HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-19-02 OrientationVAU a - pecw n eal,
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Table of Contents
Historical Overview of La Porte ......... 1
City of La Porte's Mission Statement... 2
Organization Structure .................... 3
City Council
• Powers of City Council .............. 4
• City Council Meeting Procedures.. 5
• Executive Session ..................... 6
• Overview of City Budget ............. 7
• Organization of Funds ................ 8
• City Council Travel Procedures .... 9
• Tips for Adjusting ......................10
Staff
• Summary of Structure ............ 11
• Organization Charts ................ 12
TML Overview ........................... 13
TML-IRP Overview ..................... 14
Glossary.....................................15
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11 Historical Overview of La Porte
Incorporated on August 10, 1892, La Porte is the oldest incorporated town in Harris County. It
began as a real estate speculation by a group of Denver promoters. Included in the group were
' three brothers — A.M. York, Ed York, and J.H. York — Tom Lee, a railroad man, and I.R. Holmes, a
town builder.
1 I I.R. Holmes was instrumental in founding a number of towns in the West, including Garden City,
Kansas; Holmes, Colorado; and Greeley, Colorado. While in Houston on business, he took an
' excursion boat down Buffalo Bayou to Morgan's Point. The "Gulf Coast County" was attracting
speculators who were interested in developing the area. Among the towns that were founded
about the same time were La Porte, Alvin, Deer Park, Webster, and Seabrook. Mr. Holmes saw an
' I opportunity in the area that was to be La Porte.
He returned to Denver and interested the York brothers and Tom Lee. They purchased most of
' the land that now comprises La Porte and Morgan's Point. The investors recognized the value of
the land and Morgan's Point as a potential seaport and decided to move the town inland. They
' quickly had the land surveyed and the roads graded. The first building erected was a livery stable
where mules and equipment were kept. The workmen slept in the loft and jokingly called it the
Palace. It later became the Palace Livery Stable.
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The first lots were sold on January 1, 1892 to Mr. Emile Sereau of nearby Red Bluff. Mr. Sereau
immediately erected a mercantile store that operated in La Porte until the 1940's.
The investors' plan was to advertise in the northern newspapers to
lure excursionists to the area to visit the new town. Tom Lee
organized excursion trains that brought people down to see the
wonders of the Gulf Coast. The fare was $25 and was refunded if a lot
was purchased. To furnished the excursionists a place to stay, the
investors quickly built two huge hotels — the Artesian on Main Street,
and the Sylvan, near what was to become Sylvan Beach. One of the
visitors was Madame Martha Fontaine-Besson of London and Paris who had seen La Porte
advertised at the Chicago World's Fair. She came to La Porte, purchased land, and built a three-
story brick building. She returned to England before the building was fumished and never returned
to see it.
In 1898, a bank panic made cash very scarce and the investors fell on hard times. A Galveston
banking firm held mortgages on most of the property and foreclosed on it, including property to
which the homeowners thought they had clear title.
The town faltered until I.R. Holmes convinced a group of New York financiers to invest in it. The
' La Porte Investment Company purchased the holdings from the mortgage company and once
again began to advertise the town. One of the first things they did was move much of the town
' about one mile to the East. Lobit Street became the "main" street and many of the huge, old
buildings, including the Artesian Hotel and the Palace Livery Stable, were placed on log rollers and
pulled by mule to "New Town." The Artesian Hotel was one of the first buildings in La Porte. It
later burned completely in the disastrous 1915 fire.
In 1900 the destructive storm that engulfed Galveston also did a great deal of damage to the
' Sylvan Hotel. The Catholic Diocese of Galveston bought the building and renovated it to house St.
Mary's Seminary. The seminary graduated a number of priests who became prominent in the
area.
In about 1910, the town faltered again and the La Porte Investment Company sold out to a group
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In 1915, a fire destroyed all of the Main Street area. As the town was rebuilding from the fire, the
' fierce hurricane of 1913 again destroyed the Main Street area. Undaunted, they built again. Of the
fifteen merchants who were wiped out by the fire, only one chose not to rebuild.
' Nearby Sylvan Beach Park had always been an attraction with the famous Moonlight Specials
running from the downtown Houston Depot to Sylvan as early as 1898. The trains ran until 1930
1 when the popularity of the automobile forced them to shut down the line.
La Porte had become a resort town with the reputation of being Houston's playground. After the
destruction of Sylvan Beach by the 1941 hurricane, La Porte became a bedroom community for
workers iti the nearby industrial plants. Sylvan Beach was reopened in 1956 as a County park and
attracted a great many visitors until Hurricane Alicia destroyed the pavilion in 1983. Presently the
City of La Porte leases the pavilion from the County and has completed renovation of the building,
which has many fond memories for La Portians.
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MISSION STATEMENT
To be recognized as one of the top three municipal corporations within the
state of Texas. To strive for excellence at all levels and to perform our duties
with confidence, creativity and innovation. To maintain the trust of the
community by delivering public service programs timely and effectively. To
grow progressively with the community and to be responsible for the well
being of our employees.
PRINCIPLES
Openly communicate with each other for the benefit of the organization
as well as for ourselves.
➢ Each team member will insure that projects are successfully completed
by offering their expertise or assistance as needed.
➢ Mentor each other by providing professional development through
shared knowledge and experience.
➢ Acknowledge when a project is complete by communicating with the
other members of Executive Staff.
anill
Structure
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Structure of the Council 1 Manager
Form of Government
Voters -71
City Council
City Manager
City Departments
Parallels Between Corporate Structure
and Council 1 Manager Plan
Stockholders Voters
Elect
Board of Directors
Appoints
President
Hires
Directors of
Departments and
Support Staff
Elect
City Council
Appoints
City Manager
Hires
Directors of
Departments and
Support Staff
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11 Lincoln on Leadership
11 The president did not always take kindly to people who
were not involved in the day-to-day operations of the
'government making demands upon him or telling him how
il he should run the war effort. But, rather than harshly
turning Y awa such individuals Lincoln would ease them
out of his office with a short, appropriate anecdote. For
example, when a delegation of politicians from the West
' invaded his office making excited demands, he simply shut
them off by responding:
"Gentlemen, suppose all the property you were worth was in
gold and this you had placed in the hands of (one man) to carry
across the Niagara River on a rope. Would you shake the cable
and keep shouting at him `Stand up a little straighter, stoop a little
more, go a little faster, go a little slower, lean a little more to the
south'? No, you would hold your breath, as well as your tongue,
and keep your hands off until he got safely over. "
The Government is carrying an enormous weight. Untold
treasure is in their hands. Don't badger them. Keep silent
and we ,will get you safely across.'
1 Donald T. Phillips, Lincoln on Leadership: Executive Strategies for Tough Times, Warner Books,
Inc., New York, NY,1992, pp. 90-91
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� � Powers of
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Powers of City Council
In accordance with the City Charter (2.09 Powers of Council), all powers of the City and the
determination of all matters of policy are vested in the City Council. City Council executes the laws
and administers the City government. Without limitation of the foregoing and among the other
powers that may be exercised by Council, the City Council has the power to:
A. Adopt a City budget
B. Authorize the issuance of bonds by a bond ordinance.
C. Inquire into the conduct of any office, department, agency or officer of the City and
make investigations as to municipal affairs, and for that purpose may subpoena,
witness, administer oaths, and compel the production of books, papers, and other
evidence. Failure to obey such or to produce books, papers, or other evidence as
ordered under the provisions of this section shall constitute a misdemeanor and
shall be punishable by fine. Council shall enact an ordinance to enforce this
provision.
D. Establish and appoint the Planning Commission members.
E. Adopt plats.
F. Adopt and modify the official City map.
G. Adopt, modify and carry out plans proposed by the Planning Commission for the
clearance of slum districts and rehabilitation of blighted areas.
H. Adopt, modify and carry out plans proposed by the Planning Commission for the
replanning, improvement and redevelopment of neighborhoods and for the
replaning, reconstruction or redevelopment of any area or district which may have
been destroyed in whole or in part by disaster.
Provide for the establishment and designation of fire limits and prescribe the kind
of character of buildings or structures or improvements to be erected therein, and
provide for the erection of fireproof buildings within certain limits, and provide for
the condemnation of dangerous structures or buildings or dilapidated buildings
calculated to increase the fire hazard and the manner of their removal or
destruction.
J. Approve assessment rolls as returned by the Board of Equilization and adopt the
assessment rolls to be used for the collection of taxes for the current year.
K. 'Control and distribute all contingent appropriations. Expenditures from a
contingent appropriation shall require prior approval of Council. A contingent
appropriation shall be disbursed only by transfer to a departmental appropriation,
the expenditures are charged to the department or activity for which the expenses
were made.
Other powers also listed in the City's Charter (2.10 Additional Discretionary Powers) are as follows:
A. Public Library: The City Council shall have the authority to establish and
maintain a free public library within the City and to cooperate with any person, firm,
association or corporation under such terms as Council may prescribe for the
establishment of such free public library.
B. Hospital:
Operation: The City shall have the authority to acquire, establish and own
either by purchase, donations, bequest or otherwise, all property that may
be useful or necessary for the purpose of establishing and maintaining a
municipal hospital. Upon establishment of such hospital, the City Council
can create a hospital board with membership and compensation deemed
appropriate by Council, which shall operate the hospital subject only to
such direction, and supervision as contained in any ordinance or
ordinances enacted by Council.
2. Finances: All funds belonging to said hospital, whether classes as funds
received in course of operation or otherwise, shall be kept in a separate
hospital fund to be used only for the operation and maintenance of said
hospital, except that such funds may be used by the City for general
operating purposes with the express consent of the hospital board.
C. Zoning:
The hospital board is responsible for submitting a quarterly operating
statement to Council and an annual audit to coincide with the fiscal year of
the City.
Power: The City Council may, by ordinance, regulate the location, height,
bulk and size of buildings and other structures; the size of yards, courts
and other open spaces; the density of population and the uses of
buildings, structures and land for trade, industry, business, residence and
other purposes.
Procedure: Should Council enact regulations under subsection 1, above,
it shall establish a Zoning Commission and may establish a Zoning Board
of Adjustment.
a. Zoning Commission
1) The Zoning Commission shall recommend to Council the
location of zoning districts and restrictions therein, and
shall hold public meeting on such recommendations.
2) Commission members shall receive such compensation
as Council may deem appropriate.
3) Council may combine the duties of said commission with
the duties of the Planning Commission, as provided in
Section 2.09 through j, to form a Planning and Zoning
Commission.
b. Zoning Board of Adjustment
1) The Zoning Board of Adjustment may, in appropriate
cases and subject to appropriate conditions and
safeguards, make special exceptions to the terms of a
zoning ordinance in harmony with its general purpose
and intent and in accordance with general or specific
rules therein contained.
2) Board members may be compensated as deemed
appropriate by Council.
3) Generally, all of the powers granted by Revised Civil
Statutes of Texas, Articles 1011 a to 1011 j. Inclusive,
relating to zoning in cities is part of the City's Charter.
D. Housing Authority:
Council may create a housing authority of such number, terms and
compensation of members as Council may determine and may delegate
to the housing authority such powers relating to the planning, construction,
reconstruction, alteration, repair, maintenance, or operation of housing
projects and housing accommodations as Council may determine.
To further assist new Council members, the article "Tips for Mayors and Councilmembers"
published by Texas Town & City, is included in a later section. The article briefly identifies some of
the issues faced by Mayors and Councilmembers, and provides guidelines on how to address
them.
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ORDINANCE NO. 1435
AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING ORGANIZATION AND PROCEDURES - FOR CITY
COUNCIL MEETINGS; FINDING COMPLIANCE WITH THE OPEN MEETINGS LAW;
AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA PORTE:
' Section 1-201. Regular Meetings.
(A) Time. The City Council shall hold regular meetings on
' the first and third Wednesday of each month, at 6:00
o'clock p.m.; provided, however, that when the day
fixed for any regular meeting of the Council falls
upon a day designated by law as a legal or national
holiday, such meeting shall be held on such subsequent
' date as determined by City Council.
(B) Time. The City Council shall hold special workshop
meetings on such dates and at such times as determined
by City Council.
' (C) Place. All regular, special, and workshop meetings of
the City Council shall be held in the Council Chambers,
City Hall, 604 West Fairmont Parkway, in the City of
' La Porte, Harris County, Texas, unless otherwise directed
by City Council, or required by law.
Section 1-202. Special Meetings. The Mayor on his own motion
' or at the request of the City Manager shall call special meetings
of the City Council whenever in their opinion the public business
-may require it, or at the express written request of any three
(3) members of the Council. Whenever a special meeting shall be
' called, written notice thereof shall be delivered to each member
of the Council, or, if written notice cannot be timely delivered,
• telephone notice shall be given, stating the date and hour of
the meeting and the purpose for which such meeting is called.
