HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-21>9-23-2001 City Council Retreat- -o- - -- -
How t® find us - B
W
• y Q`
jV
;' Pirates 13cac1� 1k 4'ovc
Hotel Calr'ez
,?rnrnonl Elduae . .
°�7 r
SantLiiis;[tc•. .
1/:���
_ _
✓!
'.O oaf
�`
%O �►Ioody Cr',dcrls _
z 11r4�/guests
jtkde jry m ip at's
? `
,
clri;atcrrnrs Ar44llilwleges a tii;e
,'
Copyright ® 1998 by Galveston Country Club
All rights reserved.
Revised: Friday, June 01, 2001
`ID - �� 2 �W Vii�
To liousto� .
Houston'
r..
AuportB(vd: wl Broadway
6�r§� .a�_�3rc..r,�nip �.•r.r�c��s•,�`� 'y''T � �lt,� � t+
;WilliamPs'_+w�{;;`� r't&;,a��:31✓ ; x �` a
Hobby%45 ��f ( ,�;frcuY,, sA .s< 3Z :`.ie'ti ,r'vr + t `c 7; k „X• .
t AirportTo .._ .�• fi,4s't J .�` F ;, {'yt
t Galveston ;,,,,,►�: • c CAMEM
=Y-
CR
., Ail
i!
aOOPP
4:0.0 to,6;OO,:p:m.
Meeting
6 30 to 7 O.Op:m
S;ociai Gathering .
7:0`0. p m :.
Dinner
Saturday; 'September.
7 30 a m
Breakfast .
8t15 - 9JUa.m:
Meeting
930'— 945,a.m;
Break
945 12.0.0 pm'
Meeting
12 00= L 1 S. p m
Lunch
1 30 3 00 p,m -:
Meeting
3 00 3 15 p.m
Break
3:15; ..S:00 p:m..
Meeting
630 p..m:
Dinner
Sunday, September 23 .
7:30 a;m.<` .
:Breakfast
Meeting
9:X0 9 45.'a:m:
Break
0:45=12 00 p,m.
Meeting
12:00 :- ,1 A 5 p:m:
Lunch
NOTE:
.Dress is business casual.
Hotel Check in @ 4:'00 —'Check out @a,1:00 p.m. (Free parking on south lot; valet available)
-Moody Gardens Hotel - Seven Hope Boulevard — Galveston, TX 77554 - (409) 741-8484
Luggage may be stored in hotel holding area if rooms are not ready for check -in on arrival
.Golf— Galveston Country Club - 14228 Stewart Road — Galveston, TX - (409) 737-9830
(see map in the pocket)
• Meeting — Boardroom: 9a' Floor
Tab 3
Tab 4�
Tab S
7:00. P.M. Dinner -Moody Gardens Hotel-- Starfish Room
• City Mass Transit Committee discuss
concept and °proposed' formation Tab 9
Annual Sidewalk Replacement Program Tab 10
• Glen .Meadows to L-Street Tab 11
11:00 a.m.
• Parks Master Plan reeeive report Tab 12
12:00 p.m. Lunch — Starfish Room
. 4
d eyeh.)pinent considerations` Tab 13
a QI&Lo.10 I City Hall. consider
upgrading into avivic buildingTab 14
•
Historicial -Wall Tab 15
3:00 to 3-15 Break
3.:15 to 5:00:p.-,M.*
General -Matters
Internship Program
eity/9ch9ol lo.cal government Tab 16
Community Map and Kiosk Center Tab 17
OWS Webse it� Tab 18
Marketing Discuss'io- n Tab 19
Highway Marquee Signage Tab 20
6:30 p.m. Dinner — Off -site (Fisherman's Wharf)
12:00 p.m. -Adjourn
Lunch - Starfish Room
CITY OF LA PORTE
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 in
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
1) Openly communicate with each other for the benefit of the
organization as well as for ourselves.
2) Each team member will insure that projects are
successfully completed by offering their expertise or
assistance as needed.
3) Mentor each other by providing professional development
through shared knowledge and experience.
4) Acknowledge when a project is complete by
communicating with the other members of Executive
Staff.
City of La Porte — Organization Chart
VOTERS
ELECT MAYOR AND
COUNCIL
CITY ATTORNEY
CITY MANAGER
MUNICIPAL COURT JUDGE
Knox Askins
Robert T. Herrera
J.B. Williamson
ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER
John Joerns
PARKS &
PLANNING PUBLIC GOLF
EMERG. FIRE
ADMIN
CITY FINANCE POLICE
REC
Doug WORKS COURSE
SERVICES MARSHALL
SERVICES
SECRETARY Cynthia Richard
Stephen
Kneypper, Steve OAlex
Joe Sease Paul
Carol
Martha Alexander Reff
Barr
Gillett
Hickenbottom
Buttler
Gillett
FIRE
EMS
Champ
Chris
Dunham
Osten
\I/ Ali .li \1i Ali NIZ Ali Nte Ali Nli N.li Ali �1/ N1/ NI,, �!/ NI,- N1/ N.Ii NIi \t/ \1/ \1/ iI/ \{/ �1/ Ali
,1\ ,,\ /,\ 714 714 /14 ,,\ /,\ ,,\ /1\ /1\ ,{\ /,\ ,,\ /,\ ,1\ /1\ /,\ ,1\ /,\ '71�z 71�z 714 71�z 71; ,,\ ,1\
\1/
\1/
NI/
-
NJ/
\I/
\1/
\1/
\1/
\1/
\1/
\1/
\1/
\I/
CITY'S
\1/
\1/
\1/
\I/
\I/
\1/
\1/
\1/
\1/
\1/
\I/
\t/
/IN
\I/ �1/
�V Ali Ali
,1\ /,\
/1; ,1\ ,1� ,1� 71\
i\1/
\1/
\1/
\1/
\1/
\1/
\1/
\1/
\I/
\1/
\1/
\1/
\1/
\1/
\I/
/IN
\1/
EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN NIX
Ali \I/ il/ \1/ \I/ \I/ \I/ \I/ \I/ \I/ NI/ NI.- --,I/ \I/ \t/
71\ i,� i,� i,� 71�z 714 71�z it. 7I\ /I; 71\ /1\ 71�z 71�z 71�z
0.
City of La Porte
Emergency Operations
Emergency Planning
• LaPorte, Morgans Point and Shoreacres LEPC
Required by Federal Law
Financed by Members
Excellent Source for Interaction with Industry
• Formal Emergency Plan — State Approved
Update and approval required every 5 years
• Basic Emergency Plan Wall Chart
• Annex Q Plan Wall Chart
ti Annex Q Digest Booklets
Emergency Planning
• EOC
— Computer with:
• Chemical Modeling Programs
- CAMEO
— ALOHA
— MARPLOT
• Weather Service Access
• Hurricane Tracking Software
• Internet Access to:
— TXDEM
— HCOEM
W — Numerous Wall Maps for Plotting
w
Emergency. Operations
• EOC Activation
— Extreme Weather
• Flooding
• Tornado
— Hurricane
— Chemical
— Fire
— Civil Disturbance
EOC Operations
• Activation
— Predetermined
• Hurricane
• Possible Civil Problems
— Unplanned
• Paging of Executive Staff
— Group Page
— Telephone
• Paging via Harris County Alerting System
— Dispatch
— Key Personnel
W
Ul
• • •
EOC Operations
• EOC Staff
— City Manager
— Assistant City Manager
— Department Directors
• Assistant Directors or Division Heads are backups
— Emergency Services Staff for clerical help
- During Chemical Events a Company Rep
w
responds to EOC as a Liason
E
•
Emergency Notification
• Whelen Siren System
• AM Radio — 830AM
— Low power radio on Commercial Freq.
• First Call Telephone System
— Relative Slow
• Highway Signs
- Controlled by Houston Tran Star Operations
.l
N1, al, NI, Nl, NI, ",1, NI, NI, N1, N1, NI, NI, \1, N1, -%1, NI, N1, N1,
14 71�z 71�z i,�z 71�z 714 71�z 71; 71�z i,;;z i,�z 71�z 714 71�z 71; 71; 71�z 71; 71; i,�z 71�z 71�z 71�z 71�z 71�z
r
Li
CITY' S AMBULANCE DIVISION
FUTURE GROWTH
ip
\I, \I, \I, -.I, Ali Ali Ali Ali Ali Ali Ali \1, --I, -I, NI, \1, NI, Nli Ali NI, NI, %I, NI, Ali NO.." \Ii
i,; i,;;� 71�z 71�z 71; 71; 71; 71; ,,\ ,,N ,,\ ,,;z i,;z 71; i,; i,;z 71; 71; 71; 71; 71; 71; 71; 71; 71;
Call volume 1996 to 2001*
. 3000
2800
2600
2400
2200
•
CJ
2000
1800
1600
1400
1200
1000
1996 1111997 111998 0 1999 ® 2000 a 2001 *
*2001 call volume estimated
1996
2257
1997
2258
1998
2311
1999
2364
2000
2571
2001*
2651
4.1
r-
7
A
5
nti
z
f�
Y^
Response Time in Minutes
El 1996 0 1997 0 1996 ❑ 1999 E 2000
1996
6.92
1997
6.01
1998
6.07
1999
5.7
2000
5.4
0
4.2
Third -out mutual aid calls assisting La Porte E.M.S.
•
•
1996
29
1997
26
1998
25
1999
35
2000
36
As of August 1st 2001 we have called for mutual aid 24 times. We have gone
out of the city for mutual aid requests 25 times. It doesn't appear that we
are going to request mutual aid more often than in years past.
Bayport district calls (including MVA's)
1996
97
1997
65
1998
98
1999
50
2000
54
In 2000 we ran 2% of our calls to the Bayport area. As of August 1st 2001 it
doesn't appear that we are going to run any more calls than in the past.
Notes:
In 2000 we averaged slightly more than 7 calls per shift. Each crew spent
about 4 hours a day on calls. This isn't including documentation.
4.3
Mutual aid to other agencies
•
9
1996
106
1997
74
1998
70
1999
57
2000
79
Responses to the Battlearound Area
1997
50
1998
57
1999
45
2000
58
4.4
\I, GIs \I, \I, \1, \1, \I, \1, �I, �1, il, Nli NIi \1, Ali NI, NI,- -,I, NI, NI,- Nli NI,- NI, NI, NI, \I, NI,
71� i13 i1� i,w' 1; i1; i,� i,� i,� i,� -I\ ',,a iI; ,1; ,I; 71; 71; ;; ,,i,71; ,,;z 71; 71; 71; 71; i,; 7,N
SALARY LEVEL PAID TO CITY
COUNCIL &WHAT STEPS TO FOLLOW
IF A CHANGE WERE CONSIDERED
�i
Ali Ali �I, Ali ili �I, �I, �I, Ali �I, Ali Ali Ali �I, Ali �I, �i, �I, �I, �I, �I, Ali Ali Ali rli
iI\ i,\ i,. -IN ,IN i,\ "IN "IN i,\ i,N -IN i,N iI\ "I\ ,,\ ,,\ ,,\
NIZ -!i �10 \li -li \1/ \1/ \1/ \I/ \1/ \I/ \1/ \1/ \1/ \I/ \1/ \1/ \1/ NI" NI/ Ali \1/ \I/
-------------------------
/1\ /,\ ,,\ 71; ,1\ /,\ ,,\ ,I\ ,I\ ,,\ ,1\ ,1\ /,\ /1\ /,\ /1; ,1\ /1\ ,,\ 71; ,,\ 71; 71;
NO BACKUP FOR THIS ITEM
'li \li Ali Ali �!i Ali Ali Ali \Ii \1/ \1/ \1/ Ali �►i Ali Ali Nte \!/ \1/ NI.,NI./Ali --,I/ \1/ \1/ NI.."\1/
,1\ ,1\ /1\ ,1\ ,1\ ,I\ /1\ /1\ /1\ i1; 71; ip, ,,\ /1\ /1\ 71\ /1\ ih 71; il;;z 71\ 71\ 71; 71; 71; 71; 71�z
Ali \li Ali Ali \l i Ali Ali Ali -1 i Nl i -1 i �I / -"1, -..I/�1, �1, \1, --A.,-,I,
71; ,1; 71; �1� �I� ih �1� 71� 71; 71; 71; 71�z 71�z 71; 71�z 71; 71; 71; i1;
1
N1,
il\
i1;
\1,
/IN
\1,
/IN
\1,
NORTHSIDE COMPREHENSIVE
iIN
N1,
.-IN.
\1,
ZIN
\1,
,-IN
\1,
ZIN
il,
ila
i�
NI.- NI/ Ali Nli Ali Nli Ali Ali
71�z 71�z 71�z 71; 71; 71; 71; 71;
NI, -I, NI,
\1, NI, \i,
ih
i1;
\1,
il;
\1,
i1
\1,
i1;
il;
\I,
/IN
\1,
PLAN
sly
Ali
ifs
Nli N1, N1, J.- �1, �!, �1, N1, N1, �I, -1, �1, --.I/ \1, N1, N1, \I/ Ali \1/
i� i; i; iN i� i; i� i; i; i� i� i; i; i� i; ,� ,; �\
1 1 1 1 ! 1 1 1 I 1 1 I 1 1 1 1 1 1 !
Northside Comprehensive Plan
Status Report
Enclosed is a status report on the Implementation Plan contained in the
Northside Community Neighborhood Plan. This report is essentially the
tables contained in the plan with two columns added. One column is a
coding that identifies Level One (Nine Immediate Priorities) or Level Two
(Rankings within Overall Strategies). The second column is
comments/activities, with notes on each individual priority.
This report reflects information that the City Administration is aware of.
There may be more activity by the civic club (or others) which has not yet
been shared with the City. Additionally, a separate report by Chief Richard
Reff regarding Police Department activities is attached.
We look forward to reviewing this information with Council and will also
forward a copy to the Civic Club.
6.1
LNIPLENIENTATION PLAN: LEVEL ONE
ATfAIo Tw.. ■i.., �. .
Action Recommendations
Strategy
Priority
for
Action
1:111: 1 1\1V11111C3
Possible source(s) of
funding, responsibility,
authority, or collaboration
Comments/Activities
1.1
Promote the repair of deteriorating
residences so they meet minimum
Article in Bayshore Sun: Harris County Community
code standards and to improve the
Beautify
Community Development
Corporation, Civic Club, SETH,
Development Dept. programs
- Harris County Community Development: presentation at civic
quality of life of current residents.
residences and
1
Harris County Community
club meeting
Seek financial assistance as
businesses.
Development Department,
Lead Base Paint Program
necessary from external resources.
(Help qualified, needy residents to
service organizations
: Owner Occupied Rehabilitation Program
repair homes.)
Harris County staff follow up/potential applicants
City: Councilman Warren & ACM met with SETH about
programs & opportunities
SETH: application to Harris County Community Development
for $170,000 in owner occupied rehabilitation funds
Civic Club: applied for Harris County Community
Development Block Grant to be targeted to senior services,
handicapped, substance abusers, youth services, crime
awareness, and other public services
City: sent civic club letter in support of Block Grant, status
unknown
Civic Club/Main St. Association/Kids in Action: Summer 2000
Equipment, labor, time and materials were provided to
1.2
Investigate ways to increase
City, Civic Club, Harris County
Rrressure wash and paint selected home_(s�on the Northside
transportation services to residents;
Community Development
No known previous activity
assist the residents with information
Improve public
2
Department, Houston-
Y City: topic of City Mass Transit is on the Sept. 21-23 Workshop
on public agency transportation.
transportation.
Galveston Area Council or
(Investigate ways to assist needy
similar organization — NF
residents with transportation.)
1.3
Through the City's Dangerous
City: delays because of Courtruling on similar practices being
Buildings Program or with owner
considered as unlawful takings
approval and participation,
Beautify
3
City, property owners, service
City: Two dangerous buildings on the Northside were reviewed
systematically remove dilapidated,
residences and
organizations
by City Council on August 26`"
unoccupied structures over a period
businesses.
212 No. 8"' Street
of time. (Remove buildings that can't
110 No. 5"' Street
be repaired with owner approval or
through City's Dangerous Buildings
Council authorized a public hearing on Sept. 24 to consider
Program.)
demolition of these 2 structures
City: demolished structure on 408 No. 5"' St. after acquiring
land for park property
City: acquiring Lots 21-24, Blk. 89 (No. 41h St) (through
delinquent tax process) for park property. Once acquired,
building will be demolished.
•
1.4
Install street lighting according to a
City & RelianUHL&P: 44 new streetlights
lighting plan that provides adequate
authorized for installation by City. Reliant
safety for the residents; enhance with
Make changes that
4
City, HL&P (Reliant Energy),
Energy completed installation in about March
private security lighting. (Install street
lead to a safer
Civic Club
2001
lights where needed plus increase
environment.
`r City & RelianUHL&P: City authorized 11
private lighting.)
additional streetlights for installation along
Barbour's Cut Blvd. Installation completed in
June 2001
1.5
_
Consider promoting E Street as a buffer
City: will provide for Council's consideration at
their Sept. 24 meeting, a resolution aimed at
between the residential and general
Beautify the
5
City
utilizing East E St. as a buffer between the
commercial zoning districts of the
neighborhood's
residential & general commercial/business
Northside neighborhood. (Tum E Street
boundaries
industrial zoning districts
into public park space.)
➢ City: When portion of East E St. r-o-w was
(erroneously) cleared by an adjacent landowner,
City negotiated an additional $4,610 payment for
landscaping as part of a proposed alley closing
agreement. (alley closing was not approved) and
1.6
moneynot of collected
Increase pressure on criminals by
1 City: mailed 203 letters to owners of vacant
property asking them to provide La Porte P.D.
encouraging property owners to provide
Decrease places
6
Civic Club, City (Police
with no trespassing affidavits
the La Porte Police Department with
where crime can
Department) -- NF
14 affidavits were received and passed on to La
affidavits approving their enforcement of
occur.
