2013-10-14 Regular Meeting of La Porte City Council minutes

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Councilmember Zemanek questioned if the property on 17ti' Street has a fill dirt permit. Planning Director Tim Tietjens answered yes, a fill dirt permit was applied for after a topping had been applied to the lot. Councilmember Moser asked if contractors can do an on-line review of the process of their permit or inspections. Mr. Tietjens replied yes, they can; and he would provide the information to Council regarding how to go about the lookup. Councilmember Moser asked if staff will be bringing for Council discussion the concern of parking lots being constructed with fill dirt. Planning Director Tim Tietjens responded fill dirt has not been defined and some individuals are bringing in almost sub -based type materials; therefore, staff will possibly bring forth an amendment identifying fill dirt. Councilmember Zemanek questioned the duration of a fill dirt permit. Planning Director Tietjens responded he believes the duration is six months. Councilmember Zemanek commented he requested a report on a fill dirt permit and when it had been obtained and if it was longer than six months, what should be done now. Mr. Tietjens responded a process has been implemented to extend a permit if there is still activity for additional six months and only for one time. Councilmember Zemanek questioned if the Brieden property obtained a fill dirt permit. Mr. Tietjens responded a fill dirt permit had been applied for after topping had been applied to the lot. Mr. Tietjens also added granular non -dust free material was on top of the original lot which does not comply with code. Councilmember Zemanek questioned if Mr. Brieden has to do anything for drainage at the site plan visible over the railroad tracks. Mr. Tietjens responded the site plan does not have any type of plan approval, but the side south site does have approval. (d) Receive Strategic Plan Update — T. Leach Assistant City Manager Traci Leach provided an update on the Strategic Plan. There were no questions from Council. 8. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS (a) Receive report from City Manager • Fiscal Affairs Committee Meeting, Monday, October 28, 2013 • City Council Meeting, Monday, October 28, 2013 • Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting, Thursday, October 24, 2013 • City Council Meeting, Monday, November 11, 2013 There were no additional reports. 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 — Councilmembers Martin, Moser, Kaminski, Zemanek, Leonard, Engelken, Mosteit, Clausen, and Mayor Rigby. Councilmember Martin thanked Brooks Concrete for the work performed at the Shady River subdivision entrance, and the citizens for allowing him the opportunity to attend the Texas Municipal League Conference last week; Councilmember Moser requested City Manager Alexander to check into Barbara Norwine's concerns; Councilmember Zemanek requested City Manager Alexander provide a report on the Gus Brieden situation, the Cliff Hall property on Broadway, and the noise concerns with the Port of Houston; Councilmember Mosteit wished Sharon Harris and Bonnie Garrison, in the City Secretary's Office, a Happy Birthday; and Mayor Rigby commented he enjoyed the Muscle Cars show and congratulated staff members for a very nice event. 10. EXECUTIVE SESSION The City Council reserves the right to meet in closed session on any agenda item should the need arise and if applicable pursuant to authorization by Title 5, Chapter 551, of the Texas Government Code. There was no executive session. Page 5 of 6 October 14, 2013, Council Meeting Minutes