Section 1-203, Agenda. All reports, communications, ordi-
nances, resolutions, -contract documents, or other matters to be
submitted to the Council shall, at least five (5) days -prior to
each Council meeting, be delivered to the City Secretary, whereupon
the City Secretary shall immediately arrange a list of such
matters according to the Order of Business and furnish each
member of the Council, the Mayor, the City Manager, and the City
Attorney with'a copy of the same prior to the Council meeting
and as far in advance of the meeting as time for preparation
will permit. None of the foregoing matters shall be presented
to the Council by administrative officials except those of an
.urgent nature, and the same, when so presented, shall have the
written approval of the City Manager before presentation.
Section 1-204. The Presiding Officer --Duties. The presiding
officer of the Council shall be the Mayor. The Presiding Officer
shall preserve strict order and decorum at all regular and special
meetings of the Council. He shall state every question coming
Ordinance No. 1435,.Page 2.
before the Council, announce the decision of the Council on all
subjects and decide all questions of order, subject, however, to
an appeal to the Council, in which event a majority- vote of
the Council shall govern and conclusively determine such question
of order. He shall be entitled to vote on all questions. He
shall sign all ordinances and resolutions adopted by the Council
during his presence. In the event of the absence of the Mayor,
the Mayor Pro Tem shall sign ordinances or resolutions as then
adopted.
Section 1-205. Call to Order --Presiding Officer. The Mayor,
or in his absence, the Mayor Pro Tem, shall take the chair precisely
at the hour appointed for the meeting, and shall immediately call
the Council to order. In the absence of the Mayor or the Mayor
Pro, Tem, the City Secretary, or his Assistant, shall call the
Council to order, whereupon a temporary chairman shall be elected
by members of the Council present. Upon arrival of the Mayor
or the Mayor Pro Tem, the temporary chairman shall immediately
relinquish the chair upon the conclusion of the business immedi-
ately before the Council.
Section 1-206. Roll Call. Before proceeding with the busi-
ness of the Council, th-City Secretary or his deputy shall call
the roll of the members, and the names of those present shall be
entered in the minutes. Late arrivals or departures of Council
members shall be noted by the Presiding Officer, and recorded
by the City Secretary in the minutes.
Section 1-207. Quorum. A majority of all the members
elected to the Council shall constitute a quorum at any regular
or special meeting of the Council. In the absence of a quorum,
the Presiding Officer shall, at the instance of any three (3)
members present, compel the attendance of absent members.
Section 1-208. Order of Business. All meetings of the
Council shall be open to the public, in accordance with the Texas
Open Meetings Law. Promptly at the hour set by law on the day
of each regular meeting, the members of the Council, the City
Secretary, the City Attorney, the Mayor, and the City Manager,
shall. take their .regular stations in the Council Chambers, and
the business of the Council shall be taken up for consideration
and disposition in the following order:
1. Invocation.
2. Public Hearings.
3. Approval of minutes of previous meeting.
4. Petitions, remonstrances, communications, and
citizens and taxpayers wishing to address the
Council.
5. Report of Officers--Hoards--Committees.
6. Introduction and adoption of resolutions and
ordinances.
7. Unfinished Business.
8. Consent Agenda. (Any member of the Council
may remove any item from the Consent Agenda
for discussion.)
9. New Business.
10. Workshop Items, if time permits. (Any Council
Member present may tag any item, which shall
have the effect of tabling the same until the
next regular meeting of Council.)
Ordinance No. 1435, Page 3.
11. Administrative Reports.
12. Council Action.
13. .Executive Session, if needed.
14. Adjournment.
Section 1-209. Reading of Minutes. Unless a reading of the
minutes of a Council meeting is requested by a member of the
Council, such minutes may be approved without reading if the
City Secretary has previously furnished each.member with a.copy
thereof.
Section 1-210. 'Rules of Debate.
(A) Presiding Officer May Debate and Vote, Etc. The Mayor
or Mayor Pro Tem, or such other member of the Council
as may be presiding may move, second and debate from
the chair, subject only .to such limitations of debate
as are by these rules imposed on all members and shall
not be deprived of any of the rights and privileges of
a Councilperson by, reason of his acting as the Presiding
Officer.
(B) Getting the Floor --Improper References _to be Avoided.
Every member desiring to speak shall address the Chair,
and, upon recognition by the Presiding Officer, shall
confine himself to the question under debate, avoiding
all personalities and indecorous language.
(C) Interruptions. A member, once recognized, shall not
be interrupted when speaking unless it be to call him
to order, or as herein otherwise provided. If a member,
while speaking, be. called to order, he shall cease.
speaking until the question of order be determined,
and, if in order, .he shall be permitted to proceed.
(D) .Privilege of Closing' debate. The Councilperson moving
the adoption of an ordinance or resolution shall have
the privilege of closing the debate.
(E) Motion to Reconsider. A motion to reconsider any action
taken by the Council may be made. only on the day such
action was taken. It may be made either immediately
during the same session, or at a recessed or adjourned
session thereof. Such motion must be made by one of
the prevailing side, but may be seconded by any member,
and may be made at any time and have precedence over
all other motions or while a member has the floor; it
shall be debatable. Nothing herein shall be construed
to prevent any member of the Council from -making or
remaking'the same or any other motion at a subsequent
meeting of the Council.
(F) Remarks of Councilperson--when Entered in Minutes.
A Councilperson may request, through the Presiding
Officer, the privilege of having an abstract of his
statement on any subject under consideration by the
Council entered in the minutes. If the Council consents
thereto, such statement shall be entered in the minutes.
Ordinance No. 1435, Page 4.
(G) Synopsis of Debate --When Entered in Minutes. The City
Secretary may be directed by the Presiding Officer,
with consent of the Council, to enter in the minutes
a synopsis of the discussion on any question coming
regularly before the Council.
Section 1-211. Addressing the Council. The City Secretary
shall provide cards at the rear of the Council Chambers, where
any taxpayer or resident, or his authorized representative,
may sign his name, address, and indicate the subject or agenda
item on which he wishes to speak, not later than five (5) minutes
before the meeting time, requesting to be heard by City Council.
(A) Written Communications. Interested parties or their
authorized representatives may address the Council by
written communications in regard to matters then under
discussion.'
(B) Oral Communications. Taxpayers or residents of the
City, or their authorized legal representatives, may
address the Council by oral communications on any
matter concerning the City's business, or any matter
over which the Council has control, provided, that
any such person shall notify the City Secretary at
least four (4) days in advance of their desire to
speak in order that the same may appear on the agenda
of the Council. Oral Communication to Council shall
be in the manner provided in Section 1-212 hereof.
Section 1-212. Manner of Addressin Council --Time Limit.
Each person addressing the ounci s all step up to the podium,
shall give his name and address in an audible tone of voice for
the records, and unless further time is granted by the Council,
shall limit his address to five (5) minutes. All remarks shall
be addressed to the Council as a body and not to any member thereof.
No person, other than the Council and the person having the floor,
shall be permitted to enter into any discussion, either directly
or through a member of the Council, without the permission of
the Presiding Officer. No question shall be asked a Councilperson
except through the Presiding Officer.
Section 1=213. Addressing the Council*After Motion Made.
After a motion is made by the Council, no person shall address
the Council without first securing the permission of the Council
so.to do.
Section 1-214. Silence*Constitutes Affirmative Vote. Unless
a member of the-ffo-uncil states that he is not voting, his silence
shall be recorded as an affirmative vote.
Section'1-215. becorum
(A) By Council Members. While the Council is in session,
the members must preserve order and decorum, and a member
shall neither, by conversation or otherwise, delay or
interrupt the proceedings or the peace of the Council
nor disturb any member while speaking or refuse to
obey the orders of the Council or its Presiding Officer,
except as otherwise herein provided.
Ordinance No. 1435, Page 5.
(B) By Persons. Any person making personal, impertinent,
or slanderours remarks or who shall become boisterous
while addressing the Council shall be forthwith, by
the Presiding Officer, barred from further audience
before the Council, unless permission to continue be
granted by a majority vote of the Council.
Section 1-216. Enforcement of Decorum. The Chief of Police,
or such member or members of the Police Department as he may
designate, shall be Sergeant -at -Arms of the Council meetings.
He, or they, shall carry out all orders and instructions given
by the Presiding Officer for the purpose of maintaining order
and decorum at the Council meeting. Upon instructions of the
Presiding Officer, it shall be the duty of the Sergeant -at -Arms,
or any of them present, to place any person who violates the order
and decorum of the meeting under arrest, and cause him to be
prosecuted under the provisions of this Code, the complaint to
be signed by the Presiding Officer.
Section 1-217. Persons Authorized to be at Tables. No
person, except City officials, their representatives, and news-
paper reporters, shall be permitted to be at the two tables in
front of the Council table, without the express consent of the
Council.
Section 1-218. Special Committees. All special committees
shall be appointed by majority .vote of the Council.
Section 1-219. Members May File Protests A ainst Council
Action. Any member sha 1 have the right to have the reasons for
is dissent from, or protest against, any action of the Council
entered on the minutes.
Section 1-220. Claims Against Cit No account or other
demand against the City shall be al owed until the same has been
considered and reported upon by the City Manager and the City
Attorney.
Section 1-221. Ordinances, Resolutions, Motions and Contracts.
(A) Preparation of Ordinances. All ordinances shall be
prepared by the City Attorney. No ordinance shall be
prepared for presentation to the Council unless ordered
by three (3) members of the Council, or requested by
the City Manager, or prepared by the City Attorney on
his own initiative, in consultation with the City
Manager.
(B) Prior Agproval by Administrative Staff. All ordinances,
resolutions and contract documents -s all, before pre-
sentation to the Council, have been approved as to
form and•legality by the City Attorney or his authorized
representative, and shall have been examined and approved
for administration by the City Manager or his authorized
representative, where there are substantive matters
of administration involved.
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Ordinance No. 14351 Page 6.
(C) Introducing for Passage or Approval.
(1) Ordinances, resolutions, and other matters or
subjects requiring action by the Council must be
introduced and sponsored by a member of the Council,
except that the City Manager or City Attorney may
present ordinances, resolutions, and other matters
or subjects to the Council, and any Councilperson
may assume sponsorship thereof by moving that such
ordinances, resolutions, matters or subjects be
adopted; otherwise, they shall not be considered.
(2) An ordinance may have final passage on the same
day on which it was introduced.
(3) No ordinance shall relate to more than one subject,
which shall be clearly expressed in its title,
and no ordinance, or section thereof, shall be
amended or repealed unless the new ordinance con-
tains the title of the ordinance or section amended
or repealed, and when practicable all ordinances
shall be introduced as amendments to existing
ordinances or sections thereof.
(4) Any resolution providing for the appropriation of
money shall designate the particular fund from
which the appropriation is to be made.
Section 1-222. Reports and Resolutions to be Filed with the
City Secretary,. All reports and resolutions shall be filed with
the City Secretary and entered on the minutes.
Section 1-223. Adjournment. A motion to adjourn shall always
be in order and decided without debate.
Section 1-224. Executive'Sessions. Every regular, special
or called meeting or session o City Council shall be open to
the public. No closed or executive meeting or session of City
Council for any of the purposes for which closed or executive
meetings or sessions are authorized by the Texas Open Meetings
Act, Article 6252-17, V.A.T.S., shall be held unless City Council
has first been covened in open meeting or session for which lawful
notice has been given and during which meeting or session the
Presiding Office= has publicly announced that a closed or executive
meeting or session will be held and identified the section or
sections of said Act authorizing the holding of such closed or
executive session. No final action, decision, or vote with regard
to any matter considered in the closed meeting shall be made except
in a meeting which is open to the public and in compliance with
the notice provisions of the Act.
Section 1-225. Open Meetings Law Notice. The City Council
officially finds, determines, recites and declares that a suf-
ficient written notice of the date, hour, place and subject of
this meeting of the City Council was posted at a place convenient
to the public at the City Hall of the City for the time required
by law preceding this meeting, as required by the Open Meetings
Law, Article 6252-17, Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated;
and that this meeting has been open to the public as required by
law at all times during which this ordinance and the subject
matter thereof has been discussed, considered and formally acted
upon. The City Council further ratifies, approves and confirms
such written notice and the contents and posting thereof.
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Ordinance No. 1435, Page 7.
• Section 1-226. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall be
effective from and after February 5, 1985.
PASSED AND APPROVED this 4th day of February, 1985.
CITY OF LA PORTE
By
Vir nia ClIne, Mayor
ATTEST: t
Cherie Black, City Secretary
APPROVED:
&W vv ,
Knox W. AS ins, City Attorney
Chapter 1
Definitions and Legal Liability
Section 1: Boards and Commissions Defined
The work done by citizens serving on Boards and Commissions is a vital part of the work of La
Porte City Government. La Porte has two types of Boards and Commissions — Advisory and
Decision -Making. Additionally, there are Boards whose membership is appointed by the City
Council that are separate legal entities. Appendix A provides a general description of each type of
Board and Commission.
The ordinances creating Boards often require Board Members to have expertise in a certain area.
Appendix B specifies the eligibility requirements for the Boards and Commissions that have their
membership defined by City Ordinance.
