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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-11-03 Town Hall Meeting ~ .tf e e AGENDA TOWN MEETING Part One Future of La Porte March ii, 2003 6:00 p.m. City Hall Council Chambers 1, Welcome and Introductions - Bruce Meismer 2. Overview of proceedings, proposed plan and course of action - Bruce Meismer 3. Brief Discussion of the Master Planning by the city - All 4. Talking Points for controlling the future direction and growth of La Porte. A. The City's Commitment to Growth and Development - Debra Feazelle B. Infrastructure Planning. John Joerns C. Planning & Zoning - Betty Waters D. Local Sales Tax Revenues - Cynthia Alexander E. Green Space Issues - Stephen Barr F. Economic Development. Bonnie Natole G. Beautification Efforts - Martha Gillett H. Local Tourism - To be announced at meeting I. Healthcarel Hospital or Trauma Center - Chuck Engelken J. Ideas for Larger Development Related to Regional Efforts. Bruce Meismer K. Who should be involved and the need for a combined effort - Colleen Hicks 5. Audience participation and questions 6. Planned next step discussion 7. Set next meeting date, if desired 8, Adjoum Town Hall Meeting called by Councilman Bruce Meismer, District 6 There may be a possible quorum of City Council present at this meeting and may participate in discussions at this meeting, however, they will not vote on matters. TIDS FACILITY HAS DISABILITY ACCOMMODATIONS AVAILABLE. REQUESTS FOR ACCOMMODATIONS OR INTERPRETIVE SERVICES AT MEETINGS SHOULD BE MADE 48 HOURS PRIOR TO THIS MEETING. PLEASE CONTACT CITY SECRETARY'S OFFICE AT 281-471-5020 OR TDD LINE 281-471-5030 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION. e e MINUTES OF THE TOWN MEETING OF THE CITY OF LA PORTE MARCH 11, 2003 Members of City Council Present: Mayor Norman Malone, Councilmembers Chuck Engelken, Bruce Meismer, Charlie Young and James Warren Members of City Staff Present: City Secretary Martha Gillett, Director of Public Works Steve Gillett, City Manager Debra Feazelle, Police Chief Richard Reff, Parks and Recreation Director Stephen Barr, Administrative Assistant to the City Manager Crystal Scott, Assistant City Secretary Sharon Harris, Assistant City Attorney Clark Askins, Assistant City Manager John Joerns, Director of Planning Doug Kneupper, Director of Finance Cynthia Alexander and Assistant Director of Finance Michael Dolby Citizens Present: Sue Gale Mock Kooken, Dr. Charles Hilborn, Betty Waters, Dottie Kaminski, A. J. France, Kim Meismer, Colleen Hicks, Norman Cook, Leon Waters, Dr. P. J. Mock, Pat Mock, Dr. Molly Helmlinger, Paul Pieri, Al Ward, Gordon Westergren, Jesse Garcia, J. B. Williamson, Tyler Swenson, Marco Mejia, Bonnie Natole, John Lair and Lisa Cook Councilmember Bruce Meismer addressed the public, stating he called a town meeting for the purpose of discussing items that are important to the City, as we move forward (economic development, diversity and things of that nature). The meeting was informal, with Mr. Meismer serving as Chair. He welcomed audience participation in a round-table discussion atmosphere. Mr. Meismer laid down basic rules for the conduct of the meeting, asking that participants identify themselves before speaking and limit their time to two (2) minutes. The intent of the meeting was to see if there is enough interest in moving some of the ideas forward. This may be accomplished with additional meetings, but this meeting is just an opportunity to commence a dialog on the subject. The City Staffhas done quite a bit of work in setting a plan in place on certain issues. In the 1984 plan, certain things were pointed out that are still important today. Number one on the survey was recreational facilities, another was City beautification, and air pollution was another point, as well as City services, traffic noise, and employment. Mr. Meismer read Section 3.1 of the Master Plan, dealing with economic growth; stating if La Porte took no action, the City would become more of a bedroom community, with most industry located at Bayport or the extraterritorial jurisdictions to the north. This would have an adverse effect and impact over all revenues for the City and the capability of the City to provide services for its citizenry. This was brought up as a starting point for a topic of conversation. City staff has done a good job putting into place certain things to foster growth, but there is not enough long range planning. We need to look down the road 10 or 15 years, like staffhas done in regard to water rights and securing landfill waste areas. The discussion was opened by asking the following: Are these studies effective tools? Are we aggressively using the information contained in these documents to facilitate change for the cost we expend on those documents? Mr. Meismer feels we are not . e Minutes of the Town Meeting - March 11, 2003 - Page 2 doing a good job on that. Mr. Meismer questioned if the group feels we are doing enough in utilizing those items, previously discussed, to the maximum advantage at this point in time. Stephen Barr feels we are moving in the right direction. We may not be doing everything that needs to be done, but we are taking steps. He is in favor of incremental change more than sweeping changes, because those things that you do to change, you can look back and see what has been done before doing anything else. John Joerns commented that, two things are missing: a promotional or unifying strategy for all the various major players in the community, and diversification of our economy. Betty Waters touted the City's Comprehensive Plan, saying that the Planning and Zoning Commission