2018-10-08 Regular Meeting of the La Porte City Council

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Councilmember K. Martin commented there is no direction for a plan of a new recreation and fitness facility to be voted on by Council. Councilmember Ojeda commented she voted to earmark funding toward a new recreation and fitness facility, and she wants to go back to the discussion phase for the facility. Councilmember Bentley commented Council saw pictures of what need to be repaired at the existing facility and agrees with Councilmembers Ojeda and K. Martin to go back to the discussion phase and see what needs to be done and which direction does Council wants to go. Councilmember J. Martin commented he is not opposed to a new facility but he does not have a consensus from his district and Council needs to determine the best use for the land at Klein Retreat. In addition, Councilmember J. Martin commented the item can be discussed at the April Retreat. Councilmember Earp commented he would like to see a comparison on a new versus renovated fitness center. Mayor Rigby reminded Council that not long ago Galveston Bay Foundation made an offer of more than twice what the City paid for the Klein Retreat property, and Council agreed that was not a good thing to do for two reasons, they would not be paying the same taxes, and the property was worth more. Councilmember Earp commented the land should be used for the citizens and not to sell or give away the last waterfront property. Councilmember Earp made a motion to engage a subcommittee of two Councilmembers and Staff and bring back costs for facility on the water and renovations of the existing fitness center facility. Councilmember Ojeda seconded. MOTION PASSED 810. 8. REPORTS (a) Receive report of the Drainage and Flooding Committee Meeting — Councilmember Jay Martin Councilmember Jay Martin provided an update of the Drainage and Flooding Committee Meeting held prior to the City Council Meeting. 9. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS City Manager Corby Alexander advised Council that Christmas cards are at their seats for them to add words of encouragement and sign, and they will be mailed to soldiers overseas. Mr. Alexander also announced that Ron Parker has been chosen as the new Police Chief. 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 or existing policies — Councilmembers Engelken, Earp, Ojeda, J. Martin, K. Martin, Zemanek, Bentley and Mayor Rigby. Councilmember K. Martin commented in regards to the La Porte TIFI football teams' request for funding to play at the high school field and advised La Porte Independent School District needs to step up and contribute as well; complimented Firefighter Destinee Rayburn who sang the National Anthem; and commented the late Councilmember Dottie Kaminski was amazing and will be greatly missed; Councilmember Zemanek congratulated Police Chief Ron Parker; thanked the City and community for the touching services for the late Councilmember Dottie Kaminski; Councilmember Bentley congratulated Police Chief Ron Parker; commented on the impact the late Councilmember Dottie Kaminski had on the community and her willingness to help people; and wished the City can support the La Porte TIFI football teams; Councilmember Engelken commented the Honor Guard did an outstanding job at the services for the late Councilmember Dottie Kaminski and commented she loved and worked for the City; congratulated Police Chief Ron Parker and commented the City Page 5 of 6 October 8, 2018 Council Meeting Minutes