2014-10-13 Regular Meeting of La Porte City Council minutes

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Councilmember Leonard questioned Mr. Stokes if the Galveston Bay Foundation currently works with any groups at La Porte High School. Mr. Stokes responded the Education Director does work with La Porte students, and they are always looking for more opportunities to expand with students. Councilmember Martin questioned Mr. Stokes if the Galveston Bay Foundation was classified as tax exempt and if they intend to pay any property taxes. Mr. Stokes responded Galveston Bay Foundation is 501(c)(3) Tax Exempt; and the intention is not to pay taxes but to generate sales taxes with the Galveston Bay Foundation's presence. Councilmember Martin questioned who are the stakeholders for Galveston Bay Foundation? Mr. Stokes responded, the entire community; different facilities along the bay; and they work with local communities doing projects. Councilmember Martin questioned if there is a financing plan in place. Mr. Stokes responded the .plan is to raise money for the purchase; they have access to capital to ultimately pay cash. Councilmember Martin questioned if there is an interest in a lease agreement. Mr. Stokes responded the goal is to own; but if the city is interested in a lease, he is open to discussion. Councilmember Martin questioned if the Galveston Bay Foundation owned the property, how accessible will it be to individuals? Mr. Stokes responded they will have programs for adults and children with access along the water. Councilmember Moser questioned if Galveston Bay Foundation has a position on the Ike Dike. Mr. Stokes responded the Galveston Bay Foundation is absolutely supportive of the discussion of storm surge suppression and does not take a position pro or con on either the Centennial Gate or the Ike Dike because neither are completely studied at this time. Councilmember Zemanek questioned the anticipated capital outlay for the Galveston Bay Foundation Project. Mr. Stokes responded between $12-14 million; up to $4 million for land purchase; approximately $5 million for construction; $1 million to be invested in education activities. Mayor Rigby questioned City Manager Corby Alexander if the project will be discussed in Executive Session and a possible decision reached after reconvening. City Manager Corby Alexander responded yes. (b) Discussion or other action regarding appointment to the La Porte Area Water Authority — P. Fogarty City Secretary Patrice Fogarty presented a summary. Councilmember Moser moved to appoint Charlie Perry to the La Porte Area Water Authority. Councilmember Kaminski seconded. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Engelken, Leonard, Moser, Clausen, Earp, Engelken, Martin, and Kaminski Nays: None Absent: None (c) Discussion or other action regarding renaming N. 51 Street to Martin Luther King, Jr., Blvd. — C. Alexander City Manager Corby Alexander presented a summary. Councilmember Zemanek questioned how many properties abut either side of N. 5th Street, and how many are controlled by the City. City Manager Corby Alexander responded 66 abut, and he would have to confirm how many are controlled by the City. Councilmember Moser moved to give the City Manager authority to sign the petition to rename N. 5th Street to Martin Luther King, Jr., Blvd. Councilmember Kaminski seconded. MOTION PASSED. Page 8 of 10 October 13, 2014, Council Meeting Minutes