Porte P.D.
trespassing ordinances on private
Y City: supplied civic club with a list of vacant
property. ("No trespassing" affidavits
property owners not responding to the mailout
for Police.
1.7
Draft and construct a consistent plan for
No activity to date
sidewalks. (Develop a plan for putting
Improve infrastructure
City, Civic Club
sidewalks where needed.
conditions
7
1.8
City: City invited Carolyn Semones of Houston
Consider creating a community
LISC to City Council workshop on
development corporation charged with
Build a strong system
8
Northside residents, La Porte
March 24, 2001 discussed with Council the
the mission to develop businesses, jobs
to support housing,
civic, religious and business
purpose of their organization and CDC's in
and new housing opportunities for the
jobs and business
leaders with technical
general
Northside area. (Create a Community
opportunities.
assistance from a variety of
Development Corporation to work on
local resources.
jobs, training, housing, business
development, marketing.)
1.9
Civic Club: On October 14. 2000 the Civic Club
Encourage neighborhood property
sponsored a neighborhood clean-up campaign.
owners and tenants to maintain their
Make changes that
9
Civic Club, church
Volunteers picked up litter and cleaned vacant lots,
properties properly, keeping them
lead to a safer
congregations, service
taking the debris to a container supplied by BFI.
debris- and litter -free, lawns neatly
environment.
organizations, Harris County
trimmed and homes and garages
Community Development
repaired. (Reward people who keep
Department, SETH
their properties clean and tidy; give help
to those who need help.)
w
0 • •
Implementation Plan: Level Two
Rankings within Preferred Overall Strategies
As noted previously, Northside citizens wish to address broad categories of strategies according to the following ranked preferences.
First Preferenve[ Action 1'Prnmmnn[tntin.,o F.,.•., !).,,.la.. „l'T:l'.. !'.,_.[. AT, -.. --,
Action Recommendations
Better Quality of
Priority
Possible
Comments/Activities
Life for Northside
for
source(s) of
Action
funding,
responsibility,
authority, or
collaboration
11.1.1
Encourage property owners to
No known activity
remove debris and underbrush on
vacant lots to rninirnize illegal
Decrease places
1
Civic Club,
activities and dumping. (Clean up
where crime can
service
vacant lots-, remove hiding places.)
occur.
organizations
11.1.2
The leaders of both the civic club and
No known activity except 1.1
business association for Main Street
should consider working
collaboratively and cooperatively on
Strengthen
projects and programs that benefit
community assets
2
Civic Club, Main
both residents and the business
and shared vision.
Street
community alike. (Encourage the
Association
Civic Club and Main Street
Association to worts on projects
to ether.
11.1.3
Involve the apartment residents in the
Involve
1 City: Related Item: Green Oaks Apts. have hired 2 off -duly officers
civic life of the community. (Help the
owner/manager and
3
Civic Club
to work within the apartment complex to assist in addressing the
drug issue in the complex. We have favorable reports from citizens
apartment dwellers to become more
residents of
that there is a marked decrease in narcotic trafficking.
active in the neighborhood.)
Apartments.
City: looking at presenting an ordinance before Council that will
make it a violation to solicit for narcotics
City: through water billing and the news we have asked for those
who wish to desire a Neighborhood Watch Program to contact us.
11.1.4
Invite grassroots leaders from the
We did not receive any responses from the Northside area.
Houston area to address how they
No known activity
succeeded in lowering crime and
drug trafficking in their
Fight street crimes
4
Civic Club
neighborhoods.
(Learn from citizens who have fought
the drug war successfully.)
11.1.5
The Police Department should
One copy of Winnable War will be provided to P. D. and one will be
continue beefing up their patrols of
the Northside area and making a
Increase
5
City
forwarded to the civic club. This may help facilitate further
strong effort to gain the confidence of
police
presence in
(Police
Department)
discussions between P.D. and the community,
City: Related Item: P.D. stepped narcotic trafficking enforcement by
the law-abiding citizens of the
Northside. (Increase police patrols
Northside.
utilizing officers from Baytown, the Harris County Organized Crime
on Northside.)
& Narcotic Task Force, & Galveston County Sheriffs Office
P.D. is working to further establish relationships with other
surrounding agencies to develop a "pool" of undercover officers.
---
See attached report from Chief Richard Reff dated 8/26/2001.
a 0 0
Vi
Action Recommendations
Better Quality of
Priority
Possible
Coniments/Activities
Life for Northside
for
source(s) of
Action
funding,
responsibility,
authority, or
collaboration
11.1.6
According to Chief Reff, the Police
)e City: the vacant positions were filled in Spring 2001. Presently
Department currently has seven
(August 2001), there is one vacancy.
vacant officer positions. These
See attached report from Chief Richard Reff.
vacancies should be filled as quickly
Increase police
as possible through increased
presence in
6
City (Police
recruiting efforts, such as advertising
Northside.
Department)
in appropriate publications and at
military separation points. (Fill vacant
police officer positions as soon as
possible.)
11.1.7
Identify "hot spots" where the
Streetlights:
installation of additional street lights
: City & RelianVHL&P: 44 new streetlights authorized for installation
would be helpful; develop a program
Make changes that
City, Houston
by City. Reliant Energy completed installation in March 2001
to install more security lighting on
"hot
lead to a safer
7
Lighting & Power
Y City & Reliant/HL&P: City authorized 11 additional street lights for
private properties. (Identify
spots" for more secunty lighting.)
environment.
(Reliant Energy),
installation along Barbour's Cut Blvd. Installation completed in June
Civic Club
2001
11.1.8
Acquire several copies of The
Security lights: no known activity
City: three copies of Winnable War have been ordered. One copy of
Winnable War and use it as the basis
Winnable War will be provided to Police Department and one will be
for a public workshop to be presented
forwarded to the civic club. This may help facilitate further discussions
at the Community Center for
Fight street crimes.
8
City (Police
between P.D. and the community.
Norihside neighborhood residents.
Department),
(Follow the steps in The Winnable
Civic Club
War to learn how the neighborhood
can become drug -free.)
11.1.9
Investigate the possibility of assisting
No known activity
apartment residents to organize a
tenants association to work
Involve
cooperatively with the
owner/manager and
9
Civic Club
owner/manager to improve living
residents of
conditions and reduce crime. (Help
Apartments.
the apartment dwellers to organize.
11.1.10
Civic Club leaders should consider
No known activity
taking regularly scheduled
sabbaticals from their roles, enlisting
Strengthen
10
Civic Club
other group stalwarts to provide them
community assets
with a spell of relief while they sit on
and shared vision
the sidelines, offering advice and
support as they re -charge their
energies. (Help Civic Club leaders
recycle their energies.)
0 0 0
Action Recommendations
Better Quality of
Life for Northside
Priority
for
Action
Possible
source(s) of
funding,
responsibility,
authority, or
collaboration
Comments/Activities
11.1.11
No known activity
Encourage the development of
Civic Club, Texas
community gardens throughout the
Make changes that
11
Agricultural
Northside as a means for reclaiming
lead to a safer
Extension
property that is currently being
environment.
Service, Urban
abused by the criminal element for
Harvest, Main
drug activity. (Grow community
Street
gardens on vacant lots — with
Association,
permission.)
La Porte
Chamber of
Commerce,
churches, food
pantries and
_
others.
11.1.12
There must be a free flow of accurate
City: Related Item: P.D. to meet with the Northside Community
information between the
Civic Club and will attempt to contact various community leaders in
neighborhood and the Police
Increase
12
Civic Club, City
the community to attempt to start a Neighborhood Patrol Program
in the area. Green Oaks Apt. has indicated that they would be
Department about the nature of
citizen/police
(Police
interested in such a program. We know they are interested,
crimes, the steps police officers can
communication and
Department),
therefore, we will follow up on that project.
and cannot lawfully take in response
cooperation
Main Street
City: Related Item: Published and will continue to publish our TIP
to crimes, and possible creative
Association
line number for persons to call. City to become active members of
cooperative solutions to prevention
Bay Area Crime Stoppers Program effective October 1, 2001. This
and eradication impasses. This
contract will be presented to Council on September 10. The City is
communication flow should be regular
supportive of the LPHS Crime Stopper Program which is operated
and institutionalized via an
under the Baytown Crime Stopper program.
organized self-help crime prevention
City will be attempting to contact members of the Northside
program coordinated and sponsored
Community to see if they can develop an interest in Jr. Citizens
through the Civic Club and Main
Police Academy.
Street Association in cooperation with
the La Porte Police Department.
('Coordinate crime prevention with
Civic Club, Main Sheet Association,
and Police Department.)
•
I
Second Preference: Action Recommendations for New Afft)rtlnble Hotisilig for Northsitle
Northside citizens are very eager to see new housing occupy the vacant lots that dot the neighborhood. Most of the action recommendations below
are best carried out by the community development corporation to be created. However, the joint activities of the Civic Club and Main Street
Association which have developed as a result of this plan process should continue. In the absence of a CDC, both the Civic Club and Main Street
Association might consider sponsoring educational programs for potential homebuyers, especially for those who are Nortliside renters. This is an
agenda item that could be undertaken in a very short time since few volunteer resources are needed, and there are numerous providers of
educational programs in the region (refer to the Directory at the end of the Plan.)
The City should begin a study as soon as the Neighborhood Plan is approved and adopted to review the financial impact of the various incentives
available to spur redevelopment under a Neighborhood E.mpowennent Zone.
n Recommendations
New Affordable
Priority
Possible7din
Continents/Activities
Housing for Northside
for
of fu
Action
respon
pleaders
autho,
11.2.1
collaboration
the civic club and business
_
No known activity
Street should consider working
Make community
cooperatively on projects and
programs that benefit both residents and the business
commitment to
neighborhood improvement.
1
Civic Club, Main Street
community alike. (Work together on projects to
Association
improve the quality of life.)
11.2.2
-
Seek to match lot owners with prospective
City: Councilman Warren and
homebuilders and homebuyers. (Match prospective
homebuilders and homebuyers.)
Encourage new affordable
2
Community
staff met with a builder
regarding opportunity for a
housing.
Development
grant to assist with affordable
Corporation
housing. City has contacted
owner of 10 lots (5 building
sites) and will put him in touch
with the prospective builder.
i Related Topic: Work with
Habitat for Humanity"
I1.2.3
see 11.2. E _L
Provide down payment assistance to potential
Community
Civic club: Harris County
Community
homeowners through existing publicly funded
programs. (Help potential homebuyers with down
Attract new homebuyers to
Development
Development:
Attended civic club meeting to
payments.)
neighborhood.
3
Corporation, SETH,
discuss their programs
Harris County
Civic club: article in the
Community
Bayshore Sun
Development
SETH: Applications have been
Department
made available to civic club
SETH has down payment
assistance available up to 10%
for Acualified hornebuyrs
•
11.2.4
Provide educational seminars on buying and owning
Attract new homebuyers to
Community
No known activity
your own home. (Provide infomnation on buying and
neighborhood.
4
Development
owning a home.)
Corporation, SETH,
Housing Opportunities
of Houston, Inc., banks,
Consumer Credit
Counseling
Corporation, and others
11.2.5
Consider designating the Northside neighborhood as a
City Council: short presentation
Neighborhood Empowerment Zone. (Make the
"Neighborhood
Encourage new affordable
5
City Council
made to City Council at the
workshop on March 24, 2001.
Northside a Empowerment Zone".)
housing.
11.2.6
Market the Northside community for affordable single-
City: Councilman Warren and
family residential development to responsible builders.
Encourage new affordable
6
Community
staff met with Habitat for
Humanity to discuss
(Seek out responsible buiidersl-developers to build
affordable housing.)
housing.
Development
opportunities for building sites
Corporation
on the Northside
Y Habitat has voted to build 2
homes on Lots 8-11, Blk. 88 if
the City will secure and donate
the lots delinquent taxes).
oc
0 10
Third Preference: Action Recontit endatioits for Alore Beautiful Northshle
Among recommendations to create a more beautiful neighborhood, the top priority for action, improving the safety and beauty of the children's
park, is already underway. So too are discussions with the Port Authority and Harris County to improve the landscaping and appearance of
Barbour's Cut Boulevard.
•
Action Recommendations
A More Beautiful
Priority
Possible source(s) of
Comments Activities
Northside
for
funding,
Action
responsibility,
authority, or
collaboration
11.3.1
City: Parks Dept. has been asked to provide
Add attractive, low fencing to the children's
description of and cost estimates for
park at the corner of Tyler and 41h Street to
Beautify public
1
City
improvements using the funds remaining for
improve the safety of the park users.
facilities.
development of the park at 4L' and Tyler
(Improve the safety of the Children's Park at
Tyler and 4't' Stieets.)
11.3.2
No activity to date
Redesign the park baseball field and adapt it
for additional uses (shade, leisure, gardening,
etc.) (Redesign the ballpark so it can also be
Beautify public
2
City, Civic Club
a place for gardens, gatherings and games.)
facilities.
11.3.3
Civic club: sponsored annual clean up
Encourage property owners that have
event on October 14, 2000
contributed to visual blight of the
1 City: supplied materials and labor (thru
neighborhood to remove and/or conceal
court ordered community service) to assist
debris, junk, abandoned vehicles, vehicle
Beautify residences
with annual clean up event
storage, building materials, etc. This should
and businesses.
3
City, Civic Club
City: Parks Dept. removal of abandoned
be a cooperative effort of the community and
playground equipment on City property
City Government. (Encourage residents to
formally used by the Head Start Program.
remove or conceal old vehicles, building
2 boats stored on various lots have been
materials, junk.)
removed as a result of Inspection
Services activity
11.3.4
City: completed structural repairs, painted the
Redesign and a facelift to the entire Jennie
basketball pavilion, and installed new lights at
Riley community center/park area in order to
the baseball field
give a feeling of "welcome." (Give the
Beautify public
4
City, Civic Club
Community Center and Park area a facelift
facilities.
that says "Welcome!')
11.3.5
-
--
_
Beautify medians and rights -of -way on
City: mailed property owners a letterregarding
Barbour's Cut Boulevard with assistance from
Beautify the
City, Houston Port
landscaping easements along
Barbour's Cut Blvd.
the Houston Port Authority and Harris County.
(Improve Barbour's Cut with landscaping,
neighborhood's
boundaries
5
Authority, Harris County
Houston Port Authorit resented a
y' p
P 9,
lighting, sound barriers.)
proposed landscape plan to La Porte and
Morgan's Point. Because of potential for
significant ongoing maintenance costs,
Port Authority was asked to consider
alternates.
11.3.6
Require all commercial durnpsters to be
Beautify residences
_
No activity to date
screened from view. (Encourage businesses
and businesses.
6
City, Civic Club
to screen durnpsters from public view.)
11.3.7
Clear underbrush and debris from vacant lots.
No activity to date
(Encourage vacant lot owners to remove
Beautify residences
7
Property owners, Civic
underbrush and trash.)
and businesses.
Club, service
11.3.8
organizations
Consider replacing security fencing around
No activity to date
the community center and parking lot with
landscaping materials consistent with "crime
Beautify public
8
City
prevention through environmental design"
facilities.
standards. (Get rid of hurricane fence at pails
— replace with landscaping that promotes
safety.)
0 0 0
Fourtli Preference: Action Recommendations for A Better Northside Infrastructure
Two agenda items are already in progress — the addition of new street lights and fire hydrants where needed. Thus, the City should direct attention
to cleaning out drainage ditches as its next step.
11.4.1
Action Recommendations
A Better Northside
Infrastructure
Priority
for
Action
Possible source(s)
of funding,
responsibility,
authority, or
collaboration
Identify "hot spots" where the installation of
Streetlights:
additional street lights would be helpful-
P
develop a program to install more security
Improve infrastructure
City, Houston Lighting &
% City & Reliant/HL&P: 44 new
streetlights authorized for installation
lighting on private properties. (Install street
conditions
1
Power (Reliant Energy),
9Y),
by City. Reliant Energy completed
lights where needed plus increase private
Civic Club
installation on/or about March 2001
lighting.)
Y City & Reliant/HL&P: City authorized
11 additional street lights for
installation along Barbour's Cut Blvd.
Installation completed on or about
June 2001
11.4.2
Security lights: no known activity
Re -dig drainage ditches and clean -out
City: has completed drainage
culverts throughout the Northside
Improve infrastructure
2
City
maintenance on the north & south streets
community; maintain ditches and culverts
conditions
from No. 1" through No_ 5`h St.
on as -needed basis. (Re -dig drainage
ditches, clean out culverts and maintain as
needed.)
11.4.3
Install fire hydrants where required.
Improve infrastructure
City: installed fire hydrants at 129 N. 15(—
(Install additional fire hydrants as Fire
conditions
3
City
502 N. 5"', 15` &Tyler, 4"' &Adams, 7'r' &
Department directs.)
Adams
MEMORANDUM
CHIEF
�P pOR7-
Richard E. Reff, Chief of Police
_4
La Porte Police Department
Ootic�
915 S. 8'h Street
LaPorte, Texas 77571
TEX
(281) 4713810
To: John Joerns, Asst. City Manager
From: Richard Reff, Police Chief
Date: 08/26/01
Subject: Status Report on Northside Community Neighborhood Plan
The Police Department has stepped it's narcotic trafficking enforcement by utilizing Officers
from the Baytown Police, the Harris County Organized Crime and Narcotic Task Force, the
Galveston County Sheriffs Office, and is working to further establish relationships with other
surrounding agencies to develop a "pool" of undercover officers. In conjunction to this we have
worked to maintain a presence through our Bike Patrol program.
