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

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Councilmember Engelken commented he agreed each Councilmember could have a page in the newsletter if they have news to report. Mayor Rigby and Councilmember Kaminski agreed with having a quarterly newsletter. Councilmember Leonard commented all of Council will have input for the newsletter, and names are unimportant. Council agreed on a quarterly newsletter consisting of news for the entire city, and staff will come to Council for approval of any district -specific newsletter. No policy was adopted. 10. REPORTS (a) Receive report of Fiscal Affairs Committee — Councilmember Engelken Councilmember Engelken provided a report of the Fiscal Affairs Committee which took place at a meeting held just prior to this council meeting. (b) Receive report from Perdue Brandon of Delinquent Tax accounts — K. Powell Jason Bailey with Perdue Brandon provided a report of Delinquent Tax accounts. Councilmember Leonard questioned how the Debakey property will be settled. Mr. Bailey advised the probate will be reviewed to see if a specific Debakey own the property or if all of the heirs will be sued. Councilmember Zemanek questioned if the 52 properties are the only ones with delinquency issues, and will the other delinquent properties be resolved in the fiscal year. Mr. Bailey responded no. Councilmember Zemanek questioned what happened to the delinquent reports dating back from 1986 to present. Mr. Bailey responded City reports indicate rolls that have already gone through the process and have been struck off but continue to appear until they have been sold. Councilmember Moser questioned if the 12 25-foot lots were inventory. Mr. Bailey responded no, they are not in suit or inventory of the City and have not been put into with litigation. Mayor Rigby asked Council if they wanted the firm to expedite the properties that are marketable. All of Council was in agreement. Councilmember Zemanek advised he would like the firm to proceed with Tax Account I.D. # 933, 871, and 137 that have marketable issues. Mr. Bailey informed the firm can only foreclose on 41.62% interest of the property of Tax Account I.D. # 933 because the other interest is undivided interest and is not delinquent. Mr. Bailey added the City would not be able to transfer 100% ownership in the interest and would not be able to sell or own the entire piece of property. Councilmember Zemanek advised he would still like the firm to proceed. Mayor Rigby asked Council if they all agreed to expedite the nine properties and accomplish what can be done with the 22 properties, confirm with the neighbors on the single lots with notice and include the three lots Councilmember Zemanek would like to be included. All of Council agreed. (c) Receive Delinquent Tax Report — T. Leach Assistant City Manager Traci Leach provided a Delinquent Tax Report and asked Council if they would like to continue receiving the report. Council advised they would like to continue receiving the report once a month, including the delinquent taxes that are paid. Page 6 of 8 October 28, 2013, Council Meeting Minutes