2014-08-25 Regular Meeting of La Porte City Council

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(b) Consider approval or other action regarding an Ordinance authorizing a variance to Section 6-2 of the Code of Ordinances by allowing the sale of alcoholic beverages for on -premises consumption at Broadway Cafe, located at 1023 S. Broadway St. — T. Tietjens Mayor advised Council the item was not posted on the agenda as a public hearing and will come back to the September 8, 2014 meeting for consideration and posted as a public hearing on the agenda. (c) Consider approval or -other action regarding an Ordinance authorizing and approving an amendment to Chapter 70, of the Code of Ordinance by establishing a speed limit of 45 MPH along BS 146D from S. Broadway to SH 146 (Wharton Weems Boulevard), a distance of approximately 0.672 miles — B. Eng City Engineer Bob Eng presented a summary. Councilmember Zemanek questioned if the concern is that the speed limit of 55 MPH is on a side street going into a subdivision. City Engineer Bob Eng responded the concern is cars turning in and out of a street with a speed limit of 55 MPH. Councilmember Zemanek commented he has concerns with the speed limit of 55 MPH with several subdivision with entrances on Fairmont Parkway that are not being observed. Councilmember Martin questioned if the study was initated from a citizen concern. Public Works Director Dave Mick responded he initated the study due to traffic safety concerns and Texas Department of Transportation (TxDot) proposed to reduce the speed limit to 45 MPH after completion of the study.. Councilmember Martin questioned if there is signage warning motorists that the lanes merge. City Engineer Bob Eng responded no just a 55 MPH sign. Councilmember Zemanek commented a simple solution is to remove the second lane. Mayor Rigby agreed. Councilmember Zemanek moved to postpone the item until information can be gathered from Texas Department of Transportation to close the second lane and avoid a merge along BS 146 D from S. Broadway to SH 146 (TxDot) Councilmember Kaminski seconded. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Clausen, Earp, Engelken, Martin, Kaminski, Zemanek, and Moser Nays: None Absent: Councilmember Leonard 8. DISCUSSION OR OTHER ACTION - (a) Discussion or other action regarding appointing members to various City boards, commissions and committees — Mayor Rigby Assistant City Secretary Sharon Harris presented a summary for the 2014-2015 annual appointments to boards, commissions and committees. Council was advised to consider the City Manager's appointment of Les Bird on the Civil Service Commission; David Brady to replace David Janda as one of the directors on the La Porte Area Water Authority; Trey Kendrick, District 1 to replace Doretta Finch on the Planning and Zoning Commission; and Nick Barrera, At -Large B, to replace Phillip Hoot on the Planning and Zoning Commission. Council was also reminded of the three Planning and Zoning Commission positions that are off schedule according the ordinance and was advised to consider appointing Hal Lawler as Chair; Page 4 of 5 August 25, 2014, Council Meeting Minutes