2013-08-12 and 08-13 Regular Meeting, including Budget Workshop of La Porte City Council minutes

Browse Search

Councilmember Engelken moved to approve Rezone Request # 13-92000001, for the rezoning of a 12.2544-acre tract of land located along Canada Road, from General Commercial (GC) to High Density Residential (R-3). Councilmember Leonard seconded. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Leonard, Engelken, Zemanek, Mosteit, Kaminski, Martin and Clausen Nays: None Absent: Councilmember Moser 8. DISCUSSION OR OTHER ACTION (a) Discussion or other action repealing the franchise fee for commercial solid waste collection — Councilmembers Zemanek, Kaminski and Moser Mayor Rigby asked Councilmember Kaminski if she would present the item for discussion since Councilmembers Zemanek and Moser have dumpsters at their businesses, and it will provide them financial benefits. Councilmember Zemanek questioned, due to the new conflict of interest ordinance, would there also be a conflict when the budget is voted on since the Mayor receives medical insurance. Mayor Rigby responded no. Councilmember Zemanek asked why not. Mayor Rigby responded the budget is for the overall City and not directed only at him. Councilmember Zemanek advised this item was directed at the 480 accounts in the City and not at him. Assistant City Attorney Clark Askins advised there is not a distinguishable benefit to Councilmembers Zemanek and Moser. Mayor Rigby asked Councilmember Zemanek if he would like to present the item. Councilmember Zemanek responded yes, and presented the item to repeal franchise fees for commercial solid waste collection. Councilmember Clausen asked if the City will repeal franchise fees for CenterPoint, Comcast, etc. Councilmember Leonard commented looking at other franchise taxes in La Porte, there are options but not with garbage. Councilmember Zemanek moved to repeal franchise fees for commercial solid waste collection services. Councilmember Kaminski seconded. MOTION FAILED. Ayes: Councilmembers Zemanek, Leonard and Kaminski Nays: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Clausen, Martin, Engelken and Mosteit Absent: Councilmember Moser (b) Discussion or other action awarding bid for Commercial Solid Waste Franchise Contract with consideration of franchise fees — D. Mick Public Works Director Dave Mick presented a summary. Councilmember Zemanek questioned where are franchise fees allocated. Public Works Director Mick responded from the General Fund for street repairs and maintenance of public rights -of -way. Councilmember Zemanek questioned how much has been spent on street repairs during the last eight years of collecting franchise fees. Mr. Mick responded staff would have to conduct some research to provide an answer. Councilmember Zemanek moved for the City to enter into a contract with WCA, Waste Corporation of Texas, L.P., for commercial solid waste collections. Councilmember Leonard seconded. MOTION PASSED. Page 3 of 10 August 12-13, 2013 City Council Meeting Minutes