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Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Clausen, Leonard, Engelken, <br />Martin, Zemanek, Kaminski and Earp <br /> Nays: None <br /> Absent: Councilmember Moser <br />8. DISCUSSION OR OTHER ACTION <br />(a) <br />Discussion or other action regarding the surcharge fee component of the City of La Porte <br />Industrial Waste Ordinance D. Mick <br /> <br />Public Works Director Dave Mick presented a summary and passed out a community survey of <br />other cities. Mr. Mick advised even on higher Biological Chemical Demand (BOD), the plant never <br />reaches the top capacity. In addition, Mr. Mick provided four different options to reduce surcharge <br />rates for Industrial Waste. <br /> <br />Councilmember Zemanek moved to adopt Option 2 and have staff review it for a 6-month period, <br />MOTION <br />and bring back an ordinance for official adoption. Councilmember Leonard seconded. <br />PASSED. <br />Ayes: Councilmembers Clausen, Leonard, Engelken, Zemanek, <br />Kaminski and Earp <br /> Nays: Mayor Rigby and Councilmember Martin <br /> Absent: Councilmember Moser <br /> <br />(b) <br />Discussion or other action regarding maintenance of Buy-Out properties in the Brookglen <br />Neighborhood T. Leach <br /> <br />City Manager Corby Alexander presented a summary. <br /> <br />Councilmember Engelken advised properties were purchased by Harris County Flood Control with <br />participation and following guidelines with FEMA. Councilmember Engelken informed the properties <br />are only being mowed once a month and are not maintained. Councilmember Engelken advised <br />Council he would like Council to direct staff to write a letter to the U.S. Justice Department advising <br />that Harris County Flood Control is not following FEMA guidelines. <br /> <br />Mayor Rigby questioned City Manager Alexander if a letter was sent last year in August to the <br />Justice Department regarding the maintenance of buy-out properties in the Brookglen <br />Neighborhood. Mr. Alexander advised an email was sent to the Justice Department Customer <br />Service Hotline, and no response has been received. Mayor Rigby asked staff to call the Justice <br />Department and get the name of a direct contact person if it is the desire of Council to move <br />forw; and, in addition, make one more phone call to <br />Harris County Flood Control District. <br /> <br />Councilmember Leonard suggested issuing citations on all 44 lots. Planning and Development <br />Director Tim Tietjens advised 10-day warning letters were sent to Harris County Flood Control and <br />believes they argued immunity. <br /> <br />Public Works Director Dave Mick addressed Council and advised Harris County Precinct 2 is on <br />track with getting the lots mowed. <br />Councilmember Engelken commented that with no results, it is now time for them to answer to a <br />higher authority. <br /> <br /> Councilmember Earp asked what will it take to get the properties reclaimed, back on the tax rolls <br />and what can be done to rebuild the land. City Manager Corby Alexander informed it is his <br />understanding that is not an option with Harris County Flood Control. Mr. Alexander advised staff <br />35 <br />Page of <br />April 13, 2015, Council Meeting Minutes <br /> <br />