never makes a decision without referring to the Plan in some way. It is a plan created by the citizens of La Porte, and adopted by the Council. It is a "breathing" document and is well used. City Manager Debra Feazelle believes we have some opportunities in the area of economic development. We could be more aggressive in the pursuit of grants. We could monopolize on our geography and the amenities we have in the community, and build on them with partnerships. Colleen Hicks felt that rather than dwell on the past, there are opportunities to look to the future and go forward in a very positive manner. Cynthia Alexander stated we should take advantage of the opportunities available to us now, plan appropriately for the future and use those people who are available to us. Everybody should work together. Ms. Feazelle stated that teamwork is most important. La Porte, Shoreacres and Morgan's Point should try to unite as one community instead of trying to be separate, and she feels we'll grow with that. The consensus was to look forward, plan for the future, learn from lessons of the past, utilizing tools that were built in the past, move ourselves forward with some progressiveness. Mr. Meismer introduced the first speaker, City Manager Debra Feazelle, whose topic was the City's Commitment to Growth and Development. Slides were shown as Ms. Feazelle explained what the City has in place and opportunities that are available. Already in place are Industrial District Agreements; inter-city tax incentive program for projects over $21,000,000; Freeport tax exemption; tax increment reinvestment zone; tax increment financing with State and school district participation; hotel/motel tax. Potential programs are: 4A and 4B economic development bill; job creation incentives; work force development; amended Industrial District Agreements for smaller companies; residential tax abatements. Each item has specific details that can be explained if the need arises in the future. There are relocation incentives for companies to relocate to our City, preferably from another state; public improvement districts; neighborhood empowerment zone; enterprise zones; state surface transportation program; grants and loans for economic development are available, such as Community Development Block tit e Minutes of the Town Meeting - March 11, 2003 - Page 3 Grants; tax increment financing; municipal management district; Main Street programs; some Federal programs are available, but the Economic Development Administration has a grant match for Public Works if approved, specifically for infrastructure projects. However, the City needs to have its funding before applying. Lastly, there are foreign trade zones, which are also a Federal program. Mr. Meismer introduced Assistant City Manager John Joerns, who spoke on infrastructure planning, past, present and future. He presented an overview ofthe City's positioning to put itself in a position where we can promote, obtain and accommodate future growth in La Porte. Topics covered were potable water system, wastewater treatment system, watershed planning and development, thoroughfare planning and development, solid waste disposal and the Tax Incentive Reinvestment Zone. He announced that the City of La Porte has received a rating of Superior Water System, which is the highest rating you can achieve in the State of Texas. Mr. Joerns presented graphs on each topic, and explained what each meant. Elevated storage capacity showed that there is enough capacity, if growth holds to two percent each year, to last to the year 2020. Water use projections show that, with the increased capacity purchased from the Ellington plant, and with a growth of five percent, which would include business growth, the water supply is good to the year 2032 and beyond. Wastewater Treatment System - Gulf Coast Waste Disposal is still handling part of the waste. The contract was re-negotiated several ye"ars ago, at a very favorable rate, for the City. It allows the City to take sewage from the southern portion of the City, ship it and treat it at a very inexpensive rate. The service area was increased from McCabe Road to Wharton Weems Boulevard. A combined service area takes us to the southern city limits. Allowable flows from Gulf Coast increased from 100,000 gallons a day to a half million gallons a day, at a cost of $.20 per thousand gallons treated. If the half million gallons a day is exceeded, there is a surcharge on the $.20 per thousand gallons treated. The term of the contract is 40 years. Little Cedar Bayou Wastewater Treatment Plant will be improved, thanks to a recent bond election. The improvements will provide treatment capacity for 7.5 million gallons per day based on present regulatory guidelines. We also participate in oversizing projects for development in the city. According to current regulatory guidelines, we should be good until 2038. Watershed Planning Development - The longest commitment in terms of time and resources is the Lomax Watershed (FI01); some is completed, but the project will continue. Little Cedar Bayou Watershed - the Master Watershed Plan has been updated, by working with Harris County and Harris County Flood Control. Land is being bought between Spencer Highway and SH 146 to accommodate a proposed regional detention facility. Once this is done, areas developing between these points will not take up land for detention. There will have to be channel improvements from Sens Road to this point, and improvements to Sens Road will be made by the County. Bay Area Boulevard is being constructed and there will be a center channel down Bay Area Boulevard, and an east-west channel that