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Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Clausen, Leonard, Engelken, <br /> Martin, Zemanek, Kaminski and Earp <br /> Nays: None <br /> Absent: I Councilmember Moser <br /> 1 <br /> 8. DISCUSSION OR OTHER ACTION <br /> (a) Discussion or other action'regarding the surcharge fee component of the City of La Porte <br /> Industrial Waste Ordinance—D. Mick <br /> Public Works Director Dave Mick presented a summary and passed out a community survey of <br /> other cities. Mr. Mick advised even on higher Biological Chemical Demand (BOD), the plant never <br /> reaches the top capacity. In addition, Mr. Mick provided four different options to reduce surcharge <br /> rates for Industrial Waste. <br /> Councilmember Zemanek moved to adopt Option 2 and have staff review it for a 6-month period, <br /> and bring back an ordinance for official adoption. Councilmember Leonard seconded. MOTION <br /> PASSED. <br /> Ayes: Councilmembers Clausen, Leonard, Engelken, Zemanek, <br /> Kaminski and Earp <br /> Nays: Mayor Rigby and Councilmember Martin <br /> Absent: Councilmember Moser <br /> (b) Discussion or other action regarding maintenance of Buy-Out properties in the Brookglen <br /> Neighborhood—T. Leach <br /> City Manager Corby Alexander presented a summary. <br /> Councilmember Engelken advised properties were purchased by Harris County Flood Control with <br /> participation and following guidelines with FEMA. Councilmember Engelken informed the properties <br /> are only being mowed once a month and are not maintained. Councilmember Engelken advised <br /> Council he would like Council to'direct staff to write a letter to the U.S. Justice Department advising <br /> that Harris County Flood Control is not following FEMA guidelines. <br /> Mayor Rigby questioned City Manager Alexander if a letter was sent last year in August to the <br /> Justice Department regarding the maintenance of buy-out properties in the Brookglen <br /> Neighborhood. Mr. Alexander advised an email was sent to the Justice Department Customer <br /> Service Hotline, and no response has been received. Mayor Rigby asked staff to call the Justice <br /> Department and get the name of a direct contact person if it is the desire of Council to move <br /> forward with Councilmember Engelken's request; and, in addition, make one more phone call to <br /> Harris County Flood Control District. <br /> Councilmember Leonard suggested issuing citations on all 44 lots. Planning and Development <br /> Director Tim Tietjens advised 10-day warning letters were sent to Harris County Flood Control and <br /> believes they argued immunity. <br /> Public Works Director Dave Mick addressed Council and advised Harris County Precinct 2 is on <br /> track with getting the lots mowed, <br /> Councilmember Engelken commented that with no results, it is now time for them to answer to a <br /> higher authority. <br /> Councilmember Earp asked what will it take to get the properties reclaimed, back on the tax rolls <br /> and what can be done to rebuild the land. City Manager Corby Alexander informed it is his <br /> understanding that is not an option with Harris County Flood Control. Mr. Alexander advised staff <br /> Page 3 of 5 <br /> April 13,2015, Council Meeting Minutes <br />