The Green Oaks Apartments have hired two officers to work off duty within the Apartment
Complex to assist in addressing the drug issue in the complex. We have received favorable
reports from citizens that there is a marked decrease in narcotic trafficking.
We are also looking at presenting an ordinance before council that will make it a violation to
solicit for narcotics. This ordinance will assist us in targeting the persons who drive through the
neighborhoods trying to buy narcotics. We will have to be very careful of enforcing this
ordinance and will develop strategies that will not run us afoul of the new Racial Profiling Law.
Through water billing and the news we have asked for those who wish to desire a Neighborhood
Watch Program to contact us. This was done not specifically for the Northside but to include the
rest of the City as it is applicable to the entire Community. We did not receive any responses
from the Northside area and have begun to develop programs in the areas that have requested
them. Officer Richard Ayers is planning to meet with the Northside Community Civic
Association and will attempt to contact various community leaders in the community to attempt
to start a program in the area. The Green Oaks Apartments have indicated that they would be
interested in such a program but did not respond to our request. As we know that they are
interested, Officer Ayers will follow up on that project.
The community indicated that there was a fear of retaliation if they actively participated with the
Police in dealing with issues in the Northside. We have published and will continue to publish
our TIP line 281-842-0475 for person to call. In addition I have contacted the Bay Area Crime
Stoppers Program to determine our status. 1 found that we were not active members and
immediately advised them that we would become active. The Bay Area Crime Stoppers have
forwarded a contract for us to become active members effective October 1, 2001. This contract
will be presented to the City Council on September 10, 2001. Bay Area Crime Stoppers advised
that they will immediately process any Crime Stopper Tips and forward them to us immediately.
We will begin a formal notification campaign with the Community on October 1, 2001. The Bay
Area Crime Stoppers program is a certified State program and the number is now a local number,
281-480-8477. We are additionally supportive of the La Porte High School Crime Stopper
Program which is operated under the Baytown Crime Stopper program. With the State Crime
Stopper Programs there are protections placed in effect that protect the identity of the caller and
6.12
•
can provide the caller with an award if an arrest or case is resolved based on the information
provided. Lt. Carl Crisp will be the designated liaison with the Crime Stopper programs.
The Department has expanded its Citizens Police Academy to two Basics and an Advanced class.
In addition, staff is evaluating the concept of a Junior Citizens Police Academy. We have not had
very much success in getting members of the Northside Community to participate in these classes
but feel that due to our programs with the youth in the area we can have a greater degree of
success with the advent of the Junior Citizens Police Academy. Our Crime Prevention Officers
will be attempting to contact members of the community to see if they can develop an interest in
the program.
We have been in the past two summers working closely with the youth in the Northside
community in conjunction with the Parks and Recreation Department. This has been a very
effective program and the Police Staff will start planning now how to make it more effective.
Plans are be developed for my consideration to present a DARE Summer Camp Program for the
youth in our communities.
In regards to the reference in the plan regarding our filling our existing vacancies, I can report
that we have only one other officer to hire to return to full strength. A selection board has already
been set to review a number of applicants for selection. If the selected applicant is untrained we
will send him to the next Police Academy and upon his graduation he will enter the Field
Training Program. An additional note is that with the approval of hiring three Public Safety
Attendants in next year's budget, Officers will no longer be required to spend as much time off
the street as they are now to handle the Jail.
The Police Department has also instituted a Mobile Laptop Program for the officers in the car.
Utilizing grant funds the Department bought this equipment and with the acquisition of H.TE
Report Writer will become fully operational with the maximum effect. This program also allows
officers to remain in the field longer and have information readily available to them in the field.
We will continue our efforts to keep the pressure on those that would deal drugs in our
community and make La Porte a safe place to live and raise their children. We will work with
anyone, or any organization that is willing to work toward the same goal.
•
6.13
-I, N , -.1, -..I, '0" Ali -li Ali Ali Ali NI, NI, --I, Ali Ali Ili �I� �I/ Ali Ali *J/ NI/
i1� i1; 71� i1; i1; ,1; ,,� ,,� ,1� ,,� ,,� 1; i1; 71; i1; 71; ,,. ,1;z 71; ,,;z 71; 71; 71; 71;;z
,
/IN
\1,
il:
\I,
i1\
\I,
i�
�ti Ali
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Ali NI" Ali Ali Ali Ali �I� Ali `li Ali Ali Ali NI/ NI/ NI e Nli Ali Ali Ali Ali Ali Ali �!i Ali �V
,1� 71; ,1N 71N ,1� 71; ,1N its 713Z 71N 71--., 71; 71; 71; 71; ,,N 71N ,IN ,1s /IN
Ali Ali Ali Ali Ali NIX Ali Ali Ali Ali Ali Ali Ali Ali Ali Ali NI/ \►/ NIX Ali Ali Ali Ali Ali Ali Ali Ali
------------------------------------------------------
71� 71� 71� 71� �1� �1; �1� il� �1� �1� �1� �1� �1� �1� �1� �1� �1� 71� �1; 71\ 71N 71\ �1\ /1\ e1\ /1\ /1N
Ali
_\li_
Ali
Ali
Ali
Ali
Ali
Ali
Ali
/IN
Ali
Ali_
Ali
Ali
Ali
Ali
Ali
Ali
Ali
Ali
Ali
Ali
/IN
/IN
Ali
Ali
Ali
Ali
Ali
Ali
Ali
Ali
/1\
lip/ NO BACKUP FOR THIS ITEM
Ali Ali
�f� Ali
�Ic �Ic
Ali Ali
Ali Ali
.li Ali
Ali Ali
/jN
Ali Ali
Ali Ali
Ali �1i
ila il�
Ali Ali
Ali Ali
Ali Ali
Ali
Ali Ali
Ali Ali
Ali Ali Ali Ali Ali Ali Ali Ali Ali Ali Ali �►i Ali Ali Ali Ali Ali Ali Ali N,ii Ali NI/ Ali Ali Ali Ali Ali
71; 71; -;1;z ;1;z -;I; -;1; -;1;z �1�
\li \li \!i \fi \Ir \l/ \li \li \li \li \1/ \f/ \1/ \1/ \1/ \1/ \I/ \1/ \li \li \li \I/ \I/
/1\ /1\ /f\ /1\ /f\ /1\ /1\ /1\ /f\ /1\ /f\ /1\ /1\ /1\ i1\ 71\ 71\ 71\ 71\ 71\ 71\ if\ /f\ /1\ /1\ /1\ /1\
it
\I/
/1\
i1\
/1`
i1\
\I/
\I/
i1\
/1`
\I/
_\1/
i1\
/1`
\
\I/
iI/
1\
/1 `
\
\I/
iI/
/11\ `
\I/
\I/
i1\
\I/
_\li
i1\
/1\
\1
i1\
/1`
\I/
\1/
i1\
/I\
/1\
BA -PORT EXPANSION ;;/
.
\I/
PROPOSED BY PORT OF HOUSTON
i1\
ii\
\1/ \Ii
/1\
/1\
NEPA PROCESS AND SCHEDULE
REVISED DEIS SCHEDULE
08/08/01
Process Step
Date
Application received
October 8, 1998
Application determined complete for processing
October 19, 1998
Determination that EIS required
December 4, 1998
Selection of third party contractor
March 30, 1999
Published notice of intent to conduct EIS in Federal Register
May 24, 1999
Conducted public scooping meeting
September 17, 1999
Conduct environmental analysis
Conducting Analysis
Publish draft EIS and Release Permit Application for
November 7, 2001
public comment
Public workshop on DEIS
November 21, 2001
Public workshop on DEIS
December 5, 2001
Public hearing on draft EIS and Permit Application
December 11, 2001
Close of comment period
February 5, 2002
Develop final EIS
February 6, 2002
Publish final EIS for public comment
May 3, 2002
Complete record of decision and permit decision
July 1, 2002
•
8.1
Ali NG, Ali \I, \Ir \1" Ali Ali Ali \1, il, \Ir \1, \1, \Ir Ali Ali Ali Nli \1- Ali Ali \I, NI/ il, \Ir
71; 71�z 71; 71; 71; 71; 71; i,;Z il; 71; 71; 71; 71; 71; 71�z 71; 71; ,I; 71; 71; 71; 71; 71; 71; 714;z
\Ir
Ali
,1�z
rl\
NI,
NI/
,14
,1�z
Ali
Ali
,,N
,,N
\1,
NI/
Ali
�Ii
Ali
Ali
Ali
�I i
Ali
�h
Ali
Ali
Ali
Ali
Ali
Ali
Ali
Ali
Ali
�Ir
,,N
,1N
NI/
Ali
Ali
Ali
/IN CITY MASS TRANSIT COMMITTEE
ow
,,.
\1/
71;z
,,.
NJ/
\I,
,,;z
,I,
,1,
Ali
Ali
Ali
Ali
�I,
Ali
�I,
Ali
Ali
,,.
Ali
\1,
,,N
Ali
,,N
,1N
\1,
\1,
,,N
,1\
,1,
Ali
Ali
.1,
rf\
Ali Ali Ali Ali Ali Ali �fi ili Ali �1, �1, �1, �1, �1, Ali �1�
,1� ,1� 71; ,1� ,1� 71; i1; 71; i1; 71; 71; 71K71; 71; 71; 71; 71;;z 71; 71; 71; il;;� 71; 71; ip. ,,. ,1--,
•
Transportation
Vision Statement: La Porte's transportation system shall provide residents and visitors safe,
efficient and convenient access to all areas of the City and the surrounding region;
accommodate current and future demand for movement of people and goods; and allow
travelers choices of destinations, routes, and modes of travel.
GOAL 5.1:
Establish a hierarchy of thoroughfare classifications that will provide for safe and
convenient flow of traffic throughout the community.
GOAL 5.2:
Provide continuity of traffic flow within and between neighborhoods and
throughout the community.
GOAL 5.3
Provide for relief of traffic congestion.
GOAL 5.4
Eliminate major barriers to traffic movement.
GOAL 5.5
Upgrade and improve existing street infrastructure to meet or exceed minimum
standards by Year 2020.
GOAL 5.6
Provide for the increasing demand for transportation facilities while preserving
and enhancing the attractiveness of the environment.
GOAL 5.7
Establish and maintain a network of new and existing sidewalks as a component
of improved standards for City streets.
GOAL 5.8
Cooperate with neighboring communities to establish interurban modes of
transportation.
GOAL 5.9
Expand the Municipal Airport and create a self-supporting operation.
Public Transportation
The Metropolitan Transit Authority (METRO) provides fixed route bus service throughout the
city limits of Houston and other areas within their designated authority. La Porte is currently not within
the service area of METRO. In order to access METRO services, there are two mechanisms available. In
accordance with the Texas Transportation Code, Chapter 451, Metropolitan Rapid Transit Authorities, the
transit authority may contract with a municipality, county, or other political subdivision to provide public
transportation services outside the authority. The other mechanism is the addition of territory. The
territory of a municipality that is not a part of an authority may be added if any part of the municipality is
located in a county in which the authority is located; the governing body of the municipality orders an
election under Subsection L, Addition of Territory, of Chapter 451, Metropolitan Rapid Transit
Authorities, of the Transportation Code on whether the territory of the municipality should be added to
the authority; and, a majority of the votes received in the election favor the measure. Upon contract or
addition to the authority, the cost of service would be borne entirely by the City.
The Bay Area Transportation Partnership (BATP) was incorporated in 1990 and became a
Transportation Management Organization (TMO) through the Houston -Galveston Area Council (H-GAC)
in 1995. A TMO is a professional organization created to address transportation issues for a well-defined
geographical area. The primary purpose of a TMO is to develop and promote transportation programs
that enhance people's mobility and support the local business economy. TMO's are non-profit
organization financially supported by local government agencies and local businesses and through federal
grants. TMO's augment the efforts of regional transit providers by marketing transit services. The
mission statement of the BATP is as follows: "To assist and coordinate the efforts of employers,
government agencies, and others in designing and implementing programs, that will support
transportation demand management now and in the future as a means of improving access to and around
• the Bay Area Transportation Partnership service area."
9.1
•
The service area of BATP encompasses the City of La Porte and seventeen other municipalities
surrounding the juncture of three countries, including Harris, Galveston and Brazoria Counties. The other
communities include Seabrook, Shore Acres, Taylor Lake Village, Webster, Alvin, Clear Lake Shores, El
Lago, Dickinson, Deer Park, Friendswood, Houston, Kemah, League City, Morgan's Point, Nassau Bay,
Pasadena, and Pearland. The boundary on the north follows the Houston Ship Channel from the Pasadena
city limits east to Galveston Bay, then follows the bay shore line south past La Porte to the area extending
from FM 517. The south boundary continues north along FM 1128 to Beltway 8. The northwest
boundary extends east along Beltway 8 turning north along the Pasadena city limits back to the ship
channel. The service area encompasses 250 square miles, approximately 400,000 residents, 150,000
employees, and 10,000 employers.
In April 2000 BATP will initiate its first connector service, which will connect two major
METRO park -and -ride locations. This service will serve riders to work, tourist attractions, regional
hospitals and health centers, universities and schools, churches, libraries, retail and business centers, and
residential and community facilities. The initial Clear Lake Circulator coverage includes four route
segments of fifteen -passenger transit van service through ten BATP municipalities, including
Friendswood, Webster, Houston, Nassau Bay, Taylor Lake Village, Pasadena, E1 Lago, Seabrook,
Kemah, and Clear Lake Shores. Service will operate seven days a week from 6:30 a.m, to 11:30 p.m. on
weekdays and 9:00 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends. Fares are one dollar per rider per one-way trip.
BATP plans to continue expanding transit services throughout the BATP region and growing
services to include important demand response transit for the communities' elderly, handicapped and
individuals dependent on transit services. The current service is being operated through a $700,000 grant
of federal funds, which was awarded by H-GAC for the first year of operation, with optional extension for
additional years and ultimate growth throughout the BATP region. Provision of service in La Porte will
be on a competitive request for grant funds through H-GAC. The BATP intends to expand service to La
Porte and other communities in their service area as funding allows. Projects that are in the development
phase include a vanpool program, guaranteed ride home, public outreach and education and a number of
other transportation related projects. The City of La Porte can facilitate this process by assisting the
BATP in identifying service opportunities and soliciting public support and ridership.
9.2
From: Connie Elston To: Jerry Clarke Date: 08/1412001 Time: 5:51:58 PM Page 1 of 2
• For Immediate Release Contact:
August 2001 Connie Elston, 281-333-1813
John Martinec. 713-907-9088
Bay Area Bus Service Closes
The Houston -Galveston Area Council's (H-GAC) Transportation Policy Council
(TPC) has declined to enter into a contract for the Bay Area Transportation Partnership
(BATP) for a second year of funding for the Bay Area's Circulator bus service, Alan C.
Clark, H-GAC Manager of Transportation Planning announced in an August 1, 2001
letter to Connie Elston, President of the Partnership.
The last day of service will be August 31, 2001 according to John Martinec,
Chairman of the BATP Board. "Our first regret is for the loyal bus service patrons in the
Bay Area who have come to depend on the Circulator for their daily commute to work, to
school, to community services, healthcare and many other daily needs in their lives,"
states Martinec. "They represent the first casualty from the H-GAC decision".
The Circulator began as a "fixed route" service in June 2000, funded primarily by
federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) funds managed by H-GAC, as a
two-year "Commuter and Transit Services Pilot Project." The Bay Area Transportation
Partnership was selected as one of four transportation management organizations in the
H-GAC TPC's eleven county Houston -Galveston area to develop and manage a regional
• transit pilot project. Daily ridership was established as the primary "measuring stick" for
evaluating success. The greater the ridership, the greater the enhanced benefit for traffic
congestion and air quality.
Based on success of the two-year pilot project, alternative -funding sources would
begin a shift toward regional and local funding sources including Metropolitan Transit
Authority, local government, business, and the private sector. Annual cost of current Bay
Area circulator bus service is in excess of one million dollars, representing a cost that far
exceeds the ability of funding the service solely with the affordable $1.00 one-way bus
fare revenue.
The Bay Area service has successfully demonstrated steady growth over the first
year of service. Recent peak ridership performance is over 130 daily boardings. Based
on this proven historic growth, and a projected growth as Bay Area residents continue to
"discover" the bus service as a reliable and efficient means of local and regional
transportation, officials estimate ridership would grow to over 250 after a second year.
This would move the Bay Area service well on its path to an eventual success goal of
400+.
"The Partnership strongly believes that given our continued campaign for sincere
outreach to residents and businesses in the Bay Area, that we would continue to energize
residents into recognizing the personal and environmental benefits they would gain from
using the service," says Ms. Elston. "Simply stated, ridership would continue to grow".
"I've lived in the Clear Lake area my whole career", adds Martinec. "I know the
residents. There are many that immediately accept bus transit as their preferred or only
means of transportation. Today, many of them are already loyal patrons. There are
substantially more 'suburbia' residents in the Bay Area culture who need to be encouraged
• and educated of benefits from public transit over personal automobiles. I regret that the
9.3
From: Connie Elston To: Jerry Clarke Date: 08/14/2001 Time: 5:51:58 PM Page 2 of 2
Page —2-
Press Release
• Bay Area Bus Service Closes
Bay Area is not being provided with the sufficient time that is typically required in new
transit service areas, to convert more 'potential patrons' into 'satisfied patrons"'.
"As a Bay Area resident who understands the need for regional public transit
availability, I view this service cancellation as a major blow to our region".
