2012-10-22 Regular Meeting of La Porte City Council

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Mayor Rigby introduced Dave Walden, with Commissioner Jack Morman's office, who, along with Road and Bridge Superintendent Jack Rodriguez, presented a report regarding the widening of Sens Road and their desire to move forward with this project. Councilmember Moser stated that his position is the same as stated in prior meetings with the County. Councilmember Mosteit addressed his concerns with drainage. Councilmember Leonard questioned the cost of widening Sens Road according to the original plan. Councilmember Clausen asked whether it is more feasible cost -wise to do the widening a little at a time, or to wait until the County has the funds to complete the entire project all at once. Mayor Rigby stated no formal action is needed at this time. It was the consensus of Council that they have no objection to the County moving forward with Phase 1, which has four lanes, concrete curbs and gutters, and underground sewer, using the funds currently available. (b) Discussion or other action regarding funding repairs for Battleship Texas — T. Leach/Bruce Bramlett. Assistant City Manager Traci Leach introduced Bruce Bramlett, President, Battleship Texas Foundation, who presented a summary related to the funding repairs for Battleship Texas. Mayor Rigby addressed Council before Bruce Bramlett, President, Battleship Texas Foundation, presented his summary with the possibility of using Hotel/Motel tax monies if Council chooses for funding repairs for Battleship Texas as this is what these funds are to be used for to try to get people into our city. Bruce Bramlett, President, Battleship Texas Foundation, presented a summary in regards to funding repairs for the Battleship Texas. Councilmember Engelken addressed Assistant City Attorney Clark Askins with the question of whether it is permissible for the City to spend money outside the City limits. Mr. Askins stated no objection if just wanting to use general funds, but that "Type B" monies could be used if Harris County authorizes, and hotel/motel tax monies could be used, as this would be promoting the hotel industry in our area. Councilmember Moser asked Bruce Bramlett how much money the state of Texas has for this project. Mr. Bramlett said they have $21.9 million at this time. Mayor Rigby asked Assistant City Attorney Clark Askins if this item is a financial item he needs to look into further. Mr. Askins stated that if this were straight general fund money from the City, that he would really want to know what the particulars were, clearly not being able to make gratuitous contributions and not getting any benefits back, depending on the context. With it being La Porte Economic Development Corporation monies and/or hotel/motel tax monies, Mr. Askins is pretty clear the City can, even if the project is not in the corporate city limits. Mayor Rigby asked if this was something that Council would like to consider. Councilmember Zemanek requested more discussion on this item. Councilmember Martin proposed to come up with answers on what types of monies can be used, and determine how much the City could afford to invest. Mayor Rigby asked Councilmember Zemanek if he would like to discuss more with Bruce Bramlett or whether he would prefer to discuss this amongst Council and staff. Councilmember Zemanek stated with Council and staff. Councilmember Zemanek stated that he thought there was already a project that the City was looking to fund with hotel/motel tax revenue, and he does not want to deplete all the funds in a project that is outside the City when we have a project inside the City that we can fund. Page 4 of 6 October 22, 2012, City Council Meeting Minutes