert in La Porte due to Mr. Worthington wanting to organize his own acts and music. Councilmember Martin requested additional details for the $45,000 added for the San Jacinto Monument Museum Expansion. City Manager Corby Alexander responded the City was requested to fund Phase I of the expansion project which is the display of exhibits from the archeological work. Mayor Rigby added before the design of the museum can begin they will have to dig underground for metal detection of artifacts from the battle and use them for display in the museum. Councilmember Earp questioned the nature of the Airport Study for $91,000 in the Airport Fund. City Manager Corby Alexander responded the initial concept of the study was to see if the airport could be repurposed, and be something totally different than an airport, and staff has since then been advised by TxDOT that is an option they will not support. Mr. Alexander also added staff looked at things that can be done to improve deficiencies at the airport and came up with a terminal building or a tower for improvements and to generate more traffic. Public Works Director Dave Mick added he and City Manager Corby Alexander have been informed by the TxDOT Aviation Director there is a consultant that has conducted business studies at other airports that can make an airport more economical viable. In addition, Mr. Mick advised he does not anticipate the cost to be $91,000 and he has contacted TXDOT letting them know the City is ready to move forward with the idea of working with the consultant and has requested TxDOT to assist with the cost of the study. Councilmember Clausen questioned if the airport will go back to TxDOT if it is no longer a part of the City and what will become of the airport. Public Works Director Dave Mick responded it will go to the Federal Aviation Administration and he is not certain what will become of the airport. Councilmember Martin questioned if the $91,000 can be pulled from the budget be brought back with an updated cost for the study. City Manager Corby Alexander responded it can be pulled and amended after it is determined to what extent TxDOT will participate with the cost. Mayor Rigby questioned if there are any objections from City Council. There were no objections. There being no public comments, the public hearing closed at 6:47 p.m. (d) Consider approval or other action regarding an Ordinance approving and adopting the City of -2015 Proposed Budget M. Dolby Councilmember Leonard moved to pull the $91,000 from the Airport Fund and to approve and adopt the -2015 Proposed Budget. Councilmember Martin seconded. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Clausen, Earp, Martin, Kaminski and Leonard Nays: None 47 Page of September 8, 2014, Council Meeting Minutes