HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-15-1995 Steering Committee MeetingCity of La Porte
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C;Wv Docutnents\RLY\RECORDS\R=rds Vault Transmittal Forth IMAM
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,STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING
SEABREEzE PROPERTY AcQuism0N
A1,IRCH 15, 1995
I. Welcome - Mayor Malone
II. Role of Committee - Councilman Porter
III. Review with Committee Informational Packet and Discuss Project - City Manager Herrera
• Photographs of Seabreeze Property (2)
• Position Paper
• Draft Brochure
a Potential Site Plan
• Property Survey of Seabreeze Tract
• Bay Green Colony Tract Comparison
• Visions '89
• Calendar of Events
IV. City's Financial Condition - Jeff Litchfield
VI. Open Discussion from Committee Members
During this portion of the meeting the Committee should offer help and suggestions on how to better
inform: the voting public about this land acquisition.
VI. Closing Comments from Mayor and City Council
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• Position Paper for the City of La Porte on the Acquisition of Seabreeze
1) Why does the City wish to purchase this property?
The City's goal is to insure that future generations of La Portians will have the
opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Galveston Bay. The City does not own or control
any public property that adjoins Galveston Bay. Sylvan Beach Park is County owned
and is a prime area for future economic development opportunities. The City wants
to set aside public land for its residents' use of water related activities, which can
be enjoyed by La Porte families without the weekend crowds that frequent Sylvan
Beach.
The City further wishes to fulfil the goals as called for within the City's
Comprehensive Plan which was adopted in 1985, and the goals called for in the
Visions ' 89 Goals Report. Both of these adopted studies were heavily prepared
from the opinions of citizens who participated in public meetings and volunteered
their time to serve on committees. One of their primary goals was for the City to
provide public access to the bay for use by our community.
2) How will the purchase of the property affect my property taxes and will it cause an
undue burden on the City?
• The purchase of this property will not cause your property taxes to go up. A tax
increase is not necessary for this project. The City has accounted for this expenditure
during its yearly budgeting process and has planned the retirement of this debt in a
manner that will not cause an adverse economic impact on the City's financial
condition.
3) If my property taxes are not going up and the purchase of this property will not cause
an adverse economic impact on the City, then why are we having this election?
The reason this item is on the May election, is because a small group of citizens
passed a petition throughout the City. We believe the petition was misleading
because it strongly implied and inferred that the acquisition of this property for
La Porte residents as a family park "is not for the public good." They further said
that the City "does not need and cannot provide for the purchase of the additional
beach front park land" and that the property "will represent a further economic
burden to the City and may well result in a tax increase." Since signing the petition,
several residents have come forth and said they signed the petition because they
thought the acquisition required a property tax increase.
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Seabreeze Position Paper
49 March 8, 1995
Page 2
u
4) Is the property we are buying a good business decision or are we buying someone's
problem?
The Seabreeze property is approximately 3.1 acres with 498 feet of bayfront. The
City had an environmental assessment study done on the property, and it was
declared environmentally clean. The property was appraised by a state certified real
estate appraiser for $795,000. The shoreline of the property is bulkheaded and a
2%foot fishing pier is permitted by the State of Texas at this location. A boat ramp
exists at the site along with a historical cemetery where some of the early families
of La Porte have come to rest. The negotiated purchase price is $675,000. The City
has already paid $105,000 down on the property with the balance to be owner
financed for a period of 6 years at a 4.5% interest rate. We believe the City has
made a good business decision on this transaction.
5) What development plans does the City have for this site?
• The City's plans for this bay -related park are preliminary at this time. However, we
envision that the future use of the property will be designed to meet the needs of the
La Porte community. A future appointed citizen review committee from all sections
of La Porte will help formulate the final setting and character of the park. In
addressing the development of the park, consideration will be given as to how best
to maximize the site. The following is a potential scenario of what may occur at the
site and when it might occur.
FIRST YEAR
The initial procedure would be to remove the existing buildings on site. The
structures consist of a two-story wood frame house that serves as rental
property, two (2) tin storage sheds, and various small outbuildings.
Additionally, it may be necessary to secure the property with additional
fencing or plantings to limit access to the site and to secure the cemetery.
Maintenance of the property would be limited primarily to mowing and
occasional pruning of existing plant material, and other normal upkeep and
maintenance activity as necessary to keep the property safe and secure.
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Seabreeze Position Paper
•March 8, 1995
Page 3
SECOND YEAR
In the second year, the City would begin enhancement of the cemetery to
better preserve its integrity. City forces would continue minimal maintenance
levels as identified in Year One. Preliminary design work would begin
through staff efforts and with the assistance of a Citizen Review Committee,
composed of La Porte citizens appointed by City Council. This team would
be established to recommend ideas for future development of the park, and
begin the process to develop a Master Plan for the park with consideration
to the availability of budgeted funds.
POTENTIAL FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SITE
Parking Lot. An on-site parking lot will be built and no street parking will be
allowed. Parking is a key element for any future use of the park because of
the City's zoning/ordinance requirements which includes an off-street parking
provision.
Restroom Facilities. Accommodations for restroom facilities should be
considered as a primary amenity for the park.