"Consider these facts. The service has demonstrated a continued growth
throughout the first year. The Partnership has established plans to address and further
attract the large, untapped markets of potential riders who have not yet "discovered" the
Bay Area transit service. This pilot project is already much more successful and better
received than the service that was tried in the Clear Lake area in the 1980's. All of these
factors point to real potential for success. But not now".
The Bay Area Transportation Partnership recognizes the many volunteers in the
Partnership's Transit Services Committee for their personal and professional dedication to
the Bay Area's Circulator Service Pilot Project. Strong active committee support has
come from the United Way of Texas Gulf Coast Bay Area Service Center, University of
Houston -Clear Lake, San Jacinto College South Campus, Cities of Webster, League City,
Nassau Bay, El Lago, Kemah, Seabrook, Taylor Lake Village, Friendswood, Pasadena,
Clear Lake Shores, and Dickinson, Baybrook Mall, Bay Area Turning Point, Interfaith
Caring Ministries, Bay Area Christian Services, Texas Polio Survivors, North Galveston
County YMCA, Literacy Advance, Saint Paul Catholic Church„ and The Work Source.
The Partnership expresses appreciation to Mr. William Peterson, Director,
METRO Bus Service Development, and his staff. They provided their skills and
• experience to propose and evaluate alternative transit route combinations designed to
further improve ridership acceptance and participation from Bay Area residents, and at a
reduced monthly service operations cost.
The Partnership also expresses appreciation to Mr. John Ferrari, President of AFC
Corporate Transportation for the exemplary job that his company performed in providing
the daily operation of the Circulator.
The Bay Area Transportation Partnership is a full service Transportation
Management Organization (TMO) serving the Galveston Bay Area region including 18
municipalities in 280 square miles around the intersection of Harris, Galveston and
Brazoria counties of Texas. The Partnership's TMO mission focuses on "regional
congestion management and air quality" objectives that are addressed by five active
Commute Alternative Committees staffed by over 350 member volunteers: Long Range
Planning, Intelligent Transportation Systems, Transportation Enhancement, Emergency
Evacuation and Transit Services committees. The Transit Services committee covers the
BayTran Circulator pilot project.
Despite the cancellation, H-GAC Transportation Policy Council officials, after
experiencing the strong management and outreach by the Bay Area Transportation
Partnership in support of this pilot project, have reported an increased H-GAC sense of
need for local public transportation services to the Bay Area communities. H-GAC looks
forward to exploring alternative ways in which this transit service need may be met and
hopes that a new pilot project may be forthcoming in the near future.
- END -
•
9.4
NIi N1, N1, NI, N1, Ox NI,- NI.., Ali Ali �1, N1, \1, Nli Ali
AL SIDEWALK REPLACEMENT
(o PROGRAM
.1,
,,.
\I,
/IN
\I,
\I,
/IN
\I,
/IN
r�
\1, \I, Ali Ali Ali Ali Ali NI / Ali Ali Ali NI,- Ali Ali Ali NI / Ali Ali Al i
1; 71� 71� �1� il� 71; i1� ,1� ;I; ;I; 714 ;J�z 71; ;I; 71�Z i1; il;z 71�z 71�z 71�z 71�z
/IN
SIDEWALK REPLACEMENT PROGRAM
Report to City Council September 22, 2001
Prepared By: Douglas K. Kneupper, P.E. — Director of Planning
Background — The annual sidewalk replacement program began as a Capital
Improvement Project during the '94-'95 fiscal year. The methodology that was
established replaced the worst sidewalks first. However, the program ensured that all
parts of the City were considered each year. As shown on the attached exhibit, all areas
of the City have had some level of sidewalk replacement.
Replacement Criteria — In a memorandum from Steve Gillett to Robert T. Herrera,
dated October 31, 1994, the sidewalk replacement criteria that is currently used was
established. The criteria is as follows:
• • Differential settlement or displacement that causes an elevation difference at the
joint to exceed one -inch.
• Severely broken or cracked sidewalk sections that are in more than three pieces
between joints.
• Sidewalk sections that have been displaced vertically by manholes, water valve
boxes, etc.
• Sidewalk sections that continually pond water due to settlement.
• Any combination of the above, or other problems that present a hazard to
pedestrians.
In addition to the aforementioned sidewalk replacement criteria, there are also
considerations given to the installation of ramps, replacing sidewalks through driveway
areas, and providing short segments on in -fill sidewalks.
When any of the above replacement criteria exists at a street intersection, an accessible
ramp is installed. In certain instances, a citizen may demonstrate a special need for a
continuous accessible route. These requests for additional ramps are usually fulfilled.
Driveways sometimes exhibit problems similar to sidewalks. The sidewalk portion of a
driveway is only replaced if replacement does not make the situation with the driveway
worse. Where deteriorated driveways exist, the homeowner is encouraged to participated
with the City's contractor to remedy any driveway problems.
• Sort segments of new sidewalks are installed in areas where the completion of a
pedestrian route is needed, or where it appears a segment of sidewalk was inadvertently
10.1
•
C]
omitted. However, this infill policy does not apply to neighborhoods where significant
lengths of sidewalks were not installed by the original homebuilders.
Current Design Standards — Most of the badly deteriorated sidewalks in the City can be
attributed to poor workmanship and design deficiencies. Differential settlement of
adjacent sidewalk sections is caused by a lack of steel reinforcing extending through the
joint. Severely broken and separated sidewalk sections are caused by either the
reinforcing steel being improperly located at the bottom of the concrete or the complete
absence of reinforcing steel.
Staff has addressed these problems by developing sound but simple sidewalk
construction details. These details require reinforcing steel to be continuous through
joints and the reinforcing mat is placed on "chairs" to ensure proper location of the
reinforcement. Our typical sidewalk cross-section detail is attached.
Seven Year Program Statistics — Seven continuous years of funding a sidewalk
replacement program has yielded the following statistics:
Total amount expended
Total length of sidewalk installed
Total number of ramps installed
1995 unit prices - $8.60 per linear foot;
$358,833
21,081 linear feet
226
2001 unit prices — $12.00 per linear foot
10.2
0.16, 0.125' TYP.
_ I _
1/4°/FT- SLOPE MAXIMUM
_l-
T.Ff-- 7Tt= II 11I
--��lI I -III III1 II I III '.III1 i II I II1I I�.1I1-T��n-n���� _ . _-r,• rR - _._ _ __ .- -• � l� I I �I 1111 II 111.1 111- I ( I I1-1 I I I I I I � I I III III_ I I-
ll 111 1L I I-11 III I' II 7`,��1 �-_ � JI 1�1 -ill IIILI III � 111 .I
TrT-� rr TrT m n� 1 it
1 I L 11- ll1=11 I J t I =il III l I I=1 I `�LI I 111 11 h I I =1 ll lll -W 1LI -I 1 -Il'
1�--111-1LI=Ll-1LI =llI � ' =I
i III -I I �I I I_ I I I I I III I I' .III III1 I I N I III III �J III -III III III=1 I' I I- I I I III-
II-
111
�\ 2" SAND BEDDING
`- 4" REINFORCED CONCRETE
4.5 SACKS/ C.Y. 2500 P.S.I., 28 DAY
WITH #3 BARS @ 18" O.C.E.W. OR
#4 @ 24" O.C.E.W.
TYP. CROSS-SECTION OF SIDEWALK
SCALE: I" = I'
0
w
♦` Imom" also on= mom*
0
CITY 0 F 0
U
PASADENA
c
0
0
W
Z
3
1600'
Now am ow am wow
low so=
.GAN'S POINT
ESTON BAY
TEXAS
CITY OF
LA PORTE
604 W. FAIRMONT PKY.
LA PORTE, TEXAS
77571
281-471-5020
PLANNING
DEPARTMENT
ENGINEERING
DIVISION
I OFFICIAL
CITY
STREET
MAP
('�'FREVISIONS
NO. REVISION/ ISSUE DATE
0 ORIGINAL ISSUE 6/00 7 PROJECT:PROJECT:
MAPS SHEET:
DATE:
6/00
HCAD MAP#: 1 OF 1
N/A
SCALE:
AS NOTED
-li NIX \\ I,- �ii NIX Nli Nli NI..-N1NI,,Ali NlNI..,\1NI,-\1/ -,I,--,I,-\1/ Ali NI/ Ali Ali
,,\ /,\ ,,/,\ ,,\ /,\ /,\ /,\ /1; /,\ /,\ i,\ i,\ i,\ i,\ /,\ ,,\ /,\ /,\
Wz GLEN MEADOWS TO ��L" STREET
SIDEWALK CONNECTION
LJ
\I/
\i/ \I/ \1,
\1/
\I/
\I/
\I/
\I/
i,\
\I,
\1/
\I,
\I,
\1/
\I/
\I/
\I/
/1\
\I/
i,\
\I/
/IN
\1,
i,\
\I/
/IN
\I,
\I/
/IN
\I/
\I/
/IN
\1,
\I,
\I/
/IN
\I/
/IN
\I,
\I/
i,\
\I,
i,\
\1/
i,\
\1/
\I,
\I,
i,\
\I/
i,\
NI/ \li Ali Ali Ali Ali �fi Ali Ali Ali \1/ \1/ \1/ 11/ \1/ \1/ \1/ \1/ Ali Ali Ali Ali Ali Ali �ii �V Nl/
,,\ /,\ ,IN /,\ /,\ /,\ /,\ i,\ iIN i,\ i,\ 7,\ ,IN i,\ i,\ /,\ /1\ /,\ ,,\ /,\ /,\ /,\ /,\ ,,\
C.
LOMAX SCHOOL ROAD PEDESTRIAN PLAN
Report to City Council September 22, 2001
Prepared By: Douglas K. Kneupper, P.E. — Director of Planning
Project Definition — This project can be defined as the extension of a pedestrian and
bicycle path from the northern terminus of Farrington Blvd., in the Glenmeadows
subdivision, to "L" Street. At "L" Street, this project would intersect an existing
pedestrian facility that has been created within the existing "L" Street pavement.
Project Recommendations - Between Glenmeadows and "H" Street, the new path
would curve around airport runway protection areas and align with Lomax School Road.
This area is fairly open and provides flexibility towards the design of a pedestrian
facility. Here, a four -foot wide facility and a six -foot wide facility are being presented
and are shown on an attached exhibit. The estimated costs associated with these facilities
are as follows.
SECTION 1
Four -Foot Wide
TSix-Foot Wide
Estimated Costs
$15,000
� $23,000
Between "H" Street and "L" Street, the new path would follow Lomax School Road and
be four -foot wide. Here, two options are being presented and are shown on an attached
exhibit. The first would provide a new pedestrian facility adjacent to the existing
pavement. To provide safety for pedestrians, an intermittent, six-inch high curb barrier
would be constructed between the edge of the existing road surface and the new
pedestrian facility.
The second option would provide a new pedestrian facility away from the road area,
adjacent to the existing roadside ditch. No special safety measures would be required for
this location. However, it should be noted that this second option would require
additional right-of-way acquisition from individual property owners since the existing
right-of-way along Lomax School Road is limited to the outside edge of the ditch. The
estimated costs for these two options are as follows.
SECTION 2
Adjacent to Road
Adjacent to Ditch
Estimated Costs
$32 000
$20,000
Exhibits - The attached exhibits demonstrate the alignment and cross -sections for all
pedestrian facility options discussed.
' Dues not include cost orright-ot=way acquisition
Lomax school Road Pedestrian Plan
11.1
OPTION I
PVT
r//��\�/\�� \/ �\/�/Y to � ''■�, ,t ', t •+f �
41
\\/i\\/i�/i��i\/i\/i\/i�/i\/i\�i\/i��i �i\/i�/i\/i\/i\�i\�i\/i\�i� ►� ' i 4r .' : as °v i° g i
95
(, it „•,
i OPTION
• a ( & Boa
(. REDOM,
!■�f-- lass � .�i`� `�• " «P r `�, : i •,... . �' Mfg �."aid%•xid''�;'t Yam., '. :.
-14
_,��a :�� =*p �.-._....,...fir.... �'Y'-_ ,� „�-i.r' w e ,�i^.� ` � "..c''■f�,w � "
a ?7
l '�, - '• ��c9[9[ EMI"•. �e,ems' tr
39 d �fc
.a}%.:t�$ial,•s:l':iii�'g ��r� •�;aA',1. l't,
..�,►J pr.Y� 11 M \i; y P .10 rl'' T7 ��V a'f s J ; 1♦
• '4'f� . ¢
. i YYY Y ♦ � � •
M �• M 1 • 4!• 4a Vfidf ( a r a yy
P �!%
j A
6' ii,'R
- - - - I\--- , - - --
Ali Ali L14 1-1 :-A 11 11, 11, :I, �1, �1, Ali Ali Ali Jli Ali j"r �1, �1, �1, %1, �1, N1, �1, Ali Ali
---------- ----------------
,,\ ,,N ,,N i,\ i,\ i,\ i,N ,,\ ,,� ,,\ ,,N ,,N ,," ,,3, ,,� �1; ,1� ,1; ,,� ,1; ,1; ,1; ,1; ,1; ,1; ,,;z ,,�
Ali
�1i
Ali
�1,
\I,
Ali
�I,
Ali
i,N
Ali
�1,
Ali
�1,
Ali
�I,
Ali
Ali
Ali
Ali
Ali
Ali
Ali
�I,
Ali
�1,
Ali
�I,
Ali
PARKS MASTER PLAN%
�I,
Ali
�1,
Nb-
,,.
Ali
.1,
Nli
NI,
,,N
Ali
,,,
Ali
�1,
Ali
,,N
Ali
,,N
Ali
�1,
Ali
�1,
Ali
,I,
,,.
Ali
i,.
\I,
\1,
Ali �I,
NIX \1i \Ir Ali Nli Ali Nli Ali Ali Ali \I, �1, NI, \1, \I, \I, \I, �I, NI,- Ali \1" Nli \1, NI, \1, \I, \1,
71; ,1� 71; ,,� ,,� ,,� i,� i,� i1; i1� i1; i1; i,� i,� 1; 71; ,,� ,,� i1; i,� i,� i1; 71�z
• Park Master Plan Progress Report
U
•
The Park Master Plan consultant, Halff and Associates, are approximately 50% through
with the overall plan. A telephone survey was accomplished in July -August that
gathered information from random households in La Porte. The consultants have met
with the Parks & Recreation Department staff, and the City executive staff. There has
been a Town Meeting held at Sylvan Beach Pavilion on September 5th to gather input
from the community as a whole. Other special interest groups (i.e. youth sports
associations, and City Council members) will be accomplished shortly.
I talked to Ray Turco this morning, I should have a draft report on the telephone survey
results by the time the retreat gets here and possibly a final report, as well as a status
report on the total project. I should be able to have the consultant. Jim Carrillo, at the
retreat to make a presentation if you think that's advisable
The master plan should be ready for review in October, any revisions or changes
needed should be accomplished and ready for Council approval by November, 2001.
Another town meeting will be scheduled for November (prior to Council approval) to
present the plan to the public and check public response to the plan.
12.1
Ilk PARK
L".�
r�
Nli Ali Ali Nli Ali Ali Ali Ali Ali Ali -,li \I/ Nli Ali NI, -Ali NIi Nli Ali \Ir Ali Nli NI, -\I/ Ali NI/ \I/
,,� 71; 714 ,1� ,,� 71; ,1� ,,� 71; ,,�z 71; 71�z 71�z 71�z 71�z ,,;: 71; 71; 71; 71�z 71�z 71; 71�z ,,; ,,�z 71�z ,,N
0
Youth Baseball Complex
The La Porte Boy's Baseball Association has identified a need for ten youth baseball
fields, coupled with additional practice fields, to meet their projected growth pattern over
the next ten to twenty years. The Association now conducts its youth baseball program
at Fairmont Park. The program has almost 900 youth participants, using seven fields as
their base of operations, with practice fields at various sites throughout the City. These
seven fields are inadequate to meet the current demand for league and tournament
play. The concession, restroom, and pressbox facility was constructed in 1976 and is
close to the end of its useful life. The concession facility is overused and is too small to
meet current demand. The pressbox serves only four of the seven fields and does not
meet current demand. Parking and restroom facilities were not designed and are not
adequate to meet the demands of such a large number of participants and their families,
particularly on weekends. Farrington Street is generally used for overflow parking,
creating a dangerous situation for young children in close proximity with traffic.
Fairmont Park is built -out in terms of available space for additional fields or parking.
The estimated cost of developing a ten field youth baseball complex is $3.3 million, not
including land costs (estimate provided by Randall -Porterfield Architects, Inc.).
Because of the high cost, staff is proposing to approach this issue in phases, as
outlined in the following option proposals:
• Option 1
Two years ago the City purchased 33 acres of land on the west side of La Porte to be
developed as a park (referred to hereinafter as Westside Park). The Westside Park
property is heavily wooded with a number of large pecan trees. This option would
propose developing five or six new youth baseball fields at this site.
Advantages:
• Would relieve the overcrowding at Fairmont Park. Five of the seven existing
fields at Fairmont Park would be retained for use as league fields, giving the
Association ten or eleven fields to use for league and tournament play.
• Would reduce parking woes, participants should not need to use Farrington
for on -street parking.
• The other fields would be returned to a more aesthetically pleasing, passive
utilization at Fairmont that better fits the needs of the surrounding community.
• Fairmont Park could be utilized for younger age groups and Westside Park for
the older groups. The Association generally doesn't schedule games for
younger participants after 9:00 PM. This would greatly reduce late -night
operation of Fairmont and reduce the number of complaints from nearby
residents. Westside Park is much more isolated and 11:00 PM usage would
not be detrimental to the surrounding community.
