05-08-17 Regular Meeting of the La Porte City Council

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Councilmember J. Martin commented lights can run down Main Street to Virginia Street to include the Five Points area. Staff was directed to get more information for lighting. H. Tom Brown Park Improvements (Councilmember K. Martin) R. Epting Parks and Recreation Director Rosalyn Epting presented a summary regarding whether to add a Basketball Court or a Splash Park. Councilmember K. Martin commented she would like a Basketball Court at Tom Brown Park. Council agreed on the idea of providing a Basketball Court. I. Recreation & Fitness Center Options (Councilmembers Zemanek and Kaminski) R. Epting Parks and Recreation Director Rosalyn Epting presented a summary. Councilmember Zemanek commented he would like a new facility of about 10,000 square feet, with ability to expand in the future. City Manager Corby Alexander suggested designing the project in the upcoming budget year. Mayor Rigby commented he does not have an issue expanding the current location to the west and keep the Senior Center where it is currently located. Councilmember J. Martin agreed an expansion is a good idea. Councilmember Earp suggested pricing the cost on a Recreation and Fitness Center on the bay where the City owns property and include a nice smaller type of conference center. Councilmember Leonard likes the suggestion of using the Happy Harbor/Kline Retreat property for conventions, workouts and running. Staff was directed to research different options for expanding the existing Recreation and Fitness Center to the west or building a new facility on the Kline Retreat property, with inclusion of a small convention center and the ability to expand for future use. Mayor Rigby recessed for a break at 9:45 a.m. Mayor Rigby reconvened the workshop at 9:57 a.m. J. Pecan Park Field Maintenance (Councilmember Engelken) R. Epting Parks and Recreation Director Rosalyn Epting presented a summary. Councilmember Engelken commented he expects the City management team to make sure the fields and restrooms are maintained per the contract with the La Porte Boys Baseball Association and ready for the kids in the community to use the fields and park. Councilmember Leonard asked if there is additional training for baseball field maintenance for employees to attend. Ms. Epting advised employees attended training a little over a month ago and there are training classes available and employees do attend. Page 3 of 6 April 22, 2017, City Council Special Meeting Minutes