Repair/Enlarge Pier Install Boardwalk. The existing pier needs attention,
and repairs would need to be made to make the pier safe and accessible to
the citizens of La Porte (i.e. A.D.A. requirements, safety issues, etc.). A
boardwalk could be built along the eastern shore to allow increased usability
of the park itself. Gazebos at each end of the boardwalk would allow for rest
and relaxation to enjoy the fresh air and scenery afforded by this very
accommodating site.
Cemetery. The existing cemetery at the site offers some intriguing
possibilities for development. Instead of fending out visitors, it may be
advantageous to consider making the site more inviting for historical purposes.
Walking and Jogging'I'rail. Inclusion of a walking path tieing the cemetery
area to the boardwalk and continuing around the perimeter of the park would
encourage use by citizens in the immediate area. Park benches and
exer-stations could be installed adjacent to the trail.
•
Seabreeze Position Paper
March 8, 1995.
Page 4
Picnic Pavilion. A small outdoor picnic pavilion with a built-in barbecue pit
and picnic tables to entice family gatherings and family reunions at the park
could be added.
Water -related Recreational Programs. In keeping with the suggested theme
of the park, a sailing program could easily be accommodated. La Porte is a
" City by the Bay ", but probably fewer than 10% of the youth in 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 could be purchased and used for
giving lessons and for rentals during the season. In addition to sailing craft,
there could be canoes for lessons and rentals (in Deer Creek and along the
shoreline), as well as paddle boat rentals to allow La Portians to enjoy the bay
first hand. This potential use of the site is one that is not offered publicly
anywhere in the area and would be a first for the citizens of La Porte.
The above projects are potential ideas for development of this site and may be
considered by a Citizen Advisory Committee.
6) Will there be a charge to use the park'? The current thinking of City Council is that
no admission fees will be charged to La Porte residents. Although, fees may be
charged for specific marine and water related activities conducted on site.
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1) 3.105 ACRES Of LAND
2) 496' OF BAY FRONT FOOTAGE
3) 250' FISHING PIER
4) ADJOINS DEER CREEK BAYOU
5) CEMETARY TO BE PRESERVED
6) LOCATED ON BAYSHORE DRIVE
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SEA3rQEEZE TRACT:
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-0.046 AC. CEMETERY PLOT
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CITY�PF LA PORTE
My GREEN 0DLQW A SEkW-M TZACTS
OVERLAY EXH1517
•
OALYESTON BAY
CITY OF LA PORTE
IAY GREEN COLONY & SfA KEZE TVM
OVERLAY EXHIBIT
•
VISIONS '89
0 •
LA PORTE VISIONS 184
• EXECUTIVE SUHMARY
Introduction
During a City Council workshop session held on June 6, 1988, the
Mayor and City Council members demonstrated their commitment to the
citizens of La Porte by resolving to implement throughout the La
Porte/Bayshore community, the following mission statement:
"to develop and set into notion a plan that rill improve the
quality of lite and promote responsible and diversified
economic growth.,,
This mission statement was introduced to the community during a
city sponsored "Quality of Life" town meeting held on July 20,
1988. To ensure that all community members were informed of this
historical meeting, the city mailed personal invitations to each
and every resident, civic organization and business member of the
La Porte community.
Over 400 interested La Porte/Bayshore residents attended this
meeting, and on a "one on one" basis, participants discussed the
city's future development with the City Council. Of the 400
participants, 100 residents signed up to address the mission
statement. Realizing that there was strong citizen commitment to
• go forward, during Council meetings held in August 1988, the City
Council constituted a citizen committee, known as the Steering
Committee, and authorized them to accomplish the above mission
statement.
Under the direction of a chairman, the Steering Committee included
eleven committee chairpersons, each assigned to develop goals,
objectives, and strategies of several socio-economic concepts.
The eleven committees were each composed of various citizens
interested in the enhancement of the La Porte community. The
"quality of life" concepts were pursued by the following eleven
committees:
- Arts, Recreation & Youth - Industry
- Bay Access - Medical Awareness
- Community Investment - Port
- Education - Tourism, Business
Development &
- Fiscal Marketing
- Housing, Restaurant & - Transportation
Hotel Conference Center
• 0
• Summary of the Goals Report
"Citizen Involvement" surfaced as the overriding theme throughout
the La Porte Visions 189 Goals Report. To accomplish the mission
statement set forth by the City Council, the Steering Committee
members focused their efforts on creating a vehicle from which
citizen involvement is coordinated between various levels of
government (i.e. city, county, school district, chamber, etc.). The
La Porte visions 189 Goals Report is that vehicle.
By acting as "sounding boards", members of the various committees
went throughout the community to obtain citizen input for use in
the preparation of the Visions 189 committee reports. These reports
are organized in a uniform manner, and each identifies specific
goals, objectives and strategies. Additionally, the reports are
grouped under two sections. The first group includes those
committees that focus primarily on the quality of life concepts,
while the second group focuses primarily on the economic
development concepts. The following synopsis outlines the main
goal of each subcommittee, and their primary recommendations:
Quality of Life Concepts:
- Arts, Recreation & Youth Committee:
• Goal: To increase the level of interest in the areas of arts
and recreation by enhancing the cultural and
recreational ambience of La Porte.