Section 2: Advisory Commissions and Boards advise the La Porte City Council on public
policy. They play a very important role in city government by providing the City Council with
creative ideas, feedback from the community, and by serving as a sounding board for proposed
public policy.
It is important to remember that the role of Advisory Commissions is not to set public policy but to
advise the City Council.
Advisory Boards and Commissions
Expiring
Name Members Term ears Members Per Year
Airport Advisory 7 Regular 3 years 2
2 Advisory 3 years -
Fire Code Review 9 Members 2 years 3
Section 3: Decision -Making Boards and Commissions are "quasi-judicial' and are governed by
State law. Decision -Making Boards set or enforce public policy and are potentially subject to
review by the courts. Decision -Making Boards also advise the City Council on public policy.
Members serving on Decision -Making Boards should take an oath of office and are subject to the
open meeting, open records, and ethics laws.
Decision -Making Boards and Commissions
Expiring
Name Members Term Jyqq[sJ Members Per Year
Planning & Zoning Commission 7 Members 3 years 3
Zoning Board of.Adjustment 5 Regular 2 years 2
2 Alternates 2 years 2
Civil Service Commission 3 Regular 3 years 1
Section 4: Separate Legal Entities. There are some Boards and Commissions that are separate
entities, corporations, or political bodies from the City, although the City Council may appoint the
membership to these Boards and Commissions. They are usually established under the provisions
of a State statute that will set forth the functions, duties, responsibilities, and limitations of the
corporation or political body.
The Boards and Commissions that are separate entities from the City but whose memberships are
appointed by the City Council, are listed below:
Expiring
Name Members Term ears Members Per Year
La Porte Area Water Authority 5 Members 2 years 2
The members appointed to these Boards and Commissions oversee the operation of an
organization as a Board of Directors would a corporation. The City of La Porte has little or no
authority over the members except for their appointment; and therefore, the City has limited liability
for their actions. Board members will find that the organization to which they have been appointed
will provide much of the information needed. The State statute establishing the organization, the
articles of incorporation, and the bylaws of the organization will provide a great deal of information.
Section 5: Legal Liability. It is important to understand that the actions of members of the
various City Boards and Commissions can subject the City to liability and subject the Board or
Commission members to personal liability. Therefore, Board and Commission members are
strongly encouraged to consult with the City Attorney anytime they feel their actions, while serving
on such Board or Commission, may have some legal consequences. The law in this area is quite
complex and requires a thorough analysis of the law and facts pertaining to each particular
situation.
As a general rule, quasi-judicial officers cannot be held personally liable for erroneous acts while
honestly exercising the judicial or quasi-judicial functions of their offices. The Board and
Commission members who render decisions are considered quasi-judicial officers. The problem
with stating such a general rule as a proposition of law is that there will always be exceptions to the
general rule. For example, if a court finds that a quasi-judicial officer performs certain functions in
excess of his/her authority and such functions were not performed under a good faith assumption
that the officer had the authority to act, then the officer will be subject himself/herself to personal
civil liability. If a person is damaged by the excessive acts of a quasi-judicial officer, then that
officer will have to pay damages to the person harmed. The aggrieved person can also seek other
remedies such as an injunction compelling the officer to perform or refrain from performing a
particular act.
Officers of the City can also subject themselves, as well as the City, to liability if they perform their
functions in a manner that denies an individual any right that is secured to that individual by the
Constitution or a statute. An example of how this type of liability could arise is if an officer illegally
discriminates against an individual. A City and its officers, as a governmental entity, must treat all
individual or groups equally or in the same manner unless there is a rational basis or a compelling
governmental interest to treat someone or some group differently. Therefore, officers of the City
should treat all individuals and groups in the same manner. If there is a question concerning
whether an individual or group can be treated differently, the City Attorney should be consulted. If
an officer illegally discriminates against an individual or group, that individual or group can seek
monetary damages from the City and the individual officer for a violation of his rights under the
State and Federal civil rights statutes.
When members of City Boards and Commissions are acting in good faith and within the bounds
allowed by the City ordinances and procedures and the State and Federal law, the City will provide
a defense for such members to the greatest extent permissible. However, if a Board or
Commission member violates a criminal law while serving in his/her official capacity, the City
generally will not provide that member a defense. The reason for this is that if a criminal law was
violated, the Board or Commission member was probably acting outside the bounds of his
authority.
The above discussion is by no means intended to be a comprehensive and complete discussion of
legal liabilities to which the City or the Board or Commission member may be subjected. You are
reminded that the City Attorney is available to the City Boards and Commissions and should be
consulted on such questions.
Chapter 2
Board and Commission Appointment Process
Section 1: How Board and Commission Members are Appointed
The La Porte City Council makes all of the appointments to La Porte's Boards and Commissions
with exception of the Civil Service Commission. The Civil Service Commission is appointed by the
City Manager and confirmed by City Council. Citizens interested in being appointed are urged to
obtain an application from the City Secretary's Office at City Hall.
Section 2: Notice of Appointment
After the City Council appoints a person to serve as a member of a Board or Commission, the City
Secretary will notify the appointee, in writing, of the appointment.
Section 3: Eligibility and Qualifications
The La Porte City Council seeks out the best -qualified citizens to serve on Boards and
Commissions. The qualifications required to serve on a particular Board or Commission are
determined by La Porte City Ordinance or by the State statute establishing the Board or
Commission. ,
Many of the Boards and Commissions do not have specific eligibility requirements beyond
residency, leaving the membership qualifications to the discretion of the La Porte City Council.
Appointments to Boards and Commissions having eligibility requirements must be made in
accordance with the governing City ordinance or State statute. Appendix B lists all of the Boards
and Commissions having eligibility requirements and details those requirements. Board and
Commissions members must continue to meet eligibility requirements during the entire time that
they serve on the Board or Commission.
Section 4: Oath of Office
An oath of office should be administered to all members of Decision -Making Boards and
Commissions and if appropriate, to all members of Advisory Boards and Commissions. The Oath
of Office can be administered by the City Secretary or a Notary Public for the State of Texas. A
Statement of Appointed Officer Form must be completed and filed in the Secretary of State Office
before oath administered. The necessary forms are made available in the City Secretary's Office
in City Hall.
La Porte's Oath of Office
17, . do solemnly swear (or affirm), that I will faithfully execute the duties
of the office of of the City of La Porte, State of Texas, and will to the best of
my ability preserve, protect and defend the constitution and laws of the United States and of this
State and the Charter and ordinance of this City; and I furthermore solemnly swear (or affirm) that I
have not directly or indirectly paid, offered, or promised to contribute any money, or valuable thing,
or promised any public office or employment, as a reward to secure my appointment or the
confirmation thereof. So Help Me God."
Chapter 3
Responsibilities of the Members of Boards
and Commissions
Section 1: Conflicts of Interest
The Texas Conflicts of Interest Law, V.T.C.A., and Local Government Code Section 171.001 et
seq., aimed at local officials' CONFLICT OF INTEREST was passed in 1983. Under the measure,
if a local official (or his/her close relative) stands to gain a financial benefit from a matter pending
before a public agency upon which the official serves, the person must publicly disclose his/her
interest in such matters and then abstain from voting on it.
The Texas Conflicts of Interest Law pertains ONLY to the Decision -Making Boards identified in
Chapter 1 of this manual.
1.1 Definitions
a. "Local public official" means a member of the governing body or another officer,
whether elected, appointed, paid or unpaid, of any district (including a school district), county,
municipality, precinct, central appraisal district, transit authority or district, or other local
government entity who exercises responsibilities beyond those that are advisory in nature. (Note:
Persons who exercise "responsibilities beyond those that are advisory in nature" would include, for
example, the members of the Planning and Zoning Commission or the Zoning Board of
Adjustments.)
b. "Business entity" means a sole proprietorship, partnership, firm, corporation, holding
company, joint-stock company, receivership, trust, or any other entity recognized by law.
1.2 Substantial Interest in Business Entity
a. For purposes of this chapter, a person has a substantial interest in a business entity if:
(1) the interest ownership of ten percent or more of the voting stock or shares of
the business entity or ownership of $2,500 or more of the fair market value of the
business entity; or
(2) funds received by the person from the business entity exceed ten percent of
the person's gross income for the previous year.
b. A person has a substantial interest in real property if the interest is an equitable or legal
ownership with a fair market value of $2,500 or more.
c. A local public official is considered to have a substantial interest under this section if a
person related to the official within the second degree by consanguinity of affinity has a substantial
interest under this section.
1.3 Prohibited Acts; Penalty
a. Except as provided by Section 171.005 or 171.006, a local public official commits an
offense if the official knowingly:
(1) participates in a vote or decision on a matter involving a business entity in
which the official has a substantial interest if it is reasonably foreseeable that an
action on the matter would confer an economic benefit on the business entity; or
(2) acts as a surety for a business entity that has work, business, or a contract with
the governmental entity; or
(3) acts as surety on any official bond requirement of an officer of the
governmental entity.
b, An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor,
1.4 Affidavit Required
a. If a local public official has a substantial interest in a business entity that would be
peculiarly affected by an official action taken by the governing body, the official shall file, before a
vote or decision on the matter, an affidavit stating the nature and extent of the interest and shall
abstain from further participation in the matter.
b. The affidavit must be filed with the official record keeper of the governmental entity.
1.5 Contract Authorized
The governing body of a governmental entity may contract for the purchase of services or personal
property with a business entity in which a member of the governing body has a substantial interest
if the business entity is the only business entity that:
a. provides the needed service or product within the jurisdiction of the government entity;
b. bids on the contract
1.6 Voting on Budget
a. The governing body of a governmental entity shall take a separate vote on any budget
item specifically dedicated to a contract with a business entity in which a member of the governing
body has a substantial interest.
b. The affected member maynot participate in the separate vote but may vote on a final
budget if:
(1) The member has complied with this chapter; and
(2) The matter in which the member is concerned has been resolved.
1.7 No Limitation on Common Law Remedies
a. The penalties and remedies provided by this chapter does not limit common law
remedies in tort, contract, or equity, including a suit for damages, injunction, or mandamus.
b. The finding by a court of a violation under this chapter does not render an action of the
governing body void unless the measure that was the subject of an action involving a conflict of
interest would not have passed tile governing body without the vote of the person who violated the
chapter.
Section 2: Open Meetings Act
Texas Government Code, Chapter 551, is commonly referred to as the TEXAS OPEN MEETING
ACT. This article generally requires that every meeting of a governmental body be open to the
public and enumerates some exceptions to the requirement.
2.1 "Meeting" means a deliberation between a quorum of a governmental body, or between a
quorum of a governmental body and another person, during which public business or public policy
over which the governmental body has supervision or control is discussed or considered or during
which the governmental body takes formal action.
2.2 "Governmental Body" means every City Council in the State, and every deliberative body
having rule making or quasi-judicial power and classified as a department, agency, or political
subdivision of a city.
2.3 "Deliberation" means a verbal exchange during a meeting between a quorum of a
governmental body, or between a quorum of a governmental body and another person, concerning
an issue within the jurisdiction of the governmental body or any public business.
2.4 A Posted Notice is required of a meeting of a City governmental body. Written notice of the
date, hour, place, and subject of each meeting must be posted on a public bulletin board, located
at a place convenient to the public in the City Hall for at least 72 hours preceding the scheduled
time of the meeting. Only those matters posted can be discussed and acted on by the
governmental body.
2.5 Minutes are required to be prepared or a tape recording made of each open meeting.
2.6 Closed Meetings. The Texas Open Meeting Act does not allow for closed or executive
meetings on a few limited subjects. Closed meetings are allowed to discuss pending litigation,
certain personnel matters, and the lease or acquisition of land. However, before a closed meeting
can be held, a quorum of the governmental body must convene in an open meeting and the
presiding officer publicly announce that a closed meeting will be held and identify the sections of
the Open Meeting Act authorizing the closed meeting. No final action, decision, or vote can be
made in a closed meeting. All final actions, decisions, and votes must be made in open meetings.
Further, the governmental body is required to keep a certified agenda of the matters discussed in
the closed meeting and a record of any further action taken. The presiding officer must include an
announcement at the beginning and end of the closed meeting indicating the time and place, and
must certify that the agenda is a true and correct record of the proceedings. In lieu of maintaining
a certified agenda, a tape recording of the closed meeting may be made. It is a misdemeanor
offense to participate in a closed meeting where a certified agenda or tape recording is not kept. It
is also a misdemeanor offense for any individual to make public such certified agenda or tape
recordings unless directed by a court order. These certified agendas or tape recordings must be
preserved for at least two years.
2.7 Penalties. A fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 or imprisonment in the County jail
for not less than one month nor more than six months, or both fine and imprisonment, can be
imposed for violating the provisions of the Open Meetings Act or conspiring to circumvent the
provisions of the Open Meetings Act by meeting number less than a quorum for the purposes of
secret deliberations.
Section 3. Open Records Act Texas Government Code, Chapter 552, is commonly referred to
as the TEXAS OPEN RECORDS ACT.
3.1 The Open Records Act applies to virtually all local and state governmental bodies, "private"
entities that are supported by or that expend public funds, and/orinformation held by "private"
entities in the constructive possession of governmental bodies.
