2013-10-28 Regular Meeting of La Porte City Council minutes

Browse Search

Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Clausen, Martin, Engelken, Kaminski, Zemanek, Leonard and Moser Nays: None Absent: Councilmember Mosteit (b) Consider approval or other action authorizing the Fire Department to place an order for the third fire truck in the 5-truck series agreement, with an additional 1.5% for additional safety equipment — D. Ladd Assistant Fire Chief Donald Ladd presented a summary. Councilmember Engelken moved to authorize the Fire Department to place an order for the third fire truck in the 5-truck series agreement, with an additional 1.5% for additional safety equipment as presented by staff. Councilmember Kaminski seconded. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Clausen, Martin, Engelken, Kaminski, Zemanek, Leonard and Moser Nays: None Absent: Councilmember Mosteit 9. DISCUSSION OR OTHER ACTION (a) Discussion or other action regarding Quarterly Report on Planning Audit — T. Tietjens Planning Director Tim Tietjens presented a summary. City Manager Corby Alexander advised Council the Quarterly Report on the Planning Audit is to let Council know where staff is on implementing recommendations that were generated during the audit. Councilmember Zemanek commented he doesn't recall discussing a mission statement. Planning Director Tim Tietjens advised the department updated its mission statement, guiding principles and primary objectives. Councilmember Moser asked why the change of the department name. Mr. Tietjens responded Planning and Development more accurately reflects the services provided. (b) Discussion or other action regarding adoption of a City Council policy regulating publication of Councilmember(s)-specific newsletters — Mayor Rigby Mayor Rigby presented a summary and advised if the practice of distributing individual Council newsletters continues, a policy should be considered in regards to publishing close to election dates and the proper use of taxpayers' dollars. Councilmember Engelken commented when he sent out a newsletter four years ago, it was sent to address a specific need; and if a policy is adopted, it should specify that if a certain need arises, it can be addressed after being brought to Council for approval. Councilmember Leonard commented he is not in favor of limiting a quarterly report to two districts and would rather have it open for all of Council due to some districts may have very limited news available. Councilmember Leonard then questioned if news becomes available in between quarterly newsletters, can another newsletter be issued in case of an emergency? Assistant City Manager Traci Leach responded it is up to Council; and whatever they wish to do in regards to a policy, staff will comply. Councilmember Zemanek commented the newsletter can be generic for the entire city and not Council specific with pictures but maybe a picture of the entire Council. Page 5 of 8 October 28, 2013, Council Meeting Minutes