Proposed recommendations include projects such as:
- establishing communication lines between the city
and various arts and recreational organizations;
- appointing a citizen advisory committee to produce
family oriented activities; and
- through the construction of new bike paths and
sidewalks, maximizing the use of existing and
undeveloped park lands.
- Bay Access Development Committee:
Goal: To facilitate the access to the city's bay front area,
by identifying concepts that will promote and develop
this spectacular resource.
Proposed recommendations include projects such as:
- acquiring vacant bay front property for future
• development;
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0
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• - promoting the private development of the city's
bay front properties; and
ensuring that the bay front area, both public and
private, meet environmental standards.
- Education Committee:
Goal: To develop joint -venture projects that will enhance the
city's academic needs.
Proposed recommendations include projects such as:
- establishing a community education advisory committee;
- improving the city's public library system; and
- promoting both the La Porte Independent School
District's and the bay area's colleges and
universities educational programs.
- Medical Awareness Committee:
Goal: To enhance the health and well-being of all La
Porte/Bayshore residents.
• Proposed recommendations include projects such as:
•
- appointing a Medical Advisory Committee to evaluate
health related issues that may impact the city;
- conducting a city-wide health assessment study; and
- constructing a multi -disciplinary medical complex.
- Transportation Committee:
Goal: To address the city's transportation needs, with safety
being the foremost consideration.
Proposed recommendations include projects such as:
- identifying safe alternative transportation methods
to facilitate increasing vehicular movement;
- enhancing the city's and bay area's present rail
system; and
- addressing the city's current and future roles in the
field of air transportation.
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•
- Community Investment Committee:
Goal: To define a plan of action which will transform La Porte
into an attractive city, while simultaneously encouraging
the development of new businesses and the expansion of
existing ones.
Proposed recommendations include projects such as:
- enhancing the city's image and attractiveness by
landscaping focal entrance points, clean-up incentive
programs, and establishing beautification programs
(i.e. wild flower seeding and street tree programs);
- facilitating the development the city's curb and
guttered street systems;
and structuring the city's Master Plan to be more
conducive to La Porte's economic growth.
rconomic Development Concepts:
- Housing, Restaurant & Hotel Conference Committee:
• Goal: To identify resources that will attract new housing,
restaurant, and hotel investors to the La Porte area,
and encourage the expansion of existing residential and
retail areas.
Proposed recommendations include projects such as:
- designing a metropolitan "growth" plan based on the
city's natural assets (i.e. Galveston Bay, Sylvan
Beach, and Bay Forest Municipal Golf Course); and
- marketing the city's tangible (i.e. climate, tax
structure, location, etc.) and intangible
(i.e. the spirit of civic cooperation) assets.
- Industry Committee:
Goal: To develop a positive business climate that will
support the expansion of existing industries, and attract
new industrial developments.
Proposed recommendations include projects such as:
- developing a community relations program that
allows local organizations to unite and
• demonstrate a positive business climate, and
-vi-
• positive business climate; and
resolving industry concerns through the establishment
of a city/industry committee.
- Port Committee:
Goal: To educate the La Porte/Bayshore Community of the
economic impact placed on this area by the: Barbour's
Cut Terminal, Bay Port Terminal, Seaman's Center, and
other port -related industries.
Proposed recommendations include projects such as:
- establishing formal communication lines with local
civic groups;
- creating a port -appointed citizen advisory committee;
soliciting new port -related projects (i.e. observation
tower, multi -story World Trade Center, and a port -
related warehouse district); and
- officially recognizing the Barbour's Cut Seaman's
Center as the city's "goodwill ambassadors."
- Tourism, Business Development & Marketing Committee:
• Goal: To identify marketing concepts that utilize existing
community assets to attract tourism, and entice new
recreational and retail businesses to the La
Porte/Bayshore area.
Proposed recommendations include projects such as:
- developing a city-wide marketing plan;
- establishing a tourism advisory board;
- developing a Main Street enhancement program; and
- supporting the promotion of the San Jacinto
Battleground State Park.
- Fiscal Committee:
Goal: To identify financial resources that will fund proposed
La Porte Visions 189 projects.
Proposed recommendations include projects such as:
- exploring the use of new financial incentive
resources;
•
establishing an "open information flow" of city
• processes and policies; and
- establishing a control system that monitors the city's
legal debt capacity during implementation of these
goals.
Through countless hours of volunteer work, all of the committees
noted above, met to discuss the socio-economic issues addressed in
this report. The Goals Report is their final product; however, it
is written in a flexible manner that provides guidance to implement
the proposed goals in a logical economic order. Additionally, it
is fully understood that the funding of the proposed goals must
abide by budgetary constraints.
Conclusion:
A planning exercise of the magnitude undertaken by the La Porte
Visions 189 committee is undoubtedly complex. It can only succeed
if the sincere commitment to improve our community is maintained
and passed on from neighbor to neighbor, and parent to child.
This report represents an attempt to carefully plan a better
"quality of life" for both ourselves and our community's future
generations. The underlying principle is that by realizing a more
attractive locality for existing residents and businesses, equally
•attractive families and businesses will be drawn here. Thus, a
positive cycle is established which, with continued effort, will
propagate itself into the future.
