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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-06-05 Town Hall Meeting ! e e '~ STATE OF TEXAS, )( o' COUNTY OF HARRIS )( CITY OF LA PORTE )( NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN OF A TOWN HALL MEETING OF DISTRICT 4 OF , THE CITY OF LA PoRTE TO BE HELD ON THURSDA Y~ JANUARY 6111,,2005 AT 7:00 P.M~ AT EVELYN KENNEDY CMC CENTER LOCATED AT 618 SAN JACINTO, LA PORTE, TEXAS, REGARDING THE ITEMS OF BUSINESS' ACCORDING TO THE AGENDA LISTED BELOW: 7:00 P.M. - TOWN HALL MEETING 1. CALL TO ORDER BY COUNCILMEMBER DISTRICT 4 - TOMMY MOSER . 2. COUNCILMEMBER MOSER. OPENING REMARKS 3. DISCUSS VO~UNTEER GROUPS Street Light Repair (Monthly Inspection) Abandoned Houses or Buildings m Need of Repair (3-Month Inspection) Grass Mowing, ditches and alleys (Monthly Inspection) Help support the troops over seas program (Scout Tr~p 903) 4. Discuss Heavy Tr~ 5. 'D~uss Grass Mowing 6. Discuss Mosquito Control 0 7. ' Discuss Redevelopment of Main Street' 8. " Discuss Fire Protection 9. D~uss Ambul3nce Service 10. ' Discuss Police Protection ' 11. Discuss Parks I;>epartment 12. Discuss City Hall Paying Bills 13. ADJOURNMENT If during the course of the meeting covered by this agenda the Council s~ould detennine that a closed or executive meeting or session of the Council should be held or is required in relation to an item noticed in this agenda, then sUch closed or executive meeting or sessions authorized by the Open Meetings law, Chapter 551, T~as'Govemment Code; will be held by the Council at that date, hour and place given in the meeting notice or as soon after the commencement of the meeting covered by the meeting notice as the Council may conveniently meet in such closed or executive meeting or session conceming any and all subjects and for any and all purposes permitted by Sections, 551.071 through 551.076, and 551.087 of said Open Meetings law, including. but not limited to: ' ' $eCtiOn 551.071 - For the purpose of a private consultation with the COUnCIl's atton)eyon any subject or matter authorized ~~ ' Section 551.072 - For the purpose of deliberating the purchase, ~change, lease or value of real property. . Section 551.073 - For the purpose of deliberating a negotiated ~ntract for,a prospective gift or donation to the City. e e \ Section 551.074- For the purpose of deliberating the appointmen~ employmen~ evaluation, reasslgnmen~ duties, discipline or dismissal of a pubUc officer or employee or to hear complaints or charges against a pub6c officer ,or employee, unless the officer or employee requests a public hearing. Section 551.075 - for the purpose of conferring with an employee or employees of the City, only for the purpose of receiving , infonnation from the employee or employees or to ask questions of the employee or employees; provided, howe~, that no discussion of pub6c business or City policy. that affects pooRe business shall take place between the members of the City Council during the conference. ' Section 551.076 - To consider deployment or specific occasions for implementation, of security perSonnel or devices. '. I . . Seqion 551.086 ..,. To discuss. or deliberate regarding commercial or financial information that the governmental body has' , received from a busineSs prospect that the govemmentalbocly seeks to have locate, stay, or expand in or near the territory , of the governmental body and with which the governmental body is conducting economic development negotiations; or to deliberate the offer of a financial or other incentive to a business prospect described by Subdivision (1). ' THIS FACIUTY HAS DISASlUTY ACCOMMODATIONS AVAILABLE. REQUESTS FOR ACCOMMODATIONS OR INTERPRETIVE SERVICES AT MEETINGS SHOULD BE MADE 4B HOURS PRIOR TO THIS MEETING. PLEASE CONTACT CITY SECRETARY'S OFRCE AT 2B1-471. , S020 OR TOO UNE 281471.5030 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION. , Approved: '-fY/auhtiJt/. A.u:dI Malfha A. Gillett, TRMC City Secretary Posted: ':1 SIGN IN SHEET ~/ffl fFI e PI~ase sign in. . PRINT your name and address. ADDRESS NAME S:\AdmlnShare\forms\SIGN IN SHEET FOR REDISTRICflNG COMM..doc , l e e SIGN IN SHEET Pl~ase sign in. PRINT your name and address. NAME ADDRESS ?'