3.2 All information held by a governmental body must be released unless the information falls
within one of the acts specific exceptions to disclosure.
3.3 Virtually all information in the physical possession of a governmental body is subject to the Act.
3.4 Penalties. A fine of not less than $25 nor more than $4,000 or confinement in County Jail for
not less than three days or more than three months, or both fine and confinement, can be imposed
for violating the provisions of the Open Records Act.
3.5 A request for information that is received by a Board or Commission under the Open Records
Act, should immediately file the written request to both the City Attorney and City Manager. The
act requires that a Governmental body must request a decision from the Attorney General, within
ten (10) calendar days after the date of receipt of request, prior to withholding information.
Section 4: Meeting Attendance
A member of a Board or Commission that has a regular monthly or semi-monthly meeting shall be
expected to maintain a suitable attendance record. It is important to keep in mind that your
attendance is very important to the Board or Commission you are serving on and that the City
Council appointed you for your expertise. Certain Boards and Commissions may have attendance
policies established by ordinance or Statute. However, because your attendance is important, the
City Council has also adopted the following attendance policy: If a board member is absent from
more than twenty-five (25%) percent of the duly called meetings in any period of twelve
consecutive months, whichever is greater, for any reason other than a medical reason which
prevents the member's attendance, will be subject to removal by City Council. The term "duly
called meetings" includes all meetings of the board and all meetings of subcommittees of the board
on which the board member serves. The Secretary of the Board or Commission is responsible for
keeping track of the members' attendance. The Secretary shall provide the La Porte City Council,
through the City Secretary's Office, with a quarterly attendance report.
Section 5: Working with City Staff
Each Board or Commission member is encouraged to communicate openly with the City Staff.
Suggestions, opportunities, and constructive criticism are necessary for a proper relationship with
the staff. However, each Board or Commission member is strongly encouraged to communicate
with the appropriate department director assigned to that Board or Commission or with the City
Manager's Office. Contact with operational type people or individuals below the department
director level is discouraged. The Director of Planning working with the Planning and Zoning
Commission members and the Director of Public Works communicating with the Airport Advisory
Board are examples of these relationships.
Section 6: Reporting to the City Council
The Council is highly dependent on each Board and Commission to make recommendations and
offer possible solutions to City projects and opportunities. All Boards and Commissions are
encouraged to communicate the position of the total or majority of the group. Such communication
or recommendations should be in a formal or written form. Of course, each Board or Commission
member may from time to time, want to visit informally with a Council member. This one-on-one
informal communication is necessary, but to protect the integrity of the organization, the complete
Council should be addressed in terms of the majority of the members of the Board or Commission.
Chapter 4
Meetings
Section 1: Role of Chairman
The function of the chairman is to provide leadership to the group. He/She has certain duties and
responsibilities that must be performed.
1.1 Insure that the meeting is conducted in accordance with established rules.
1.2 Maintain order and bring the group to a conclusion on the matters before it.
Section 2: The Agenda
The agenda should always be prepared ahead of time and copies given to all Board or
Commission members ahead of time, if possible. If non-members attend the meeting, they should
also be provided with an agenda.
The agenda should be prepared by the department director or staff person assigned to the Board
or Commission. All Boards and Commissions are subject to the Open Meetings Act and their
agenda must be properly posted in a public place, at least 72 hours prior to the meeting.
Generally the first order of business on the agenda is the reading, correcting and passing of the
minutes from the last meeting. Next are matters properly listed on the agenda, followed by reports
from staff or committees.
Section 3: Robert's Rules of Order
Meetings of Boards and Commissions are generally conducted under standard parliamentary rules
as outlined in Robert's Rules of Order. Appendix C contains a quick reference chart for frequently
used Robert's Rules of Order.
Section 4: Public Hearings
Public Hearings are open forums that allow the public an opportunity to express their opinion on a
specific issue related to the City of La Porte. Public Hearings are generally conducted in the
following manner:
4.1 The Chairman of the Board or Commission formally opens the Public Hearing
4.2 Proponents (those in favor) of measure speak first.
4.3 Opponents (those against) speak second.
4.4 After hearing all who wish to comment on the issue, the proponents are allowed to give a
rebuttal and summarize their position, and then the Chairman formally closes the Public Hearing.
4.5 Members of the Board or Commission may ask questions at anytime, of any witness. Board or
Commission members are encouraged to ask questions even after the hearing is closed. After the
Public Hearing is closed, members of the public may speak ONLY in answer to a question asked
by a member of the Board or Commission.
4.6 If a Public Hearing drew a large number of interested citizens, a time limit for individual
speakers may be set by the Board or Commission before the Public Hearing.
4.7 The Chairman may use his/her judgement about how strictly this format is followed.
Section 5: Quorum
A quorum is the minimum number of members needed to officially conduct business. The quorum
is generally established by the ordinance, resolution, or other document that establishes the Board
or Commission. Where no statement on the quorum number exists, the quorum is the majority of
the members. .
Section 6: Signing the Minutes for the Meeting.
The minutes of Decision -Making Boards and Commissions MUST be signed by either the
Chairman and/or the Secretary once the minutes are approved by the members of the Board or
Commission.
Appendix A
Description of Boards and Commissions
ADVISORY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
Airport Advisory Board —
The Airport Advisory Board advises the City Council on matters relating to the most
desirable and efficient operation of the City Municipal Airport. The Airport Advisory Board shall
review, from time to time, the City Airport Master Plan, and recommend updating or revisions to
such Airport Master Plan. The Board may also make recommendations on such matters as rules
and regulations for operations at the Municipal Airport, and for any needed improvements to the
facilities at the airport, including such matters as navigational aids, ordinances, zoning requests,
height restrictions, development, as well as any other improvements which the board feels would
enhance the utility of the City Municipal Airport.
Fire Code Review Committee —
The Fire Code Review Committee considers variances, interprets the provisions of the fire
code, recommends changes in the fire code, and hears appeals from decisions of the Fire Chief or
Fire Marshal.
DECISION -MAKING BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
Planning and Zoning Commission —
The Planning and Zoning Commission reviews studies made by City Staff or other
professionals which project plans for the improvements of the City, with a view toward its future
development and extension, and to recommend to the City Council matters for the development
and advancement of the City's facilities, layout and appearance. And to perform duties imposed on
the Planning and Zoning Commission by the statutes of the State, which include:
❑ Approval of plats, or replats of additions within the City limits, or within the extraterritorial
jurisdiction of the City.
❑ Recommendations to Council regarding the location of zoning districts and restrictions
therein.
❑ Hearing requests for proposed changes in zoning classification filed by any interested
party.
The Planning and Zoning Commission also conducts reviews of the City's Comprehensive Plan
and recommends the location and extent of the Plan's projected needs, including, but not limited
to:
❑ Land Use Plan
❑ Thoroughfare Plan
❑ Utilities System
❑ Open Space/Pedestrian System Plan
❑ Beautification and Conservation Plan
❑ Public Safety Plan
❑ Community Facilities Plan
❑ Capital Improvement Program
Zoning Board of Adjustment —
The Zoning Board of Adjustment shall hear and decide appeals to any order, requirement,
decision or determination made by the Building Official related to the Zoning Ordinance. The
Board also hears and decides on special exceptions and variances as long as their action is not
contrary to public interest and is within the guidelines established by State Law and the City's
Zoning Ordinance. The Board shall also conduct public hearings and render decisions regarding
the Zoning Ordinance's provisions for non -conforming structures and uses.
Civil Service Commission —
The Civil Service Commission was established in 1981, when the citizens voted to adopt
the State's Municipal Civil Service Law as it applies to sworn police officers. In compliance with
State Law, the Commission has adopted rules relating to the appointments and the promotions of
sworn police officers. Furthermore, the Civil Service Commission conducts investigations and
hearings related to police officers' appeals of disciplinary actions.
SEPARATE LEGAL ENTITIES
La Porte Area Water Authority —
The La Porte Area Water Authority was created in 1981 by the State Legislature. The
legislation granted the Authority rights and powers related to acquisition of water supplies and the
collection/treatment of wastes. The early mission of the Authority was to secure surface water
supplies and provide for the delivery of this surface water to entities contracting with the Authority.
The Authority may purchase, construct, lease or otherwise acquire property and facilities relating to
their mission. They may contract with persons, corporations, municipal corporations, and political
subdivisions of the State with the approval of the City Council.
Appendix B
Boards and Commissions
Having Eligibility Requirements
Airport Advisory Board
Members shall be:
❑ Position 1— Shall be a Fixed Base Operator lessee at the City Municipal Airport.
❑ Position 2 — Shall be a member of the Aeronautical Department at San Jacinto College.
❑ Position 3 — Shall be a licensed pilot active at the City Municipal Airport
❑ Position 4 — Shall be a licensed pilot who is a resident of La Porte and active at the City
Municipal Airport.
❑ Position 5 — Shall be a resident of the City
❑ Position 6 — Shall be a resident of the City
❑ Position 7 — Shall be the City Airport Manager
In addition, thee are 2 Advisory Members:
o A representative of the FAA
❑ A representative of the airline or commuter airline industry
Planning & Zoning Commission
The City Planning and Zoning Commission shall consist of seven members who are
resident citizens and qualified voters of the City. Furthermore, the Planning and Zoning
Commission shall consist of a member from each of the six council districts and a chairman. The
term of the six members from the six council districts shall coincide with the term of office of the
Councilperson for said district. The term of office for the chairman shall coincide with the term of
office of the Mayor. Each member who is appointed from a district shall be a resident of the district
from which he is appointed at the time of his appointment and continuously throughout his tenure in
office.
Zoning Board of Adjustment
The five members and two alternates shall be citizens of the City of La Porte and who are
not members of the City Council or the Planning and Zoning Commission, each to be appointed by
the City Council.
Civil Service Commission
A person appointed to the Commission must:
❑ Be of good moral character
o Be a United States Citizen
❑ Be a resident of the municipality who has resided in the municipality for more than three
years.
❑ Be over 25 years of age; and
❑ Not have held a public office within the preceding three years.
La Porte Area Water Authority
Powers of the authority shall be exercised by a board of five directors, none of who shall
be a member of the City Council of the City of La Porte during his term.
Fire Code Review Committee —
The Fire Code Review Committee consists of nine voting members and three ex-officio
members. Each member of the City Council shall appoint one person. Said members shall reside
in the City of La Porte. The Mayor and At -Large Councilpersons shall each appoint one member,
said member shall reside in La Porte. The three ex-officio members shall be the Fire Chief, or his
duly authorized representative, the Fire Marshal, or his duly authorized representative, and the
Chief Building Official, or his duly authorized representative. All nominations are subject to a
confirmation by a majority of the City Council.
APPENDIX C
Robert's Rules of Order Relating to Motions
H
1
H
F
MOTION
m
m
W
W o
m z
Wu.
O O
U
W p
z 0
¢z
U 2
Q
w
o
z z
QO
U W
W
W
w>
E
1 X
WO
Q
w o
Co
� z
DO
w
CD
w Q
� 2: x
O X i
DLU
U X z
O Q
Adjourn
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Adopt/Accept a Report
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Adopt constitutions, By-laws, and Rules of Order
Yes
Yes
Yes
1
Yes
Yes
Yes
Adopt Standing Rules
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Amend
2
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Amend an Amendment
2
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Amend Constitution, By-laws, and Rules of Order
Yes
Yes
Yes
1
3
Yes
Yes
Amend Standing Rules
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
4
Yes
Yes
Appeal (excluding Indecorum)
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Debate, to Close, Limit or Extend
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Division of Assemble
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
No
Division of Question
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
5
5
Fix the Time to Adjourn
6
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Informal Consideration of Question
Yes
Yes
No
1
Yes
Yes
Yes
Lay on the Table
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Main Motion or Question
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Nomination, to Make
Yes
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
Nominations, to Close
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
Yes
Yes
Nomination, to Re -open
No
Yes
Yes
1
Yes
Yes
Yes
Objection to Consideration of a Question
No
Yes
No
1
7
No
No
Footnotes to Table of
Robert's Rules of Order
An affirmative vote on this motion cannot be reconsidered.
2. Undebatable when the motion to be amended, reconsidered, or rescinded is undebatable.
3. Constitutions, Bylaws, and Rules of Order before adoption are in every. respect main
motions and may be amended by majority vote. After adoption, they require prior notice
and 2/3 vote for amendment.
4. Standing Rules may be amended at any time by a majority vote if previous notice has
been given, or by a 2/3 vote without notice.
5. If resolutions or propositions relate to different subjects which are independent of each
other, they must be divided on the request of a single member, which may be made when
another has the floor. If they relate to the same subject and yet each part can stand alone,
they may be divided only on a regular motion and vote.
6. Undebatable if made when another questions is before the assembly.
7. The objection can be made only when the question is first introduced, before debate. A
213 vote must be opposed to the consideration in order to sustain the objection.