• This option would use about 20 of the 33 acres and would allow many of the
mature pecan trees on the site to be saved. These pecan trees are the focal
• point of the park and should be preserved for use by future generations. This
option would allow the remaining +/- 13 acres to be developed as a passive
park that would complement the ballfield portion of the park.
13.1
• Some of the new fields built at Westside Park would be larger than the
existing fields Fairmont Park, thereby better meeting the needs of the Pony
League age group.
• Could be accomplished fairly quickly because we already own the land.
Disadvantages:
• Divides the youth baseball facilities, by providing at two sites. This will cause
some problems for parents who have participants at both sites.
• Could cause some logistics problems for tournaments and other special uses.
Estimated Costa
The estimated cost for five to six fields, including parking, concession and
restroom facilities, utility service, etc. is approximately $2 million (estimate
provided by Randall -Porterfield Architects, Inc.).
Option 2
Staff believes the area southeast of Fairmont Parkway and SH 146 will begin
development in the near future. When it does, there will be a need for detention areas
for each of the parcels of land that will be developed. This proposal calls for
consolidation of the detention areas into a single, twenty -acre site. This detention area
could then be used for youth baseball facilities. Preliminary talks have begun with Mr.
. Haynesworth regarding the possible consolidation of detention for this area, and use of
some of his undeveloped land for this purpose.
Advantages:
• Since the land development standards require detention areas, this dual use
would be of benefit to both the developers as well as the City.
• Mr. Haynesworth could get a tax write-off for donation of the land at parkland
value rather than at detention area value... should he choose to donate the
land to the City.
• All of the advantages listed in Option 1 apply here except that we do not own
the land.
Disadvantages:
• As stated above, we do not own the land. This option may take somewhat
longer to accomplish.
• If the land has to be purchased, the cost of development as youth baseball
complex goes up.
• Disadvantages for Option 1 also apply here.
Estimated Cost:
The estimated cost for five to six fields, including parking, concession and
restroom facilities, utility service, etc. is approximately $2 million (estimate
• provided by Randall -Porterfield Architects, Inc.), plus the possibility of land
purchase if an agreement cannot be reached for donation.
13.2
•
Long Term Option
In the long term, there are two primary goals we are seeking to accomplish by moving
youth baseball to another site(s). One is obviously to meet the Association's needs by
providing excellent quality fields and infrastructure that is safe and suitable to showcase
La Porte. The other is to return Fairmont Park to its original status as a community park.
That's why we feel that a good option is to pursue both options listed above, with the
first phase being Option 1, providing five or six fields at Westside, and funded in the
proposed upcoming bond issue. It would be followed by a second phase; providing an
additional five or six fields using the Haynesworth property, in a future bond issue.
Advantages:
• Fairmont Park is returned to its original purpose as a community park.
• Youth baseball needs are met for the next fifteen -twenty years.
• By phasing in development there is less strain on our bond program, freeing
up funding for other more pressing City-wide infrastructure needs.
Disadvantages:
• By providing infrastructure facilities (i.e. parking, concessions, etc.) at both
sites, the cost increases by about $1 million over the long term.
• Still results in two separate facilities.
Whether either short-term, or the long-term options are exercised, the proposed new
youth baseball facilities would meet the long-term needs of the baseball association
here in La Porte by providing a well -designed layout(s) with adequate parking, restroom,
and other support facilities to meet the needs of La Porte's youth baseball players and
their families.
13.3
Ali Ali Ali
/p\
\I/
ipa
\1/
ipa
/p\
\1/
ipa
\1/
/JN
\1/
ip\
\1/
ip\
\I/
ip\
\1/
ip\
\1/
ip\
/p\
\1/
ip\
\1/
ip\
\f/
ip\
\1/
ipw
\f/
ip\
0
ip\
\1/
ip\
\1/
ip;
\1/
ipa
\i/
ipN
\1/
ipa
\1/
ipa
\1/
ipa
\1/
ipa
al/
ipa
\1/
ipa
\I/
ipa
\1/
ipa
\1/
i�
\1/
ipN
/p\ /p\ /p\ ipa ipa ipa ipa ipw ipa /p\ /p\ /p\ /p\ /p\ ipa ipa ipa ipa ipa ipa ipa /p\ /p\ /p\
\f/
ipa
OLD LOMAX CITY HALL
\t/ \1/ \1/ \1/ \I/ \1/ \1/ \1/ \1/ \I/ Ali Ali Ali \1/ \t/ \1/ Ali Ali Ali \1/ \1/ \1/ \1/
-------------------- --------------
/p\ /p\ /p\ /p\ /p\ /p\ /p\ /IN /p\ /p\ /p\ /p\ /p\ /p\ /p\ /p\ /p\ /IN /p\ /1\ /p\ /p\ /IN
\1/
ipa
\1/
ipa
\I/
ipa
ipa
\1/
ipa
\I/
ip\
\1/
ip\
\1/
%p\
\1/
ip\
\1/
ip\
\I/
ip\
\1/
ipa
\1/
ip\
\1/
ipa
\1/
ip\
\1/
ip\
/p\
\1/
/p\
\1/
ip\
\1/
ip\
\1/
ip\
\1/
ipa
\1/
ipa
\I/
ipa
\1/
ipa
\I/
ipa
\1/
ipa
\1/
ipa
\1/
ipa
\P/
ipa
\1/
ipa
\li
ip\
\1/
;IN
�!i Ali Ali \ti
/p\ /p\ /IN ip\
• Refurbish Old Lomax City Hall
Staff would like Council to consider using the old Lomax City Hall as a facility for
meetings. This opportunity will fill a void in meeting space for residents and
associations that participate in activities in the northwest portion of the City.
There is a need to completely refurbish the old Lomax City Hall building located in
Lomax Park at the corner of Lomax School Road and "P" Street. In the past three years,
the air conditioning unit has been replaced and the roof has been replaced. There have
been no other improvements in the building since the two cities merged in 1986.
Proposed Changes. -
Replace dark wood paneling with 5/8" sheetrock walls, tape & float, finish with
vinyl wall coverings.
• Install storm windows and window blinds (6).
• Install fiberglass fluorescent light covers for existing lights.
• Refurbish bathrooms; new lighting fixtures, lavatories (ADA), exhaust fans,
etc.
• Replace all flooring with VCT or ceramic tile.
• Replace air ducts, grills, and registers for HVAC system.
• Install new base and wall cabinets, countertops, appliances in kitchen
• Install wall and attic insulation
• Upgrade electrical system, replace outlets, switches, wiring as needed.
• Purchase Peavey Portable Public Address System
•
Estimated Costa
The cost to provide the above remodeling items is approximately $60,000
(estimate provided by Deer Park Construction Associates, Inc.). This would
include some contingency for replacement of electrical, insulation and other
hidden costs that may not be apparent from visual inspection.
The portable sound system can be used for many different events and activities, both
parks related and other functions, as needed. The refurbished building will then be in
excellent condition for rentals, use by special interest groups in the Lomax area. Staff
believes the building is structurally sound and this enhancement project will add to its
usefulness as a City of La Porte facility.
14.1
Ali Nfi NI..- ali NI,- Ali Ali Ali .li -li Nli Nli Ali Ali Ali Ali NI,-
,1; 71; 71; ,71; 71; 71; 71; 71; 71;;z ,,�z 71; 71; 71;
HISTORICAL WALL
Ali Ali NI,- -li Ali NIX NI,- Ali NI/ Ali NI,- Nli NI/ Nli Ali NI/ NI/ N!i Ali Ali NI/ NI, �I, NI, \I,
71�z 71�z 71; 71; 71�Z,1; 71; 71; 71; 71; 71; 71;z 71; 71; 71; 71; iy; i,; 71; i,N
•
0
A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE
Of The
LA FORTE CITY GOVERNMENT
by
Guy Sutherland
City Councilman
•
15.1
•
Table of Contents
Preamble Page 1
lstory Page 2
Founding of the City and Early Settlement
Past Mayors and -' lernbers of Council
Administration Page 1.0
City lVlana�er
City Secretanv
Public Service Actions
Special Elections
Finance Page 14
Tax Collection
Ad valorem 'Tax
Sales Tax and 4B Sales Tax
Tax Increment Financing (TIRZ)
ivlunicipal Bonds
• Budgets
Lary Enforcement Page 17
Police
N'lunicipal Court
Cite Attorney
Fine Protection Page 19
Inspection
Suppression
Emergency Medical Service
Public Works Pave 22
Streets
Water & Sevl-cr
Garbage & Heavy Trash
Parks and Recreation Page 25,
Golf Course
Library Page 26
Appendix Page i
City' Charter
15.2
171
•
Preamble
LaPorte is a city with a background that mirrors the development of the petrochemical
industry in Texas and the overall development of the eastern pant of Harris County in
general. This area has been well documented from its early days as a vacationland and
summer retreat for Houstonians to the busy center of commerce which it has become.
Less well documented is the city government which has guided this development. The steps
taken and the people who made it happen are deserving of mention as a footnote to local
history. This document is an attempt to record as much information about the city
government as possible before its sources are lost forever.
Background data was collected from personal interviews, newspaper articles, and historical
literature which together with the records in the City Hall Vault, provide the basis for this
document. These have all provided background details as applicable and, in addition, the
author has had the advantage of personally knowing all of those listed as office holders
since the 1960's.
Overall, this publication must be viewed as an original attempt and it is hoped that any gaps
will be closed by information provided by others in a later version. Special thanks go to the
many "Old Timers" who provided snippets of information although individual names were
kept to a minimum to reduce the bulk as much as possible. The author feels that he has
truly been blessed to know these people who made our city what it is today.
This document is dedicated to the various groups which have in the past and are now
working to preserve the memory of Old LaPorte - especially the Heritage Society and its
genealogical branch. Special recognition must also be given to the present and past mayors,
council members, city staff, and members of thG various Boards and Commissions who
have given thee- time and talents to mare the City of LaPorte what it is today and provide
the vision of what it can become.
May all of those who serve the city in the future continue to do as well.
-1-
15.3
History
Founding of the City and its Early Settlement
Walter C. White was the first settler of Harris County in 1820 and Eliza, his widow, built
the first house in what later became the City of La Porte in 1840. She sold it and the
surrounding acreage which consisted of nine miles along the bati-front to Doctor Abner
George Alexander Beazley for fifty cents per acre in 1846 after his home in San Leon was
demolished by a hurricane. He wanted the IA71iite house because it was perched on a bluff
at a much higher elevation than his house in Galveston Count',,.
Doctor A.G.A. Beazley was the son of John Beazley and his wife, the former Lucia Porter.
John was born 6 August 1780 and died 11 June 1853 and Lucia was born 22 September
1780 and died 3 December 1854. They were married in St. Thomas Parish, Orange
County, Virginia and emigrated to Texas in May 1840 after brieflv residing in Mississippi.
Thev were buried at their home site in La Porte as were their four children and their wives.
Maii,anne, their eldest child, was born in Orange County, Virginia as were all of the
children. She was born in .Tune 1804 and died in 1860. She never married and was blind as
the result of a fall in childhood. Doctor A.G.A. Beazley was born 30 March 1809 and died
in December 1878. He married Mary Herbert Washington who was a cousin of George
Washington, our first president, in Virginia. Three of their five children, including one set
of identical Nvin daughters are buried here.
A son William B. was born in. 1813 who on 16 August 1848 married Caroline Harris, the
widow of William Plunkett Harris, a member of the family who founded the town of
Harrisburg and who gave Haz-n County its name. She was originally from British Guiana
and brought two children to the marriage; Glen Morgan may have been nained after the
founder- of Morgans Point who was a good friend of his father and Eugenia Willemina who
died _young at age nineteen
Another son, John Ingram, born 13 August 1821, married Mary Jane Sawkins, and lived in
the Red Bluff area where he could oversee the family cattle activities. They raised three
children; a son Abner Horatio born in 1848 and two daughters Mary Adele born in 1853
and Sarah Lee born in 1856. The mother of ?Mary Jane. Jane G. Sawkins who was born in
England in 1800, lived with them.
One of the Beazlev descendants, John, served on the original city- council in 1892 as
alderman and another, Charles E. Beaslev, served from 1910 till 1912.
•
•
15.4
There were many sailboat races on Galveston Bay and at one of them land promoters who
were developing the Denver Harbor addition attended and were impressed by opportunities
in this area. They formed the La Porte Land & Town Company in 1892 and bought 2222
acres including the original home place from the Beazlev estate for 8 per acre and began
promoting the new city of La Porte.
The Beazley home burned irr 1928 and the site became Seabreeze Park until acquired by
the A/Iethodist Church which built the Happy Harbor home for senior citizens there. The
grave markers at the Beazley family cemetery had disappeared by the time the City bought
the land and turned it into a city park in 1996.
On April 12, 1892 a post office was established in the Sureau store at i\,lain and Third
Street. The La Porte Brick and Tile Company was founded on East _l.lain Street in 1893 as
was La Porte Saw and Planing Mill (burned in 1907). Both were built to furnish materials
for the newly established and growing town of La Porte and surrounding area. A slup_yard
which opened in 1892 was destroyed by the 1915 hurricane. In 1896 the Board of Trade
was established which subsequently became the Chamber of Cornrnerce.
The first railroad, the La Porte Houston & Northern, was chartered in October 1892 and
had laid 12 miles of track to a hotel i1 Deer Park by 1895 providing rail access to La. Porte.
• In 1896 the track was e-x-terrded to Galveston and renamed the Galveston Houston and
Northern. Unfortunately it went banlr-upt and its 125 passenger cars were returned to the
manufacturer. In May 1897 it was sold and rechartered with Rock Island purchasing a half
interest. In September 1905 Southern Pacific purchased all of its assets and renamed it the
Galveston Houston and San Antonio.
At one tirne La Porte was divided into two parts - (_)id Town and New Town. Old town
w"as along Main Street east of the railroad track while New Town w,as further cast along
East Main Street centering- around Blackwell Avenue. Controversy arose due to conflict
benween t-wo rival real estate groups and reached its peak when the post office was forcibly
moved to New Town in October 1897. However, a settlement was finally agreed upon and
it was relocated in August 1906. Rural delivery had been started in July 1902.
Disasters are no stranger to La Porte. In 1915 a fire that originated while a car was being
fueled destroyed most of the commercial ceat r of the town. This initiated the strong
support for and participation iri our Volunteer Fire Department «Much the City government
has always tried to.proNdde with the latest and best equipment.
Hurricanes have 11sited the city with discouraging regularity with our location at the
headwaters of Galveston Bav attracting danger from storm surge as well as high winds.
Notabhe storms which have affected the city occurred in 1845 which caused the Beazley
farnily to locate here, July 1943 wdhich destroyed Sylvan Beach. and 1981 when Hurricane
Carla caused widespread damage.
-3-
15.5
Past Mayors and IMembers of the City Council
E
After the first lots were sold in 1892, I. R. Holmes who was President of the La Porte
Land & Town Company; served as Town Manager. \1rs. Alice Marsh, who served as
secretary to the syndicate, became the City- Clerk with Colonel A.IVl. York as Treasurer.
A mayor and five aldermen were elected yearly until i\ larch 3. 1916 when a charter
revision changed the inteti; d to every two years. A charter change on April 14, 1947
established a commission form of government with two commissioners which was
increased to four in 1958. Under this form elected officials supervised activities directly.
On August 9. 1.980 another chatter election was held which established a city manager
forin of government and set three near terms for the mayor, two council members elected
city wide, and six council members from specific districts. Records show that the following
people have been elected since the original charter was issued with the first two council
members listed for the years after 1981 elected city wide. Elections are now held on the
first Saturday in May.
1892 IMayor J. H. York..-ddernen Dr. John Beazley, E. P. Sereau, C. G. Woodbridge,
"T. W. Lee, & J. W..1lexander
1.893 Nlayor T. W. Lee. Aldermen Dr. John Beazley, A. B. Prince, Charles Weaver,
J. H. York, & J. F. Allen.
1894 Nfavor L. K. AMonis. Aldermen unknown.
1895 Nlayor W. A. Irvine. Aldermen unknown.
1896 Nfavor W. A. Irvine resigned in October. J. G. Kirkland sen•,'ed as acting mayor for
tvvo weeks until Myron Tower was elected. Aldennen H. Westveer,
P.P. Hays, F. L. Putnam, D. D. Lindsley, & D.A. ?Morris.
1897 Ndavor J.P. Compton. Aldermen unlmwn.
1898 Ma -\or 1%lvron Tower. Aldermen unknown.
1899 _iMavor L. K. Norris. Aldermen unknown.
1900 Ivlayor I. R. Holmes. Aldermen unknown.
1901 Mayor I. R. Holmes. Aldermen unknown.
1902 Mayor J. It -I. Figley. Aldermen E. B. 'Alork, J.G. Dorgan. L. K. ?Morris.
W. M. Cooling, & Hanse Baker.
1903 Mayor J. M. Figley. Aldermen E. B. Work, J.C. Dorgan; L. K. Morris.
Coolina. & Hanse Baker.
1904 Nlayor J. II. Figle_y resigned in August replaced by Hanse Baker. Aldermen E. B.
Work, J.C. Dorgan, L. K. Morris, 1�7. NJ. Cooling; & Hanse
.Baker replaced by L.P. Ferguson.
1905 Mayor A. N. McKay. Aldermen John Baker, John Isensee, W.R. Hill; G. W. Brick,
Hanse Baker.