/.r? ;).. S:\AdmlnShare\rorms'SIGN IN SHEET FOR REDlSTRlCI1NG COMM..doe e e January 25, 2005 FROM THE DESK OF TOMMY MOSER COUNCILMEMBER DISTRICT 4 To: Debra B. FeazeUe, City Manager Attached are the minutes from the Town Hall Meeting that meet with my approval. Please have your Department Directors follow up on each of the items and provide me a fmal report of actions taken by the City. Thanks for your assistance and follow up on this matter. Tommy Moser :)~ ~ e e MINUTES OF DISTRICT 4 TOWN HALL MEETING OF THE CITY OF LA PORTE January 6, 2005 1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by District 4 Councilmember Tommy Moser at 7:00 p.m. Members of City Council Present: Council members Chuck Engelken, Tommy Moser and Peter Griffiths Members of Council Absent: Louis Rigby, Mayor Porter, Barry Beasley, Mike Mosteit, Mike Clausen and Howard Ebow Members of City Executive Staff and City Emplovees Present: City Manager Debra Feazelle, Assistant City Manager John Joerns, Assistant City Manager Cynthia Alexander, City Secretary Martha Gillett and Police Chief Richard Reff Others Present: Sue Gale Mock Kooken, Charlie Underwood, Clara Clark, James Stark, Dennis Dunham, Joe Sease, Tom Campbell, Jerry Carpenter, Herman Berges, Peggy Tilley, Paul Hickenbottom, Joe Droll, Dottie Kaminski, Douglas Wilson, Tom Parker, Betty Parker, Joey Neibarger, Mary McLain, Joey Gold, Nettie Warren, David McKay, Sue Sabin, Brenda Brown, Barbara Norwine, Blanche Hallo, Karen Rigby, Willi Walker, Nazar Momin, Mary Gay, Bryant Reed, Don Rhodes, Shawn Bomarge, Cheryl Ron Froberius, Essie Candler, Bob Jackson, Frances Robb, Gordon Robb, Pete Foest, Dorothy Eckhardt, Randy Cernosek, Rita Zaborowski, David Rightmer and Sherry Rightmer, Bonnie Natole, Duane Wise, Trent Wise, Barbara Moser and Bobby Schlenk 2, Councilmember Moser Opening Remarks were as follows: Basis of Meeting - City Services The citizens' view of what the City can do The quality oflife in our City 3. Volunteer Groups were discussed, asking for one year commitment from volunteers with several duties to address: Monthly inspections are done on the street lights within the community, and called to Centerpoint, which maintains the lights. Quarterly inspections on abandoned houses or buildings in need of repair Monthly inspections of grass mowing, ditches and alleys in need Support the troops overseas program (Scout Troop 903 - Operation Troop Support) Care Packages Committee - looking for volunteers to assist in organizing the care Packages. Mrs. Jerry Clark will receive the names of family members and friends. 4. Discussion of Heavy Trash A suggestion was made to publicize ~he mulching program more, including all the benefits. . MINUTES OF DISTRICT 4 L HALL MEETING OF THE CITY OF .PORTE January 6, 2005 Page 2 Barbara Norwine of202 South Lobit of La Porte, Texas would like the rules changed regarding "we don't pick-up in the front of empty lots." At LobitlPark, for four months, some homeowners are discarding their heavy trash in front of empty lots. Ms. Norwine has called 12 times. Mary McClain of 302 South 6th Street of La Porte, Texas commented they pick up the heavy trash only on the first day, Mary would like an explanation. Ms. McClain also commented on the high weeds behind their alley. A citizen residing at 1107 East D Street, La Porte, Texas, questioned if there's a limit to how much heavy trash can be put out at a time and if there is a fine if you put out your heavy trash too early. Mr. Trevino of 1107 East P Street, La Porte, Texas discussed heavy trash. Sue Gale Mock Kooken 410 South 151 Street, La Porte, Texas also discussed the heavy trash program. Gordon Robb of5102 Creekview, La Porte, Texas, is happy with the heavy trash program. Joe Gold of 902 Gardenwalk, La Porte, Texas commented on the 5 days prior to enforcement. Sue Sabin of 11628 North D Street, La Porte, Texas questioned ifthere's a place citizens can take their heavy trash when they miss the pick-up date. There is a problem on Main Street, with the trash being placed out too early or too late. Another citizen suggested clearing the brush from his farm and the City will mulch the brush for free. The City needs to publicize their mulching program to the citizens. The two-days a week trash pick-up needs to be clarified for some of the citizens. The question was asked ifthere are fines/charges for large trash and trailer dumping. Citizens feel there should be better public notification for heavy trash pick-up and the program. Also, the question was asked if there is enforcement of the heavy trash ordinance. Another questioned where citizens can dispose of heavy trash. 5. Discussion of Grass Mowing Paul Hickenbottom of 52 1 South 3rd Street, La Porte, Texas discussed the City's grass mowing and suggested penalties be increased. Jim Harrington of 121 South Iowa, La Porte, Texas questioned if the City contracts out for mowing and to explain the process. 