2014-01-27 Regular Meeting of La Porte City Council minutes

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commented to the Chief he wonders out of 136 taxpayers stopped for speeding violations, what would be the percentage of those receiving a citation. He stated he doesn't need an answer; it is just a comment. Mayor Rigby commented Council, as a governmental body, still needs to provide direction to the City Manager, whether it is zero tolerance, go back to what it was, wait until the investigation is over, wait until we've hired a consultant.... Council needs to give the City Manager direction. Councilmember Mosteit stated the Chief has addressed that he is uncomfortable with zero tolerance; and should let officers have discretion as is the common practice across the nation, and I think we should respect that. Councilmember Mosteit stated he is also concerned that if we quit writing citations at the moment because this has come to the forefront, there will be more abuse of it in a lot of areas where they shouldn't be. Councilmember Mosteit stated, "Let our police force enforce their discretion, as they see fit as far as the intent of the law. I think that's .... I'd like to put that in the form of a motion — to let the police chief enforce the ordinance as he has been to this point." Councilmember Moser seconded. Councilmember Martin asked, "The motion is to keep the status quo for now, is that basically what I heard, to allow the police department to use their discretion?" Mayor Rigby stated, "Correct." He then asked Chief Adcox if that is the way he understands it. Chief Adcox stated, yes. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Engelken, Kaminski, Martin, Moser, Zemanek and Mosteit Nays: Councilmember Leonard Absent: Councilmember Clausen (b) Discussion or other action regarding the proposed 2014 Marketing Plan for tourism promotion — T. Leach Assistant City Manager Traci Leach presented a summary and provided an update to questions from Council from the last discussion for the proposed 2014 Marketing Plan for tourism promotion. Councilmember Mosteit left the table at 7:01 p.m. and returned at 7:04 p.m. Ms. Leach informed Council the City would be covered under the category of "governmental functions" as defined by the Texas Tort Claims Act (TTCA) for shuttle service and advised staff proposed not to operate a shuttle with City staff and vehicles and recommends to contract with a service. Councilmember Zemanek asked why aren't the hoteliers supplying their own shuttle service. Ms. Leach responded that Mr. Klingman and Comfort Suites have been calling for car or taxi service because the folks want to leave their cars at the hotel instead of parking at the Port; therefore, some are providing some type of service. Councilmember Zemanek commented he fails to see the need for the City to provide shuttle service. Mayor Rigby also agreed he does not see the need for a shuttle service. Councilmember Engelken suggested no shuttle service participation at all. Mayor Rigby asked Council their thoughts on a Cab Voucher Program. Councilmember Leonard commented not now; maybe a validation system later. Councilmember Martin commented he would like to revisit the item in the future when retail destination options are available in the City. Page 8 of 10 January 27, 2014, Council Meeting Minutes