We respectfully request that the momentum which has been created
by the Visions 189 project be sustained by the city. We would hope
that the City Council will act to implement these goals as soon as
practical.
Our future destiny is in our hands. The La Porte Visions 189
campaign is an action plan designed by the community to lead us
into the 1990's and the twenty-first century.
Festival Committee," would be responsible for
developing an annual summer theatre festival
dedicated to the city's youth; and the second
committee, called the "Sunday in the Park Committee"
would be responsible for developing recreational
family programs held regularly on Sundays.
Additionally, recommend that the City Council
appoint a citizen advisory committee responsible for
advising the council on recreational activities
and/or issues which may be of interest to the
community.
Goal II. To maximize the use of existing and undeveloped city
park land areas.
Objective 1. Revitalize existing and undeveloped parks.
Strategy Recommend that the City's Parks & Recreation
Department work with Harris County and other
agencies to allow the City of La Porte to
locate a new city park by the Fred Hartman
Bridge site, obtain full property rights of Harris
County's Sylvan Beach Park, and redesign parks on
located on 7th Street and Creekmont.
• Objective 2. Construct safe bicycle paths and sidewalks adjacent
to neighborhood areas.
Strategy Recommend that the City's Parks & Recreation
Department study present neighborhood parks to
determine the construction of adjacent residential
bicycle paths and sidewalks.
DAY ACCESS DEVELOPMENT
Goal I. To develop the City of La Porte's bay front area.
Objective 1. Acquire available vacant bay front property for
future development.
Strategy Request that the City Council appoint a private
Economic Development Board, comprised of local
investors, to study and promote positive economic
growth for the bay front area. The proposed Board,
working in conjunction with city administrators and
the city's Planning and Zoning Commission, will be
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responsible for establishing property negotiations
with Harris County for the acquisition of Sylvan
Beach Park and the Sylvan Beach Pavilion, and other
items relating to the development of the bay area.
objective 2. Promote private development of La Porte's bay front
properties.
Strategy Request that the City's Planning and Zoning
Commission conduct the following activities:
- identify water front properties desirable for,
but not limited to the development of: marina,
water sports complex, full service conference
hotel, and restaurants and offices;
- ensure residential access to the bay front
through zoning controls, including, but not
limited to: single family low density
residential and high density residential;
- review present zoning and development ordinances
and La Porte planning documents, to insure that
appropriate zoning and development restrictions
are in place to facilitated target development
goals;
- inventory current vacant land available for
development, and land available for future
development and/or redevelopment and
- formulate and adopt an action plan which acquires
and constructs necessary roads and utilities
along the bay front area.
objective 3. Ensure that the La Porte Bay front area, both public
and private, is environmentally sound.
Strategy To ensure that all environmental protection
regulations are enforced, it is recommended that the
city's Community Development Department establish
strong communications lines with state and federal
agencies having jurisdiction over Galveston Bay and
La Porte estuaries.
Goal II. Promote public access to the La Porte bay front
area.
objective 1. Develop an action plan which publicizes public
access to the La Porte bay front.
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Strategy Through a joint venture project, it is recommended
• that the City of La Porte and the La Porte -
Bayshore Chamber of Commerce develop a plan which
promotes the La Porte Sylvan Beach Convention
facility. This can be done by conducting a marketing
study which identifies the facility's regional
market area. The study should examine the following
areas: determine the need for public bay front park
land, inventory existing land available for public
park land, and identify the economic feasibility of
rebuilding a beach along portions of the bay front
area.
EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Goal To ensure the availability of quality educational
programs for the La Porte community.
Objective 1. Establish a community education advisory
committee.
Strategy Recommend that the city council appoint a community
education advisory committee, made up of interested
community members. The purpose of this committee
will be to address local educational and
legislative issues relating to education. The role
of this committee would be advisory in nature, and
shall not act as a representative of any
organization and shall not endorse any political
candidates.
Objective 2. Improve the city's public library system and create
a community education museum.
Strategy Recommend that a joint study of the library facility
be conducted by the city and county and an expansion
program planned. This expansion should include a
"community education museum" facility to stimulate
the desire to learn and promote the use of the
library as a resource.
Objective 3. Establish a quality educational program for adults.
Strategy Recommend that a needs assessment of adult education
be conducted by the community education advisory
committee with close liaison of area business and
industry to determine the relevance of these needs.
A special emphasis should be placed on interfacing
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MARCH
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3rd Wednesday each month
11:45 am
C - Ladies Civic Club
1
2
3
4
2-.
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C,G
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7
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F
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SEABREEZE
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A
F H K
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COMMITTEE
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VOTING
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MEETING
BEGINS
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B,C
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20
21
22
23
24
25
CITY
SYLVAN
COUNCIL
F
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BEACH
MEETING
F
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DAY
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27
28
29
30
31
TOWN
F
MEETING
E
C
30
1995
APRIL
S
M
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F
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3rd Wednesday each month
11:45 am
C - Ladies Civic Club
Each Wednesday
1200 noon
D - Lions Club
Being Revised
2-.