6. Discussion of Mosquito Control The mosquito control process was explained for the citizens. Peggy Tellez of 418 South Nugent, La Porte, Texas stated there is not enough spraying to keep the mosquitoes in control. There is water standing in the alley; alleys need to be sprayed. Dottie Kaminski of 325 South Carroll, La Porte, Texas informed they spray every Monday night, however, there is a lot of standing water. , MINUTES OF DISTRICT 4 L HALL MEETING OF THE CITY OF.PORTE January 6, 2005 Page 3 Mary McLain of 128 South 161h Street suggested having culverts citywide (to lessen health issues), and asked what the cost would be. Would this be funded by the city, county or both; and would only a certain percentage of ditches be covered. Note: the developer and buyer pay for culverts on the west side. Ron Frobenius of 1107 East E Street, La Porte, Texas is not able to mow the ditch due to the slope; the ditch is cut straight down. Barbara Norwine of202 South Lobit, La Porte, Texas claims the comer of Main and Lobit is never dry. Bobby Schlenk of 620 South 4th Street, La Porte, Texas commented that Main Street at Iowa by Rolefs cannot mow due to the ground being too wet; because the fire hydrant is leaking. Low land, ditches and trees breed mosquitoes. District 4 new areas have curbs and gutters. What is the selective criteria? 7. Discussion of Redevelopment of Main Street Frances Robb of5102 Creekview Drive, La Porte, Texas asked where Main Street is located in La Porte. Another citizen is concerned if this would be a duplicate of old Bay town. Ifso, the citizen suggests no to the revitalization program. A citizen stated there are letters not in favor ofa sixth alley behind JJ's, and it is questionable if they could get a building permit, one lot has been sold. Nazar Momin of 904 West Barbours Cut, La Porte, Texas questioned what is going to be on Main Street. A citizen suggested some painting is needed on Main Street. The question was asked what area covers Main Street. The moratorium permits and maintenance issues were discussed. Another question was asked regarding redevelopment of shops. Mrs. Brenda Brown stated that Main Street drainage is poor, with standing water in the gutters. Should we notify Police to locate speeders, if we know their location and address. Speed bumps are needed on Lobit and Nugent; can the rules be bypassed? There needs to be more patrol on State Street Side. Architecture needs to be consistent on Main Street. 2000 South 2nd Street, 400 South 1 sl Street and Virginia have slow drainage; septic sewers need to be checked. Main Street information needs to be detailed in the newspaper for the citizens. 8. Discuss Fire Protection . MINUTES OF DISTRICT 4 aN HALL MEETING OF THE CITY OF. PORTE January 6, 2005 Page 4 Dottie Kaminski suggested the City purchase more fire hydrants on Carroll Street. Dottie noted that the bridge on Park and Seabreeze; a fire truck cannot go over the bridge. Sue Gale suggested having more fire hydrants on the North and South. Tom Campbell of 122 South First Street, La Porte, Texas stated that the fire hydrants should be spaced every 400 feet. Brenda Brown of 109 & 113 South 3rd Street, La Porte, Texas suggested having bicycle patrol. Again, she noted it worked well when they were frequently in the Main Street area. 9. Discuss Ambulance Service Mary McLain was pleased with the service. Questions were asked regarding timing and rates. Jerry Carpenter of 600 Main Street, La Porte, Texas complimented the Fire Truck and questioned if the City will add more EMS and another ambulance. Mrs. Stark of218 South Carroll does not want the ambulances moved to Spencer Highway. There are other outlying areas; Bayport, other cities, etc. Also, there is a helicopter at Hobby Airport. Can there be fire and EMS at the same station. First Response was explained. 10. Discuss Police Protection Barbara Norwine stated there needs to be more attention on Main/Spencer Hwy with speeders, mainly East Main Street from noon until 4 p.m. Brenda Brown questioned what happened with the bicycle patrol; was it a drug traffic issue. Bobby Schlenk questioned what rights he has; he witnessed passing drugs. The Police Chief noted the District Attorney would have to be contacted and they mayor may not take the case. Nazar Momin questioned the comparison of crime rate in District 4 to the City's other districts. Mary McLain suggested putting crime statistics in the newspaper. Sue Gale questioned when the new Police Station will be complete. 