10-14-19 Regular Meeting of the La Porte City Council

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LOUIS RIGBY Mayor BRANDON LUNSFORD Councilperson At Large A STEVE GILLETT Councilperson At Large B DANNY EARP Councilperson District 1 CHUCK ENGELKEN Councilperson District 2 MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA PORTE SEPTEMBER 30, 2019 BILL BENTLEY Councilperson District 3 Mayor Pro -Tem THOMAS GARZA Councilperson District 4 JAY MA RTI N Councilperson District 5 NANCY OJEDA Councilperson District 6 The City Council of the City of La Porte met in a regular meeting on Monday, September 30, 2019, at the City Hall Council Chambers, 604 West Fairmont Parkway, La Porte, Texas, at 6:00 p.m., with the following in attendance: Councilpersons present: Louis Rigby, Thomas Garza, Chuck Engelken, Jay Martin, Steve Gillett, Bill Bentley, Brandon Lunsford, Nancy Ojeda Councilpersons absent: Danny Earp Council -appointed officers present: Corby Alexander, City Manager; Lee Woodward, City Secretary; Clark Askins, Assistant City Attorney CALL TO ORDER — Mayor Rigby called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. 2. INVOCATION — The invocation was given by Assistant City Attorney Clark Askins. PLEDGES — The pledges of allegiance to the U.S. and Texas flags were led by Assistant City Attorney Clark Askins. 3. STATUTORY AGENDA (a) Presentation, discussion, and possible action to adopt Ordinance 2019-3757, setting the City's tax rate for the 2019-20 Fiscal Year. [Michael Dolby, Finance Director] Chuck Rosa and Phillip Hoot spoke in opposition to the $0.71 City property tax rate. Councilmember Bentley moved that the property tax rate be increased by the adoption of a tax rate of $0.71 cents, which is effectively a 3.65 percent increase in the tax rate, and adopt Ordinance 2019-3757 in support of same; the motion was adopted (roll call vote required), 7-1, Councilperson Garza voting against. (b) Presentation, discussion, and possible action to ratify property tax revenue increase reflected in the City of La Porte 2019-2020 Fiscal Year Budget, in accordance with Texas Local Government Code, Sec. 102.007(c). [Michael Dolby, Finance Director] Councilmember Martin moved that the Council ratify the property tax revenue increase as reflected in the budget. Councilperson Garza requested a roll call vote, which was accepted without objection. The motion was adopted, 7- 1, Councilperson Garza voting against. 4. 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 thanked staff for their work on the budget process; lauded the decision to hold water rates down to benefit the citizens; noted Harris County was entertaining a double digit property tax increase; reminded all of the citizens who have participated in the budget process; lamented the City's property tax rate remaining static for several decades; reflected on the budget process that began in March and the need to amend the budget if the tax rate is changed; recounted the budget and tax rate process and the need to understand the process. ADJOURN — Without objection, Mayor Rigby adjourned the meeting at 6:46 p.m. Page 1 of 2 September 30, 2019, Council Meeting Minutes