8. Negative vote on this motion cannot be reconsidered.
9. Cannot be reconsidered after a vote has been taken under it.
10. Opens to debate main question when latter is debatable.
1
7
H
1
1
1
Executive
Executive Session
There are occasions when an item requires additional deliberation by Council prior to taking action
or to provide Staff with specific guidance (see Section 1-224 of Ordinance 1435). An Executive
Session of the Council is scheduled in conjunction with the regular meeting and is listed on the
meeting agenda as such to allow in-depth discussion of the topic. Topics discussed in
Executive Session are to remain confidendal and are not for public disclosure.
For your information, the following sections of the Open Meetings Law show examples of the types
of topics covered in an Executive Session.
SECTION 551.071— LEGAL
For the purpose of a private consuRabon with the Council attorney on any subject of matter
authorized by law.
• Meet with Special Counsel re: Pending litigation with Houston Chemical Services
• Meet with City Attorney to discuss Barfield and Prince cases.
• Wet with City Attorney to discuss Southern Ionics, Inc. ad valorem taxes in lieu of taxes
• Receive report from Special Council re: Prince lawsuit
• Receive report from City Attorney re: Pending claims and lawsuits
SECTION 551.072 —ACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY
For the purpose o€deliberating the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property.
• Acquisition of Bayfront property on Galveston Bay.
• Acquisition of Seabreeze Sailing Club
• Meet with City Manager to discuss land acquisition (Seabreeze)
• Meet with City Manager and City Attorney to discuss land sale in Shady River
• Meet with City Manager and City Attorney to discuss street ROW closing
• Meet with City Manager and City Attorney to discuss Glen Meadows subdivision property
exchange for park purposes.
• Consider possible lease of City property on North Broadway
SECTION 551.073
For the purpose of deliberating a negotiated contract for a prospective gift or donation to the City.
SECTION 551.074 — PERSONNEL
For the purpose of deliberating the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties,
discipline or dismissal of a public officer or employee or to hear complaints or charges against a
public officer or employee, unless the officer or employee requests a public hearing.
• Discuss with City Manager personnel matters regarding Bay Forest Golf Course.
• Meet with City Council regarding various Boards, Commissions and Committees.
• Meet with City Council to discuss the City Manager annual evaluation.
SECTION 551.076
To consider the deployment or specific occasions for implementation of security personnel or
devices.
SECTION 551.084
For the purpose of excluding a witness,from a hearing during the examination of another
witness in an investigation.
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Overview of
City 6
udget
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October 1, 2001
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Honorable Mayor and
Members of City Council
City of La Porte, Texas
Dear Mayor and Members of City Council:
City of La Porte
Established 1892
In accordance with the City's Charter provisions, it is my pleasure to present the City of La Porte's Fiscal Year 2001-02
Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Program. This document, as delineated on the pages that follow, was
formally adopted by Council at its regularly scheduled meeting of September 10, 2001. The budget is the document the
City uses in its mission to provide services and to improve the quality of life of its citizens. At that time, Council
authorized appropriations for the City's various activities in the following amounts:
General Fund
Utility Fund
Enterprise Funds
Internal Service Funds
Capital Improvement Funds
Debt Service Funds
Hotel/Motel Fund
Economic Development
La Porte Development Corporation
Tax Increment Reinvestment
Total Authorized Appropriations
FY 2000-01
ADOPTED BUDGET
24,031,470
6,053,250
3,037,416
3,487,497
4,745,838
4,115,777
220,400
650,000
327,050
46,668,698
FY 2001-02
ADOPTED BUDGET
23,665,599
6,733,139
2,494,177
3,830,127
3,050,700
3,868,034
131,500
100,000
316,550
5,000
44,194,826
The figures outlined above represent a $2,473,872 or 5.301% decrease when compared to last year's budget. The
majority of this decrease is in the Capital Improvement Funds, which decreased $1,695,138 or 35.72%. We are
especially pleased that there are no tax rate increases, and there is an additional 4% decrease in water and sewer rates.
Embodied in this document are key principles, which are important to the City's long-standing commitment to having a
sound budgetary and financial program. The priorities of La Porte's city government are many. This year's budget is
built around the following themes: (1) efficient delivery of public service, (2) protecting taxpayer investments,
(3) providing for a safer community, (4) maintaining an infrastructure that supports the future, and (5) keeping salaries
competitive with our neighboring communities. It continues to provide a high level of service to the entire La Porte
community, and at the same time, is designed to keep ad valorem taxes at the same rate as in prior years.
I
604 W. Fairmont Pkwy. 9 La Porte, Texas 77571 • (281) 471-5020
' BUDGET CALENDAR
FY 2002-2003
'
DAY
DATE
ACTIVITY
Friday
May 3
Budget Kickoff — Initial Discussion and Packet Distribution
Performance Measure Training
Begin Departmental Input of 2001-2002 Estimates (Level 150)
'
Begin Departmental Input of 2002-2003 Projections (Level 200)
Week
May 6-10
Meetings with Human Resources re: Requests for New positions
'
Monday
May 13
Overtime Projections due from Divisions for FY 2003
Wednesday
May 15
Requests for New positions due to Finance
Week
May 13-17
Meetings with Public Works and MIS re: Costs for Requests for New Vehicles
and Computers, upgrades to Scheduled Replacements and maintenance of
'
computer hardware and software.
Complete Input Capital Requests
Thursday
May 23
of All
Friday
May 28
Report from Public Works re: Vehicle Purchases and Upgrades of Scheduled
Replacements Due to City Manager's Office
Friday
May 31
Complete Departmental Input of 2001-2002 Estimates (Level 150)
Complete Departmental Input of 2002-2003 Projections (Level 200)
'
Written Justification of Computer Requests due to Finance
Wednesday
June 5
MIS Committee reviews Computer Capital Requests
Friday
June 14
Proposed budgets to City Manager -
Week
June 24-28
City Manager review with Departments
Friday
July 12
Goals, Objectives and Performance Indicator updates due to
Finance
'
Week
July 15-19
Final review with Departments
Friday
July 26
Final Revenue estimates Prepared
Monday
July 29
Budget review completed by City Manager
Monday
August 12
City Manager sends City Council Proposed Budget
'
Week
August 19-23
City Manager workshops budget with Council
Monday
Sept 9
City Council adopts Budget
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organizationorganizationOf
Organization of Funds
The City books are established in accordance with Generally Accepted Account Principles (GAAP)
and our budget process is based on a working capital approach. The City has the following Fund
Types and Funds:
Governmental Fund Types
• General Fund — Used to account for generic activity that is not specifically accounted for
elsewhere.
• Economic Development Fund — Used to account for funds devoted to maintaining and
promoting economic development in the City.
• Hotel/Motel Occupancy Tax Fund — Used to account for funds received from the
assessment of the Hotel/Motel Occupancy Tax.
• Section 4B %2 Cent Sales Tax Fund — Used to account for funds devoted to promoting the
common good and general welfare of the City.
Enterprise Funds
• Utility Fund — Used to account for activity surrounding the provision of water and
wastewater service to the City residences.
• Sylvan Beach Fund — Used to account for activity surrounding the City's operation of the
Sylvan Beach Pavilion and Conference Center.
• Airport Fund — Used to account for the operation of the City's airport.
• La Porte Area Water Authority — Used to account for the production and distribution of
treated surface water to the La Porte Bayshore area.
• Golf Course Fund — Used to account for the operation of the municipal Golf Course.
Internal Service Funds
• Motor Pool Fund — Used to account for the procurement and maintenance of the City's
rolling fleet.
• Computer Maintenance and Replacement Fund — Used to account for the procurement,
maintenance, and replacement of the City's computer systems.
• Employee Health Services Fund — Used to account for the cost of providing health
insurance to City employees and retirees.
Capital Improvement Funds
• General Capital Improvement Fund — Used to account for Capital Projects that are
normally small in nature and affect the general operation of the City.
• Utility Capital Improvement Fund — Used to account for Capital Projects that are normally
small in. nature and affect the utility operation of the City.
• Sewer Rehabilitation Fund — Used to account for improvements to the City's sanitary
sewer system.
• Other Infrastructure Fund — Used to prepare for future improvements to the City's
thoroughfare system and other major citywide infrastructure ventures.
1998 General Obligations Bond Capital Improvement Fund — Used to fund projects that
benefit the City in general. Specific projects from this issue include drainage and park
improvements.
• 1998 Revenue Bond Capital Improvement Fund — used to fund projects that benefit the
City's wastewater operation.
• Golf Course Capital Improvement Fund — Used to fund improvements to the Bay Forest
Golf Course. Specific projects are the Club House and Pro Shop.
• Hotel/Motel Occupancy Tax Capital Improvement Fund — Used to fund projects that attract
tourists and benefit the City's general citizenry.
Debt Service Funds
General Debt Service Fund — Used to pay interest and extinguish debt of the outstanding
General Obligation Issues of the City.
Utility Debt Service Fund — Used to pay interest and extinguish debt of the outstanding
Revenue Bond Issues of the City.
La Porte Area Water Authority Debt Service Fund — Used to pay interest and extinguish
debt of the outstanding Revenue Bond Issues of the Authority.
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ORDINANCE NO. 2000- ;y3¢
' AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING GUIDELINES FOR TRAVEL BY CITY COUNCIL
MEMBERS TO EDUCATIONAL MEETINGS OUTSIDE HARRIS AND GALVESTON
' COUNTIES; FINDING COMPLIANCE WITH THE OPEN MEETINGS LAW; AND
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF.
' BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA PORTE:
Section 1. The City Council establishes the following
' guidelines, which shall apply to attendance by members of City
Council at educational meetings for elected officials, outside
Harris and Galveston Counties:
' 1. A commitment for attendance should be given to the City
Secretary at the earliest possible date so that the lowest
possible air fare and other discounts can be obtained. This
' will normally be thirty (30) days prior to the event when air
travel is involved. The City Secretary shall aggressively
solicit attendance information if deadlines are approaching
' .and a timely decision is needed.
2. If arrangements are made later; the difference in cost will be
the responsibility of the. Councilperson. When notification is
' given and attendance does not occur; the expenses already paid
will be reimbursed to the City by adjusting the monthly check.
If there is a good reason for the lack of travel coordination,
' 6 the City Council may waive the penalty.
3. No travel or other arrangements will be made for children or
grandchildren unless that cost has been prepaid.
4. Prior to departure each Councilperson will be given a stipend
of $75.00 per day, or more, if authorized by City Council, to
' cover meals and incidental expenses. Depending on travel
arrangements the per diem will be prorated to match the
departure and return dates. Airport parking is not considered
an incidental expense, and must be accounted for with a
' receipt on the request for reimbursement.
5. Hotel stay and airport parking will be reimbursed only for the
' interval from the first night before the opening general
session to the day following the closing meeting. Additional
time will be approved for. attendance at meetings where the
' Councilperson serves on a committee or is on the program.
6. Taxis may be used between the hotel and the airport if no
hotel transportation is available. Mass transit should be
' used for intracity travel when available unless there are time
constraints. Car rental is the responsibility of the
Councilperson and will not be reimbursed unless pre -approved
' by the City Council.
7. Expense accounts must be submitted within ten (10) days after
returning from a meeting. If the expense report is not
received by the City within ten (10) days after completing
travel, the City Manager shall refer the matter to the City
' Council for handling. Receipts are mandatory for
reimbursement except when otherwise exempted by this policy.
Subsequent trips will not be allowed until a request for
reimbursement has been submitted for all previous trips.
t8. Any exceptions to this policy shall be approved b City
P Y PP Y Y
Council at a regular meeting.
' Section 2. The City Council officially finds,, determines,
' recites, and declares that a sufficient written notice of the date,
hour, place and subject of this meeting of the City Council was
tposted at a place convenient to the .public at the City Hall of the
City for the time required by law preceding this meeting, as
' required by the Open Meetings Law, Chapter 551, Texas Government
' Code; and that this meeting has been open to the public as required
by law at all times during which this ordinance and the subject
' matter thereof has been discussed, considered and formally acted
upon. The City Council further ratifies, approves and confirms
such written notice and the contents and posting thereof.
Section 3. This Ordinance shall be effective from and after
' its passage and approval, and it is so ordered.
PASSED AND APPROVED, this 21pday of Sazkorwp,, 2000.
' CITY OF LA PORTE
By: �--
' Orman L. Malone
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ATTEST:
a tha A. Gillett
' City Secretary
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City Attorney
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Tips for
A djusting
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Tips for Adjusting
1. Allow yourself enough time to be effective. Just attending council meetings is not enough.
You must study and discuss the problems and keep yourself informed on what is going on.
To do even a fair job takes a lot of time.
2. Pace yourself. Limit the number of meetings you have. Set some priorities,. recognize the
need to spend time with your family and don't burn yourself out. Recognize that life and
the City are dependent on a lot of things we have little control over.
3. Don't make promises you can't deliver! Most major decisions and actions require approval
of the governing body and this takes a majority vote.
4. Treat everybody the same. Be consistent!
5. Don't spend most of your time checking on what your City staff has already done. Your
primary job is to provide policies and direction for the City.
