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

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Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Zemanek, Leonard Kaminski, Clausen, Martin, Engelken and Mosteit. Nays: None Absent: Councilmember Moser The contract as provided in Council's packet provides for an 11 percent franchise fee. Council did not take action to stipulate a different amount for the franchise fee. (c) Discussion or other action concerning the proposed 2013-2014 Fiscal Year Budget of the City of La Porte, Texas — C. Alexander Mayor Rigby and Council proposed 9:00 p.m. as the time to recess each budget meeting unless all that's required is an extra 30 minutes or so to conclude the budget meetings. Finance Director Michael Dolby began the presentation by discussing the 2014 Budget Summary for Fiscal Year 2014 and an in depth budget discussion followed. Fire Chief Mike Boaze presented the 2013 Fiscal Year proposed budget for the Fire Department. Police Chief Ken Adcox presented the 2013 Fiscal Year proposed budget for the Police Department. City Council recessed for a break at 7:43 p.m. and reconvened at 7:53 p.m. Assistant City Manager Traci Leach presented the 2014 Fiscal Year proposed budget for Administration and provided information and duties of a proposed new position for a Marketing Specialist. Mayor Rigby commented he does not agree with removing funding for membership in the Bay Area Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau, but does agree with funding the proposed new position for a Marketing Specialist 50/50 between the general fund and the 4B budget. Councilmember Clausen agreed he does not want to remove the Bay Area Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau and commented there appears to be a great deal of expectation for a Marketing Specialist in an entry level position. Councilmember Martin agreed with the proposed new position and commented staff should consider a public relations position that can develop into marketing. Councilmember Martin also commented the Bay Area Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau give good services to the City. Councilmember Zemanek commented the only time the Bay Area Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau approaches City Council is during budget time; and he was told by the City Manager of Webster they have not noticed any detriment by not being a member of the Bay Area Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau. Councilmember Zemanek also commented the City is a blue collar industrial town, and he does not see the benefit of a new position if the City continues to fund membership in the Bay Area Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau. City Manager Corby Alexander requested direction before the conclusion of the budget meetings. Page 4 of 10 August 12-13, 2013 City Council Meeting Minutes