3
4
5
6
7
8
G - Bay Colony
1st Wednesday each month
F
C, G
E
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
7:30 pm
A
F, H,K,L
C
E,J
2nd Tuesday each month
7:00 pm
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
ABSENTEE
VOTING
BEGINS
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C
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23
24
25
26
27
28
29
SYLVAN
F
C
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BEACH
DAY
30
Organization
Meeting Day
Meeting Time
A - AARP
2nd Monday each month
10:30 am
B - Chamber of Commerce
3rd Wednesday each month
11:45 am
C - Ladies Civic Club
Each Wednesday
1200 noon
D - Lions Club
Being Revised
Being revised
E - Noon Optimists Club
Each Thursday
1200 noon
F - Rotary
Each Tuesday
1200 noon
G - Bay Colony
1st Wednesday each month
7:30 pm
H - Bay Point TOA
1st Tuesday after the
10th each month
7:30 pm
I - Bayshore Condo Assoc.
Varies
Varies
J - Brookglen Assoc.
2nd Thursday ench month
7:30 pm
K - Fairmont Park Central
2nd Tuesday each month
7:00 pm
L - Fairmont Park East
2nd Tuesday each month
7:00 pm
M - Fairmont Park West
N - North Side Home Owners Varies
0 - Shady River Civic Assoc.
MAY
Location
Community Church
Houston Yacht Club
Las Hadas
Las Hadas
St. John'sEpiscopal Church
Shoreacres City Hall
Bay Point Clubhouse
Recreation Center
Fairmont Park Baptist Church
Rotate among homes
Z' :..
: F
S
4
E
5
1
2
ABSENTEE
VOTING
ENDS
F
3
C r
13.
8
9
10
14- :
15
16
17
21:;
22
23
24
28.
29
30
31
Location
Community Church
Houston Yacht Club
Las Hadas
Las Hadas
St. John'sEpiscopal Church
Shoreacres City Hall
Bay Point Clubhouse
Recreation Center
Fairmont Park Baptist Church
Rotate among homes
Z' :..
: F
S
4
E
5
6.
ELECTION.
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13.
18
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CITY OF LA PORTE
FINANCIAL CONDITION DISCUSSION
• MARCH 1995
The measurement of financial condition for a municipality is different than that of a for-profit business.
A for-profit business is created to return a profit to its investors and is measured by the amount of money
it makes. A municipality is created to provide services to its citizens and is measured by the quantity and
quality of the services it delivers. A municipality measures its financial condition in several different
ways, some of which are presented below.
BOND OR CREDIT RATING
The bond or credit rating is a financial measurement indicator that is provided by Moody's Investor
Service and Standard & Poor's corporation. It is determined by analysts at each firm after a review of
the financial statements and other factors of the municipality. The rating is used by investors who
purchase and trade the outstanding bonds of the municipality. The City currently has an "A" rating from
Moody's Investor Service and an "A+" from Standard & Poor's Corporation on its general obligation
bond issues.
STABILITY OF TAx RATE
The stability of the tax rate of a municipality is an indicator of their ability to manage revenue inflows
and provide services within established limits. A municipality that can continue to provide quality level
of services and provide new services, without having major variations in their tax rates, demonstrates
their ability to adequately manage their resources. The current tax rate for the City of La Porte is the
sixth year it has remained at 71 cents per $100 of assessed valuation.
DEIYr RATIO
The ratio of debt requirements to operation requirements provides a measurement of the fiscal
responsibility of the municipality. The industry standard is that the percentage of the annual tax rate that
is used to service debt should not exceed 40% of the tax rate and that a city in good financial condition
will achieve a 25% debt ratio. La Porte has taken a conservative position on its issuance of bonded debt.
The current tax rate is 71 cents per $100 dollar valuation and 16 cents of that rate is for the retirement
of debt. This means that 22.5% of its taxes are used to service debt and 77.5% is used for operations.
The table at the right compares the City debt
Percent of Tax Rate
ratio with that of local area cities. As you can
City
used to Service Debt
see, La Porte has achieved one of the lowest
debt ratios in our area.
Bellaire
19.6%
La Porte
22.5%
The City has been very attentive in addressing
Deer Park
24.3%
its debt. It was just eight years ago that the
Rosenburg
25.6%
debt ratio for the City was 47.8%. It was
Missouri City
27.4%
through hard work and proper planning that
Alvin
29.2%
this ratio was brought to a comfortable level.
Seabrook
32.4%
Baytown
37.2%
The current long range debt plan for the City
Pearland
37.2%
shows the longest maturity of existing debt to
West University
40.1%
be 10 years. A cash flow analysis for the next
Sugar Land
47.5%
six years shows no change in the debt tax rate.
Pasadena
56.4%
0
FUNDS AVAILABLE AT END OF YEAR
O The amount of funds available at the end of the year is a good indicator of a municipality's ability to
manage its funds. If a city does not properly manage its funds, and does not properly plan its expenses,
it will end the year with a balance that is insufficient to continue normal operations, which forces it to
borrow funds just to cover operating expenses.