6. Always deal with people as if you will have to deal with them again. Even if you don't
someone else will.
7. Take your budget preparation job seriously, for it determines what your City does or does
not do for the coming year. It is the biggest policy development tool available to govern
the City. And when budget cutbacks are essential, don't cut back on those activities that
are vital to the critical operation of the City.
8. Be alert for little things. They are the things which always seem to grow and come back to
get you.
9. Establish policy statements. Written policy statements let the public and the City staff
know where they stand. They help the governing body govern and writing them provides a
process to develop consensus. "That's the way it's always been done" is not good enough
to either stay out of trouble or to get things done.
10. Maintain the infrastructure! Make certain you are adequately keeping up what you now
have before taking on any new projects. Deferring maintenance costs to the future simply
shifts your troubles to those who follow you in the future.
11. Don't give quick answers when you're not sure of the real answer. It may be embarrassing
to appear ignorant, but it can be more embarrassing to tell a person something that is
wrong,
12. Don't be stampeded into action. Don't be misled by the strong demands of special interest
groups who want it done now, their way. Your job is to find the long term public interest of
the community and you may be hearing from the wrong people.
13. Don't spring surprises on your fellow Council members or your City staff, especially at
formal meetings. If a matter is worth bringing up for discussion, it's worth putting on the
agenda. Surprises may get you some publicity at the embarrassment of others, but tend to
erode the "team" approach to governance.
14. Don't bypass the system! If you have a City Manager or other chief administrative official,
stick to policy and avoid personal involvement in day-to-day operations.
15. Don't let others bypass your system. Insist that people such as bond salesmen or
equipment suppliers first work with your City staff.
16. Give notice for all your meetings. If it is not a regular meeting where everyone in town
knows the time and place, publish a notice in the newspaper. If a major issue is to be
considered, publish a special notice. If you know someone who is directly involved on the
agenda, give them notice.
17. Have as few closed meetings as possible. In government, there shouldn't be any secrets.
You are there to represent the public. Don't hide anything from them, for your attempt to
do so will certainly result in trouble. Follow the law for any executive sessions you think
are necessary for the public interest.
18. Appoint citizen advisory committees when you need them but be prepared to follow their
advice if you use them. Appointing your opposition to a useful committee can let them
work for you instead of against you.
19. Hire the best people you can and give them as much responsibility as they can and will
handle. There is always the possibility that they will get you into trouble at first, but if you
stand behind them, eventually they can keep you out of trouble.
20. Charge your employees with being responsible for new ideas and better ways. Listen to
what they have to say.
21. Have your City Attorney attend your council meetings. But don't expect the attorney to
know all the answers right on the spot. Give the attorney the chance to research the
matter.
22. Don't simply ask your City Attorney whether or not you can do something. Sometimes the
most appropriate question is "How can we legally accomplish this objective?"
23. If yours is a typical city, don't expect your City Attorney to be an expert on every matter.
City government is too complex. On occasion you will need outside counsel and it will be
a good investment of public funds.
24. Elected officials should accept their leadership responsibilities such as selling new
' programs to the public. The City staff should not act as if they were elected.
25. Make sure you have a good financial accounting and reporting system. Some cities have
' gotten into financial troubles simply because they spent more money than they had
available and nobody knew it.
' 26. Don't act as if the City operates in a vacuum. We must work within the intergovernmental
system to be effective. Keep in contact with your federal, state, county, and school
officials. Use your Municipal League.
27. Don't be hesitant to budget money for your officers and employees to attend meetings and
seminars. These provide learning opportunities and personal contacts which can be
valuable to your City.
28. Finally, define what "trouble means to you. We must realize that we work in a fish bowl
environment and that most of the things we do affect people. Many times they will be
affected in a manner they don't like. If trouble means having someone mad at you, you're
in the wrong business! We should handle each item in a straightforward way that we know
or believe to be correct. If things don't turn out the way they should after all (even public
officers and employees can make mistakes), no one can accuse you of improper motives,
and you will know you did what you thought was proper.
Reprinted from the "Kansas Governmental Journal," the monthly publication of the League of
Kansas Municipalities.
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Summary of
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Appointment of City Manager
On April 23, 1981, the citizens of La Porte voted to administer the City under the Council/Manager
form of government. In accordance with the City's Charter (Chapter 3.01), the City Manager is
selected by the City Council. Since 1980, the City Council has appointed the following three City
Managers: Jim Hudgens (1978 to October 1981); Jack Owens (1982 to 1986); and Robert T.
Herrera (1986 to present). At the Council's discretion, the City Manager may be relieved of his
duties by a vote of the majority of the entire City Council.
Duties of the City Manager
Except as provided elsewhere in this Charter, the City Manager shall be the Chief Executive Officer
and head of the administrative branch of the City government. He shall be responsible to the
Council for the proper administration of all affairs of the City and to that end, he shall have power
and be required to:
1. Devote all his working time and attention to the affairs of the City.
2. Appoint, and when necessary for the good of the City, remove all City officers and
employees except those for which this Charter provides otherwise. He may authorize the
head of a department to appoint and remove subordinates in such department.
3. Prepare the budget annually, submit it to Council, and be responsible for its administration
after adoption.
4. Prepare and submit to Council, as of the end of the fiscal year, a complete report on the
finances and administrative activities of the City for the preceding year.
5. Keep Council advised of the financial condition and future needs of the City and make
such recommendations as may seem to him desirable.
Perform such other duties as may be prescribed by this Charter or required of him by the Council,
not inconsistent with this Charter.
Appointment of the Municipal Court Judge
As provided by Section 3.04 (b) of the City Charter, the Council shall appoint a competent attorney,
duly licensed by the State of Texas, to be judge of the municipal court. He shall serve at the
pleasure of Council and shall receive compensation as may be fixed by Council.
Appointment of the City Attorney
The City Charter's Section 3.05 provides that City Council shall appoint a competent attorney, duly
licensed by the State of Texas, to be City Attorney and head of the department of law. He shall be
appointed and removed at the will and pleasure of Council by a majority vote of the entire Council,
and shall receive compensation as may be fixed by Council.
The City Attorney, or other attorneys selected by him with the approval of Council, shall represent
the City in all litigation. He shall be the legal advisor of, and attorney and counsel for, the City and
all offices and departments thereof.
Role of City Council in the Council / Manager
Form of Government
The primary role of the City Council is to provide policy leadership which responds to the critical
demands of a community. Under the structure of the Council/Manager form of government, this
role is achieved by unity of power, cooperation, and teamwork.
The development of the Council/Manager form was derived from the concept of placing `business
in government" via the profession alization of local governance. The Council/Manager form seeks
to separate politics and policy making from administration. This has resulted in a union between
the planned efforts of a Council's initiative and policy leadership abilities, and the professional and
technical administrative responsibilities of a City Manager.
As shown below, the relationship between a City Council and a City Manager can be either
proactive or reactive. A proactive relationship allows both the Council and Manager to work as a
team which develops the best plan of action required to administer the operations of the City in a
productive, cost-effective manner. On the other hand, the reactive relationship can hinder City
operations and detrimentally affect the delivery of City services.
The Proactive Relationship
Positive
Open Communication
Mutual Respect
Mutually Supportive
Goal Oriented
The Reactive Relationship
Negative
Lack of Communication
Lack of Respect and Trust
Individual Action and/or Factions
Issue Oriented
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tion
m r �= 11111110 = m om m m m m m m r= m m m
CITY OF LA PORTE - ORGANIZATION CHART
Voters
Elect Mayor and Council
CITY ATTORNEY j
I . . , . I CITY MANAGER I . . MUNICIPAL COURT JUDGE
Knox Askins Robert T. Herrera Louie Ditta
ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER
John Joerns
PARKS &
PLANNING
PUBLIC
GOLF COURSE
EMERGENCY
FIRE
ADMIN.
CITY SECY
FINANCE
POLICE
RECREATION
Doug
WORKS
Alex
SERVICES
MARSHAL
SERVICES
Martha
Cynthia
Richard
Stephen
I
Kneupper
I
Steve
Osmond
Joe
Paul
Card
Gi lett
Alexander
ReB
Barr
Gillett
Sease
Hickenbottom
Buttler
Line of Coordination
r r M M M= M M= M r M ■r = M M M = M
PURCHASING MANAGER
Susan Kelley
CITY OF LA PORTE
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
Carol Buttler
HUMAN RESOURCES
MANAGER
Lode Doughty
MIS MANAGER
Larry Mabe
WAREHOUSE
PURCHASING
HUMAN
HUMAN
COMPUTER
COMPUTER
DOCUMENT
COORDINATOR
TECHNICIAN II
RESOURCES
RESOURCES
SYSTEMS
SYSTEMS
IMAGING
John
Ginger
SPECIALIST
CLERK
ADMINISTRATOR
ADMINISTRATOR
TECHNICIAN
Ryan
Shaw
Kendra
Cindy
At
James
Sharon
Williams
Gates
Owens
Janoch
Clark
= r m m m m m m m m m r w m m m m m m
CITY OF LA PORTE
CITY SECRETARY'S OFFICE
CITY SECRETARY
Martha Gillett
ASSISTANT CITY SECRETARY
Sharon Harris
SECRETARY I PART TIME RECEPTIONIST RECEPTIONIST
Susan Turner DEPUTY CLERK DEPUTY CLERK
Charlotte Boudreaux Rose Hall
M M M = = M M M M= M r M r r= r
FIRE CHIEF
Mike Boaze
ASST. FIRE
CHIEF
John Dunham
ASST. FIRE
CHIEF
Jim Crate
CITY OF LA PORTE
EMERGENCY SERVICES
DIRECTOR OF EMERGENCY
SERVICES
Joe Sease
DIST. CHIEF
DIST. CHIEF
DIST. CHIEF
DIST. CHIEF
STATION 1
STATION 2
STATION 3
STATION 4
Carl Holley
Andy Smith
Robert
Gary Crager
Pickering
Captain
Captain
Captain
Captain
Lieutenants
Lieutenants
Lieutenants
Lieutenants
Fire Fighters
Fire Fighters
Fire Fighters
Fire Fighters
EMERGENCY MEDICAL
SERVICE CHIEF
Chris Osten
Shift'A'
Supervisor
Ray Nolen
Asst. Chief
4 Paramedics
Shift'B'
Supervisor
Joe Berry
4 Paramedics
Shift'C'
Supervisor
Scott Griffin
-�
4 Paramedics
EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT
ADMINISTRATIVE
ASSISTANT
Secretary EMS
Bil4ng
Tammy
Beason
= M = = M M M r M r= w r r= it w
FINANCIAL
SERVICES MGR.
David Gunter
Financial Services
Technicians (4)
... Line of Coordination
CITY OF LA PORTE
FINANCE
DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
Cynthia Alexander ................................
SECRETARY 111 BUDGETANVESTMENT OFFICER COURT
Gay Collins Shelley Wolny COORDINATOR
Aimee Bird
ASST. FINANCE DIRECTOR
Michael Dolby court clerics (3)
METER READER BILLING TAX ACCOUNTANT
SUPERVISOR COORDINATOR MANAGER LeAnn
Thurman Rowlett Sabrina Delafield Kathy Powell Williams
Meter Readers (4) i 1 Utility Billing Asst. II
Utility Billing Asst. I i
I Customer Svc. Clerk
I Tax Service Clerk
m= m m= m m m= i t= m= r= m = =
CITY OF LA PORTE
FIRE MARSHAL
FIRE MARSHAL
Paul Hickenbottom
ASSISTANT FIRE MARSHAL I I SECRETARY
Mitch R. Weston Glenda Hunter
GOLF CART MAINT.
TECHNICIAN
Daniel Shook
1 3 Cart Attendants I
CITY OF LA PORTE
GOLF COURSE
GOLF COURSE MANAGER
Alex Osmond
FIRST ASSISTANT SECOND ASSISTANT GOLF COURSE
GOLF PRO GOLF PRO SUPERINTENDENT
Kelly Garner Greg Henning Dennis Hlavaty
GOLF COORDINATOR
Stuart Staffa
I Clubhouse Cashier I
5 Starter
Marshalls
ASST. GOLF COURSE SENIOR GOLF
SUPT. MECHANIC COURSE WORKER
Craig Rowe Dean Sanders
ASST. GOLF COURSE
MECHANIC
5 Golf Course Workers II
2 Seasonal Employees
m = m = m = = = = = = m = r
LA PORTE AREA WATER AUTHORITY
L.P.A.W.A.
LA PORTE CITY COUNCIL
LA PORTE AREA WATER AUTHORITY BOARD
PRESIDENT
President: Rodney Etchberger
LA PORTE AREA WATER AUTHORITY
GENERAL MANAGER
Robert T. Herrera
FINANCE DEPARTMENT OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE
Cynthia Alexander I I Steve Gillett
� rr r � � r � � � I� �■r � � � I� �r l� ■� �
SYLVAN BEACH PAVILION
CUSTOMER SERVICE ASST.