-4-
15.6
1906 Mayor A. N. V1cKay. Alder -men John Baker, John Isensee, G. G. Holzworth,
G. W. Brick, & Hatise Baker.
1907 Mayor John Baker. Aldermen G. G. Holzworth, G. Brick, P. P. Reynolds,
T. V. Buckholz, & W. \ I. Henigan
1908 Tvlayor John Balser. aldermen G. 7. Brick, P.P. Reynolds, W. M. Henigan.
J. H. Short. & D. AV. Brarton.
1909 1-layor George W. Brick. Aldennen W. It --I. Henigan. D. W. Braton, J. H. Short,
E. B. Fraser. & L. A. VV ute.
1910 Mayor George W. Brick. Aldermen Frank-W. Reynolds, E.B. Work, T.V. Buckholz,
C. E. Beazley, & W. T. Foster.
1911 N.favor George W. Brick:. Aldermen Frank W. Reynolds. E. B. Work, C. E. Beazley,
W. T. Foster, & E. B. Frazer.
1912 Mayor George W. Brick. Aldermen Frank'V. Reynolds, E. B. Work, C. E. Beazley,
E. B. Frazer, & R. H. Baker.
1913 Mayor T. V. P,uckholtz. Aldermen Frank W. Reynolds, R.H. Baker, James Sullivan,
H. T. Neal. & R. C. Deaver.
1914 Mayor A. N. NL IcKay. Aldermen Frank W. Reynolds, R. H. Baker, James Sullivan,
Frank C. Dorgan, & D. W. Brarton.
1915 Mayor A. N. McKay. Aldennen Frank W. Reynolds, G. B. Baker, Frank C.Dorgan,
H. T. Neal, & George W. Brick.
1916 Mayor A. N. \-lcKay. Aldermen Frank W. • Reynolds, H. T. Neal, George W. Brick, Frank C. Dorgan, & T. J. Sullivan.
1917 Mayor A. N. McKay. Aldermen Frank W. Reynolds, H. T. Neal, George W. Brick,
Frank C. Dorgan, & Chris Isensee.
1918 IVlayor H. T. Neal. i1ldernen George W. Brick, Chris Isensee, J. S. Slusher,
Frank W. Reynolds, & Frank C. Dorgan.
1919 ?Mayor H. T. Neal. Aldermen George W. Brick, Chris Isensee, J. S. Slusher,
Frank W. Reynolds, & Frank C. Dorgan.
1920 Mavor H. T. Neal. Aldermen George W. Brick, Chris Isensee. J. S. Sluslier,
Frank W. Re�•nolds, & A. C. Workman.
1921 Mayor H. T. Neal. Aldermen George W. Brick. A. C. Workman; Wm. Cooling,
Frank W. Reynolds & Frank C. Dorgan.
1922 Mayor Frank W. Reynolds. Aldermen George tip'. Brick A. C. Workman,
Wm. Cooling, Charles F. Norris, & Frank C. Dorgan.
1923 Mayor Frank 1�V. Reynolds. Aldermen George W. Brick. A. C. Workman,
J. NV. Hunt, Charles F. Norris, & Frank C. Dorgan.
1924 lVIayor Frank 1V. Revnolds. Aldermen George W. Brick, A. C. Workman,
J. W. Hunt, Charles F. Norris, & Frank C. Dorgan.
1925 ?Mayor Frank W. Reynolds. Aldermen George 1V. Brick, A. C. Workman,
J. 'Z7, Hunt, Charles F. Norris, & Frank C. Dorgan.
1926 Mailor Frank W. Reynolds.:4ldermen George IV-. Brick, A. C. Workman,
J. W. Hunt, Charles F. INTorris, & Frank C. Dorgan.
i _5_
15.7
C.
1927 flavor Frank W. Rcvnolds, Aldernen George W. Brick, F. G. Baker, Tom Dewalt,
Charles F. Nonis. & Frank C. Dorgan.
1928 IN Iavor Frank 'W. Revnolds. Aldermen George W. Buck.. F. G. Baker. Tom Dewalt,
Fred R. RujT.l & Frank C. Dorgan.
1.929 ',favor Frank W. Re-.-nolds. Aldermen H. T. Wall. Dr L. Sandell. Torn Dewalt.
Fred R. Ruff, & Frank C. Dorgan.
1930 Ma -\-or A. N. McKay. Aldermen H. T. `Fall, Dr L. Sandell. George H. Sharp,
Fred R. Ruff. & Leroy Tolle.
1.931 ?-favor A. N. )McKay. Aldermen H. T. "'all, Dr L. Sandell, George II. Sharp,
Fred R. Ruff, & George Counts.
1932 ?Mayor A.' . McKay. Aldermen Fred R. Ruff, George Counts, Dr. L. Sandel,
George H. Sharp, & H.T. Nall.
1933 Mayor A. N. -McKay. Aldermen C. I. Agee, George H. Sharp, L.C. Lawrence,
Fred R. Ruff. & George Counts.
1934 N-Invor H. B. Harrison. Aldermen George Counts, Jesse J. Roark, C. i1:I. Agee,
George H. Sharp, & L.C. Lawrence.
1935 Mallor H. B. Harrison. A.ldennen Frank R. Boyle, George Holton, C. INI. Agee,
George Counts, & Jesse J. Roark.
1936 Mavor George Sharp Sr. Aldermen Jesse J. Roark, Fred R. Ruff, Frank R. Boyle.
George Holton, & C. M. Agee.
1937 Mayor George Shar1) Sr. Aldermen C. \/I. Agee, Frank R. Boyle, P. L. Benson, •
Jesse J. Roark, & Fred R. Ruff.
1938 Mayor George Sharp Sr. Aldermen Jesse J. Roark, Fred R. Ruff. C. N4. Agee,
Frank R. Boyle, & P. L. Benson.
1939 Mayor George Sharp Sr. Aldennen C. M. Agee, Frank R. Boyle, P. L Benson,
Jesse J. Roark, & Fred R. Ruff.
1940 Mayor George Sharp Sr. Aldermen Jesse J. Roark, Fred R. Ruff, C. N1. Agee,
Frank R. Boyle, & P. L. Benson.
1941 A.Iavor George Sharp Sr. Aldennen C. ' 1. Agee, J. N. Johnson. Charles F. Norris,
Jesse J. Roark, & Fred R. Ruff.
1942Iavor Fred R. Ruff. Aldermen Jesse J. Road:, Jack Kerber, C. 1t1. Agee,
J. N Johnson, & Charles F. Norris.
1943 Mayor Fred R. Ruff Werrnen J. N. Johnson., M.D. Burgin, T. F. Srrlith,
Jesse J. Roark, & Jack Kerber.
1944 Mayor Fred R.. Ruff AJden-nen J. N. Johnson, M.D. Burgin, T. F. Smith.
P. L. Benson, & George F. Norris.
1945 -Mayor Fred-R. Ruff: Aldermen J. N. Johnson. T. F. Smith. Jesse J. Roark.
George F. Norris, & P. L. Benson.
1946 \favor Fred R. Ruff. Aldermen George F. Norris, J. L. Dunham, T. F. Smith,
J. N. Johnson, & Jesse J. Roark.
1.947 INIavor Harold J. Pfeiffer. Ccmnissiont�rs Jaynes S. Crate Jr. & James E. Stewart.
1948 Mayor Harold J. Pfeiffer. Con"In issioners James S. Crate Jr. & James E. Stewart.
1949 \-favor .Harold J. Pfeiffer. Commissioners James S. Crate Jr. & 'William P. Jones,
-6-
15.8
LJ
19�0 Rfavor Harold J. Pfeiffer. Coni rdssioners James S. Crate Jr. & Wdliam P. Jones.
1951 Mayor Harold J. Pfeiffer. Commissioners James S. Crate Jr. & Mercer D. Burgin.
1952 Mayor Mercer D. Burgin. CotTunissioners Lewis R. Rigby & Robert A. White.
1953 Mayor NMercer D. Burgin. Commissioners Lewis R. Rigby & Robert A. IkIiite.
1954 Mayor ivlercer D. Burgin, Commissioners Lewis R. Rigby & Harold P. Pfeiffer.
1955 Mayor _Nfercer D. Burgin. Commissioners Lewis R. Rigby & Harold P. Pfeiffer.
'1956 ylayor Mercer D. Burgin. Cornrnissioners Lewis R. Rigby & Harold P. Pfeiffer.
1957 k1avor \Mercer D. Burgin. Commissioners Lewis R. Rigby & Harold P. Pfeiffer.
1.958 Nfavor Harold P. Pfeiffer. CorTunissioners Jolin D. Lawler, Odell L. Brown,
Tom W. Osbum, & Frank R. Boyle Sr.
1959 Mayor Harold P. PfLiffer. CorTllTilssloner:s John D. Lawler. Odell L. Brown,
Tom W. Osburn, & Frank R. Boyle Sr.
1960 Mayor Harold P. Pfeiffer. Commissioners Tern W. Osburn, William A. Stabs Jr.,
Dennis Dunham. & Odell L. Brown.
1961. Nlayor Harold P. Pfeiffer. Commissioners Tom W. Osburn, 'William A. Stabs Jr.,
Dennis Dunham. & Odell L. Brown.
1962 IN,layor Harold P. Pfeiffer. Corrunissioners Tom II%. Osburn, William A. Stabs Jr.,
Dennis Dunham, & Odell L. Brown.
1963 \ favor Harold P. Pfeiffer. Commissioners Tom W. Osburn, 'W111iam A. Stabs Jr.,
Russell Sheppard, & Frank G. Baker.
. 1964 Mayor Harold P. Pfeiffer. Commissioners Tom W. Osburn, William A. Stabs Jr.,
Russell Sheppard, & Frank G. Baker.
1965 Mayor Harold P. Pfeiffer. Commissioners'William A. Stabs Jr, Lois J. Compton;
Russell Sheppard, & Tom W. Osburn.
1966 Mayor Harold P. Pfeiffer. Commissioners William A. Stabs Jr, Lois J. Compton,
Charlie Doug Boyle, & Russell Sheppard.
1967 Mayor Harold P. Pfeiffer. Commissioners William A. Stabs Jr, Lois J. Compton,
Charlie Doug Boyle, & Bobby J. Burgin.
1968 A,fayor Harold P. Pfeiffer. Conunissioners H. Gould Crofoot, Lois J. Compton,
Charlie Doug Boyle, & Bobby J. Burgin.
1969 Mavor Harold P. PE.- ffer. Corrunissioners H. Gould Crofoot, E.A. Buck Thomas,
Charlie Doug Boyle, & Bobby J. Burgin.
1970 \-'favor Carlos Smith. Commissioners E. A. Buck Thomas, I. J. Kibodeau,
Bobby J. Burgin, & H. Gould Crofoot.
1971 \Mayor Carlos Smith. Commissioners E. A. Buck Thomas. I. J. Kibodeaux.
Glemi Sampson. & H. Gould Crofoot.
1972 Mayor E. A. Thomas. Commissioners Charles Christensen, I. J. Kibodeaux.
Glenn Sampson, & Charlie Doug Boyle.
1973 lvlavor E. A. Thomas. Commissioners Charles Christensen, I. J. Kibodeaux,
Uel Price, & Charlie Doug Bowie.
1974 hfavor E. A. Thomas. Commissioners Charles Christensen. I. J. Kibodeaux.
Uel Price. & Charlie Doug Boyle.
• -7-
15.9
•
1991 %Iayor Norman 1lalone. Councihmembers Bob McLaughlin, Alton Porter, Guy
Sutherland )v1ike Cooper, Robert Thrower. Deotis Gav,
B. Don Skelton, &. Edward G. Clarks.
1992 -Mayor Norman Malone. Councilmcmbers Bob McLaughlin, Alton Porter, Guy
Sutherland, Mike Cooper, Robert Thrower. Deotis Gay,
Jack R. & Edward G. Clarke.
1993 AMayor Norman Malone. Councilmembers Bob McLaughlin, Alton Porter, Guy
Sutlerland. NMike Cooper, Robert Thrower. Deotis Gay,
.Tack R. Maxwell. & Edward G. Clarke.
1994 Mayor Norman iMalone. Councilmembers Bob McLaughlin.. Alton Porter, Guy
Sutherland. 1\like Cooper, Robert Thrower, Deotis Gay
Jack R. ilMawell. & Edward G. Clarke.
1995 yfav_ or Norman Malone. Councilmembers Bob .McLain? lin, Alton Porter, Guy
Sutherland, NEke Cooper, Robert Thrower, Deotis Gay,
.Tack R. Maxwell, & EdNvard G. Clarke.
1.996 Mayor Norman -Malone. Councihnernbers Bob NleLa.ughlin, Alton Porter, Guy
Sutherland, lva—e Cooper, Robert Thrower, Deotis Gay,
Jack R. Maxwell. & Edward G. Clarke.
1997 Mayor Nonnan IN [alone. Councih-nembers Bob �IcLaugl>J.in, Alton Porter; Guy
Sutherland, Chuck Engellcen, Howard Ebow, Deotis Gay,
Jack R. Maxwell, & Edward G. Clarke.
•
1998 Mayor Norman Malone. Councilmembers Peter Griffiths, Alton Porter, Guy
Sutherland, Chuck Engelken. HoN -ard Ebow,,. Deotis Gay,
C. Da -,id Young, & Edward G. Clarke.
1999 Mayor Nonnan Nfalone. Councihnembers Peter Griffiths, Alton Porter, Guy
Sutherland, Chuck Engellcen, Howerd Ebow, Deotis Gay,
C. Da,id Young. & Edward G. Clarke.
2000 Mayor \1oi-man tiMalone. Councilmembers Peter Griffiths, Alton Porter. Guy
Sutherland, Chuck Engelken; Howard Ebow, Deotis Gay_ .
C. Da -id Young. & Edward G. Clarke.
2001 Mayor NomianTMalone Councilrnembers Peter Griffiths, Alton Porter, Guy
Sutlerland. Chuck Engelken, Howard Ebow, James
'Warren, C. Da�,7d Young, Edward G. Clarke.
-9-
•
15.10
1975 Mayor E. A. Thomas. Commissioners NVilhwn S. Love, I. J. Kibodeaux,
Viminia Cline, & Charlie Doua Boyle.
1976 Mavor J. J. -i%Ieza. Commissioner-, William S. Love, I. J. Kibodeaux, Virginia Cline,
& Torn C. Simons.
1977 Mayor J. J. Meza. Commissioners John Tomerlin, I. J. Kibodeaux, Virginia Cline,
& Tom C. Simons.
1978 -N-Iavor J. J. Meza. Coniritissioners John Tomerlin, I. J. Kibodeaui, \'irqjnia Cline,
& Tom C. Simons.
1.979 \ layor J. J. yleza. Commissioners John Tomerlirr, I. J. Kibodeaux, Virginia Cline,
& Tom C. Sirnons.
1980 \favor J. J. IvIeza. Commissioners John Tomerlin, I. J. Kibodeaux, Virginia Cline,
& Tom C. Sirnons.
1981 Ma-vor J. J. \feza. Councihnembers Doug Latimer, Norman Malone, John Lonaley,
Gus Faris, Deotis Gay, B. Don Skelton, & Linda Westergren.
1982 Ma_vor Virginia Cline. Counciltnembers Kevin Graves, Lindsay Pfeiffer, Norman
Malone, Joln Longley, Edward Matuszak, Deotis Gay,
B. Don Skelton, & Linda Westemen.
1983 Mayor Virginia Cline. Councilmembers Kevin Graves, Litrdsay Pfeiffer, Norman
Malone, John Longleti,, Edward Matuszak, Deotis Gay,
B. Don Skelton, & Linda Westergren.
1984 Mayor Virginia Cline. Councilmembers Betty Waters, Lindsay Pfeiffer, Norman
Malone, Paula Bridges, Edward Matuszak, Deotis Gay,
B. Don Skelton, & Linda Westergren.
1.985 \favor Norman \Malone. Councilmembers Betty W'aters, Lindsay Pfeiffer, Delbert
Walker; John Lloyd, Edward Matuszak, Deotis Gay,
B. Don Skelton, & Linda Westergren.
1986 Ma -,,or Norman Malone. Councilinembers Alton Porter, Lindsay Pfeiffer, Betty
N�, aters, John Lloyd, Edward Matuszak, Deotis Gay,
B. Don Skelton, & Linda �A estergren.
1987 Mayor Norman Malone. Counciltnembers Alton Porter, Michael Shipp, Betty
Xj'aters, John Lloyd, Edward Matuszak, Deotis Gav,
B. Don Skelton. & Edward G. Clarke.
1.988 fayar Norman \4alone. Counciltnembers Alton Porter, Michael Shipp, Betty
Waters, Mike Cooper, Edward \-latuszak, Deotis Gay,
B. Don Skelton, & Edward G. Clarke.
1989 Mayor Norman Malone. Councilmembers Bob McLaughlin, Alton Potter, Betty
tij aters, \like Cooper. Edward—Matuszak, Deotis Gay,
B. Don Shelton, & Edward G. Clarke.
1990 \,favor Norman Malone. Councilmembers Bob McLaughlin, Alton Porter, Guy
Sutherland, Mike Cooper, Edward Matuszak, Deotis Gay.
B. Don Skelton, & Edward G. Clarke.
• -8-
15.11
Administration
The latest city charter which was adopted August 9, 1980 by referendum. mandates a city
manager form of government replacing the previous system in which individual council
members supervised the operations of city workers directly.
City 1lanager
The City Manager is lured by the City Council solely on the basis of administrative
training, experience, and ability. The manager then serves in office until replaced at a salary
established by Council. In order to minimize politics, no elected member of Council can
assume the position of City Manager until he has been out of office for one vear.
The City -Manager appoints all city employees and removes them if necessary. Directors
who supervise specialized departments are his pi7mary concern with the department
employees reporting to the Director in most cases. Examples of these departments are
Finance, Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Service, Streets and Alleys, Parks and
Recreation, Water and Sewer, and Public Health.