In January of 1992, the City adopted a financial management plan that addressed the amount of funds that
need to be maintained at the end of the year. The amount selected by the City Council was 90 to 120
days of operating expenses. What this means is that the fund balance at the end of the fiscal year should
be in a range that provides between 90 to 120 days of operating expenses. This number was chosen for
two reasons.
First, the largest single revenue source for the City is the collection of ad valorem taxes. These taxes
are not due to the City until January 31. The City's fiscal year begins in October, therefore, the largest
revenue source for the City is not due until four months of budget expenses have passed. During this
four month period, operations must continue. The maintenance of this fund balance allows the City to
continue its operations without having to issue Tax Anticipation Notes. The graph below shows the
cumulative percentage of revenue collected in fiscal year 1994.
100
80
60
40
20
0
GENERAL FUND REVENUE COLLECTIONS
PERCENTAGE COLLECTED9 BY MONTH
CUMULATIVE PERCENT
OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP
MONTH
---PERCENT COLLECTED
The second reason for the selection of 90 to 120 days of operating expenses as the target for the City's
year end balance is for emergency purposes. Because of the City's proximity to the Gulf, we are
susceptible to a hurricane at any time. While other Texas cities are prone to natural disasters, such as
hurricanes and fire, their disasters are normally localized in a certain segment of their town. Those of
us on the Gulf Coast can experience wide spread damage to our City that can take large amounts of
financial capital to correct.
As of September 30, 1994, the City of La Porte's Fund Balance was equal to 141 days of operating
expenses. That balance was reduced to 92 days of operations after the payment for the hazardous waste
settlement. The fund balance is budgeted to increase by 11 days, to 103 days, by September 30, 1995.
............�.w ...--- ........................ ...........
..............
........................
L..........
................._................___................................. ............................................._...... .....
f
1
...........................
................
.
.............................................................................................................................................
i
i
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i
............. ...............
......I....................................................
............... ................................... .......................................... ...........................
OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP
MONTH
---PERCENT COLLECTED
The second reason for the selection of 90 to 120 days of operating expenses as the target for the City's
year end balance is for emergency purposes. Because of the City's proximity to the Gulf, we are
susceptible to a hurricane at any time. While other Texas cities are prone to natural disasters, such as
hurricanes and fire, their disasters are normally localized in a certain segment of their town. Those of
us on the Gulf Coast can experience wide spread damage to our City that can take large amounts of
financial capital to correct.
As of September 30, 1994, the City of La Porte's Fund Balance was equal to 141 days of operating
expenses. That balance was reduced to 92 days of operations after the payment for the hazardous waste
settlement. The fund balance is budgeted to increase by 11 days, to 103 days, by September 30, 1995.
TAx RATE
. While it appears the comparison of two cities by their tax rates appears to be the easiest and simplest
method of determining their financial strength, just the opposite is true. There are several different
factors that also must be taken into consideration. A sample of the factors include exemptions allowed
residents, the condition of their infrastructure (streets, buildings) and the level of services they provide.
The table below compares the tax rates of La Porte with three sister cities located along the ship channel.
In looking at the gross tax rates for the four cities, Pasadena has the lowest tax. However, if I was
thinking of buying a home in the area and chose Pasadena because they had the lowest gross tax rate, I
would actually be choosing the city that taxes its residents the most. That is because Pasadena does not
provide its residents with a homestead exemption. The other three cities do. All four cities offer their
senior citizens an exemption, just at different levels. The table and the graph below show La Porte ranks
third in their gross tax rate, are second in the amount a residential homeowner will pay and are first, or
lowest, in what a senior citizen will pay.
DOLLARS
700
500
400
300
200
100
� I
PROPERTY TAX COMPARISON
BETWEEN SISTER CITIES
NO EXEMPTIONS HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION OVER 65 EXEMPTION
TAXES ON AN $85,000 1100E
I A PURI F R1i TOWNDI-FH PARI :-J PA�,A6�I Nf
La Porte
Baytown
Deer Park
Pasadena
Gross Tax Rate
.71
.73703
.68
.6475
Gross Taxes on $85,000
$603.50
$626.48
$578.00
$550.38
Homestead Exemption
20%
20%
20%
None
Net Tax Rate
.568
.5896
.544
.6475
Taxes on $85,000 with Homestead
$482.80
$501.18
$462.40
$550.38
Senior Citizen Exemption
$60,000
$50,000
$45,000
$20,000
Taxes on $85,000 with Senior
$ 56.80
$132.67
$156.40
$420.88
In looking at the gross tax rates for the four cities, Pasadena has the lowest tax. However, if I was
thinking of buying a home in the area and chose Pasadena because they had the lowest gross tax rate, I
would actually be choosing the city that taxes its residents the most. That is because Pasadena does not
provide its residents with a homestead exemption. The other three cities do. All four cities offer their
senior citizens an exemption, just at different levels. The table and the graph below show La Porte ranks
third in their gross tax rate, are second in the amount a residential homeowner will pay and are first, or
lowest, in what a senior citizen will pay.
