2003-12-08 Regular Meeting and Public Hearing

Browse Search

City Council Regular Meeting and Workshop Meeting — December 8, 2003 - Page 6 Ayes: Engelken, Griffiths, Mosteit, Warren, Young, Ebow, Meismer, Beasley and Malone Nays: None Abstain: None 16. The Regular Meeting closed and the Workshop Meeting opened at 7:50 p.m. A. Assistant City Secretary Sharon Harris discussed the implementation of an Electronic Agenda and Council provided Staff with direction. B. Parks and Recreation Director Stephen Barr provided an overview of funding options for the TXDOT S.T.E.P. — SH 225 @ Sens Road Beautification Project for construction; either fund at the budgeted level with a reduced number of palm trees, or add $34,000 to the estimated budget to provide additional palm trees as designed. Councilmember Meismer stated that once monies are appropriated they do not seem to flow back quite as readily as one might think; Mayor Malone suggested Mr. Barr do the best he can with the money allotted; Councilmember Warren noted the short time frame the City has to get the money to TXDOT, January 7 or 8, 2004; Councilmember Beasley commented that the City budgeted a certain amount and should see what we can get for that amount. C. Parks and Recreation Director Stephen Barr provided direction regarding funding for the Sylvan Beach Shoreline Protection and Beach Nourishment Project. D. Interim Planning Director Nick Finan and Planning Staff request Council to provide direction on the Port of Houston's instituted value assurance program, which is a gesture to insure the property values surrounding their proposed truck entry station on Barbour's Cut Boulevard are not negatively affected. The Port assures property values within roughly two blocks of the facility will not decrease or it will purchase the property at appraised value based upon an appraisal or the HCAD tax rolls. In addition, Staff would like direction as to whether or not to request the Port of Houston to allow the City to transfer its agreement, with the sale of the property, since the City is only a trustee of the property and not the actual owner. E. Interim Planning Director Nick Finan and Planning Staff would like direction regarding how to proceed with Mr. Gray's request. There are possibly three options. Council suggested framing an Ordinance for this particular situation, being as there will be a holding tank with minimum use of water, with Council requesting to know the approximate amount of water used. 17. The Workshop Meeting closed and the Regular Meeting reconvened at 9:20 p.m. 18. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS City Manager Debra Feazelle reminded Council of the NLC Conference December 9-13, 2003 in Nashville; the Silver Bells Holiday Social on Friday, December 12, 2003, at Sylvan Beach Pavilion; and that City Hall will be closed on Wednesday, December 24, and Thursday, December 25, 2003 for the Christmas Holiday. Interim Planning Director Nick Finan updated Staff and Council regarding the Fairmont Park Baptist Church issue. The consolidation of the National Guard Armory is expected in 2004, bringing 95 jobs, one facility in the Beaumont area will be closed. 19. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmembers Engelken, Ebow, Griffiths, Malone, Warren, Meismer, Beasley, Young and Mosteit had comments.