2014-04-12 Special Meeting of La Porte City Council minutes

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Council directed to continue the program in its current format. Transitioning the Police Department's General Patrol Fleet — (K. Adcox) Chief of Police Ken Adcox discussed the possible transition from Dodge Chargers to Chevy Tahoes beginning Fiscal Year 2015. Assistant Chief of Police Stephen Deardorff presented a feasibility study. Mayor Rigby questioned the benefits of transitioning to Tahoes. Assistant Chief of Police Deardorff responded maintenance. Over the course of 5 years (the average life of a police vehicle), the additional cost for Tahoes was $3,191 more for initial purchase and $281 more to operate. Council directed Staff to move forward with 2 Tahoes for the upcoming year and re-evaluate next year. J. Beautification at Wharton Weems and SH 146 — Councilmember Martin (S. Barr) Councilmember Martin began by commenting that Wharton Weems has become a very visible road with the new homes and Bayshore Elementary School and, to his knowledge, it is the only entry road in the City that does not have any beautification or notification that you are in the City of La Porte, and suggested consideration for beautification at Wharton Weems and SH 146. Parks and Recreation Director Stephen Barr presented an option to beautify the entryway to include a monument sign and landscaping with an estimated proposal between $31, 922.00 - $36, 322.00. Council directed staff to include this in the FY 2015 budget and also consider low profile plantings for this entryway. K. Expansion of Park Maintenance Barn — S. Barr Parks and Recreation Director Stephen Barr presented a proposal to expand the Park Maintenance Barn with an estimated cost of approximately $70,000.00. Thirteen years ago, the Parks Department created the current maintenance yard, which satisfactorily met the department's needs at the time. However, over time, the equipment and vehicles that are used by the Department have increased; and there are pesticides/chemicals that need to be stored separately from other materials. The proposed expansion would include improving the space between the existing yard and the tree farm. Estimated cost is approximately $70, 000. Council directed staff to include this in the FY 2015 budget. L. Curbside Recycling — Councilmember Martin (D. Mick) Councilmember Martin began by discussing the feasibility for Curbside Recycling and suggested the possibility of placing a nonbinding referendum on a ballot for voting. Public Works Director Dave Mick presented options for a Curbside Recycling Program. Currently, the City offers a drop off site for recycling at the Public Works yard. In reviewing feasibility for curbside recycling, several options were considered. The cost per account would be between $3 and $3.50 per month. At this time, Council directed staff to conduct a Page 5 of 8 April 12, 2014, City Council Special Meeting Minutes