2011-09-26 Regular Meeting of La Porte City Council minutes

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(e) Consider approval or other action regarding an Ordinance amending Chapter 50, Appendix A — Fees, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of La Porte, to increase fees for the Sylvan Beach Fishing Pier — S. Barr (f) Consider approval or other action authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease agreement with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for the placement of atmospheric testing equipment at the La Porte Municipal Airport — D. Mick (g) Consider approval or other action regarding an Ordinance amending the Interlocal Agreement between the City of La Porte and Harris County for fixed route bus service with complementary paratransit services; and authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 1 — R. Bottoms (h) Consider approval or other action authorizing the City Manager to enter into contracts for the annual supply of water and sewer materials — S. Cream Assistant City Attorney Clark Askins read the caption of Ordinance 3379, AN ORDINANCE APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF LA PORTE AND HARRIS COUNTY, FOR FIXED ROUTE BUS SERVICE WITH COMPLEMENTARY PARATRANSIT SERVICES IN THE CITY OF LA PORTE, MAKING VARIOUS FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE SUBJECT, FINDING COMPLIANCE WITH THE OPEN MEETINGS LAW, AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF. Consent items B, D, E, and F were pulled for individual discussion and comments; regarding Item E, Councilmember Zemanek requested this item be voted on separately. Regarding Item B, Councilmember Zemanek asked who the contractor is and the amount of fees for services. Public Works Director Dave Mick informed him that Cobb Fendley is the contractor, and the design of the project would require additional funding. Regarding Item D, Councilmember Zemanek questioned if the project was one that City Council requested to be delayed. Director of Parks and Recreation Stephen Barr informed him that the project was approved by City Council in the last budget year. Regarding Item E, Councilmember Zemanek questioned the necessity of increasing fees. Director of Parks and Recreation Stephen Barr informed that due to the increase of traffic, Harris County was requiring the concessionaire to pay for security during weekends in the summer and the need to ensure payments would be collected from pier traffic. Councilmember Zemanek questioned how much revenue had been generated from the increase of traffic. Mr. Barr informed him that the pier has not been operational for a complete year, and it is too soon to calculate how much revenue has been generated. Mayor Rigby asked who requested 24 -hour operation and whether there are records of pier usage. Mr. Barr informed him that Harris County requested the 24 -hour operation as per the agreement, and Concessionaire Ms. Witt advised there were not any records available at the present time. Councilmember Martin commented he was not in favor of increasing fees for seniors and children. Councilmember Kaminski commented she would need additional background information before voting on an increase of fees. Ms. Witt informed Council she did not have an issue with no increase in fees for seniors and children. Regarding Item F, Councilmember Zemanek questioned if there would be a problem with noise and if sound testing had been conducted. Public Works Director Dave Mick informed there would not be any noise per the agreement with Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). Councilmember Engelken moved to approve Consent Agenda Items A, B, C, D, F, G, and H pursuant to recommendations by City Staff. Councilmember Clausen seconded. Page 2of7 September 26, 2011, City Council Meeting Minutes