2019-03-23 Special Meeting of the La Porte City Council

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(o) Paved Parking Lot at Recycling Center (Councilmember Ojeda) [Don Pennell, Public Works Director] Mayor Rigby confirmed there was no Council objection to waiting approximately ninety days for the preliminary report before deciding on the item. (p) Continuation of Sidewalk on Farrington to Fairmont Park entrance (Councilmember Ojeda). [Don Pennell, Public Works Director] Councilmember Ojeda suggested the entire item as presented move forward in the interest of safety. Councilmember Gillett asked that an inventory be taken to program other such issues. Asst. City Manager Jason Weeks noted staff had reviewed this item with LP ISD but would need to do so again for any additional items, as school bus service can potentially be cut if there is a continuous sidewalk radius around the school. Mayor Rigby confirmed there was no Council objection to moving forward with the item as presented and asking staff to review other areas in the city with similar issues and reporting back. (q) Funds for Artist Grants to be used for Outdoor Public Art Installations (Councilmember Ojeda). [Ryan Cramer, Economic Development Coordinator] Mayor Rigby confirmed there was no Council objection to starting the program with additional information from staff on how it will be managed, funding, and allocated, to report back to Council, for $25,000, as presented by Councilmember Ojeda. (r) Uniform Plants & Planters along Main Street (Councilmember Ojeda). [Ryan Cramer, Economic Development Coordinator] Councilmembers Ojeda and Kristin Martin expressed concerns about downtown beautification. Councilmember Earp reminded the Council that business owners may not be in support and reminded all there are additional commercial areas. Councilmember Gillett said that he believes parking, alleys, and sidewalk repair are needed and that any reluctance comes from concern over increased regulation. Councilmember Earp suggested the Planning and Zoning Commission review the prior report. Councilmember Jay Martin suggested funding to replant and respace the current planters. Councilmember Ojeda asked that Parks be tasked with maintaining the planters. Mayor Rigby requested the businesses located near the planters currently be consulted, acknowledging the planters belong to the City. Mayor Rigby confirmed there was no Council objection to maintaining the current thirteen at this time. (s) $5,000 for Startup (Seed Money) of Youth Advisory Council through TML (Councilmember Ojeda). [Jason Weeks, Assistant City Manager and Roz Epting, Parks and Recreation Director] (Councilmember Zemanek stepped away from the meeting from 2:15-2:17 p.m.) Councilmember Ojeda suggested each member of Council make an appointment and offered to assist. Mayor Rigby confirmed there was no Council objection to moving forward with the item as presented. (The Council recessed from 2:25-2:41 p.m.) (t) Shelter in Place Procedures. (Councilmember Engelken) [Kristin Gauthier, Emergency Management Coordinator] (u) City Safety Record, Policies, & Procedures (Councilmember Engelken). [Matt Hartleib, Human Resources Manager and Matt Daeumer, Assistant Police Chief] (Councilmember Kristin Martin left the meeting at 3:28 p.m.) (v) Employee Evaluation and Merit Pay Increase Procedures (Councilmember Engelken). [Mall Hartleib, Human Resources Manager,and Michael Dolby, Finance Director] Councilmember Gillett moved to continue with the current process of evaluating employees. The motion failed, 4-4, Councilmembers Zemanek, Bentley, Engelken, and Earp voting against. Page 3 of 4 March 23, 2019, Council Meeting Minutes