1996-01-08 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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0 • Minutes Regular Meeting La Porte City Council January 8, 1996, Page 3 Planning Director Guy Rankin reviewed with Council the summary and recommendation for the request. Dr. Brian Tulloch spoke on behalf of his wife Elizabeth Watkins Rogg, Richard A. Percoco and wife Thelma Percoco regarding this request. Dr. Tulloch stated, "This is an area where we have had major problems for the last five or six years with storm damage. Our area, which goes down onto the bay, is being encroached on either side from the lack of maintenance of this particular area. Our main challenge is going to be to stabilize this from encroachment from the sea, and our plans are to bulkhead so it is similar to what it was five or ten years ago. Our main concern being we get it stabilized before the next hurricane." Councilperson McLaughlin asked why an independent appraisal was made on this property. City Manager Robert T. Herrera said, "When we acquired the Seabreeze property we went through the appraisal process because there were a lot of unknowns as to the value of the bayfront. If you look at our tax rolls they are normally a lot lower then what property should be assessed for on the bay. This property assessment was very low on our tax rolls and because of the Seabreeze election we felt that it was prudent on our part to go out and get a bonafide appraisal to show the current market value. The City Ordinance that we operate under allows that to be done at the discretion of the City Manager, so I made that decision to go ahead and get it appraised." Councilperson Gay stated he thought this was beneficial for all concerned. Councilperson McLaughlin asked if our intentions were to take the money from this purchase and put it toward upgrading the remaining outlet. Mr. Herrera said, "The money is going into the General Fund, and staff will make a recommendation to the City Council for the best way to use those funds." Councilperson McLaughlin said he hated to see us close off access to the bay. Mr. Rankin assured Councilperson McLaughlin there would still be one access to the bay in that area. Councilperson Porter made a comment that his thought is if we do close this tonight the proceeds could be used on the park site that we have which gives bay access to the citizens. He said he was not recommending we ear mark this tonight, but Council should keep in mind funds from these types of actions could be committed back for that purpose. City Attorney read: ORDINANCE 96-2085 - AN ORDINANCE VACATING, ABANDONING AND CLOSING A PORTION OF PINE BLUFF DRIVE, IN THE TOWN OF LA PORTE, HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS; FINDING COMPLIANCE WITH THE OPEN MEETINGS LAW; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF. Motion was made by Councilperson Maxwell that we approve Ordinance 96-2085 as read by the City Attorney. Second by Councilperson Porter. The motion carried, 8 ayes and 1 nay. Ayes: Councilpersons Sutherland, Cooper, Thrower, Porter, Gay, Maxwell, Clarke and Mayor Malone Nays: Councilperson McLaughlin 9. CONSIDER APPROVAL OR OTHER ACTION REGARDING AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH GULF COAST ELECTRIC SUPPLY COMPANY, INC., FOR THE SUPPLY OF LIGHTING MATERIALS (Ord. 96-2086) - G. Rankin Planning Director Guy Rankin and City Manager Robert T. Herrera reviewed the summary and recommendation for the request. Council discussion was held regarding the recommendation.