2018-04-23 Regular Meeting of the La Porte City Council

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Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Leonard, Engelken, Ojeda, Zemanek, Kaminski, Earp, J. Martin, and K. Martin Nays: None Absent: None Prior to council action, Assistant City Attorney Clark Askins read the caption of Ordinance 2018- 3705: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 1285, "AN ORDINANCE IMPLEMENTING POLICEMAN'S CIVIL SERVICE; ESTABLISHING CLASSIFICATIONS; NUMBER OF AUTHRIZED POSITIONS IN EACH CLASSIFICATION; ESTABLISHING PAY SCHEDULES;" CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; CONTAINING AA REPEALING CLAUSE; FINDING COMPLIANCE WITH THE OPEN MEETINGS LAW, AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF. (d) Discussion and possible action regarding policy for mutual aid response by the City of La Porte Emergency Medical Service— R. Nolen EMS Chief Ray Nolen presented a summary. Councilmember Zemanek stated he would like to see the policy change to one box on the east side, one box on the west side all the time; he would like to see a third box in service before we offer mutual aid to another city. Mayor Rigby asked when we request mutual aid, the patient pays our rates but there is no money exchanged from city to city; so, we don't charge any municipality for a mutual aid call? Chief Nolen response that is correct; we charge their patients our rate, and our rate is higher than Deer Park's. Chief Nolen recommends leaving the current policy as is and to give staff time to meet with other cities. Chief Nolen will bring this item back at the first meeting in June. 9. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS There were no administrative reports. City Manager Corby Alexander directed Chief Adcox to get with Ms. Sonja Smith, who spoke under public comments, to address her concerns. 10. 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 J. Martin congratulated Councilmember Leonard for his years of service and stated he will be missed; also he stated he appreciates the School Resources Officers who spoke, and said it was very informative information, and that he learned a lot from them. Councilmember K. Martin told Councilman Leonard he will be missed, and she enjoyed working with him. Councilmember Kaminski stated she enjoyed working with Councilmember Leonard, and that he and his wife, Becky, will be missed. Councilmember Zemanek asked that staff bring a report on the National Guard Building as it looks like it has been vacated again; is there any remediation efforts on the hazardous conditions? Councilmember Zemanek congratulated Councilmember Leonard saying it was an honor and privilege sitting next to him these past years, and he wished him the best. Councilmember Leonard commented how it the last nine years have been the most enjoyable times of working with everyone on Council, and it was exciting and a privilege working for the citizens of La Porte. He thanked council and citizens for the support given him for the last nine years. Councilmember Engelken congratulated Councilmember Leonard on his service to the citizens of La Porte. Councilmember Earp congratulated Councilmember Leonard for his service. Councilmember Ojeda thanked Councilmember Leonard for appointing her to the La Porte Economic Development Board, Charter Review Committee, and Redistricting Committee and now she is on Council. She stated she has enjoyed every minute and thanked him. Mayor Rigby acknowledged Councilmember Leonard during his time as Mayor Pro-Tern when Mayor Beasley resigned due to a job change; that he was able to step in, and he appreciated the entire nine years he provided the citizens. Page 4 of 5 April 23, 2018 Council Meeting Minutes