2013-08-26 Regular Meeting of La Porte City Council minutes

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taking advantage of new opportunities to communicate with the public. Ms. Leach advised if Council is okay with the present level of services, staff will continue at that level. Councilmember Leonard questioned if staff has determined the cost to outsource the services vs hiring a new position. Ms. Leach responded staff has not but will be happy to put something together. Councilmember Martin commented he is in favor of creating the position. Councilmember Engelken commented he has researched the position by comparing it to the Intergovernmental Relations position at the Harris Galveston Area Council, and there is work for the position. Mayor Rigby questioned if staff knew how much funding other cities have set aside for advertisement. Ms. Leach responded she does not but can get the information for Council. Councilmember Leonard asked how much advertising is spent specifically on La Porte. Pam Summers, President of the Bay Area Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau, responded roughly $79,000. Councilmember Zemanek commented he wants La Porte to be advertised specifically, and that La Porte hotels are busy Sunday through Thursday with working folks, not tourists. Councilmember Zemanek also commented he would prefer to see a person working for the City solely for La Porte. Councilmember Martin commented the City can do a better job creating activities on weekends and advertising events, and the Bay Area Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau is a tool he will support. Donald Thorsen, Candlewood Suites, addressed Council and commented the City does get business from regional attractions and events. Councilmember Zemanek commented he would like to vote out of order regarding funding for Bay Area Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau. Mayor Rigby asked if Council objects to doing so. There were no objections by Council to voting out of order. Councilmember Leonard moved to discontinue the agreement with Bay Area Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau. Councilmember Kaminski seconded. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Councilmembers Engelken, Kaminski, Zemanek, Leonard and Moser Nays: Mayor Rigby, Mosteit, Martin and Clausen Absent: None Councilmember Engelken moved to approve the Marketing/Public Relations Specialist position and to allot a portion of the funding from what was allocated for membership in the Bay Area Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau. Councilmember Kaminski seconded. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Councilmembers Engelken, Kaminski, Mosteit, Martin, Clausen, Zemanek, Leonard and Moser Nays: Mayor Rigby Absent: None Councilmember Clausen commented the City should offer affordable swimming lessons and promote the lessons. Page 4 of 6 August 26, 2013, Council Meeting Minutes