Kim Taylor
SYLVAN BEACH CARETAKER
Christy Sehnert
CITY OF LA PORTE
PARKS & RECREATION
I DIRECTOR OF PARKS & RECREATION I
Stephen Barr
CUSTODIAN
Raphael Garza
CUSTODIAN
Lucindo Gutierrez
OFFICE MANAGER I
Marlene Rigby
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR PARKS &
RECREATION
James Eastep
PARKS ADMINISTRATION
CUSTOMER SERVICE ASSISTANT
Michelle Bedford
CUSTOMER SERVICE ASSISTANT
Elizabeth Russell
RECREATION CENTER
RENTAL CARETAKER
(PT)
2 Employees
GROUNDSKEEPER
(PT)
3 Employees
CITY OF LA PORTE
POLICE DEPARTMENT
ADMINISTRATION
CHIEF OF POLICE
Richard Reff
ADMINISTRATIVE COMPUTER SPECIALIST
ASSISTANT David
Cherell Daeumer Wood
ASSISTANT CHIEF OF POLICE
Aaron Corrales
SECRETARY I I PUBLIC SAFETY CLERK
Claudia Boedecker Shannon Green
CITY OF LA PORTE
POLICE DEPARTMENT
CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION
CHIEF OF POLICE
Richard Reff
ASSISTANT CHIEF OF POLICE
Aaron Corrales
INTERNAL
AFFAIRS OFFICERS
CID LIEUTENANT
Carl Crisp
SOP SERGEANT CID SERGEANT HCOCNTF SERGEANT
Dwayne Spann Tammy McBeath Mike Wood
SOP OFFICERS HCOCNTF OFFICER
CID IDENTIFICATION PUBLIC SAFETY PROPERTY
DETECTIVES CLERK CUSTODIAN
CITY OF LA PORTE
POLICE DEPARTMENT
PATROL
CHIEF OF POLICE
Richard Reff
ASSISTANT CHIEF OF POLICE
Aaron Corrales
LT. DEARDORFF
LT. RICE
LT. CHASTAIN
SGT. FIELDS
SGT. DAVIS
SGT. LAY
SGT. JAMES SGT, ERMEL
PATROL
DOT
OFFICERS
OFFICERS
PATROL
PATROL DISPATCHERS
OFFICERS
OFFICERS
DISPATCHERS
MOTORCYCLES
DISPATCHERS
DISPATCHERS
LPISD
SCHOOL
OFFICERS
CROSSING
m
CITY OF LA PORTE
POLICE DEPARTMENT
SUPPORT SERVICES
CHIEF OF POLICE
Richard Reff
ASSISTANT CHIEF OF POLICE
Aaron Corrales
LIEUTENANT
Ron Parker
COMMUNICATIONS SUPPORT SERVICES RECORDS
SERGEANT SERGEANT CLERK
Ed Swenson Matt Daeumer
CRIME D.A.R.E. HUMANE BUILDING
PREVENTION OFFICERS OFFICERS MAINTENANCE
OFFICERS I I I I I I TECHNICIAN
CITY OF LA PORTE
POLICE DEPARTMENT
CHIEF OF POLICE
Richard Reff
ASSISTANT CH7OFPOLICE
Aaron Corra
SECRETARY ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
PUBLIC SAFETY COMPUTER
CLERK SPECIALIST
PATROL
LIEUTENANT
PATROL
PATROL
CID
SUPPORT
INTERNAL
Steve Deardorff
LIEUTENANT
LIEUTENANT
Lieutenant
SERVICES
AFFAIRS
Gary Rice
Gary Chastain
Carl Crisp
Lt. Ron Parker
OFFICERS
SERGEANT
DOT
SERGEANT
SERGEANT
SERGEANT
CID SOP HCOCDTF
SUPPORT COMMO
RECORDS
SERGEANT SERGEANT SERGEANT
SERVICES SERGEANT
CLERK
SERGEANT
PATROL
OFFICERS
MOTORCYC
PATROL
PATROL
CID SOP
OFFICERS
OFFICERS
OFFICERS
DETECTIVES DETECTIVEsS
NARCOTICS
LIPSD
OFFICER
CRIME PREVENTION
OFFICERS
DOT
DISPATCHER
DISPATCHER
ID
OFFICERS
OFFICERS
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DISPATCHER
DISPATCHER
4
DISPATCHER
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CROSSING
2
2
f7TE,-H7'N')IcIAN
GUARDS
DISPATCHER
ANIMAL CONTROL
2
PUBLIC SAFETY
DIVISION
4CLERK
Ll BUILDING MAINTENANCE
CUSTODIAN
CITY OF LA PORTE
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
SECRETARY III
Peggy Lee
SUPERVISING
ENGINEER
Carlos Martinez
ENGINEERING
TECHNICIAN
SUPERVISOR
Brian Sterling
ENGINEERING ENGINEERING ENGINEERING
TECHNICIAN TECHNICIAN TECHNICIAN
Joe Rolke B. O'Sullivan I. Rodriquez
DIRECTOR OF PLANNING
Doug Kneupper
PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT BUILDING OFFICIAL CITY PLANNER
COORDINATOR Debbie Wilmore Gwen Goodwin
Reagan McPhail
INSPECTION SERVICES
COORDINATOR
SURVEY PARTY Sherry Jennings
CHIEF
Richard Spicer
INSPECTION COMMUNITY
SERVICES SERVICES
TECHNICIAN TECHNICIAN
Bonnie Garrison Mary Luth
SURVEY
TECHNICIAN
Brandon Meismer
CHIEF INSPECTOR
James
LeNoir
PLANNING
COORDINATOR
Masood Malik
COMMUNITY SERVICES
INSPECTOR
Lettie
Garcia
INSPECTOR 2 I I INSPECTOR 2 I I INSPECTOR 1
Jack Tommy Tom
Delafield Carpenter Land
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CITY OF LA PORTE
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
DIRECTOR
Steve Gillett
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Buddy Jacobs
ADMINISTRATION
SECRETARY
Genitha Smith
SECRETARY I I SECRETARY
Gina Ford Dora Lee
STREET MAINTENANCE I I SOLID WASTE
Orville Burgess Phillip Webb
AIRPORT OPERATIONS RESIDENTIAL GARBAGE
STREETS RESIDENTIAL TRASH
DRAINAGE RECYCLING
.RIGHTS OF WAY
EQUIPMENT SERVICES
Lee Allen
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
MOTOR POOL
UTILITIES
Curtis Harrod
WATER PRODUCTION
WATER DISTRIBUTION
WASTEWATER COLLECT.
WASTEWATER TREAT.
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More About TML Click Here
League History
The League of Texas Municipalities formed in 1913 under the guidance of
Professor Herman G. James, Director of the Bureau of Municipal Research
and Reference at the University of Texas at Austin, and A. P. Woolridge,
Mayor, Austin.
The League held its first Annual Conference November 4, 1913, in Austin,
Texas.
Original Founding NJ ember Cities
Austin
Marshall
Coolidge
Mart
Cuero
New Braunfels
Dallas
Paris
Denton
San Marcos
Greenville
Wichita Falls
Houston
Yoakum
Membership Growth
1913
14 member cities
1920
76 member cities
1930
128 member cities
1940
311 member cities
1958
580 member cities
2000
1050 member cities
1n i 9Sh
• The League's name changed to Texas Municipal League.
• A new constitution was adopted.
• The TML Regions were formed.
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• The TML Affiliates were established.
In 1974
TML established the TML Workers' Compensation Joint Insurance Fund.
In 1979
TML established a statewide Group Life and Health Insurance Program.
In 1988
TML reorganized itself into three separate entities:
. Texas Municipal League
• TML Intergovernmental Risk Pool
• TML Intergovernmental Employee Benefits Program
TyIL's Executive Directors
1913 - 1918
Dr. Herman G. James
1918 -1919
Albert A. Long
1919 - 1924
Dr. F.M. Stewart
1924 - 1925
R.D. Jackson
1926 -1934
Harvey W. Draper
1934 -1957
E.E. McAdams
1957 -1958
C.C. Crutchfield
1958 -1970
Stephen J. Matthews
1970 - 1984
Richard D. Brown
1984 -1988
Ted C. Willis
1988 - Present
Frank J. Sturzl
Today's T�1NIL
Today's TML consists of 39 employees and six internal departments
including:
• Office of the Executive Director
• Legislative Services
• Legal Services
• Program Development
• Administrative Services
• Communications
I.a3CUT "11L I ?OARD US; I BOARD OALE,,PDAR I STAFF LIST I IML CONSTITUTION I
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About TM
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About TML Click Here
2001 - 2002
Texas Municipal League
Board of Directors
President:
Guy Goodson, Mayor Pro Tem, Beaumont
President -Elect:
Jackie Levingston, Mayor Pro Tem, Groesbeck
Immediate Past
Loyd Neal Jr., Mayor, Corpus Christi
President:
Past Presidents:
Kenneth Barr, Mayor, Fort Worth
T.J. Patterson, Councilmember, Lubbock
Directors -at -Large
Houston
Lee Brown, Mayor
Dallas
Mary Poss, Acting Mayor
San Antonio
Edward Garza, Mayor
El Paso
Ray Caballero, Mayor
Austin
Gus Garcia, Mayor
Fort Worth
Becky Haskin, Councilmember
Arlington
Elzie Odom, Mayor
Corpus Christi
Loyd Neal, Jr., Mayor (see Immediate Past
President)
Regional Directors
Region 3 Wayne Collins , Mayor, Dimmitt
Amarillo Area
Region 3 Hugh Bradley, Mayor, Levelland
Caprock- Lubbock Area
Region d Ted Westmoreland, Mayor, Kermit
Permiast Basin -Odessa Area
d
Region 6
Hub of Texas- Abilene Area
Region 7
Alamo Region -San Antonio Area
Region 8
Where The West Begins -
Fort Worth Area
Region 9
Heart of Texas Region -Waco Area
Region 10
Highland Lakes Region -Austin Area
Region I I
Coastal Bend Region -Corpus Christi
Aral
Region 12
Lower Rio Grande Valley -
Rio Grande Valley Area
Region 13
North Central Texas Region -Dallas
Area
Region 14
San Jacinto Region -Houston Area
Region 15
Tyler -Longview Area
Region 16
Golden Pine & Oil Region -
Beaumont -Lufkin Area
Departmental Directors
Texas City Attorneys Association
(TCAA)
Texas Association of Black City
Council Members (TABCCM)
Building Officials Association of
Texas (BOAT)
Texas Court Clerks Association
(TCCA)
Robert Ray, Councilmember, Coleman
Wesley Becken. Mayor, Universal City
Mary Lib Saleh, Mayor, Euless
Bryan Ferguson, Mayor, Robinson
Frank Estrada, Mayor Pro Tem,
Lockhart
Joe Hermes, Mayor, Edna
Ricardo Gutierrez, Alderman, Rio
Grande City
Steve Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem,
Mesquite
Terry Henley, Mayor Pro Tem,
Meadows Place
Tim Vaughn, Mayor. White Oak •
Clyde Williams. Mayor Pro Tem.
Jasper
Art Pertile, City Attorney,
Waco
Dock Jackson, Councilmember,
Bastrop
Charles Harrington, Director of
Development Services, League City
Quentin Porter, Municipal Court
Director, San Antonio
Texas Municipal Clerks Association, Patti Hicks, City Secretary, The
Inc. (TMCA) Colony
Government Finance Officers
Association of Texas (GFOAT)
Texas Fire Chiefs Association (TFCA)
Texas Association of Municipal Health
Officials (TAMHO)
Association of Hispanic Municipal
Kathy Du Bose, Assistant City
Manager, Denton
Steve Bass, Fire Chief, Bedford
John H. Teel, Assistant Director of
Health, Garland
Javier Colmenero, Councilmember,
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Officials (AHMO)
Texas Association of Municipal
Information Officers (TAMIO)
Texas Municipal Library Directors
Association (TMLDA)
Texas City Management Association
(TCMA)
Association of Mayors,
Councilmembers and Commissioners
(AMCC)
Texas Municipal Parks, Recreation &
Tourism Association (TMPRTA)
Texas Municipal Human Resources
Association (TMHRA)
City Planners Association of Texas
(CPAT)
Texas Police Chiefs Association
(TPCA)
Texas Public Works Association
(TPWA)
Texas Purchasing Management
Association (TPMA)
Texas Association of Municipal Tax
Administrators (TAMTA)
Texas Municipal Utilities Association
(TMUA)
Corpus Christi
Tony Privett, Director of
Communications and Legislation,
Lubbock
Sue Compton, Director of Library
Services, Flower Mound
George Shackelford, City Manager,
Texarkana
Lois Rice, Mayor, Canyon
Jesus M. Olivares, Director of Parks
and Recreation, Austin
Mary House, Director of Human
Resources, Lubbock
Craig Farmer. Director of Planning,
Lubbock
Kenneth R. Yarbrough, Police Chief.