0
The heads of only two departments, City Attorney and Municipal Judge, are appointed
directly by the City Council. The Council also appoints assistants to these two positions if •
necessary and have, in fact, done so in both cases.
City Secretary
A City Secretary is appointed by the City Manager after the selection has been endorsed by
the City Council. It is the duty of the City Secretary to record all aspects of meetings and
other official actions by the Mayor, Council Members, and City Manager especially
relating to Ordinances and Resolutions.
All official city notices and announcements will be issued by the City Secretary who is also
responsible for conducting elections, including certification of the personnel involved when
necessary.
-10-
L�
15.12
•
Public Service :fictions
This section is primarily concerned Fyith charter revisions and items relating to the
expansion of cite seii.ices. Decisions by the voters which have had a major effect on the
size and configuration of the cinti are listed below but zoning changes, street closings, land
redevelopment, or other factors which have only indirectly influenced changes in the city
are omitted.
The topics and vote totals illustrate the transition in attitudes of our residents from a small
town focused on home and family to the broader scope of community development
prt valent today in «hick a concern for the quality of life plays a major part.
1892 Original city charter issued "Wgust 10. Its legal boundaries were established in 1895.
1907
20136 foot city liall"jail built at Second & A Streets. Moved across street in 1931.
1910
Franchise to an interurban railroad (Houston & Bayshore Traction)
and an electric
light & power plant to A. Foster Ertivin. Request withdrawn due
to lack of permit.
1915
:\,mended city charter to allow selling city owned real estate.
Approved 59 to 43.
1916
Charter revision changing terms from one to two years approved.
1916
$10,000 funding 20 year warrants to pay past and future bills.
• 1921
Franchise granted to Houston Texas City Short Line Railroad
Company.
1922
Water & sewer bonds - Sewer
Rejected 6 to 83
Water
Rejected 4 to 76
1925
Water bonds.
approved 110 to 13
1928
Franchise granted to Houston Natural Gas Company.
1928
Sewer referendum.
Rejected 26 to104
1931
New city hall/fire station built.
1947
Acquisition of the airport as war surplus by quitclaim deed from the federal go -%,I.
1947
Charter revision changing to a commissioner form of government
with two
commissioners.
Approved 323 to162
1949
Home rule charter.
Approved 148 to 86
1949
Street improvement bonds.
Approved 133 to 40
Garbage disposal incinerator.
Rejected 318 tol34
1950
Parks and playground bonds.
Rejected 278 to 238
1932
Street improvement bonds.
Approved 228 to128
City hall bonds.
Approved 234 tol21
1955
Sewer bonds.
Approved 100 to 30.
1938
Charter revision increasing the commissioners to four.
Approved 607 to 34.
1962
14'ater and sever bonds.
Approved 563 to 64.
196;
Library bonds.
Approved
1970
Referendum closing streets and alleys for railroad switchyard.
Rejected 480 to 332.
•
-11-
15.13
•
1971
Bond election - Sewer Improvements
Rejected 464 to 396
1'ater System Improvements
Rejected 458 to 384
Street Improvements
Rejected 494 to 332
Fine Station
Rejected 431 to 410
Park Improvements
Rejected 489 to 358
1975
Charter Amendment increasing compensation for Mayor
Rejected 590 to 151.
Ditto for Comnussioners -
Rejected 522 to 213.
1979
Bond Election - Sewer Improvements
Approved 293 to 113.
Water System Improvements
Approved 277 to 113.
1980
Consolidation with the City of Lomax
Approved 755 to 358.
Adoption of new charter
Approved 472 to 252.
1981
Civil Sel" ice for Police
Approved 1186 to 41.0.
1982
Creation of NVater Authority
Approved 321 to 302.
1982
Legalizilg Bingo
Approved 1511 to 445.
1983
Annex Spenwick and Collegeview Municipal Utility_ Districts.
1985
Bond Election - Waterworks Revenue Bonds
Approved 614 to 208.
Sewer Revenue Bonds
Approved 620 to 198.
Street Tax Bonds
Approved 514 to 302.
Drainage Improvement Tax Bonds
Approved 591 to 232.
Saiutai-\- Landfill Tax Bonds
Approved 589 to 230.
Park Improvement Tax Bonds
Approved 500 to 320.
Gym Tax Bonds
Approved 421 to 397.
Fire Station Tax Bonds
Approved 576 to 246.
Fire Training Facility Tax Bonds
Approved 480 to 380.
1988
Annex Baymud Nlutucipal Utility District.
1988
Referendum on Hazardous Waste Incinerator
Rejected 1346 to 375.
1990
Referendum modifying purchasing procedure
Approved 286 tol41.
1993
Sale of Little Cedar Park east of Old Highway 146
Rejected 565 to 532.
1995
Referendum on acquiriig bayfront proper for new park
Approved 819 to 530.
1999
Establish a Section 4B Sales Tax
Approved 483 to 276.
1999
Bond Election - Addition to City Hall
Approved 494 to 281..
Rebuild Fire Station 3
Approved 559 to 217.
Relocate and build a new Fire Station 4
Approved 581 to 191.
Renovate Fifth Street north of Main
Rejected 400 to 371.
Replace San Jacinto Swinnung Pool
Approved 508 to 265.
-12-
15.14
Special Elections
General
Since the town of LaPorte was founded, there have been many more special elections than
a community much larger than ours would normally expect and several have had influences
far beyond resolving the problems of the day. Consolidation with the City of Lomax and
the annexation of Bavmud, and Brookglen have added materially to the size of the city and
established a land base for LaPorte which makes it more economically viable and capable
of generating more political support in the modern world.
Industrial Districts
Establishment of the 5,500 acre LaPorte Industrial District, where property could be
developed by industry in its extratenitorial jurisdiction by ptartial payment of property tax in
return for the city not annexing their plant site, providing city services, or requiring building
guidelines was one of the first agreements of that type in the country when it was
established in 1958. This District and the two which followed provided the funds to rapidly
develop public improvements while maintaining a much lower tax rate than would
otherwise be required.
Infrastructure Development
Shortly after the first industrial district was established, an informal philosophy was
assumed by many council members that any excess accumulation of revenue would be
used to fund developments which would improve the quality of life with the goal of making
LaPorte the most desirable place to live in east Harris County. Using this philosophy,
improvements which are very popular and of high quality have come in a steady stream.
Older facilities have been upgraded the ad valorem tax has remained constant, and the
water and sewer rates have gone down.
Water Supply
Land Subsidence became a major problem in the 1960's causing the State of Texas to
enact regulations severely curtailing the amount of water which could be withdrawn from
underground reservoirs. Both residential and commercial growth was threatened and the
development of LaPorte, which was far behind its neighboring cities, could have been
stopped but we were successful in negotiating capacity in a water purification plant
operated by the City of Houston.
A water authority to build a pipeline providing an adequate supply of potable water until
the year 2005 was fonned in combination with the cities of Morgans Point and Shoreacres.
Subsequently, we bought the plant capacity belonging to the City of Galveston and now
have an additional 40 year capacity if LaPorte doubles in size to 65,000. Water is seen as a
commodity which could become scarce as this area becomes developed and future options
may be lirnited but we are now in a very comfortable position.
-13-
15.15
Finance
A great deal of pride is taken by both the city council and staff regarding the efficient
financial operations of the city. In the beginning and until income from industry in lieu of
taxes became substantial. the City of LaPorte provided only a minimum of public services
in an attempt to keep the property- taxes paid by its citizens as low as possible.
In those pre EPA and OSHA days, industry did not have a particularly good reputation as a
corporate neighbor and they developed a fondness for a city which worked well with them.
When local organizations began to be actively pro industry and to support their activities
publicly, top executives with major companies responded in kind. Both groups profited as
they learned about each others problems and a base was formed for mutual information
exchanges which still occur today in the form of regularly held meetings.
Tax Collection
For years the ad valorem (property) taxes paid by the owners of property in the city and
franchise fees from utility companies were the only form of revenue available to pay for
the expenses incurred by the city. During that period, volunteers were common and many
people contributed their time and talents to make the city run. It was a much simpler time
but those people gave their best and they formed the base upon which the city has grown.
To quote from the city records, "our treasury is without funds". On one occasion a three
month bank loan of $700 at 8% was secured to pay bills and it was common to issue
warrants instead of paying cash. These accumulated so much that a twenty year $10,000
bond issue was voted to repay them. When the bonds were paid off, there was a well
attended bond burning in the city with much jubilation.
As manufacturing plants were built in the newly established industrial parks, the city
adopted a policy toward their taxation. whereby they paid only a portion of the takes which
would have been due if their plant site had been annexed by the city. In return industry got
freedom from compliance with city regulations and the city did not furnish services such as
water, sewer, police, fire protection, etc. In some cases industry contracted for ambulance
or other needed services.
As this policy became better known, more companies decided to locate manufacturing
facilities here to take advantage of the liberal tax policy as well as the proximity to sources
of raw material and, sometimes, a market for their products. ?N/Ioney from industry enabled
the tax burden on local residents to be low-er and prmided money for the city to develop
many projects to improve our local quality of life.
-14-
•
0
15.16
after inclustr-v began paying money to the city in lieu of tales, the state enacted a sales tax
on all merchandise sold. Cities received a portion of this tax but unfortunately only a few
small cornrnercial businesses providing basic necessities had developed here. Host of the
purchases which gQnerated major amounts of sales tax were located in Pasadena, Baytown.
or Clear La1.e City cvltich was ultimately annexed by Houston.
HoN ever by the year 2000. La Porte had Mown enough that it attracted a wider diversity
of retail marketers which pro,,lded a substantial and still growing source of sales tax
revenue. In the late 1990's the State modified the sales tax law by adding a Section 4B
which allowed a designated percentage to be used for specific projects and this was
approved by La Porte voters with the proc,veds initially directed to pay for a new library.
Followina another new tax law initiative by the State Legislature and approval by the
LaPorte voters, the Council appro:'ed establisll nent of a Tax Increment Reinvestment
Zone (TIRZ). After approval by LPISD and Harris County, a Board of Directors w'as
established composes] of rrepresentatives of these three political groups and La Porte
residents appointed by the Council who could proN,ide the needed expertise.
Under the TIPZ rygulation, a section of over 600 acres was set aside for development
wherein all increase in property taxes w-lich resulted from higher property tax assessment
caused lry its development is used to pay for improvements. The TIRZ Board then uses
the v.cremental tax amount to finance bonds to leverage development of tlis central section
of t1w city which otherwise would be a long tune in developing while insuring a favorable
type of development which would most benefit La Porte citizens in the corning years.
Projects which have been identified as desirable are a hotel/convention center with marina.
gift shops, high rise condominiums, retail sale businesses, and the like. Sylvan Beach
Pavilion and approxirnately half of thy, Sylvan Beach County Park were included Mtivn the
TIR % district boundary.
Fees
The cin° maimains a Finance Department which handles all aspects of revenue collection
and disbursement. Water. sewer. and garbage fees are paid du-ectly to this group. They also
collect the property taxes paid by all entities to both the city and school district and remit
their- funds to LPISD as they are collected. All taxes which are over six months in arrears
aru coll,,cted by an indeperident firm acting under contract to the city.
Municipal Bottds
_=1s the city has LTroitin, changes in infrastructure have been made to meet its needs.
Financing of uziprovement:s reyuhiig more funds than were available from current income
has nonnalh- been provided by the issuance of twenty or thn-N year bonds approved by
the voters. Sometimes money for- smaller capital projects has been borrowed with future
income pledged for repayment over a shover term.
-1 5-
15.17
At the beyinnkig of the fiscal year 21101, there was a total of S42,538,948 total bond debt
repayment outstanding. The term and amount of repayment has been shortened
substantiallv by refinancing some issues which were more than ten nears old. This greatly
reduced the amount of interest that the city will be required to pay overall although
repayment of the borrowed amount must be cornpleted sooner. Su1ce refinancing has
oCCUITCCl. the amount and dates of individual bond issuance are omitted here since then
have been made meaningless.
flack year the city council and staff meet to ret-iew and update the bond status. Needed
projects are reviewed and if sufficient funding is not available from the normal sources of
income. issuance of bonds are considered. Since grouping for a single sale is more
econotiucal and voter approval is required, projects are delayed where possible until several
have been identified. This may take several years and involve long range planning at which
the council and its staff has been vcn�' successful in recent years.
Budgets
The city budget is a document that forecasts the anticipated revenues and projects how it
will be spent for the fiscal year which begins on October 1. Budget preparation begins
around June 1 by the city staff so that their recommendations can be presented to the city
council by the end of August. Normally there has been a meeting of the two groups at a
reirea.t in June to informally discuss the city needs and to exchange ideas with any newly
elected council members. Staff modifies the budget if necessary and Council approves it by
its effective date at a public hearing.
There are three types of budgets. The basic budget is the General Fund which deals with
the activities necessary to provide needed ser\ic.es to the LaPorte taxpayers. There are
several enterprise funds, each of which deals with a business operated by the city.
Examples of these are the Golf Course, Water Autliont}, Airport, Sylvan Beach, etc. The
third type is for capital improvements which are major expenditures authorized by council
and usually financed by bond money.
Each department of the cite is responsible for its part of the budget through a director with
the activities of all of the directors coordinated by [lie city manager. Staff personnel are
available to give specialized support when necessary- working through an assistant city
manager. Special financial activities and controls are overseen by the chief financial officer.
Examples of this are bond issuance or repayment and short term investment of income.
Proper fiscal responsibility is assured by an audit conranittee composed of four council
members who are appointed by the -Mayor.
-1.6-
•
•
15.18
•
•
Lary Enforcement
City Council
Law enforcement in the City of LaPorte begins with the City Council who collectively
enact Ordinances which establish the rules governing all activities within the city. The
-Police Department enforces these rules when necessary_ and as an added benefit acts as
a deterrent to crone by their high visibility.
Police Department
This very professional group numbers 71 officers and 21 administrators and is removed
from politics since it was granted civil service status by the city voters many years ago.
Although there have been many limits placed on their activities due to new state laws which
have been enacted by the state legislature and legal interpretations by the courts, there are
no limits to their authority to uphold the peace.
Harris County alone contains many jurisdictions charged with law enforcement, the Sheriff
and Constable Departments bearing the major responsibility. Specialized groups act for
specific interests such as Port of Houston, Houston ISD, Metro, Customs, Immigration,
and the like. Our city furnishes three officers to schools selected by the LaPorte
Independent School District, crossing guards at all schools for traffic control, and also
furnishes two officers to a joint federab'county drug interdiction task force on a year by
year basis under interlocal agreements with those parties.
Each officer is assigned a motor vehicle of some type and is equipped with a uniform and
pertinent safety equipment. An extensive training facility is maintained which includes a
gunners' range and a mock house used to hone infiltration techniques. These facilities are
unique to the area and are used by other police departments for training also.
The LaPorte Police Department operates several groups which have specialized duties. The
patrol division insures compliance with all traffic laws and its detectives investigate major
crimes. Transportation officers inspect the many trucks which serve the Barbours Cut
Container Terminal and our three Industrial Districts for safety or permit violations. A very
efficient group of Dispatchers coordinate the efforts of our individual officers as well as
those in other small neighboring communities which have contracted for that service.
One very interesting and popular group is Animal Control which enforces the rules which
property owners must follow if they keep animals within the city limits. Although their
efforts mostly involve dogs, cats, and other small pets, there is a considerable involvement
with wild animals which still roam the undeveloped parts of town and there are many
horses and commercial livestock in the northwest section of town.
-17-
15.19
•
ivlunicipal Court
Citations which are issued by police officers are tried in Municipal Court if the offense is
no worse than a Class C misdemeanor which encompasses most traffic, public disorder,
marital disputes, and other violations of city ordinances. The City Council has appointed a
licensed attorney to serve as a Municipal Judge to preside over the court and due to the
flexible hours required, has appointed a second judge who has added qualifications as a
mediator.
A stall of clerks operating under a Chief Court Clerk have been appointed by the Senior
Judge to handle the administrative workload involved in organizing the court sessions and
collecting the fees and penalties. Warrants are served by a City Marshal.
City Attorney
The City Council has appointed an attorney who has been certified to practice law in the
State of Texas to represent the city in all legal matters. Rather than luring a full time
attorney as an employee of the city, the Council has elected to retain a private law firm
experienced in municipal law to perform thus function. The senior partner acts as City
Attorney and his law partner acts as the Assistant City Attorney_ thus giving a depth of
experience on any manner where representation is needed.
From time to tune matters occur where specialized experience or knowledge is needed and
at that time the City Attorney recommends an outside attorney to the Council. Following
approval of this retention, that lawyer reports to the Council through the City Attorney
except when instructed to report directly by the Mayor or City Manager. All legal
discussions are considered confidential and are closed to the public.
The Assistant City Attorney represents the city in municipal court. All attorneys are paid a
mutually agreed upon sum.
C7
15.20
•
Fire Protection
General
On November 13, 1893, shortly after the town of LaPorte was founded, its first big fire
occurred in the 300 block of :lain Street and this led to the creation of the Volunteer Fine
Department. A cotton train fire i1 1902 which destroyed 1258 bales, 13 freight cars, and
1/2 mile of track provided further stimulus. Fire protection has enjoyed widespread support
by the city government since the disastrous fine of 1915 which burned down most of the
downtown area. A shortage of fiends made paid firemen an impossibility at that time but
volunteers flocked to the service after these fires and still do.