will deliver flows to a system on this side of the railroad track. These channel improvements will only accommodate the existing runoff that is in place in that watershed, plus the increased amount that will come with the roadway improvements. This means there are vacant areas to develop, there will have to be further accommodation, and that would be a combination of channel improvements and downstream storage, or intercept the flows in a regional detention facility. It is hoped that future e e Minutes of the Town Meeting - March 11, 2003 - Page 4 projects will have a park-like setting. Harris County Flood Control is constructing an 80-acre detention facility in Deer Park and channel improvements in the Spenwick area. Harris County Flood Control is undertaking a massive watershed study involving the Annand Bayou system, which could have some impact in the Brookglen area. Last year the TIRZ board approved a watershed study for the areas in the tax increment zone, the findings have recently been received, and storage areas will be needed in several locations. This study is considered a draft, but should be refined and completely adopted in the next few months. The Fairmont Parkway overpass preliminary engineering plan has been received, possibly by September of 2004 they will be ready to go out for bid. In conjunction with that, Fairmont Parkway will be widened; this is a County/City project. On the Bay Area Boulevard project, the engineering is about 98 percent complete; the land acquisition is committed, but all the documents have not been signed as yet. It may be possible to begin this project by the end of the year. Harris County has authorized preliminary engineering for the Sens Road project from Spencer Highway to 225. There are several turning lane projects on Fairmont Parkway that are under design and some are almost ready to bid. The Canada Road project construction drawings are probably 100 percent completed. The City hopes to partner with the County on this project. Canada Road will pick up at Fairmont Parkway and align itself with East Boulevard all the way to State Highway 225. A major investment study has been going on for the last two years involving Highway 146. There was a public hearing and input was given involving Highway 146 from Fairmont Parkway all the way to Texas City. The State made recommendations last July for the preferred alternative. The City of Seabrook and a couple of cities around Clear Lake wanted to investigate other alternatives and hire a consulting firm to do that. Those have been sent to the State and the State is hopefully going to have another public meeting on this in April. This is probably the last public meeting, and it will display the Seabrook alternatives along with the original recommendation made by the original study. The importance is that the major investment study and the locally preferred alternative have to be approved before the State has access to Federal funds to spend on the highway. There are activities planned for the future of the City that have no definitive activity or schedule as yet. These include projects on Sixteenth Street North, negotiations with the railroad; this road will go north and intersect with Highway 146. Sixteenth Street South is part ofthe TIRZ project, financing available from tax increment zone. This would be a widening and rebuilding of 16th Street to a proposed 4-lane median street. The curve would bring it out to match up with Wharton Weems Boulevard with an overpass planned at Highway 146, offering a straight line extension to offer access to properties. South Broadway improvements could be accelerated if there are funding capabilities. Solid Waste Disposal: The City procured land for a solid waste disposal, however; disposal costs have remained competitive. Subsequent State and Federal Regulations have removed financial efficiencies from proposed operation of our own landfill and prevented the chosen location. It is more cost effective for the City not tq open a landfill. . e Minutes of the Town Meeting - March 11, 2003 - Page 5 Director of Finance Cynthia Alexander explained what the City of La Porte does with revenue. We track revenue from over 180 individual line accounts. For each dollar that the City receives, the City gets $.34 from property taxes, another $.31 comes from in-lieu taxes, charges for services in the Community are $.10, franchise fees bring in $.07, miscellaneous services bring in $.11, and sales tax generates $.07. In-lieu taxes are payments generated by companies located in TIRZ; those monies are distributed to the general fund and the debt service fund. This year we expect to receive $7.2 million of in- lieu taxes and $8.3 million in property taxes. Fees from utility companies should be $1.7 million. Charges for'services include EMS, ambulance, police, tax collection for LPISD, trash pick-up, etc. Ms. Alexander discussed sales taxes. These taxes generate 7.3% of our total general fund revenue and 4.8% of overall revenue. The City expects to collect 1.8 million dollars in this fiscal year for the general fund and $900,000 for the La Porte Development Corporation, which is commonly referred to as the Section 4B ~ Cent Sales Tax Fund. The City receives 1 % tax on taxable retail sales within the City. The higher the economic activity for businesses in the community, the higher the sales tax revenue. The current sales tax rate is 7.75%, that's 6.25% for state, 1 % for the City, Yz % for the La Porte Development Corporation. The City expects to collect $2.7 million from this revenue source during the fiscal year. It is the City's policy to remain conservative on all estimates made