12-14-15 Regular Meeting of La Porte City Council

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Mayor Rigby commented Mr. Coycault addressed Council earlier in the year and wrote a letter to the editor advising Council was to make a decision addressing the Over 65 Tax Freeze on October 26, 2015; and Council gathered additional information to make a decision tonight. Mayor Rigby informed citizens were led to believe the item has been delayed since 2003 and advised this is the second time he recalls the item being discussed. The Mayor advised he is not opposed to freezing taxes but does not want the citizens to think the item has been delayed since 2003. Councilmembers Clausen and J. Martin both indicated a willingness to increase exemptions. Councilmember Leonard moved to approve a tax freeze for citizens over 65 and the disabled. Councilmember Zemanek seconded. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers J. Martin, Kaminski, Clausen, Earp, K. Martin, Engelken, Leonard and Zemanek Nays: Councilmembers Clausen and J. Martin Absent: None 9. REPORTS (a) Receive report of the La Porte Development Corporation Board — Councilmember Engelken. Councilmember Engelken provided a report of the La Porte Development Corporation Board meeting held on November 11, 2015. 10. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS City Manager Corby Alexander recognized the last Council meeting for Public Works Director Dave Mick and wished him well in the future. 11. COUNCIL COMMENTS regarding matters appearing on the agenda; recognition of community members, city employees, and upcoming events; inquiry of staff regarding specific factual information. Councilmember Kaminski congratulated David Hefner as Employee of the Third Quarter 2015 and commented Public Works Director Dave Mick will be missed; Councilmember Zemanek wished Dave Mick the best in his future endeavors and reminded everyone of Veterans Day on Wednesday; Councilmember Leonard congratulated David Hefner as Employee of the Third Quarter 2015 and wished Public Works Director Dave Mick the best in his future endeavors; Engelken congratulated David Hefner as Employee of the Third Quarter 2015; wished Public Works Director Dave Mick the best in his future endeavors and everyone a Happy Thanksgiving; Councilmember Earp thanked Public Works Director Dave Mick for his services to the City and the Lomax area and thanked the Emergency Responders during the tornado; Councilmember Clausen congratulated David Hefner as Employee of the Third Quarter 2015; wished Public Works Director Dave Mick the best in his future endeavors and thanked Emergency Responders for the cleanup after the tornado; Councilmember J. Martin congratulated David Hefner as Employee of the Third Quarter 2015 and wished Public Works Director Dave Mick the best in his future endeavors and thanked City Manager Corby Alexander for facilitating assistance to individuals after the condemnation of Windsail Bay Apartments; Councilmember K. Martin commented Public Works Director Dave Mick will be missed and reminded everyone of the Harvest Banquet this coming Saturday and Mayor Rigby congratulated David Hefner as Employee of the Third Quarter; commented Public Works Director Dave Mick will be missed and wished him the best in his future endeavors. 12. EXECUTIVE SESSION The City reserves the right to meet in closed session on any agenda item should the need arise and if applicable pursuant to authorization by Title 5, Chapter 551, of the Texas Government Code, including, but not limited to, the following: Page 4 of 5 November 9, 2015, Council Meeting Minutes