2015-01-12 Regular Meeting of La Porte City Council minutes

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Councilmember Engelken moved to pull items 6a and 6b from the agenda as recommended by City Manager Corby Alexander due to the agenda being posted incorrectly. The agenda reads "Underwood" instead of"Canada." Councilmember Kaminski seconded. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Engelken, Zemanek, Clausen, Kaminski, Moser, Leonard, Earp and Martin Nays: None Absent: None (c) Public hearing to receive comments condemnation of four (4) substandard buildings — R. Davidson The public hearing was opened at 6:12 p.m. Deputy Building Official Russell Davidson provided an update on the condemnation of four (4) substandard buildings the City Council granted a 60-day extension to at the October 12, 2014, meeting. Mr. Davidson recommended 3322 Clarksville St. and 119 S. Carroll St. be removed from the dangerous buildings list, and condemnation ordinances be signed only for 500 W. Main and 303 S. Iowa. Gilbert Diaz, 500 W. Main, addressed Council and requested City Staff be given time to review plans he just received from an Engineer today for repairing the building at 500 W. Main. He stated he dropped them off to the City. Mayor Rigby asked Mr. Diaz if he submitted any drawings or permit applications to the City since being granted the 60-day extension. Mr. Diaz responded no. Councilmember Zemanek questioned the number of extensions granted in the past three years for the property located at 500 W. Main. Mr. Diaz responded many. Diana Diaz, 802 Ivy Ave., Deer Park, addressed Council and requested assistance from the City and additional time for repairing the building at 500 W. Main. Deputy Building Official Russell Davidson advised Council there are no records of permits being denied by the City; but there are three permits that were applied for; and the City requested in writing, multiple times, for additional information and plans with no response from the applicants. Chuck Rosa, 812 S. Virginia, addressed Council and requested City Manager Corby Alexander to review the paperwork turned in today by the Diazs. He wants them to be able to sell whatever they want to sell out of that building so more City revenue is generated for sidewalks. The public hearing closed at 6:31 p.m. (d) Consider approval or other action regarding an Ordinance providing for condemnation of substandard buildings located at 500 W. Main and 303 S. Iowa— R. Davidson Councilmember Moser moved to approve Ordinances condemning substandard buildings located at 500 W. Main and 303 S. Iowa. Councilmember Kaminski seconded. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Engelken, Zemanek, Clausen, Kaminski, Moser, Leonard, Earp and Martin Nays: None Absent: None Prior to council action, Assistant City Attorney Clark Askins read the caption of Ordinance 2015-3561: AN ORDINANCE DECLARING THE BUILDINGS LOCATED AT BILK 216, LT 4&5 & S 112 OF LT 3 & N % OF LT 6, LA PORTE, HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS, TO BE IN FACT A NUISANCE; ORDERING SUCH Page 3 of 7 January 12, 2015, Council Meeting Minutes