2013-05-13 Regular Meeting of La Porte City Council minutes

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Ayes. Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Kaminski, Engelken, Mosteit, Clausen, Martin, Leonard and Moser Nays: None Absent: Councilmember Zemanek 8. DISCUSSION OR OTHER ACTION (a) Discussion or other action regarding Delinquent Tax Report — M. Dolby Jason Bailey with Perdue Brandon, Fielder Collins & Mott provided a presentation regarding the procedures utilized by their firm to collect delinquent taxes for the City of La Porte. Councilmember Leonard questioned if there were any physical address contact by Perdue Brandon, Fielder Collins & Mott with delinquent taxes dating back since 1986. Mr. Bailey responded delinquent taxes dating back to 1986 are considered low value property most likely vacant and have been struck off by the City or are in suit. Councilmember Moser questioned whether property struck off can be detained by a trustee if another governmental agency was interested in purchasing such property. Mr. Bailey responded a trustee can be forced to sell the property. Mayor Rigby asked when does Perdue begin collecting delinquent taxes? Mr. Bailey responded the tax roll is collected in June to confirm accurate information, and the process begins after penalties shown in the July 1 updated tax roll. Mayor Rigby questioned if penalties are collected. Mr. Bailey responded, yes, the base tax, penalties, interest and collection penalties are all collected. Councilmember Engelken questioned the outstanding balance of the previous 15 to 20 years. Mr. Bailey responded he does not have the information at the present time but can forward it to Council. Councilmember Martin questioned if uncollectable taxes will be taken off the tax rolls. Mr. Bailey responded yes under the Tax Code 2010 Rule. Councilmember Martin questioned if information can be provided in future reports noting the uncollectable taxes will be taken off the tax roll. Mr. Bailey responded yes. (b) Discussion or other action regarding the City of La Porte participating in a Thanksgiving Meal Project —Corby Alexander City Manager Corby Alexander discussed the City of La Porte participating in a Thanksgiving Meal Project as was spoken about in Mr. Lunday's public comments. Mr. Alexander informed the Neighborhood Center and Kroger are on board to participate in this worthy project. Councilmember Martin commented it is a great project. Council gave City Manager Corby Alexander direction to move forward with the Thanksgiving Meal Project. 9. REPORTS (a) Receive report of Fiscal Affairs Committee — Councilmember Engelken Councilmember Engelken provided a report of the Fiscal Affairs Committee meeting which was held just prior to this council meeting. (b) Receive Blue Tarp Report— J. Garza Senior Engineer Julian Garza provided a report Page 5 of 7 May 13, 2013, Council Meeting Minutes