07-25-11 Regular Meeting of La Porte City Council

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Economic Development Coordinator Stacey Osborne discussed acceptance of this property donation to the City of La Porte from the La Porte Main Street Association for Lots 29 and 30, Block 39 on Main St. in La Porte. Councilmember Leonard filed a conflict of affidavit with City Secretary Patrice Fogarty. Councilmember Moser asked to find out if there are taxes owed on the property and how much it would cost to build a parking lot on the property and the number of spaces a parking lot would provide. Councilmember Martin questioned if the property is accepted, would the City pay the delinquent taxes. Ms. Osborne answered, yes. Councilmember Moser moved to table the item until the next meeting. Councilmember Kaminski seconded. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Mosteit, Martin, Moser, Zemanek, Clausen, Engelken and Kaminski Nays: None Abstention: Councilmember Leonard Staff was directed to put this item on the July 25 agenda, and provide final acquisition cost including taxes owed, cost of a parking lot, and the number of spaces a parking lot. 8. PUBLIC HEARING AND ASSOCIATED ORDINANCE (a) Public Hearing to receive comments regarding revisions and amendments to the current La Porte Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plan (this item was tabled at the meeting of City Council held on June 27, 2011) — D. Mick City Council opened the public hearing at 7:06 p.m. Public Works Director Dave Mick presented amendments to the current La Porte Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plan. City Council was informed the volunteer reduction worked by lowering water usage. During a Stage 2 Water Condition, door hangers would be issued as a warning, the violation would be documented and then a surcharge would be implemented if violations continued. Mr. Mick also indicated another goal is to mitigate usage spikes. Councilmember Engelken suggested staff to do a better job advising and educating citizens by communicating using Reverse 9-1-1. Councilmember Mosteit also suggested Council avail itself of the provision in the Open Meetings Act regarding posting of an emergency meeting if needed to implement emergency plans. Dave Mick advised staff can make the current plan work. Phillip Hoot, 927 Seabreeze, addressed City Council and suggested citizens be requested to conserve water now if there are indications of imminent drought conditions. Chuck Rosa, 812 S. Virginia, addressed Council and suggested the City contact citizens and notify them the cost of water increases with usage during drought conditions. Ted Powell, 1700 Roscoe, addressed City Council and suggested using the court system to ensure compliance of water conservation. Page 3 of 5 July 11, 2011, City Council Meeting Minutes