2004-10-11 Regular Meeting, Public Hearing and Workshop Meeting of La Porte City Council

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City Council Regular Meeting, Public Hearings and Workshop Meeting - October 11, 2004 - Page 2 6. PETITIONS, REMONSTRANCES, COMMUNICATIONS, AND CITIZENS AND TAX P AYERS WISHING TO ADDRESS COUNCIL ON ANY ITEM POSTED ON THE AGENDA Bill Scott of 1802 Lomax School Road, La Porte, Texas 77571- Mr. Scott applauded Barbara Norwine for resigning from the Board of Adjustments and questioning their actions. Mr. Scott additionally informed Mayor and Council of his personal experiences with the Board of Adjustments. He stated, Bob Capen has violated his Oath of Office. At the June 24, 2004 Public Hearing where the case involving his home was presented, Mr. Scott stated the "Roberts Rules of Order" and the ordinance agenda order was violated. He informed Council he was required to speak first during the hearing and was harassed; he encouraged Council to investigate the actions of the Board of Adjustments. Mr. Scott advised Council to remove the Chairman because he also has violated the ordinance and the "Roberts Rules of Order". He noted he would be exposing additional violations over the next months. - Rachel Hampton of 402 South Idaho, La Porte, Texas 77571- Ms. Hampton informed Council the City has a great deal of trash and litter, in all areas, that needs to be cleaned up. The ditches near her home and the area near the high school stadium are especially dirty. She made the following suggestions: The Police Department needs to issue citations for littering. The Industry should donate litter bags and include them in the mail-out with the water bills, adopt a street program within the LPISD, use juvenile community service workers to clean-up litter and trash, and contact other cities, such as Fredricksburg and Gruen to find out how they keep their cities clean. Ms. Hampton begged Council to implement a program to clean up our fine City. 7. Open Public Hearing - Mayor Porter opened the Public Hearing at 7:00 p.m. Review by Staff - Interim Planning Director Wayne Sabo turned the presentation over to Consultant Nick Finan to provide an overview of the ordinance Main Street District boundaries, zoning and regulations. - Public Input: Sue Gale Mock Kooken of 410 South First Street, La Porte, Texas 77571- Ms. Kooken informed Mayor and Council that she is in favor of the Main Street District and believes it will be good for the City. Mike Shannahan of200 South Virginia, La Porte, Texas 77571- Mr. Shannahan informed Mayor and City Council of his position regarding the Main Street District; his position is mostly favorable and he applauds the Committee members for their efforts. Mr. Shannahan has serious concerns with the Main Street District boundary line running down the alley between Virginia Street and San Jacinto Street. The family's and neighbor's specific concerns include alley way access, noise, parking, loitering, littering, drainage, building set backs and aesthetics. I feel the current zoning standards which apply to the East side of San Jacinto Street, the same ones I complied with when I built the only conforming commercial development on the block are in place for the express purpose of lessening the impact of commercial activity on the residences which make up the rest ofthe block in its entirety. Mr. Shannahan understands and agrees with the intent of the Main Street designation and wishes the best to all those involved with Main Street revitalization. However, to say that commercial development, to the lower standards proposed in the Main Street Ordinance, could have a negative impact on the property values and quality of life of residents, of one of the oldest neighborhoods in the City would be an understatement. I, respectfully, request Council to consider removing the East side of the 200 block of San Jacinto from the proposed District. This is easily accomplished by moving the boundary line from the alley between Virginia Street and San Jacinto Street to San Jacinto Street proper. There are no historic buildings on San Jacinto Street; the stated goal of Main Street District proponents is to "preserve the character of historic Main Street". I ask only that the same consideration be given to the residents of Virginia Street. We implore Council to preserve the character of our residences. Mr. Shannahan read the names of all the residents that signed the letter. - Bobby Schlenk of 620 South 4th Street, La Porte, Texas 77571 - Mr. Schlenk informed Council he is in favor of the Main Street District. It improves relaxation and favors business owners.