2013-01-14 Regular Meeting of La Porte City Council minutes

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8. DISCUSSION OR OTHER ACTION (a) Discussion or other action regarding the construction of Sens Road — C. Alexander City Manager Corby Alexander provided a report on the proposed improvements on Sens Road that were to include four lanes with a raised divided median and enclosed storm sewer as discussed during the October 22, 2012, City Council Meeting. Mr. Alexander informed Council the County would like to solicit another option to the City for improvements on Sens Road. The option would be to construct the roadway improvements and traffic signals as initially designed, to include 4 lanes (of concrete), concrete curbs, and a raised divided median, eliminating the enclosed storm sewer from the project and leaving open bar ditches along each side of the road. Councilmember Mosteit commented he had met with the County Engineer of Precinct 2 and was assured the open ditches that were being proposed would have the same or increased capacity of drainage as the storm sewer. Councilmember Mosteit also informed he was told, depending on the bidding process, a third traffic signal would be considered at P Street. Councilmember Mosteit also commented drainage and traffic flow is his main concern. Councilmember Moser commented he does not want to rush the project and would like to see the plan proposed by the County. Councilmember Leonard commented he agrees with Councilmember Moser and would like to see the plan proposed by the County due to his concerns of safety. Mayor Rigby asked Council if there is any objection to having the County in attendance of the January 28, 2013, council meeting to answer questions and concerns of Council. Hearing no objections, City Manager Corby Alexander commented he would make contact with the County Commissioner's Office to be in attendance during the January 28, 2013, council meeting. (b) Discussion or other action regarding a Resolution opposing any legislation increasing the maximum transport truck haul weights on roadways within the City of La Porte, including a Heavy Haul Corridor — Councilmembers Zemanek, Moser and Kaminski Before agenda Item 8b was presented, Mayor Rigby commented he had placed resolutions on the agenda, one opposing and one supporting a Heavy Haul Corridor, not because he is in support of the Heavy Haul Corridor, but to bring it before Council the way it was brought before council in 2011. Mayor Rigby also commented when he hears from a citizen that other citizens are commenting what he did was illegal or unethical, he will challenge any La Porte councilmember or citizen and drive them to the Texas Ethics Commission or District Attorney's Office to discuss the situation. Mayor Rigby informed he did not do anything illegal or unethical, and there is an ordinance giving him the authority to place items on the agenda. Councilmember Zemanek then spoke regarding presentation of a resolution opposing any legislation increasing the maximum transport truck haul weights on roadways within the City of La Porte, including a heavy haul corridor for discussion. Councilmember Zemanek advised Council the legislative session would be starting soon, and he and Councilmembers Moser and Kaminski feel it is best for the City to renew the resolution opposing a heavy haul corridor that was passed two years prior. Councilmember Clausen commented he is in favor of the resolution opposing a heavy haul corridor. Councilmember Leonard commented he had approximately 30 years of experience in the transportation industry, and he had done a lot of research in the past two weeks and spoke with other professionals. Councilmember Leonard informed there would be a 25 percent increase in weight carried on the trucks, and the individuals wanting a heavy haul corridor do not live in the community. Councilmember Leonard also commented there are many people in the local storage Page 5 of 7 January 14, 2013, City Council Meeting Minutes