2018-09-06 Special Meeting of the La Porte City Council (Amended)

Browse Search

Park baseball fields; drainage improvements; and increase funding for summer youth programs. He stated regarding priority of the items, he wants the stipend for employees this year, do the fitness center, the programs for the youth during the summer, the revamping of the current center for the seniors, and the turfing of the baseball fields will have to come after the other projects are completed and paid for. The increase of the tax rate would be earmarking these specific projects. Councilmember Zemanek passed out photos of the Fitness Center showing damages which, in his opinion, prove the need for renovation to it and building of a new Recreation and Fitness Center. He stated the current building is past its usefulness. Mayor Rigby asked how old is the building? Councilmember Zemanek said over 50 years old. Mayor Rigby disagreed and stated it isn't that old. There were comments from the audience that the building was built around 1987-1988. Councilmember J. Martin commented he is not opposed to a new fitness center, but it is hard for him to vote to raise taxes. He asked about other financing options besides raising taxes. City Manager Alexander stated staff has not explored in depth other financing options. He stated it is probably permissible to use Hotel Motel funds to turf the ballfields because that is a permitted use. Councilmember J. Martin stated if we already authorized a 10,000-square-foot expansion of the Fitness Center in this year's budget, there is no reason to spend this money if we plan to build a new fitness center. He would like to explore the idea of having a bond election and let the citizens vote it up or down. Councilmember Zemanek stated that it took 11 years from the bond election to opening day of the baseball complex. He stated he doesn't want to wait 11 years; and stated the Fitness Center cannot stand waiting another 11 years. Mayor Rigby asked why is the maintenance of this building not being kept up? Mr. Alexander said he and staff will be discussing this. Councilmember Ojeda commented she is not opposed to a new fitness center but agrees with Councilmember J. Martin that citizens should have an input on a tax rate increase. Councilmember Earp commented he is opposed to raising taxes. He stated that going through the budget, he believes we will find others ways to fund a new fitness center. Mayor Rigby stated that if it is the decision of the council to build one and figure out how to pay for it later, we still need to maintain all facilities. Councilmember Engelken commented he does not want to see taxes increased and more can be done if we get out of status quo and try to change status quo. He said maintenance for City facilities is pathetic and he holds City administration accountable for all City facilities and that staff should do a better job on maintenance. City Manager Corby Alexander continued with potential budget decreases. Council agreed to cut Automated Server Monitoring by $35,000 and Consulting Fees by $5,000. Mr. Alexander recommended not to eliminate the Director of Planning position budgeted at $137,000. Councilmember Zemanek asked if the Director of Planning will have an engineering background. Mr. Alexander responded there are quite a few attractive resumes coming in but none have an engineering background. Council agreed to keep the position and an engineering background is not required. Council agreed to cut the Liability Insurance Fund by $30,000. Page 2 of 9 September 6, 2018 Council Meeting Minutes