1999-02-01Special Called Workshop of City Council

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. CITY OF LA PORTE e January 27, 1999 TO: FROM: Mayor and City Council Robert T. Herrera, City Manager I John Jooms, Assistant City Mana~J FebNa!}' I" Workshop "\11' Re: Utilities Outside City Limits SUBJECT: The February lit workshop meeting includes two reports on requests for utility service outside the City limits. One report describes a request from Texas Parks and Wildlife, which is outside the City limits and our ETJ. The second report describes several requests from owner/developers of properties along SH225 and Fairmont Parkway outside City limits but within our ETJ and Industrial Districts. For various reasons outlined in the reports, these requests do not fit our current policy for utility service outside the City. Recall that our current policy was developed as a response to specific requests by industry (with IDA's) to provide potable water service for sanitary needs. The policy was also developed to protect the limited surface water capacity available to La Porte. Now, because of the LP A W A's recent agreement to secure an additional 3 + MOD there is more flexibility to consider these requests. In addition, some requests are for sanitary sewer. For the projects along SH225 and Fairmont Parkway the provision of utilities may be an opportunity for Council to establish policy guidelines that would affect both the visual impact and land use activity along these roadways. Staff offers this because there have been comments made by P&Z and by the public regarding the beautification of these roadways through La Porte. One person providing public input during the Comprehensive Plan update suggested annexation of the property along Fairmont Parkway and SH225. Also, Council may recall that when the decision to place casings across SH225 was made, there was mention of the potential to annex a strip along SH225 because the land use and character of these developments was decidedly different than the larger industries within our Industrial Districts. These companies do have options. They could apply for a well permit. For the low volume sewer demands they could install septic systems. For the higher demands the companies in Bayport have the option of GCWDA. However, in the long run it may be advantageous for both the City and these developments along the roadways to reach agreement on the utilities and on some development standards. Then if annexation were considered the provision of utility service would not be as difficult.