2011-04-09 Special Meeting of La Porte City Council

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building that would meet the storage needs initially, and then could be expanded to meet the concession, restroom needs, and meeting needs based on priorities as the LPLSRA and City determine. Costs could then also be spread over a longer period of time, and the two entities could reach the goal of meeting the community needs for La Porte. Clark Askins, Asst. City Attorney, stated 4b monies may be used for this type of expenditure. d. Lighting Neighborhood Parks — Councilman Martin /Stephen Barr Stephen Barr presented information regarding additional lighting in City parks. There are thirteen parks listed as Neighborhood Parks in the City's park inventory. Chapter 50 -2 of the Code of Ordinances establishes the hours of operation for Neighborhood Parks from 7:00 am until 9:30 pm daily. These neighborhood parks are generally placed in specific neighborhoods and do not have extensive sports facilities or amenities that lend themselves to use at night. The parks are designed for family use, such as picnics and play equipment for younger children, and are not designated for use after 9:30 pm, primarily for safety reasons, which is why the City has not lighted these parks in the past. Staff has identified a number of possible lighting options for Council's consideration. If Council chooses to proceed with lighting, Council may want to amend the park ordinance to revise park hours. Chief Adcox stated that he would have someone do an inventory of all City parks as it relates to lighting and safety. This item will be further addressed after that information is received. e. Drainage Projects for FY11 -12 — Councilman Mosteit/Tim Tietjens Julian Garza presented an update for future drainage projects. Regarding L Street, staff was directed to ask Pct 2 about widening and drainage. Mr. Garza stated nothing is planned, yet; but, they are studying it. Council indicated projects should be prioritized according to repeat flooding issues. f. 100 Acres next to Pasadena Convention Center — Councilman Engelken/Tim Tietjens Tim Tietjens presented information regarding the 100 acres next to the Pasadena Convention Center. Council did not provide direction at this time. g. Council Travel/ Business Expenses/Technology Equipment — Mayor Rigby /Patrice Fogarty /Jeff Suggs Mayor Rigby indicated changes he would like to see to the Council travel ordinance, and those changes will be brought forward at the next council meeting. Mayor Rigby also indicated any councilmember needing a phone or device on which to receive email should ask the city secretary to get it for them. Councilmember Moser stated he would like an iPhone. Mayor Rigby recessed for a break at 11:45 a.m. Mayor Rigby reconvened the special meeting at 12:03 p.m. C. Staff Initiated Items a. Streaming Public Meetings — Jeff Suggs Council looks forward to seeing what Jeff provides on the streaming of council meeting. Council indicated they are interested in all options — live streaming or recording for playback on the web. b. Automated Solid Waste Pilot Program — Dave Mick Dave Mick presented a proposal regarding a pilot program for automated solid waste. Council indicated that an increase in monthly costs plus fewer pickup days may not be readily accepted by the citizens. Mayor Rigby and Councilmember Engelken both indicated that with the need to maintain conservative financial expenditures, this item should be put on hold. Mayor Rigby recessed for lunch at 12:41 p.m. Mayor Rigby reconvened the special meeting at 12:54 p.m. Page 3 of 5 April 9, 2011, City Council Special Meeting Minutes