2015-07-13 Regular Meeting of La Porte City Council minutes

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Councilmember Zemanek asked if there are plans in the future to utilize the $600,000.00 in the tree fund account. City Manager Corby Alexander responded the City has ideas for utilizing the tree fund monies but will have to solidify plans. Mayor Rigby asked if having a tree ordinance was a requirement. City Manager Corby Alexander responded he is not aware that an ordinance is required for tree preservation. Councilmember Clausen asked if there is an ordinance for landscaping. Mr. Ensey responded yes. Councilmember Zemanek asked if the dead trees at 5 Points and the entrance to Highway 225 can be replaced from the tree fund account. City Manager Corby Alexander responded yes. Councilmember Earp asked if a citizen will have to pay a $200.00 per sign fee for garage sale signs in thero osed ordinance. Mr. Ensey advised he will confirm but does not believe fees have been P p charged for garage sale signs. Mayor Rigby requested City Secretary Patrice Fogarty confirm if the City has an existing ordinance for garage sales and forward findings to City Council and City Planner Eric Ensey. Paula Bridges, 813 River Creek Dr., addressed Council with clarification for the definition of exterior storage. City Planner Eric Ensey responded exterior storage outside of a building. Maggie Anderson, 909 Garden Walk, addressed Council and requested a committee be formed to research a resolution for the possible cost of posting garage sale signs. The public hearing closed at 6:26.p.m. Councilmember Earp moved to approve exterior storage as written, send the tree preservation and temporary signs back to the Planning and Zoning Commission for review. Councilmember seconded Engelken. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Clausen, Zemanek, Kaminski, Earp and Engelken Nays: None Absent: Councilmembers Leonard and Martin 8. DISCUSSION OR OTHER ACTION (a) Discussion and possible action regarding report on list of Dangerous Buildings in La Porte— R. Davidson Deputy Building Official Russell Davidson presented a summary for Dangerous Buildings in La Porte. Mr. Davidson informed a voluntary consent has been signed for 201 N. 7th. The following structures remain on the Dangerous Buildings List: 203 Bay Oaks Dr.; 204 N. Forrest Ave; 302 N. 7th St.; 313 S. 7th St.; 330 S. 5th St.; 402 S. 15th St.; 422 S. 2nd St.; 514 N. 5th St., and 626 N. 1St St. Mayor Rigby asked if there are other structures that need to be destroyed but are not due to lack of funding. Mr. Davidson responded no, there is not a budgetary constraint. Councilmember Earp asked if homeowners are contacted and advised what needs to be resolved with the structures before reaching City Council on the Dangerous Building List. Mr. Davidson responded yes. Councilmember Earp moved to accept staff's recommendation to remove the buildings. Councilmember seconded Kaminski. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Clausen, Zemanek, Kaminski, Earp and Engelken Page 3 of 6 July 13, 2015, Council Meeting Minutes