in regards to revenue; this helps us to avoid making major adjustments during the year. In the media, you hear of cities which are really hurting from sales tax. We analyze our historical activity and adjust accordingly. We are not as dependent on sales tax as other cities. Due to the economy, they anticipate when it will fall. As citizens, we need to utilize the businesses in our community, which in turn, benefits the community and its citizens. Director of Parks and Recreation Stephen Barr spoke of the progress since the 1984 Parks Master Plan. The park inventory has been increased by at least 50%; Little Cedar Bayou Park, the Golf Course, Northwest Park, Seabreeze Park, Brookglen Park, Bay Oaks Park, Pine Bluff and Glen Meadows Park (this park has been a real asset to the City). Our Master Plan is adjunct to the City's overall Comprehensive Plan. Two areas for the Parks Master Plan are population-based growth, 10 acres for 1000, now we are at 7 acres for 1000. The man-based growth is what we have to offer to citizens. In approving what we have, we plan to improve a park every year. San Jacinto Pool is now a tremendous asset to the community. Central Park Hockey Rink is another asset for the City. An "E" Street buffer has been built between residential and commercial properties. Another progress is to implement pedestrian/bicycle trails (this will involve a 20-year program and approximately $2 million); this will tie in all the parks and the central business district. We did obtain a grant from TXDOT for the trail system. In addition, we have received a number of grants for the Little Cedar Bayou erosion protection; a grant for the pedestrian bridge and playground at Little Cedar Bayou; a project for beautification of Highway 225; another grant we received is for the Sylvan Beach Erosion ProtectionlBeach Restoration Project. e e Minutes of the Town Meeting - March 11, 2003 - Page 6 The future development is for Driftwood Park and Spenwick Civic Club. Parks is also looking into access to Hogg Island/Atkinson's Island; this may provide some real possibilities and opportunities. Chamber Chairman Bonnie Natole states how the Chamber of Commerce is involved with the economic development of the City. They are meeting on a monthly basis. Their first goal is to create an information notebook and website for potential businesses, developers and new residents. This goal is almost completed. The attitude is for all to work together. All 3 cities are included, Shoreacres, Morgan's Point and La Porte, as one community. Ms. Natole gave a brief history of her involvement in La Porte. City Secretary Martha Gillett refers to the Comprehensive Plan from 1984 and 2000 regarding beautification for the City. The 1984 Plan stating "a beautifully landscaped, well-kept and maintained City is a source of pride for its citizens and a major attraction..." The 2000 Vision Plan stated "a City that conserves its natural resources...". Ms. Gillett'Iisted the objectives from both plans: beautification of existing thoroughfares..., development and beautification...., etc. The landscaping and buffering beautification projects have been a very positive part of the beautification for the community. An ordinance has been adopted to take care of vigil blinds or graffiti, to remove it quickly. Dangerous buildings are actively looked at and destroyed, if necessary. There are recent restrictions on stacking containers. In area Industrial District Agreements, we have added additional requirements on those for landscaping and screening. City improvements include the library, the schools, the San Jacinto Pool, the golf course, Sylvan Beach Pavilion, Main Street improvements, Highway 225 beautification project; tree donations in memory ofloved ones. Betty Waters stated the Planning and Zoning Commission serves at the will of the City Council, working closely with the Planning Department. Six members are appointed to the Commission, each appointed by the Councilmember of each district, the chairman is appointed by the Mayor and the At-Large Councilmembers, and agreed upon by the remaining members of Council. The Board serves for projects that are brought to their attention; deal with access in and out of the projects, from industrial complexes to residential districts; they look at the Parks and Recreation department and try to facilitate enhancements for them; they touch on the Public Works department; also, police, fire and ambulance service to ensure every citizen and employee has the best public protection; planning for the future of the community, attempting to make life more comfortable for citizens; attempt to plan for the upcoming 5-10 years, and amending necessary errors; preparation of a land use map showing how the land is utilized today, and how it will be used in the future. At a future meeting they will have a Public Hearing for citizens to review the maps and voice their opinions. Upon the finish of a final map, they have to be approved by Council. Councilmember Chuck Engelken-District 2 was assigned by to the Houston-Galveston Area Council (HGAC); at their last meeting, the board of directors appointed a committee to for the whole region for trauma care evaluation of a 14 county area. Mr. Engelken pointed out the need for trauma care due to the new era we live in; post 911, Tropical Storm Allison, etc. Looking at the hospitals in our area, there's a void in La Porte for a hospital, health care system. This would . e Minutes of the Town Meeting - March 11, 2003 - Page 7 draw more businesses, and more business to existing businesses, more use for professional buildings, and possible development of partnership with