03-14-16 Regular Meeting of La Porte City Council

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Marketing/Public Relations Specialist Jaree Hefner presented a summary and introduced Pat Gibson, who presented a PowerPoint on the event. Councilmember asked if the City has enough funding for a sponsorship of $10,000.00. Finance Director Michael Dolby responded yes. Councilmember 2016 United States Optimist Dinghy Sailing Association National Championship held at the Houston MOTION PASSED Yacht Club in the amount of $10,000.00. Councilmember Engelken seconded. UNANIMOUSLY 7/0. Councilmembers K. Martin and Leonard were absent. 9. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION th (a) Discussion and possible action regarding the 125 Anniversary Celebration for the City of La Porte Councilmembers Zemanek, Kaminski and Earp Councilmember Zemanek began the discussion and commented the City has a fantastic Marketing Specialist/Public Relations employee and asked why would the City go outside for services of an event planner. City Manager Corby Alexander responded the City does not have the resources in-house for a huge event or several large events. Councilmember Zemanek asked what the one respondent bid amount was. Mr. Alexander responded $110,000.00 for one large event in August and five more at City facilities spread over eight months instead of having one event. Councilmember Zemanek commented the bid is too high, and the events should be run in-house and Staff can ask for help if it is needed. Councilmember Kaminski asked how many companies were sent proposals. City Manager Corby Alexander responded nine companies. Councilmember J. Martin asked why the City did not receive more than one bid. Assistant City Manager Traci Leach advised the Purchasing Department reported one company felt the scope of work was too broad. Councilmember Clausen suggested Staff refine the scope of work and re-bid. City Manager Corby Alexander commented the big event can be outsourced, and the smaller events can be done in-house. Councilmember Engelken commented the city has a lot of talent and can use a citizens committee to form the event. Councilmember Earp commented he agrees with Councilmember Engelken to form a citizens committee to figure out what is wanted to showcase the city. Councilmember Zemanek asked City Manager Alexander his thoughts on the one big event and the five smaller events. Mr. Alexander responded the big event could be like a Sylvan Beach Day festival- type event, and the smaller events can be held at Lomax Arena with a rodeo and the wave pool and perhaps other locations around the city. Mayor Rigby commented that , he was told to move events to the Parks and Recreation Department; and he feels a large event will need an event planner. Councilmember J. Martin commented there should be a cross-functional committee with the Marketing Specialist/Public Relations employee and the Parks and Recreational Department. 57 Page of February 22, 2016, Council Meeting Minutes