11. Discuss Parks Department Jerry Carpenter of 931 South 3rd Street, La Porte, Texas stated that Main Street needs to be mowed. Dwayne of 700 Kansas questioned ifSeabreeze Park could be open longer with lights on the pIers. A citizen did not want Seabreeze Park open late due to the traffic and the speeding has increased. Is it cost effective to keep a full-time employee? How much per year? Some citizens are in favor of an attendant. Seabreeze Park is nice and the kids are safe there. . MINUTES OF DISTRICT 4 L HALL MEETING OF TIlE CITY OF .PORTE January 6, 200S Page 5 12. Discussion of City Hall There was a comment that it takes "an act of Congress" to get a permit, approximately 2 Y2 months. J. Nolen noted he had a problem with his inspection. Another comment from a citizen was that they were "getting the run around" - phone calls were not being returned and not being helpful with filling out paperwork. There was a report of no permits, informed they were already done and nothing can be done. A long time resident is overall pleased with Inspections. Karen Rigby of301 South 2nd Street had trouble with permits; not enough room, too many rules, and too much of property owner's property not being able to be utilized due to all the rules.. Citizen at 912 Oak Grove complimented Inspections being above expectations, always helpful. Mary thanked the City for this Town Hall Meeting. Bobby Schlenk stated that there is a lot of construction on Main Street, but it is not causing problems. Peggy Tellez was born and raised in La Porte and is very pleased with the City. The question was asked why there's a Sports Bar on Spencer Highway. Nettie Warren of212 North 3rd Street has ups and downs with the City. Obtaining a tax lien has been a problem. Nettie has been discussing the issue with Kathy Powell who's doing their best in attempting to receive the proper information. Questions & Answers Councilmember Moser asked the citizens if they had any concerns or suggestions regarding water supply, there were none. Mr. Moser asked the citizens how we can help improve La Porte? Barbara Norwine commented she has a lot of problems with Public Works; she leaves messages for the supervisor and she does not receive a call from them. Barbara does not feel they are public friendly and they give her the run around. The alley at 222 Blackwell is taking to long to be repaired, causing drainage problems, has not been fixed for a year. The street at 121 South Lobit was not repaired correctly; the edge of the road to the driveways is not smooth. Jerry Carpenter of 606 West Main Street, La Porte, Texas commented that Senior citizens need more tax breaks on their taxes. Herman Berges of602 East F Street, La Porte, Texas stated there's a traffic problem at San Jacinto and Broadway with kids after school; could the road be widened. There was a question regarding the status of the Garfield Apartments. Dennis Dunham of 816 South 1 SI Street, La Porte, Texas votes no for the Garfield Apartments. He commented on the sales tax out of District 4 versus the rest of the City. He noted communications needs to be improved. There was one complaint regarding the status of the overpass for the railroad tracks on Fairmont Parkway. MINUTES OF DISTRICT 4 aN HALL MEETING OF THE CITY OF.PORTE January 6, 2005 Page 6 Nazar Momin remembers this as the best meeting in District 4 in 42 years; he suggests having a quarterly meeting. Nazar has worked with the City Manager, whom is always very responsive. Mary McLain agrees with Dennis Dunham on his issues. There was a question regarding the scooter update. A comment was made that the City needs more recreation. Centerpoint is who we contact for streetlight outage, the phone number is on the light pole. There is a map on streetlights at City Hall. A schedule for the street sweeper should be once a month for the entire City; if cars are moved the curb area would be accessible to clean. 13. There being no further business, meeting was duly adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Respectfully ~ubm~t',d,.. /11- -4)? d!:dd/flU:t7 Martha Gillett, TRMC City Secretary '1 .fA Passed and approved on this~OOay of January 2005, <~ose<~ City Council - District 4 e e .L II' II II II _0.. . II II II II II II II lIDJ@l!~ ~._,I~ ~(IDJR mllim~ ~ ~\I1J1 ~ I WA ~Il~~ ~l~lli~TJ] I~~]~J~TIJ~I~ @]ili~OC~ l~illJf~~~ CounciImember Tommy Moser has requested a Town Hall Meeting for District 4 Residents. Come share your ideas on how to improve our great city. e e OPERATION TROOP SUPPORT 1. Committee 2. Set up drop locations 3. Open up Bank Accounts 4. Prepare signs & other promotional materials - volunteers needed to print. 5. Organize collection & mailing process 6. Boxes 12 x 6 or 8 x 13 7. Meet 2 nights a month to wrap boxes! 8. 10-15 people but anyone interested is welcome. 9. Room to wrap & keep donations stored. 10. 18 gallon Tupperware Tubs to store donations in. 11. If you have a La Porte soldier serving in Iraq please send the soldier's name, rank, mailing address, branch of service, commanding officer and country of deployment to: If you would like to be part of the operation please sign up in the back.