2013-12-09 Regular Meeting of La Porte City Council

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17.3705-acre-tract of land located northwest of Sens Road and Spencer Highway from General Commercial (GC) to Low Density Residential (R-1) — T. Tietjens Item postponed until the January 27, 2014, meeting. See minutes for Item 6e. 8. DISCUSSION OR OTHER ACTION (a) Discussion or other action regarding the proposed Fiscal Year 2014 Marketing Plan for tourism promotion — T. Leach Assistant City Manager Traci Leach presented a summary. Ms. Leach discussed development of a Friday Night Special Event on Main Street and shuttle service for pre -cruise hotel guests. Councilmember Zemanek commented the shuttle service is too much of a liability to the City, and it is a value the hoteliers should take care of. Mayor Rigby commented more information would be needed before he would be able to consider a shuttle service for pre -cruise hotel guests. Councilmember Martin requested a little more detail on the proposed single -sided digital signs. Councilmember Moser commented he and the business owners would like to see signage for the historical district. Council directed staff to bring back more information on signs; shuttle; sales tax projections; Friday Night Special Event, and conflicts for events. Councilmember Kaminski commented she does not want to limit events to Main Street, but would like to see other restaurants be involved, as well. (b) Discussion or other action regarding the video sponsorship for the 100th Anniversary of the Battleship Texas — T. Leach Assistant City Manager Traci Leach and Bruce Bramlett with the Battleship TEXAS Foundation presented a summary. The 100th Anniversary of the Battleship Texas will be celebrated in March 2014 with a huge commemorative event. The $850,000 event will include a Welcome Home parade for the remaining 40+ veterans of the ship, plus a daylong celebration featuring displays of historical vehicles and aircraft, fireworks, food trucks, children's area, and a flyover. The event will conclude with a concert by Robert Earl Keen, Charlie Robison, Reckless Kelly, and Kelly Willis and Bruce Robison. The proposal for Council consideration includes sponsoring the tribute video. This event is of particular importance to the City of La Porte due to the fact that the monument and Battleship are within the City's ETJ. While the "ownership" of the Battleground attractions has been claimed by some, this is an area that staff intends on aggressively marketing and associating with La Porte. The first step in this effort will be to ensure that the City's name is prominent among this event, which is estimated to bring upwards of 20,000 visitors. Councilmember Moser moved to sponsor the video to the 100th Anniversary of the Battleship Texas as presented by staff. Councilmember Leonard seconded. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Clausen, Engelken, Kaminski, Zemanek, Martin, Mosteit, Leonard and Moser Nays: None Absent: None 9. REPORTS (a) Receive report of La Porte Development Corporation Board — Councilmember Engelken Page 5 of 6 December 9, 2013, Council Meeting Minutes