Richardson
Larry Hertel, City Engineer, Lubbock
Pam Kirkland. Purchasing Manager,
Richardson
Frances Justus, Assessor -Collector of
Taxes, Frisco
Charles Anderson, Director of
Utilities, Arlington
Ex Officio Non -Voting Invited Representatives
TML Intergovernmental Employee
Benefits Pool
TML Intergovernmental Risk Pool
Gary Butts, City Manager, Brownwood
Robert Herrera, City Manager, La Porte
ABtii;T TAIL ti_ACUF HINTORY BOARD CALFNDAR S AFF LIST POL CONSTITUTION
C2002 Texas Municipal League Austin, Texas (512) 231-7400
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Greo Ingham C UJ r, L &.Y al I ka d, PI ax a
,v6trt7. iferrera V I a a., C k4i r, L a'Po f t t, � P4.1
i4akia 'Epi--
C aAU; Ki J 1, Plate, 2
-L)amd,4. -Prewitt 14111, FIAC&3
Xickey Chifdrrs Loapiew, Place 4
L. Don, -'Dodson E[Ward" Place, 6,
,4far y gauer R4f ax ltaijkft, Hue. 6-
Larry Gilley SaFt Mw c as,, P I ac 9, 7
Leo Aontafvo hk AA I es t P-1 ax. 0 t.
,4n,dres garza, Jr. Wb,&,rto.n,, RI ace, i
4)omdds. Ifenderson El Rau. Plaza 10
Kike:Wcgregor Will ajk� C Place 12
..Byron iftfack 1611"'On, Plus 13
,!>at Aiyrriss
AkuskkkY l3allas, Flue 16,
-44tyne C'01ans TML Reprewtave Ex-01ficao
TML Reprewntative Ex-Offic4o
GERP Repremimve Ex-Officio
Aamin Tr zsend Executive Crector
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= 7t.m :Municipal t vapst tultr2oterntsrrnfill R;+1► Taut
lission...
The mission of the Texas Municipal League Intergovernmental Risk Pool is to pro%
municipalities and other units of local government with a stable source of risk finan
prevention services at the lowest cost consistent with sound business practices.
Objectives...
The Pool's programs are built with the members' goals and needs in mind. As the
statement is the Pool's foundation, the following objectives are its building blocks:
�X Provide a stable risk financing system.
'Z Educate members about avoiding and reducing risks.
�. Control losses with effective legal defense and claims handling.
Serve as an expert source of information on risk management for cities, other
government and the Texas Municipal League.
Who JFe Serve...
The Pool is an interlocal agency offering workers' compensation, liability, and prop
to Texas political subdivisions including:
Airport Authorities
Cities
Conservation & Reclamation Districts
Councils of Government
Drainage Districts
Fire Districts / Emergency Service Districts
Flood Control Districts
Hospital Districts
Housing Authorities
Downtown Management & Improvement Districts
Coverd..Ues...
The TML Risk Pool offers various
coverages:
Workers' Compensation
Mental Health / Mental Retarc
Municipal Utility Districts
Navigation Districts
Public Library Districts
Public Utility Boards
River Authorities
Tax Appraisal Districts
Transit Authorities
Water & Irrigation Districts
911 Districts
Property
Full coverage for employees Real & Persc
Optional coverages for officials and Boiler & Mac
volunteers Mobile Equip
Liability Special Rh
General Liability Crime Coven
Auto Liability and Physical Damage Police Dogs
Law Enforcement Liability Special Even
Public Officials Errors and Omissions Liability
Airport Liability
For more information concerning coverages, please contact the Texas Municip:
Intergovernmental Risk Pool Field Services Department at: .
FieldServices@tmlirp.org
Texas Municipal League- Intergovernmental Risk Pool
1821 Rutherford Lane, Austin TX 78754 (512) 491-2300
For Members: 1-800-537-6655
TMLRiskPool§ tmlf rp. org
Texas Municipal League
Intergovernmental Risk Pool
Privacy Policy
To access the "Graphics Lite" version of this site, please click HERE.
This site is designed to be viewed at a screen resolution of 800X600 or greater (1024X788 preferred), using sith
or Netscape Navigator versions 4.0 or better. Viewing at a lower resolution (640X480) may result in horizontal st
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Glossary of
Terms
Glossary of Budget Terms
ACCOUNT: A term used to identify an individual asset, liability, expenditure control, revenue
control, encumbrance control, or fund balance.
ACCRUAL ACCOUNTING: The method of accounting under which revenues are recorded when
they are earned (whether or not cash is received at the time) and expenditures are recorded when
goods and services are received (whether or not cash disbursements are made at that time).
AD VALOREM TAXES: Real estate and personal property taxes. Ad Valorem is defined by
Webster's new World Dictionary as "in proportion to the value." The taxes are assessed on a
portion of the value of the property based on actual taxable value received from the property based
on actual taxable value received from the property appraiser and mileage rate set by City Council.
APPROPRIATION: Authorization granted by a legislative body to incur obligations for specific
purposes. An appropriation is limited in amount to the time it may be expended.
ASSESSMENT: The value for tax purposes determined by the property appraiser for a given piece
of real or personal property.
ASSETS: Property owned by the City government, which has monetary value.
BOND: A written promise to pay a specified sum of money, called the face value or principal
amount, at a specified date or dates in the future, called the maturity date(s), together with periodic
interest at a specified rate.
BONDED DEBT: The portion of indebtedness covered by outstanding bonds, which includes
general obligation promissory notes that are backed by approved, irrevocable future tax levies for
debt service.
BOND ISSUE: Bonds sold.
BUDGET: A plan of financial operation embodying an estimate of proposed expenditures for a
given period, and the proposed means of financing them.
BUDGET CALENDAR: The schedule of key dates which the City Council follows in the
preparation and adoption of the budget.
BUDGET ORDINANCE: The official enactment by the City Council establishing the legal authority
for officials to obligate and expend resources.
BUDGETARY ACCOUNTS: Those accounts necessary to reflect budget operations and
conditions, such as estimated revenues, appropriations, and encumbrances, as distinguished from
proprietary accounts.
BUDGETARY CONTROL: The control or management of the business affairs in accordance with
an approved budget, with a view toward keeping expenditures within the authorized amount.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM: a plan for capital expenditures to be incurred each year
over a fixed period of several future years setting forth each capital project, identifying the expected
beginning and ending date for each project, the amount and the method of financing.
CAPITAL OUTLAY: An expenditure that results in the acquisition of fixed assets or additions to
fixed assets that are presumed to have benefits for more than one year. Includes expenditures for
land or existing buildings, improvements of grounds, construction of buildings, additions to
buildings, remodeling of buildings, and major fixed or movable equipment costing more than $250
per unit or set.
CHART OF ACCOUNTS: The classification system used by a City to organize the accounting for
various funds.
CITY MANAGER'S MESSAGE: A general discussion of the proposed budget, as presented in
writing, by the budget -making authority to the legislative body.
CLASSIFICATION: A systematic arrangement of items into classes or related groups for analytical
or control purposes.
CONTINGENCY: Funds that are not earmarked for a specific purpose and may be used for
emergency expenses or to make up cost overruns during a budget year.
CURRENT ASSETS: Cash and other assets that are available to be used in operations within the
next twelve months.
CURRENT LIABILITIES: Short-term liabilities whose liquidation is reasonably expected to require
the use of assets or the creation of additional liabilities within the next twelve months.
DEBT: An obligation resulting from borrowing of money or from the purchase of goods or services.
DEBT LIMIT: The maximum amount of gross or net debt legally permitted.
DEBT SERVICE: The expense of retiring such debts as loans and bond issues.
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DEBT SERVICE FUND: A fund established to finance and account for the accumulation of
resources for, and the payment of, general long-term debt principal and interest. Also called a
SINKING FUND.
DEFICIT: The excess of the obligations of a fund over the fund's resources.
DEPRECIATION: The periodic expiration of a plant asset's useful life. There are several methods
for computing depreciation. Straight line, which is the most common, divides the value of the asset
at acquisition by its estimated useful life. This amount is then charged to expense until the asset is
fully depreciated.
ENTERPRISE FUND: A fund established to finance and account for operations that are financed
and operated in a manner similar to private business enterprises where the intent of the governing
body is that costs (expenses, including depreciation) of providing goods or services to the general
public on a continuing basis be financed or recovered primarily through user charges. Examples of
Enterprise Funds are those of water and sewer service, golf course, commercial solid waste,
airport, etc.
EXPENDITURES: (Used for General Fund Types) Total charges incurred, whether paid or
unpaid, which are assumed to benefit the current fiscal year.
FISCAL YEAR: A twelve-month period of time to which the annual budget applies and at the end
of which a City determines its financial position and results of operations.
FULL FAITH AND CREDIT: A pledge of the General Taxing power of a government to repay debt
obligations (typically used in reference to bonds).
FUND: an independent fiscal and accounting entity with a self -balancing set of accounts recording
cash and/or other resources, together with all related liabilities, obligations, reserves, and equities
which are segregated for the purpose of carrying on specific activities or attaining certain objects.
FUND BALANCE: The excess of a fund's assets over its liabilities and reserves.
GAAP — GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES: Uniform minimum standards
and guidelines for financial accounting and reporting. They govern the form and content of the
financial statements of an entity. GAAP encompass the conventions, rules and procedures
necessary to define accepted accounting practice at a particular time. They include not only broad
guidelines of general application, but also detailed practices and procedures. GAAP provide a
standard by which to measure financial presentations. The primary authoritative body on the
application of GAAP to state and local governments is the GASB.
GENERAL FUND: The fund that is available for any legal authorized purpose and which is
therefore used to account for all activities except those required to be accounted for in another
fund. Note The General Fund is used to finance the ordinary operations of a governmental unit.
GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS: Bonds, for whose payments, the full faith and credit of the
issuing body are pledged. More commonly, but not necessarily, general obligation bonds are
considered to be those payable from taxes and other general revenues.
GENERAL REVENUE: The revenues of a governmental unit other than those derived from and
retained in an enterprise fund.
GRANT: A contribution by one governmental unit to another. The contribution is usually made to
aid in the support of a specified function.
INCOME: This term is used in accounting for governmental enterprises and represents the excess
of the revenues earned over the expenses incurred in carrying on particular phases of an
enterprise's activities. The excess of the total revenues over the total expenses of the utility for a
particular accounting period is called "net income."
INTERFUND TRANSFER: Transfer among funds. These are utilized to track items for
management purposes. They represent a "double counting" and therefore, are subtracted when
computing a "net" operating budget.
INTERNAL SERVICE FUND: Funds used to account for financing of goods or services provided
by one department or agency to other departments or agencies of a government, or to other
governments, on a cost -reimbursement basis.
LEVY: The total of taxes or special assessments imposed by a governmental unit.
LOCAL TAX LEVY REVENUE: Revenue of a district, which is derived from taxes, levied on
equalized property value within a district.
NON -OPERATING INCOME: Income of governmental enterprises of a business character, which
is not derived from the operation of such enterprises. An example is interest on investments or on
bank deposits.
OPERATING BUDGET: Plans of current expenditures and the proposed means of financing them.
The annual operating budget is the primary means by which most of the financing acquisition,
spending, and service delivery activities of a government are controlled. The use of annual
operating budgets is usually required by law. Even when not required by law however, annual
operating budgets are essential to sound financial management and should be adopted by every
government.
OPERATING EXPENSES: As used in the accounts of governmental enterprises of a business
character, the term means such costs that are necessary to the maintenance of the enterprise, the
rendering of services for which operated, the sale of merchandise, the production and disposition
of commodities produced, and the collection of the revenues.
OTHER FINANCIAL SOURCES: Governmental fund general long-term debt proceeds, operating
transfers -in, and material proceeds of fixed asset dispositions. Such amounts are classified
separately from revenues.
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PERSONAL PROPERTY: Livestock, commercial equipment and furnishings, attachments to
mobile homes, railroad cars and similar possessions that are taxable under state law.
PERSONAL SERVICES: Costs related to compensating employees including salaries, wages and
benefit costs.
PRINCIPAL OF BONDS: The face value of the bonds.
■ PROPERTY APPRAISER: Elected county official responsible for setting property valuations for
tax purposes and preparing the annual tax roll.
' PURCHASE ORDER: A written request to a vendor to provide material or services at a price set
forth in the order and is used as an encumbrance document.
' REAL PROPERTY: Land and the buildings and other structures attached to it that is taxable under
state law.
REVENUE: An increase in (source of) fund financial resources other than from interfund transfers
or debt issue proceeds.
REVENUE SHARING: Federal and State money allocated to local governments.
SOURCE OF WORKING CAPITAL: A transaction that results in net increase in working capital.
SPECIAL REVENUE FUND: A fund used to account for the proceeds of specific revenue sources
that are legally restricted to expenditures for specified purposes.
TAX BASE: The total property valuations on which each taxing agency levies its tax rate.
TAX LEVY: The total amount to be raised by general property taxes for purposes specified in the
Tax Levy Ordinance.
TAX RATE: The amount of tax levied for each $100 of assessed valuation.
TAX ROLL: The certification of assessed/taxable values prepared by the Property Appraiser and
presented to the taxing authority.
WORKING CAPITAL: The amount by which total current assets exceed total current liabilities.
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