11-12-18 Regular Meeting of the La Porte City Council

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the City well from now on. Several other councilmembers agreed that an application process would be a good idea. Mayor Rigby gave an example how sponsoring the Houston Yacht Club sailing event benefits the City because competitors from all over the world stay in La Porte hotels putting “heads in beds.” He stated Council has given the City Manager the approval for spending up to $50,000 without Council approval; however, if a process needs to be put in place, an application process would be okay for Council’s approval. 9. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS City Manager Corby Alexander thanked Council for confirming the appointment of new Police Chief Ron Parker, and he also introduced new Planning Director Teresa Evans. 10. COUNCIL COMMENTS regarding matters appearing on the agenda; recognition of community members, city employees, and upcoming events; inquiry of staff regarding specific factual information or existing policies – Councilmembers Engelken, Earp, Ojeda, J. Martin, K. Martin, Zemanek, Bentley and Mayor Rigby. Councilmember Zemanek recognized all three officers, Joshua Willhoite, Barrence Rodgers and Sergio Torre, and stated he felt proud of folks who jumped in to take care of business; he attended the presentation of the Dottie Bowl on Saturday, and is very proud of the Texans and Cowboys organizations for recognizing Dottie Kaminski. Councilmember Bentley congratulated newly appointed Police Chief Parker for his dedication to the city; attended Wednesday’s Habitat for Humanity house project. He complimented staff for their dedication on working together to get things done and is very proud of staff. Councilmember Engelken welcomed Teresa Evans to the City; and congratulated Chief Ron Parker and the three officers who received the Employee of the Quarter awards; he mentioned the thank you note council received from the family who tragically lost a family member; they reached out to the city thanking our first responders’ for their hard efforts; and the technology EMS received tonight will put us on a higher level than everyone else. Councilmember Earp congratulated Chief Ron Parker and welcomed new Planning Director Teresa Evans; also congratulated all three officers. As far as Habitat for Humanity, he was sorry he was unable to attend. Councilmember Ojeda mentioned how she loves how they are naming the football game between the Texans and the Cowboys the Dottie Bowl, but was saddened all weren’t invited to attend. Congratulated Parks and Rec’s Halloween Campout event, stating it was phenomenal. After walking from tent to tent talking to families, she enjoyed hearing how visitors from surrounding cities like to attend La Porte Parks and Rec events because their cities don’t offer these types of events. Also, she stated she enjoyed looking at pictures of staff helping out for Habitat for Humanity work day; and welcomed Teresa Evans. Lastly, she thanked PD for working on the hot spot. Councilmember J. Martin congratulated Ron Parker and welcomed Teresa Evans and looks forward to working with them. He thanked all three officers for their sacrifice and willingness to put someone else in front of their own needs and safety. He also has family who attends the Halloween campout, and he thought it was fantastic; he attended the grand opening of MRC Global, who donated $75,000 to the Education Foundation, which was incredible; and wants to thank staff and the Economic Development Corporation for making that happen. Councilmember K. Martin congratulated all three officers for getting Employee of the Third Quarter and congratulated Ron Parker stated it is well deserved. She also welcomed Teresa Evans. She mentioned the Dottie Bowl was amazing; Dottie would have been proud looking forward to seeing how this develops in years to come. Page 6 of 7 October 22, 2018 Council Meeting Minutes