R-2013-03 appointment process/Comm. to POH Authority

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RESOLUTION NO.2013--Q-�—) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA PORTE, TEXAS, SUPPORTING THE CURRENT APPOINTMENT PROCESS OF COMMISSIONERS TO THE PORT OF HOUSTON AUTHORITY. WHEREAS, the 2012 Sunset Advisory Commission report recommends actions to strengthen governance of The Port of Houston Authority (the Authority); and WHEREAS, seven of the eight Sunset Advisory Commission recommendations either have already or are being implemented; and WHEREAS, local citizens of Harris County, through taxes paid and indebtedness incurred through bond sales, have funded operations, maintenance and expansions, that have seen the Authority successfully drive the economic benefits of the port region, to wit: $178.5 billion statewide, up nearly $61 billion since 2006, and nationally providing 2.1 million jobs and $499 billion in economic activity; and WHEREAS, unlike state agencies, the Authority is a local authority created with local tax dollars to develop and support facilities located in Harris County. Funding taxpayers and community stakeholders are rightly entitled to provide oversight and ensure that local needs and concerns are addressed in the management and operation of the authority; and WHEREAS, the current Commission is appointed as follows: two by Harris County; two by the City of Houston; one by the Hams County Mayors' and Councils' Association; and one by the City of Pasadena; while the City of Houston and Harris County jointly appoint the Chair of the Commission; and WHEREAS, the current appointing bodies of the commission support local representation from elected and appointed officials residing in the taxing entities, and recommend continuing appointments of Authority Commissioners through the impacted local municipal entities; and WHEREAS, the current appointing bodies of the commission are directly elected by the taxpayers of Harris County, are accountable to those citizens, and are capable of identifying qualified and responsible citizens to serve on the Port Commission; and WHEREAS, the local control and experience and knowledge of commissioners appointed from the Houston port region provides informed oversight of this regional asset that is