government agencies, individuals or organizations whom would have a vested interest for health care for the community. This will be a good opportunity for our area. Councihnember Bruce Meismer-District 6, shared with the audience thoughts and ideas of his own. Mr. Meismer would like us to think about how La Porte will move into the future and some items that need to be considered. As a community, we need to be careful of being overly dependent on industry, which may continue to decline; we should promote our City in other directions becoming more diverse. Retail stores, restaurants and a theatre could be of a benefit to us; they bring in sales tax revenue while providing services and jobs. The utilization of tax incentives and other enhancement options should be coordinated to take advantage of and focus funding for the positive growth of the community. A broad approach needs to be considered to obtain the best possible effect. We need to look at many different views of growth for the City and consider our citizens, LPISD, the Port, San Jacinto Battleground area, local businesses, transportation, Sylvan Beach, and the Main Street area. A museum to showcase the arts, local and industrial history could be part of a historic Main Street. We need to capitalize on resources afforded us by government grants and encourage various entities to get involved in the growth. The sharing of different ideas only enhances the potential for La Porte. We may also want to develop a cooperative, as a funding source, allowing every citizen opportunity to be involved and benefit from such plans. We should capitalize on hazard concerns about local industry and the Port, regarding how we would deal with a catastrophic event. These concerns could come together in providing the catalyst for our political leaders to acquire the hospital or trauma center for this area. Mr. Meismer feels the tunnel stunted our growth and confined La'Porte for many years. The Fred Hartman Bridge has opened doors for our community and we should embrace the opportunity it brings. A deep-water marina for protecting boats during bad weather could be added in its shadow; there are so many possibilities to consider. Other things we could look at are, a Hotel Convention Center at Sylvan Beach, a barrier island in front of Sylvan Beach (to protect the beach and provide a Cruise Ship docking terminal), the creation of a waterfront district, an amphitheater (possibly on the barrier island allowing it to be utilized for many things like; cruise ship staging, meetings, musical events, chapel, etc.. .). A marina could then be built between the Barrier Island and Sylvan Beach around a causeway used for transit or rail to connect the island to the shoreline, parking area, hotel, and waterfront district, Main Street, museum, restaurants and other points of interest. This would be a great asset and even incorporate a canal system and water taxi service to the San Jacinto Battleground, neighboring islands (used for eco-tourism and birding), Morgans Point, the Yacht Club, Kemah and Clear Lake. . e Minutes of the Town Meeting - March 11, 2003 - Page 8 We need to be forward-thinking; consider tying the City's planned bike/hike trails with the school district properties, taking advantage of safe route to school program. Storm plans should also be considered in the planning of the areas around Sylvan Beach. We could utilize the lower floors on the Hotel/Convention and other structures as parking only, limiting damage and down time from storms. State and federal monies are being considered for renovation of San Jacinto Monument area and we should take full advantage of the opportunities that brings. We should encourage the development of that entire area, with RV/campgrounds and additional activities. We should encourage the state to make use of all the real estate by partnering with a private company to create a theme park around this famous site. This would improve its appeal and could incorporate theatrical events to preserve and enhance the learning experience, with fun for families of all ages. It would also create more than a J -2 hour activity, which would increase the likelihood of local over-night stays and dining. The planning should incorporate various event price structures and allow the state to fund the monument and battleship as free areas of enjoyment. There are many opportunities for our community and tourism, retail sales, hotel/motel, cruise ship, food/beverage, transportation and facility use dollars will further stimulate and diversify our local economy. Colleen Hicks of the Chamber of Commerce feels we have an opportunity for the community's future. We (La Porte, Morgan's Point, Shoreacres, LPISD, San Jacinto College, Harris County, Port of Houston Authority, Southeast Economic Development-SEED, State Representative's offices, Congressman's offices, including all the clubs and organizations) need to shape the future for our youth. Audience comments were welcomed after the presentations. Suggestions: provide better views of the Fred Hartman Bridge, clean-up the eyesores, provide public transportation, recognize outdated property and modeprize it, offers of help/assistance in growth/beautification, focus on the positives. The City is ready to move forward. We need to remember to support the businesses of La Porte, and the heritage of La Porte. ' Respectfully submitted, --m1UtA~#.aa/ Martha A. Gillett, TRMC City Sec " ~- ---- Bruce Meismer, District 6 .e e SIGN IN SHEET Please sign in. PRINT your name and address. If your wish t~ speak before Council please complete the form to the right. 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