2013-04-13 Regular Meeting of La Porte City Council minutes

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Mayor Rigby questioned the number of Industrial District Agreements for 2003-2004 vs. current date. Finance Director Michael Dolby responded he does not have the information at the present time. Councilmember Clausen commented if the general fund is being tracked at or above 42 percent, the City is doing well. Mr. Dolby responded yes. Councilmember Martin commented staff is doing a great job monitoring the City's revenue and expenditures. Councilmember Leonard questioned if current expenditures in the Health Fund appear acceptable. Mr. Dolby responded the claims are well within a conservative amount, and possibly, costs can be lowered due to plan designs. Mayor Rigby questioned Finance Director Dolby if the request from last year to include a column showing the amount actually spent by each department for year ending has been considered. Mr. Dolby responded the Finance Department has the request noted when preparing forthe upcoming budget year. B. Main Street Festival Electrical Project Update— Councilmember Moser (S. Barr) Parks and Recreation Director Stephen Barr provided an update on the Main Street Festival Electrical Project and asked Council for direction on moving forward with project changes including a more permanent installation of underground conduit utilizing boring and saw cuts of existing concrete, in order to also install a permanent outlet at each of the trees along Main Street. Councilmember Moser commented completing one or two blocks this year and the following blocks next year would be a resolution, and the electrical system will always be in place for future events on Main Street. Councilmember Moser also added he would like to discuss the possibility of new lighting at future budget retreats. Mayor Rigby questioned if the plan includes the City charging a fee to individuals wishing to use electrical on Main Street. Councilmember Moser responded yes it can. Councilmember Clausen asked what other events would Main Street be utilized for other than "Christmas on Main Street" Mr. Barr responded a car show in October and several other events have been held, but the electrical system would provide other opportunities for events along Main Street. Councilmember Clausen questioned how will the electrical system be regulated. Mr. Barr responded it would be metered and activated by authorized personnel. Councilmember Martin commented he would like to see the project move forward with the $145,000.00. Mr. Barr advised Council that staff will request to design the entire project in phases, including beginning at Five Points and Main. Councilmember Mosteit questioned if staff has contacted CenterPoint for cost. Mr. Barr responded staff met with Carlton Porter for an initial meeting to discuss the portable system, and he is confident the City can utilize the current services that exist and bring new meters as needed. Councilmember Mosteit questioned if the load will require new equipment from CenterPoint. Mr. Barr responded that during the meeting with Mr. Porter, he did not indicate new equipment will be required. Mr. Barr advised the design will provide a load analysis if needed, and staff will add it into the Request For Proposals. Councilmember Leonard commented he would like to move forward with design and prices Page 2 of 10 April 13, 2013, City Council Special Meeting Minutes