1996-09-23 Public Hearing and Regular Meeting

Browse Search

e e Minutes Public Hearing and Regular Meeting La Porte City Council September 23, 1996, Page 2 3. CONSIDER APPROVING MINUTES OF PUBLIC HEARING AND REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 26, 1996. Motion was made by Councilperson Maxwell to l\pprove the minutes of Au~st 26 as presented. Second by Councilperson Clarke. The motion carried, 9 ayes, 0 nays. Ayes: Councilpersons Sutherland, Cooper, Thrower, McLaughlin, Porter, Gay, Maxwell, Clarke and Mayor Malone Nays: None 4. PETITIONS, REMONSTRANCES, COMMUNICATIONS, AND CmZENS AND TAX PAYERS WISlDNG TO ADDRESS COUNCIL (Each speaker is allowed five minutes to address City Council per the City Council Procedure Ordinance) Kenneth Allison, 201 Edgewood, La Porte, spoke regarding a disagreement with a City Ordinance because of a piece of equipment in his driveway. Mr. Allison said, "I think the problem is with the law and not with the violation." Mr. Allison said he would like for someone to send him to the proper place to get the correct information. He said he will then prepare his questions in a proper manner and bring them back to Council. Mayor Malone explained the rules of speaking before Council and reminded Mr. Allison that Council does not answer questions during this portion of the City Council meeting. Mayor Malone suggested that Mr. Allison contact the City Inspection Department between 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M., and they will explain the process for handling questions of procedure. Mr. Allison stated, "I knew about this early this afternoon. I went and talked to the gentlemen at the City. They were very kind, but I guess I misunderstood the procedure. So, what you are saying is, to be able to speak before this Council and to explain what I feel is gone wrong, I need to go back and have the Inspection department set a date to come talk to you. How do I do that?" Mayor Malone explained the Inspection Division personnel can explain the complete process. The City has a Planning and Zoning Commission and a Board of Adjustments. Councilperson Cooper stated, "You can speak and tell Council what the problem is now, and you do not have to go back to the Inspection Department to do that". Mr. Allison said that it would take longer than the three minutes allotted to him to explain the problem. Mr. Allison said, "Right now I am unprepared to do this." Mayor Malone explained, "In order for us to give you all the information you need Council would have to go to the Inspection Department also, and we would have to ask someone from that division to come and answer the questions for you. Council does not work with the Code of Ordinances everyday, and the Inspection Department does. So, listen to them and see what they have to say." Mr. Allison said, "I am willing to work within the system. I really do not understand, and I believe in my heart that I am right. I just want somebody to hear me so I can get my point across. " Mayor Malone suggested that perhaps the Inspection Department will tell him to go before the Planning and Zoning Commission with his problem. You can explain your situation to them, and if you are not satisfied there you might then be able to go before the Board of Adjustment. Mr. Allison stated, " Ok! Then I will do that". Mayor Malone thanked Mr. Allison for his appearance before Council.