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HomeMy WebLinkAboutR-1995-06 e . RESOLUTION NO. 95-06 A RESOLUTION 01' THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY 01' LA PORTE ESTABLISHING THE POLICY 01' THE CITY 01' LA PORTE TO INSURE BAY ACCESS FOR CITIZENS 01' LA PORTE, THROUGH THE PURCHASE OF THE SEABREEZE PROPERTY ON GALVESTON BAY; pINDING COMPLIANCE WITH THE OPEN MEETINGS LAW; AND PROVIDING AN EFpECTIVE DATE HEREOF. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY 01' LA PORTE: Section 1. Backqround. In 1989, the Visions '89 Committee identified the need for the City to obtain Bayfront property to insure future generations of La Porte residents will have access to Galveston Bay. In 1994, the City took a major step in accomplishing this goal by entering into an option purchase agreement for land on Galveston Bay. The City negotiated price for the property is $675,000, which is $120,000 less than the fair market value as appraised by a state certified appraiser. The agreement included an option payment of $105,000 with the owner financing the remaining amount over a six year period at 4.5%. This agreement was finalized by ordinance 94-1994 in August, 1994. section 2. Benefits of this Purchase. 1. Establishes City owned park property on the Bayfront which can be used for water related activities for present and future generations. 2. Fulfills the goals of the City's Comprehensive Plan and the Visions '89 Goals Report. 3. Allows the City of La Porte to make decisions regarding the recreational future for Bayfront park property located in the City. 4. Relieves the overcrowding that occurs at Sylvan Beach Park by providing a reserved site for La Porte citizens. 5. Provides a family park atmosphere to enjoy one of the City'S greatest assets - Galveston Bay. section 3. This Prooertv Acquisition: 1. Will not necessitate a tax increase. Monies have been set aside to purchase the land as a part of the normal budgeting process. e e RESOLUTION NO. 95-06 PAGE 2 2. will not adversely impact the City's financial condition nor will it represent an economic burden to the City or to the taxpayers. 3. will not alter the City's bond or credit rating. 4. Is a sound and sensible business decision and investment in La Porte's future. 5. Provides a park on the Bayfront which is owned by the City of La Porte, not Harris County. section 4. Initial Plans for DeveloDment. 1. Year 1 - remove existing buildings and secure the property; begin normal park maintenance activities. 2. Year 2 - establish a citizen Review Committee to develop Park Master Plan. section 5. Potential ImDrovements Envisioned. 1. parking Lot. An on-site parking lot will be built and no street parking will be allowed. 2. Restroom Facilities. 3. Repair/Enlarge Pier and Install a Boardwalk. To make it accessible to all citizens of La Porte (i.e. A.D.A.). 4. cemetery. purposes. Preserve and enhance cemetery for historical 5. walking and Jogging Trail. Park benches and exer-stations could be installed adjacent to the trail. 6. picnic Pavilion. with a built-in barbecue pit to encourage and support family gatherings. 7. Water Related Recreational Programs. Fewer than 10% of the youth o~ this city have ever experienced sailing as a pastime. Not all La Porte citizens desire to join private yacht clubs or sailing clubs so that their children can learn to sail. A small fleet of one and two person sailboats, canoes and paddle boats could be purchased and used for giving lessons and for rentals during the season. section 6. The City Council of the City of La Porte believes the acquisi tion and development of the Seabreeze property on Galveston Bay, and the establishment of a City-owned park on this . e RESOLUTION NO.. 95- 06 PAGE 3 Bayfront property, is in the best interest of the citizens of the City of La Porte. The City Council of the City of La Porte urges a "Yes" vote in favor of the park land purchase, at the referendum election on May 6, 1995. Section 7. The City Council officially finds, determines, recites, and declares that a sufficient written notice of the date, hour, place and subject of this meeting of the City Council was posted at a place convenient to the public at the City Hall of the ci ty for the time required by law preceding this meeting, as required by the Open Meetings Law, Chapter 551, Texas Government Code; and that this meeting has been open to the public as required by law at all times during which this resolution and the subject matter thereof has been discussed, considered and formally acted upon. The City Council further ratifies, approves and confirms such written notice and the contents and posting thereof. section 8. This Resolution shall be effective from and after its passage and approval. PASSED AND APPROVED this 10th day of April, 1995. By: ATTEST: 17 ) ~~.~ Sue Lenes, City Secretary ~r0d- Knox W. Askins, C1ty Attorney