08-27-18 Regular Meeting of the La Porte City Council

Browse Search

and suggests replacing that one with a request for donations to the La Porte Animal Shelter; a report of the number of injuries/incidents since the position of the Safety/Risk Specialist; he would like to know what the impact of that position has been as far as the number of preventable accidents, number of recordable injuries and lost time and the dol position has paid for itself and/or improved the safety record for the City; and He commented he does not want to see another mitigation analysis/study for Brookglen due to the number of times it has been studied in the past. $275,000 on another analysis. Councilmember Earp reviewed in depth more opportunities for additional cuts or more discussion regarding the cuts provided to all of Council by City Manager Alexander and asked for opinions from Council on the following subjects: IT computer software and consulting; Planning and Development director position; Insurance fund and reduction in liability insurance; Legal regarding in-house council; Golf Course regarding an increase in fees; Special Programs; Pharmacy Formulary; Stop Loss Coverage; Motor Pool Lease Fees; Refund back to general fund for drainage interconnect under Wharton Weems; Eliminate CIP project for fencing and sidewalk on Spencer on the north side; Public Works reduction of force; In-house mechanic repairs; Contingency Fund; Tax Collector Assessor position; Franchise Fee (Enterprise); and Fiber Project Proposal. Mayor Rigby asked if an option can be for a penny decrease a year for 5 years or a penny and a half for 3 years to sustain the budget presented. Councilmember Earp stated he would be in favor of it. City Manager Corby Alexander responded he can work on saving a penny and half for 3 years. Councilmember Jay Martin commented he has not been approached by any citizen requesting a tax rate reduction and the City is negotiating agreements with the Industrial Districts and now is not the time to do tax cuts. Councilmember Zemanek commented the LPISD bond election was overwhelmingly embraced by the citizens because it benefited our youth, and maybe it is time for the City to do the same thing. He stated for the average household in La Porte, a $.05 increase or decrease would be $3.76/month, and he stated if it was an increase, the IDA folks would pay the increase, as well. He believes the money could be used in several ways, with earmarks for a new standalone fitness center on a separate piece of property; revamp the senior facility; do away with merit increases and, instead, give each employee a $1,500 stipend paid on their November check; turf baseball fields which will put heads in beds; increase can assist with legal costs and drainage improvements that we need; projects for kids in the summer. He would like Council to consider this and advertise it as enhancements for the community. Council directed City Manager Corby Alexander to come back at the next council meeting, or call a special meeting, with options for additional cuts and provide information on how close the City is to the tax roll back and how the City can accomplish a savings of a penny. 7. REPORTS (a) Receive report of the Drainage and Flooding Committee Meeting on Monday, August 13, 2018 Councilmember Jay Martin Councilmember Jay Martin provided a report on the August 13, 2018, Drainage and Flooding Committee Meeting. Page 5 of 6 August 13-14, 2018, Council Meeting Minutes