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

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Councilmembers Clausen, Martin, Mosteit and Mayor Rigby were in favor of hiring a person and continuing to fund membership in the Bay Area Houston CVB. Councilmembers Kaminski, Zemanek and Leonard were in favor of hiring a person and eliminating funding of membership in the Bay Area Houston CVB. No councilmembers were in favor of keeping the Bay Area Houston CVB but not hiring a person. Councilmember Engelken mentioned there is an alternative: to discontinue funding membership in the Bay Area Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau and not hire a new person. Several councilmembers were in favor of this approach: Councilmembers Engelken, Leonard, Zemanek and Kaminski. Council advised staff direction will be provided when a full Council is present to vote. Assistant City Manager Traci Leach presented the 2014 Fiscal Year proposed budget for Community Investment. Councilmember Leonard asked if there is an update on the Harris County Transit Bus Services as far as new partnerships or expanding services. Assistant City Manager Traci Leach reported there are no new partnerships; and year to date: 5,483 riders. Councilmember Zemanek questioned the ridership destinations. Ms. Leach reported the configuration for current bus service is Kroger, a shuttle service from the Neighborhood Centers; Strawberry Clinic; Social Security Office; and the Baytown Connector, with a voucher only serving La Porte residents. Councilmember Engelken questioned if staff had funds budgeted for the City rentals of Sylvan Beach Pavilion. Assistant City Manager Traci Leach responded not at this time, but it is open for City Council direction. Assistant City Manager Traci Leach presented the 2014 Fiscal Year proposed budget for the Legal Department. Emergency Management Coordinator Jeff Suggs presented the 2014 Fiscal Year proposed budget for Information Technology and Emergency Management. Municipal Court Judge Denise Mitrano presented the 2014 Fiscal Year proposed budget for the Municipal Court. Golf Course Manager Alex Osmond presented the 2014 Fiscal Year proposed budget for the Golf Course. Councilmember Martin asked if there will be any increases in green fees or memberships. Mr. Osmond responded not this year. The meeting recessed at 9:55 p.m. to reconvene on Tuesday, August 13, 2013, at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 13, 2013 Mayor Rigby called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 13, 2013. Members of Council present: Councilmembers Engelken, Martin, Kaminski, Mosteit, Zemanek and Moser. Absent: Councilmembers Leonard and Clausen. Also present were City Secretary Patrice Fogarty and City Manager Corby Alexander. Page 5 of 10 August 12-13, 2013 City Council Meeting Minutes