DOLLARS
700
500
400
300
200
100
� I
PROPERTY TAX COMPARISON
BETWEEN SISTER CITIES
NO EXEMPTIONS HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION OVER 65 EXEMPTION
TAXES ON AN $85,000 1100E
I A PURI F R1i TOWNDI-FH PARI :-J PA�,A6�I Nf
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3.105 ACRE TRACT
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BAYS�-iGRE PARK S"J51.D. 101 Pg 22 , 11-41.C. R.
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J0;-'NSON HUNTER SUR. A - 35
LA RCRTE HApR1,S CCS., TEXA S
gip, 11DATE SC1,LE
DEC. 5, 1986 i 3G''
H. CARLOS SIBRIURNITH
a DPAWN - ENGINEERS AND SURVEYORS, INC. � Boa NO.
r r :�rrcc, ave• ,say*" /'�,2 —_
PC
:r,_ '. —.J'• ;✓� .. r— L— i w✓. tea..– j Y ` — r
Pot�el�t�ial L1��ro�ela�ent�s
IElavis+iolled
Parking Lot. An on-site parking lot
will be built and no street parking will
be allowed.
* Restroom Facilities.
Repair/Enlarge Pier and Install a
Boardwalk. To make it accessible to
all citizens of La Porte (i.e. A.D.A.).
Cemetery. Preserve and enhance
cemetery for historical purposes.
Walking and Jogging Trail. Park
benches and exer-stations could be
installed adjacent to the trail.
Picnic Pavilion. With a built-in
barbecue pit to entice family gatherings.
Water -related Recreational Programs.
Fewer than 10% of the youth in 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.
The above projects are potential ideas for
development of this site and would be
considered by the Citizen Advisory
Committee.
P�ot�ellt�ial S`liITPl.a_
1) 3.105 Acres of Land
2) 498' of Bayfront Footage
3) 250' Fishing Pier
4) Adjoins Deer Creek Bayou
5) Cemetery to be Preserved
6) Located on Bayshore Drive
Please remember these facts when you
cast your vote.
Vote "Yes" if you are in favor of the
park land purchase; Vote "No" if you
oppose the park land purchase.
Absentee Voting begins on April 17 and
Flection Day is May 6.
City of La Porte
P. O. Box 1115
La Porte, Texas 77572-1115
713/471-5020
Rat e e
e
P
IT11 ATs
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 9471994 in
August 1994.
In January 1995, the City Council was
presented with a petition from a group of
•citizens. We believe the petition they
circulated was misleading, because it
strongly implied and inferred that the
acquisition of this property for La Porte
residents as a family park "is not for the
public good," that the City "does not need
and cannot provide for the operation of the
additional beach front park land," and that
the property "will represent a further
economic burden to the City and may well
result in a tax increase."
0
This property acquisition:
WILL NOT necessitate a tax increase -
�� monies have been set aside to purchase
the land as a part of the normal
i' budgeting process.
MINIMUM t►s ofThis ' urchase
Establishes City -owned park property on
the Bayfront which can be used for
water -related activities for present and
future generations.
Fulfills the goals of the City's
Comprehensive Plan and the Visions '89
Goals Report.
Allows the City of La Porte to make
decisions regarding the recreational
future for Bayfront park property
located in the City.
Relieves the overcrowding that occurs at
Sylvan Beach Park by providing a
reserved site for La Porte citizens.
Provides a family park atmosphere to
enjoy one of the City's greatest assets -
Galveston Bay.
WILL NOT impact the City's financial
condition nor will it represent a further
economic burden to the City or to the
taxpayers.
WILL NOT alter the City's Bond or
Credit Rating.
IS a sound and sensible business
decision and investment in La Porte's
future.
PROVIDES a park on the Bayfront
which is owned by the City of La Porte,
not Harris County.
I>r�ityial Pl,a>r�s for
DeVelopr�ne�at
Year 1 - remove existing buildings and
secure the property; begin normal park
maintenance activities.
Year 2 - establish a Citizen Review
Committee to develop Park Master Plan.
ad, h?, Qahalz
Parking Lot. An on-site parking lot
will be built and no street parking will
be allowed.
* Restroom Facilities.
Repair/Enlarge Pier and Install a
Boardwalk. To make it accessible to
all citizens of La Porte (i.e. A.D.A.).
Cemetery. Preserve and enhance
cemetery for historical purposes.
Walking and Jogging Trail. Park
benches and exer-stations could be
installed adjacent to the trail.
Picnic Pavilion. With a built-in
barbecue pit to entice family gatherings.
Water -related Recreational Program .
Fewer than 10% of the youth in 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.
The above projects are potential ideas for
development of this site and would be
considered by the Citizen Advisory
Committee.
, ululbd EMT!) Aim
1) 3.105 Acres of Land
2) 498' of Bayfront Footage
3) 250' Fishing Pier
4) Adjoins Deer Creek Bayou
5) Cemetery to be Preserved
6) Located on Bayshore Drive
Please remember these facts when you
cast your vote.
Vote "Yes" if you are in favor of the
park land purchase; Vote "No" if you
oppose the park land purchase.
Absentee Voting begins on April 17 and
Election Day is May E.
City of La Porte
P. O. Box 1115
La Porte, Texas 77572-1115
7131471-5020
Purc � ase
ofthe
S,eabr �e�z�e Propert ;
•
In 1989, the Visions '89 Committee
identified, the need for the City to obtain
Bayfront property toinsure, 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
laity 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.
