2013-07-08 Regular Meeting of La Porte City Council minutes

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City Attorney Knox Askins advised there are environmental issues but the City can secure a lease stating the City will not be required to remediate any environmental issues; there would be a hold harmless clause. Councilmember Martin commented he is in favor of developing the airport property and making it a more viable airport. Councilmember Leonard commented leasing the property would be good for the community's economy. Councilmember Zemanek questioned if there are any liabilities to the City by entering into an agreement, knowing there are environmental concerns in the building. City Attorney Knox Askins responded if Council would like to move forward with a lease, the City can be protected, which is an essential tenet to a lease agreement. Major Miller spoke regarding airstrip length and strength, and stated that while it might be desirable to land a C130 at the airport, it is certainly not essential. It was never paramount to use the airstrip. They can bus to Ellington Field. Major Miller also informed Council that he does not foresee the City being liable in the future regarding any noted contamination and that documentation does not show contamination causing danger to soldiers using the facility. Councilmember Leonard moved to go forward as proposed with City Attorney Knox Askins' stipulations regarding the City securing a hold harmless agreement. Councilmember Moser seconded. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Engelken, Kaminski, Zemanek, Leonard and Moser Nays: Councilmember Martin Absent: Councilmembers Clausen and Mosteit REPORTS (a) Receive reports of the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region — S. Livingston Chad Burke, President/CEO for the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region, provided an updated economic report. Councilmember Martin thanked Mr. Burke for all the benefits to the City of La Porte, 8. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS (a) Receive report from City Manager • Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting, July 18, 2013 • City Council Meeting, Monday, July 22, 2013 • La Porte Redevelopment Authority/La Porte Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 1 Meeting, Wednesday, July 24, 2013 City Manager Corby Alexander thanked the City Departments that assisted with the Food Distribution on June 29, 2013, and advised Council they will be receiving an update on the Sidewalk Repair Program very soon. 9. COUNCIL COMMENTS regarding matters appearing on the agenda, recognition of community members, city employees, and upcoming events; inquiry of staff regarding specific factual information or existing policies — Councilmember Kaminski, Zemanek, Leonard, Engelken, Mosteit, Clausen, Martin, Moser and Mayor Rigby. Councilmember Kaminski commented on the Food Distribution held on June 29, 2013, and thanked George Watkins for the July 4"' parade; Councilmember Leonard thanked George Watkins for the July 4" parade and the flags that were distributed to those attending the parade; it was suggested Page 4 of 5 July 8, 2013, Council Meeting Minutes