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

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Mayor Rigby advised staff to prepare a policy stating who has authorization to operate the system. C. Future Affordable Housing on Northside— Councilmember Moser (C. Alexander) City Manager Corby Alexander discussed the possibility of obtaining properties available for acquisition through delinquent taxes on the Northside Community and moving forward with participation of affordable housing by partnering with Habitat for Humanity and/or applying for grants from Harris County. Councilmember Moser provided Council with a sheet and informed since the beginning of the program in 1993, the total investment to city tax payers is $209,000.00 and 2.4 billion dollars in total ad valorem assets. Councilmember Moser commented the program is good for the city and citizens in need of housing and asked Council to consider establishing a Capital Improvement Project fund with $100,000.00 annually for redevelopment on the Northside. Councilmember Moser also commented to request assistance with tax situations from Harris County and La Porte Independent School District. Councilmember Leonard commented he would like to see the City reinstate $100,000.00 to continue obtaining properties available for acquisition. Councilmember Martin commented the program can be expanded to areas in need of revitalization throughout the city. Mayor Rigby questioned which funds were for Habitat for Humanity programs. City Manager Corby Alexander responded the general fund. Mayor Rigby questioned how does Council allocate and divide among the districts. Councilmember Martin responded as needed, and each Councilmember will bring back to Council for review. Councilmember Leonard commented he does not have a problem, and it is all about the obligation of each Councilmember to see what is needed in each district as far as housing. Mayor Rigby questioned Planning Director Tim Tietjens if the Harris County Home Grant Program targeted a specific area. Mr. Tietjens responded yes and may change if the census changes. Mayor Rigby questioned if there are other areas in town that may potentially qualify for Harris County funding. Mr. Tietjens responded yes. City Council had no objection to funding $100,000.00 for future affordable housing D. Model T Storage Building — Councilmember Kaminski (C. Alexander) City Manager Corby Alexander discussed the need for construction of a storage building at the depot museum for the 1927 Ford Model T car. Councilmember Kaminski informed Council the Heritage Society has been trying for over six years to get storage for the car. Mayor Rigby questioned the value of the car. Councilmember Moser responded approximately $18,000.00, and pointed out that the Heritage Society wants others to enjoy the car. Mayor Rigby questioned if the Heritage Society has plans on contributing to the cost of the storage building. City Manager Corby Alexander responded he did not know the answer to that. Mayor Rigby commented it will be easier if the Heritage Society came forward with some funds. Councilmember Martin commented the City can limit contributions for construction of a storage building. Page 3 of 10 April 13, 2013, City Council Special Meeting Minutes