In January 1995, the City Council was
presented with a petition from a group of
itizens. We believe the petition they
circulated was misleading, because it
strongly implied and inferred that the
acquisition of this property for La Porte
residents as a family park "is not for the
public good," that the City "does not need
and cannot provide for the operation of the
additional beach front park land," and that
the property "will represent a further
economic burden to the City and may well
result in a tax increase."
V
enefitt►. ofTk ' IMF
Establishes City -owned park property on
the Bayfront which can be used for
water -related activities for present and
future generations.
Fulfills the goals of the City's
Comprehensive Plan and the Visions '89
Goals Report.
Allows the City of La Porte to make
decisions regarding the recreational
future for Bayfront park property
located in the City.
Relieves the overcrowding that occurs at
Sylvan Beach Park by providing a
reserved site for La Porte citizens.
Provides a family park atmosphere to
enjoy one of the City's greatest assets -
Galveston Bay.
This property acquisition:.
WELL NOT necessitate a tax increase -
monies have been set aside to purchase
the land as a part of the normal
budgeting process.
WELL NOT impact the City's financial
condition nor will it represent a further
economic burden to the City or to the
taxpayers.
WELL NOT alter the City's Bond or
Credit Rating.
IS a sound and sensible business
decision and investment in La Porte's
future.
PROVIDES a park on the Bayfront
which is owned by the City of La Porte,
not Harris County.
I � itia Plans or
IDe�elop � � ent
Year 1 - remove existing buildings and
secure the property; begin normal park
maintenance activities.
Year 2 - establish a Citizen Review
Committee to develop Park Master Plan.
0
VOLUNTEERS FOR SEABREEZE MEETING
•
Mary Osmond Don Paschal
1038 Oakleaf 811 S. 3rd
La Porte TX 77571 La Porte TX 77571
Shady River
471-8371 471-1345
Rene Toman
Brenda Harper
809 Willow Creek DR
622 S. Utah
La Porte TX 77571
La Porte TX 77571
Creekmont
471-4226
471-5536
Dennis Dunham
Bill White
816 S. 1st
10331 Collingswood
La Porte TX 77571
La Porte TX 77571
471-4892
Fairmont Park Central
471-2867
Betty Stoumbaugh
10114 Willmont
Larry and Suzanne Allen
La Porte TX 77571
5025 Crestway
La Porte TX 77571
471-7174
Glen Meadows
471-4696
Diwanna Zapalac
10330 Catlett LN
Barry Beasley
La Porte TX 77571
10826 Birch
Fairmont Park
La Porte TX 77571
471-0098
Fairmont Park East
470-8990
John W. Willis
1122 Willow Creek
Rob Roy
La Porte TX 77571
609 Canyon Springs
Creekmont
La Porte TX 77571
471-8755
Creekmont
470-7933
Neil E. Woodard
925 Myrtle Creek
Lisa Honeycutt
La Porte TX 77571
630 N. 13th ST
Creekmont
La Porte TX 77571
470-2777
470-2605
Theresa Garvin
Marcy Zuckero
10431 Rocky Hollow
2209 Shirley
La Porte TX 77571
La Porte TX 77571
470-8304
470-1412
Flo Schelling
Debbie Yancey
207 Garfield
305 S. Blackwell
La Porte TX 77571
La Porte TX 77571
471-3301
471-9087
Lou Lawler
Jim Hodges
1400 N. 10th
806 Patty LN
La Porte TX 77571
La Porte TX 77571
471-0129
470-8298
Les Bird
Joyce Bell
10828 Birch
5101 Meadow Place DR
La Porte TX 77571
La Porte TX 77571
471-7373
471-8908
Spero Pomonis
Jackie Torres
218 Bay Colony Circle
5101 Meadow Place DR
La Porte TX 77571
La Porte TX 77571
471-3033
471-8908
Chester Pool
Javier Silva
1710 Alvy
3844 Redbud DR West
La Porte TX 77571
La Porte TX 77571
471-5575 or 471-7700
470-2918
Melton Wolters
Randy and Katrina Kendrick
10703 ,H,, Street
10012 Hummingbird
La Porte TX 77571
La Porte TX 77571
471-1527
471-2815
Lisa Walker
10917 Spruce DR S
La Porte TX 77571
0
Rob and Sandy Staniszewske
8822 Orchard LN
La Porte TX 77571
Brookglen
930-8878
Tim Bradley
5525 Rock Spring
La Porte TX 77571
471-7245
Barbara Lewis
246-0226
Jim Zoller
907 Hackberry
La Porte TX 77571
Shady River
471-0796
Charlcya Wheeler
3205 Bayshore DR
La Porte TX 77571
471-0692 or 471-0750
Bob Capen
807 Oak Leaf
La Porte Tx 77571
Shady River
471-1354
Paul Schaider
La Porte TX 77571
Larry Wright
1026 Oak Leaf
La Porte TX 77571
Shady River
471-3350 or 471-4400
John Zemanek
3102 Valley Brook
La Porte TX 77571
Fairmont Park
471-1426 or 471-1123