2017-10-23 Regular Meeting of the La Porte City Council Minutes

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Councilmember Zemanek asked if this property is in the TIRZ. Corby Alexander responded no, it's not in the TIRZ. Developer Paul Grohman introduced those with him: Jeff Anderson, with Beazer Homes, Attorney Katie Sherborne, with Allen, Boone, Humphries, Robinson, LLP, Allen Mueller, business partner with Gromax Development, and Craig Coleman, with Senior Engineers. Beazer Home representative Jeff Anderson presented a report on small development in the City at Bayside Crossing, the development which far exceeded expectations. He wants the opportunity to create a master planned community in La Porte, and the tract they're interested in is large enough to include amenities such as a Rec Center with a pool, trails, parks, etc. In order to develop the master planned community, they need the ability to create a utility district over the property. To create a Municipal Utility District (MUD), they need Council's consent. Attorney Katie Sherborne, with Allen, Boone, Humphries, Robinson, LLP, gave a tutorial of what is meant by in-city MUDs. Mayor Rigby would like to see this come in sooner rather than later, but is not making a decision tonight and would like additional information. Councilmember J. Martin made a motion to move forward with investigating creation of an in-city MUD. Councilmember Kaminski seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY 9/0. 8. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS There were no additional reports. 9. COUNCIL COMMENTS regarding matters appearing on the agenda; recognition of community members, city employees, and upcoming events; inquiry of staff regarding specific factual information. Councilmember Earp commented Go Astros; Councilmember Ojeda acknowledged residents at Crescent View coming and working together— it will be a great time to discuss maintenance, cost, and repair. Councilmember J. Martin provided no comments; Councilmember K. Martin provided no comments; Councilmember Kaminski provided no comments; Councilmember Zemanek commented that he was called out during public comments by a citizen, and perhaps that citizen should listen to the tape from the last meeting to hear Councilman Zemanek's comments. He said that Mr. Rosa made comments that an engineer stated the building at 621 W. Main was not unsafe and that the engineer who came to the council meeting was just thrown under the bus at the last minute; he stated Mr. Rosa needs to understand that the engineer he thinks was thrown under the bus is the same person who said there was nothing wrong with the building. Councilmember Leonard provided no comments; Councilmember Engelken provided no comments; Mayor Rigby commented on attending the Chamber of Commerce breakfast recognizing an organization of the month in the City of La Porte, and that that organization was our First Responders - Fire, Police, EMS, and Office of Emergency Management. He stated he appreciates the Chamber doing that, and it was well deserved after what everyone went through with Hurricane Harvey. 10. ADJOURN - There being no further business, Councilmember Engelken made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:10 p.m. Councilmember Leonard seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY 9/0. Page 6 of 7 October 23, 2017, Council Meeting Minutes