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

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Council agreed to cut the Legal/Prosecutor proposed budget of $285,000 by $101,000, leaving $184,000 in funds to pay for the City Attorney and also to hire a prosecutor as a full-time employee, but not to also hire a paralegal. Council agreed they do want to hire a full time prosecutor. How it will be structured will be discussed in the future, stating City staff may want to consult with the Olson & Olson Law Firm about the City's Charter provisions. City Manager Corby Alexander passed out a revision of what was in the packet regarding fees for the golf course. He stated he felt tasked with reducing the deficit in terms of the difference between what the golf course brings in in revenue vs. what it costs to operate the golf course. And to attempt to do that he recommended two things: one, to adjust the fees; and two, the City will aggressively market the golf course. He went on to say the City will do that no matter what. As it relates to fees on the handout Mr. Alexander passed out at the meeting. if Council makes all the changes shown, revenue would increase $86,000 if our number of rounds holds the same. He asked for direction from Council as to whether they wish to make the fee adjustments all at once or phase them in. Mayor Rigby asked if there is anyone who wants to reduce the current golf course subsidy from the general fund. Councilmember Engelken stated he agrees to reduce the deficit. Councilmember J. Martin commented he does not support this reduction in subsidy and, indeed, believes City spending needs to increase. He stated the golf course generates twice as much revenue as the rest of the Parks Department, including the fitness center and the Wave Pool. He stated they are talking about spending millions for parks amenities and cutting back on spending for the golf course. He stated if the City is going to talk about spending on amenities, the City needs to step up for the golf course and applaud the hard work that goes on out there and raise it to the next level. "If we were going to raise taxes, I would add that golf course improvements need to be added." Councilmember Zemanek provided comments about the number of rounds and fees. Alex Osmond stated he and staff discussed it, and they would like to increase cart fees immediately and next year increase the charge for membership green fees since those were just increased last year. Councilmember Earp stated his original thought was a reduction of $200,000 of subsidy for the golf course from the general fund, but he came away with recommending a $70,000 reduction in subsidy so that it keeps everyone whole and moving forward. Councilmember Ojeda made a motion to approve new rates for golf carts and green fees for residents and non-residents and leave memberships at the status quo. Councilmember J. Martin seconded. MOTION FAILED. Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers J. Martin and Ojeda Nays: Councilmembers Kaminski, Zemanek, Bentley, Engelken and Earp Absent: Councilmember K. Martin Page 3 of 9 September 6, 2018 Council Meeting Minutes