08-26-13 Regular Meeting of La Porte City Council

Browse Search

Ayes:Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Zemanek, Leonard Kaminski, Clausen, Martin, Engelken and Mosteit. Nays:None Absent:Councilmember Moser The contract as provided in Council’s packet provides for an 11 percent franchise fee. Council did nottake action to stipulate a different amount for the franchise fee. (c) Discussion or other action concerning the proposed 2013-2014 Fiscal Year Budget of the City of La Porte, Texas–C. Alexander Mayor Rigby and Council proposed 9:00 p.m. as the time to recess each budget meeting unless all that’s required is an extra30minutesor so to conclude the budget meetings. Finance Director Michael Dolby began the presentation by discussing the 2014Budget Summary for Fiscal Year 2014and anin depthbudget discussion followed. Fire Chief Mike Boaze presented the 2013 Fiscal Year proposed budget for the Fire Department. Police Chief Ken Adcox presented the 2013 Fiscal Year proposed budget for the Police Department. City Council recessed for a break at 7:43p.m.and reconvened at 7:53p.m. Assistant City Manager Traci Leach presented the 2014 Fiscal Year proposed budget for Administrationand provided information and duties of a proposed new position fora Marketing Specialist. Mayor Rigby commented he doesnot agree with removing funding for membership in the Bay Area Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau,but does agree with funding the proposed new position for a Marketing Specialist 50/50between the general fund and the 4B budget. Councilmember Clausen agreed he does not want to remove the Bay Area Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau and commented thereappears to beagreat deal of expectation for aMarketing Specialist in anentry level position. Councilmember Martin agreed with the proposed new position and commented staff should consider a public relations position that can develop into marketing. Councilmember Martin also commented the Bay Area Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau give good services to the City. Councilmember Zemanek commented the only time the Bay Area Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau approachesCity Council is during budget time;and he was told by the City Manager of Webster they have not noticed anydetriment by not being a member of the Bay Area Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau. Councilmember Zemanek also commented the City is a blue collar industrial town,and he does not see the benefit of a new position if the City continues to fund membership in the Bay Area Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau. City Manager Corby Alexander requested direction before the conclusion of the budget meetings. Page 4of 10 August 12-13, 2013 City Council Meeting Minutes