There is also a unique and beneficial facility which helps with disaster control_ Audio alarm
speakers activated by dispatchers on 24 hour cluty are placed on poles throughout the city
for use in case of malfunction at a chemical plant or pipeline which would result in toxic or
noxious emissions. These alarms also have voice capability which can give instruction and
will be used for natural disasters to advise all of our residents of the best actions to take to
insure their personal safety.
One example of the evobAng role and the pride of the firemen has been the establishment
of an honor guard. This twenty person group presents the colors (national and state flags)
at selected civic functions and will be an impressive force at funerals.
Inspection
Fire protection begins with inspection which is done in LaPorte by two highly competent
Fire Marshals. They proxide the first level of protection against fine loss by iispectmo
newly permitted and constricted personal residences or commercial establishments to look
for potential. hazards. They also visit the scene of all fines to deterrnjn , the reason for the
fire and what could have been done to prevent it.
Suppression
Irairing in fine suppression teclltuques at nearby industrial plants helps the performance of
our firemen tremendously and no doubt contributes to their efficiencv. A meat deal of
benefit is also obtained from a state of the art training facility which is very popular with
fire departments of other cornrnunitics due to its high quality. It is a matter of pride that
LaPorte has never had a serious irjury or fatality to a firemen in its entire history.
Those who play a guiding role in the department are likewise highly professional with
several of their mE rnbers itr leadership positions on fu•e fighting teams at local plants. The
department is a member of the Channel Industries N-lutual Aid (CEMA) association of
regional frrefi--hting groups «Much was formed to deal with industrial plant fires and
explosions which can be massive,
-19-
15.21
The city council provides the latest and best fire fighting equipment for its firefighters who
no", include one paid, frill time firefighter at each of the four fire stations. Local support
was shown by a recent bond election in which the voters approved two new fire houses
replacing older. obsolete structures. tiVhen these are complete, La Porte will have three
modern fire stations plus space in an older building shared with administrative personnel of
the department.
Emer-aency Medical Service
In the early days, house calls, were made by doctors and hospital stays were rare. Over time
as those facilities became more techically sophisticated and economically feasible this
evolved into a practice whereby fiinc;ral homes used their vehicles to transport the seriously
ill to hospitals.
The first such vehicle in La Porte was owned by the Art Siriipson Funeral Home which
had a station wagon fitted out with paraphernalia used in ambulances. It was one of the
vehicles used during the disastrous Texas Cite fire and explosion.:Uso during this period,
the fire department operated a firstaid and rescue vehicle which was used only for
emergency Work at the scene of an accident or during the recovery of drowning -victims.
In 1969 the funeral home ad),ised the city that they could no longer provide ambulance
service and would donate their vehicle to the city. In order to provide reliable ser-vice and
keep the time of transport to ,:i minimum, the city purchased a Ford station wagon and
assimed the two vehicles to the police department for operation.
Police reservists who had become certified as `:Emergency Care Attendants" were made
responsible for staffing the vehicles «7th these off duty police officers working on an
ov�rtiiiiQ basis. Sertiice was provided to all adjacent cities including Deer Park which had
no arnbulartce service at that tone. This classification is no longer valid with the more
demanding `'Emergency Medical Teelunician" used uistead.
In 1974 the State enacted new Health Department rules and, since the work load had
become excessive, the city decided to privatize their acti-6ties. The La Porte :Ambulance
`�erl.ice owiierd by Jerry Carpenter seined the area until 1979 when he ceased business as
uneconomic.
The city then established an Emergency Nledical Services department controlled by a three
persen board appointed by the city council. This operation was heal-ily subsidized by the
cirsand after a series of managerial and operational problems, a bond election in 1987
prowl the facilities for the ci. to perform this service directly under the City Manager
who assigned supervision to the fire department.
-20-
•
•
15.22
•
Emergency medical service continues to be provided in this manner and currently
consists of three vehicles equipped with the most modern equipment operated by
trained, accredited personnel. Sertiiu;; is performed to other organizations on a contract
basis..-. representative from the DiN ision of Emergency Medicine e of the T �iu�-zrsitti of
Telas medical branch in Galveston s--rves as medic it advisor. Close coordination is
maintairncd with Hermann Hospital in Houston which provides emergency helicopter life
f i,&ht Seri e.
•
0 -Z1-
1 5.23
Public Works
A
Streets
Until recently, the street department was the part of the city government most closely
monitored by Council. The earliest minutes of them meetings were filled with petitions to
fill holes in the streets and when a wooden sidewal1 was built along three blocks of Nfain
Street to keep pedestrians out of the mud it attracted a lot of favorable mention.
Maintenance was initially done under the supervision of an Alderman who was appointed
to that task by the Nlaryor. Later a specific council position was designated as Street
Commissioner and it was higlily sought after. After the cloy manager form of government
was adopted in 1980, it became the responsibility of the Public Works Manager.
Until the 1950's, street building consisted of hauling oz-ster shell from the Norris and
Stanford dock in Nforgans Point and spreading it in the most heavily rutted areas. The shell
pulverized and covered the area with white powder during the hot, dry summer months but
it was all the city could afford.
�k lien income began to flow from industrial plants; the money was eagerly spent to pave
streets to a deg
-ee that every single street in town is now paved with a good hard surface.
The long experience with bad streets during heavy rains so influenced the La Porte city
Qoverrunent that the main requirement placed on the Cite of Lomax when the two merged
in 1980 vas that Lomas would approve a $2 mullion bond issue to pave its streets.
The city street department is now well staffed with a stable group of workers who have
expertise in repairing the mainly asphalt streets and mowing the ditches which are mostly
the open bar ditch type. Recently, concrete curb and gutter streets have been built to
complunent the new subdivisions. These streets are normally built by contractors with any
needed maintenance done later by well equipped city crews.
Selver
The original heart of town had a sewer system made of concrete pipe financed by relatively
small bond issues. Nlost houses in town were served by septic tanks which gave erratic
service due to the non porous nature of the soil, however, the piping system was slowly
expanded as the town grew and money became available. A central sewer plant based on
modern teclutologti was built in 1980 and enlarged in 1984. It has served well although due
to its age, maintenance has become a regular concern.
•
15.24
0
•
State requirements have become increasingly strict but, even though the state has reduced
the rated capacity of our seGver plant, there is currently sufficient capacity for some time to
come. One benefit provided by the plant is drat waste water from its outfall is used to water
our gotf course thus lielping to make it one of the best such facilities around at a reasonable
cost. Sewer lines are inspected on a regular basis to minimize the infiltration of ground
water which would reduce plant capacity.
NYater
Due to the heavy industrial plant demand for water, by the 1970's a severe ground
subsidence problem had developed in the area east of downtown Houston. Severe flooding
became more common and traffic flow became difficult during heavy rains.
Legislation was enacted by the State which led to the formation of the Harris -Galveston
Coastal Subsidence District to regulate the amount of water which could be withdrawn
from underground reservoirs through control of water well permits. Later the Harris
County Flood Control District was set up to deal with the effects of flooding and both play
a major part in city planning and operation of its water supple.
The regulations only allow withdrawal of a maximum of 10% of the total city water usage
fronr underground reseiA,�oirs by the seven city water wells. The remauider is purchased
from the Trinity River Authority and is processed to make it drinkable through the
Southeast «ater purification Plant which is jointly owned with and operated by the City of
Houston.
'\Ve are in a very enviable position regarding potable water since the capacity of the water
plant owned by the city is large enough that its needs are covered at least to the year 2025
even if population increases to 60,000. The City does not funuslr process water to industry
wNch buys their water directly from the water authority.
Uarba;e and Heavy Trash
Household garbage is collected twice per week on a published schedule by city trucks
which have the ability for some compaction. They then take it to a landfill site near
BaNlown operated by a corrunercial waste disposal company where it is buried in
accordance with state regulations.
T he contract for disposal is verb reasonable but in case it becomes uneconomic at a future
date, the city- owns -a site in the Bayport Industrial District which is already permitted by the
State to allow disposal. Years ago a bond issue was approved by the La Porte voters to
finance its construction although cost escalation and changed technical regulations have
probably made the amount inadequate.
-23-
15.25
Heay.v trash pick-up is done on a 17 day cycle and the organic waste is pulverized in a tub
grinder by city cretins then given back to the citti- residents for use as mulch. Tires, used
appliances, etc. are taken to a type n' landfill and mixed vith construction debris and other
non toxic waste.
-24-
•
15.26
•
Parks and Recreation
Parks have always been popular within the corninunity and as the city expanded through
annexation or subdilision development. the practice of providing recreational areas has
been follo«-ed. Several concepts such as the Livestock Arena and Wave Pool are unusual
but reflect the broad range of interests of the city residents. In recent years there has been a
trend toward larger parks and a centralization of interests so that families can support and
interact ,Mth their children to the fullest extent possible.
As the number and complexity of parks has increased. their drain on the financial resources
available for new construction projects has become greater and the City adopted a policy of
expediting projects whereby users contributed toil -arcs development. The Arena, Soccer,
Boys Baseball, Girls Softball, and Glen Nfeadows Park have all benefited from this
approach and park development has been greatly accelerated.
Development of athletic fields for children has become the primary recipient of new
projects reflecting the changing attitudes of our residents. Due to the variety of other
activities now available to family groups, the old standby picnic outings have fallen into
disfavor. Development of the Fitness Center with its section for senior citizens has a strong
0 following as does the wave pool in season.
•
Park development will continue for a long time to come. A large tract of land was acquired
to serve the area west of Underwood Road and another is being considered in the southern
part of town. Development of this raw land will allow the congestion at the older parks to
be eased and a master plan is being developed for use as a guideline.
Another facility which has received much praise is the eighteen hole Bayforest municipal
golf course. It hosts an ongoing amount of tournament play and several championship
events have been played there. Skilled professionals are retained to market and maintain
this facility «vltich is made easier by use of effluent from the City sewer plant in periods of
dry weather. A recent clubhouse expansion provides an excellent exterior snack and rest
area.
15.27
Library
The La Porte Public Library orl=,ated in 1925 Fvhen the Cih• Council formed a Library
Board composed of members of the Ladies Reading Club, Red Cross Health Center,
Chamber of Commerce, and the Nlayor. A building «. as built with volunteer labor and was
dedicated February 8, 1929. It Nvas located on land contributed by the Presbl--terian (now
Cominunio,) church. Space was shared with the Red Cross who ultimately moved leaving
the entire building for the library.
The library was small and by 1962 the Library Board decided that the building needed to
bt; replaced with one which 4vas much larger. In 1965 a $25,000 bond issue was approved
for the new building and in April 1966 Harris Countv Coin mi*ssioners approved $7,000 for
furnishings and equipment. The new facilities were dedicated on April 30, 1967.
By 1971 it was again determined that expansion was needed. By September 1973 $10,000
had been donated by a private individual for that purpose, the City contributed $27,000
from its general fund, and other small donations were glade in the $2-300 range. The
building itself was already owned by the city so it was agreed that they would build the
extension as a Bicentennial project.
In Jame 1974 The Library Board was disbanded and the city tool: over operation and
funding of the library. The expansion was completed in the spring of 1976 and increased
the capacity to 21,000 books.
In 1981 a microfiche machine was purchased beginning a trend towards automation and
modernization which is still continuing. Filin purchase and rental also began at about that
tune as did semiannual book sales. The name of the library was changed to "Edith Wilson
Memorial Library" in August 1982 to honor the long time librarian after her death earlier
that year.
By the millennium the needs of its users had once again exceeded the size of the library.
Population growth was surging; mostly on the opposite end of the cite, and the location of
the library was no longer easily accessible to all residents. Fortunatelv, the Coca Cola
Corporation had an entire city block ideally sited on Broadway Street across from the
major LPISD school complex which they were milling to donate to the city.
Agreement to accept the donation was secured from the school district administration and
the Harris County Commissioners agreed to operate the expanded facility. An arclutect
developed plans for a state of the art building in consultation with all of the user groups and
ground was broken to start construction \lay 10, 2000 with the opening scheduled lMarch
•
I]
200L At that time the name of the library was changed to "La Portz Corrununity Libraiy". •
-26-
15.28
•
PART I
Article I. Incorporation; City Powers
1.01.
Incorporation.
1.02.
City boundaries.
1.03.
Modification of city boundaries.
1.04.
Form of government.
1.05.
Powers of the. city.
1.06.
Special provisions for damage suits.
Article 11. City Council
2.01.
Composition of city council.
2.02.
Qualifications.
2.03.
Conduct of elections.
2.04..
Vacancies in city council.
2.05.
Compensation.
2.06.
Original meeting of new council.
2.07.
Meetings.
2.08.
Duties of mayor.
2.09.
Powers of council.
2.10.
Additional discretionary powers.
2.11.
Ordinances.
Article M. Administration
3.01.
City manager.
3.02.
Administrative departments.
3.03.
City secretary.
3.04.
Municipal court.
3.05.
City attorney.
Article IV. Budget
4.01. Preparation and submission of budget.
4.02. Availability of proposed budget.
4.03. Budget adoption.
4.04. Public record.
*Editor's note —Printed herein is the Charter of the City of La Porte, Texas, as adopted by
ordinance number 1216, § 1 on May 21, 1980, and adopted by referendum on August 9, 1980.
Amendments to the Charter are indicated by parenthetical history notes following amended
provisions. The absence of a history note indicates that the provision remains unchanged from
the original Charter. Obvious misspellings have been corrected without notation. For stylistic
purposes, a uniform system of headings, catchlines and citations to state statutes has been
used. Additions made for clarity are indicated by brackets.
State law reference Home Rule, V.T.C.A., Local Government Code § 9.001 et seq.
CHT:1 15.29
LA PORTE CODE
4.05. Effect of approved budget.
4.06. Fiscal year defined.
Article V. Finance Administration
5.01.
Division of taxation.
5.02.
Purchase procedure.
5.03.
Alterations in contracts.
5.04:
Fees shall be paid to city.
5.05.
Borrowing.
5.06.
Disbursement of funds.
5.07.
Independent audit.
5.08.
Appropriations lapse at end of year.
Article VL Initiative, Referendum and Recall
6.01.
Power of initiative.
6.02.
Power of referendum.
6.03.
Procedure for initiative or referendum petition.
6.04.
Consideration of referendum or initiative by council.
6.05.
Election on referendum or initiative_
6.06.
Amendment of initiative or referendum ordinances.
6.07.
Power of recall.
6.08.
Procedure for recall petition.
6.09.
Recall election.
6.10.
District judge may order election.
Article VIL Franchises and Public Utilities
7.01.
Enfranchisement.
7.02.
Regulation.
7.03.
Franchise records.
7.04.
Accounts of municipality -owned utilities.
7.05.
Franchise value disallowed.
7.06.
Consent of property owners.
Article VIIL General Provisions
8.01.
Publicity of records.
8.02.
Employers and officers.
8.03.
Assignment, execution and garnishment of city property.
8.04.
City not required to give security or execute bond.
8.05.
Effect of this Charter on existing law.
8.06.
Amending this Charter.
8.07.
Severability clause.
8.08.
References to laws.
8.09.
Approval of this Charter. •
8.10.
Provisions for transition.
CHT:2 15.30
CHARTER 1.04
ARTICLE I. INCORPORATION; CITY POWERS
1.01. Incorporation.
The inhabitants of the City of La Porte within the boundaries as now established or as
hereafter established in the manner provided by law shall continue to be a body politic and
corporate and be known by the name of the City of La Porte.
1.02. City boundaries.
The boundaries and limits of the city shall be the same as have heretofore been established
and now exist, which boundaries and limits were originally shown on the map recorded in
Volume 8, Page 16, Map Records of Harris County, Texas, and as modified by subsequent
annexations and disannexations.
State law reference —Map of municipal boundaries, V.T.C.A., Local Government Code §
41.001.
1.03. Modification of city boundaries.
The city council shall have power by ordinance to fix the boundary limits of the city and to
provide by ordinance for the extension of said boundary limits, by the annexation of additional
territory lying adjacent to the city, the disannexation of territory within the city and the
exchange of territory with other cities and towns, all with or without the consent of the .
inhabitants in such territory or the owners thereof; provided that the foregoing powers shall
be exercised by the council in a manner consistent. with, and the council shall comply with, the
procedural rules, requirements and limitations prescribed by any law applicable to cities
operating under charters adopted or amended pursuant to Article XI, Section 5 of the
Constitution of the State of Texas, otherwise known as home rule cities, including V.T.C.A.,
Local Government Code § 43.021 et seq. (Municipal Annexation Act). The following methods of
annexation may be used:
(a) Petition. The residents of any land contiguous and adjacent to the city may request the
annexation of such land. Such request shall be made by a petition in writing which is
signed by a majority of the residents of such land, addressed to city council and filed
with the city secretary. Within thirty (30) days of the filing of such petition, city council
shall hear the petition and any arguments for or against it and shall accept or refuse
the petition as council sees fit. If the petition is accepted, council shall by proper
ordinance annex such land.
(b) Otherwise. The city may annex territory by use of any of the means provided in
V.T.C.A., Local Government Code § 43.021 et seq. (Municipal Annexation Act).
State law reference —Annexations, V.T.C.A., Local Government Code § 43.021 et seq.
1.04. Form of government.
The governing body of the city shall be a council composed of the mayor and eight (8)
councilpersons, to be known as the city council of the City of La Porte, hereinafter called city
council. The members of city council shall be elected from the city in the manner prescribed
• elsewhere in this Charter.
State law reference —Form of government in home rule cities, V.T.C.A., Local Govern-
ment Code § 26.001 et seq.
C:T4T-R 15.31
1.05 LA PORTE CODE
1.05. Powers of the city.
a. Generally. The city shall have all the powers granted to municipal corporations and to
cities by the Constitution and laws of.the State of Texas together with all the implied powers
necessary to carry into execution the powers granted. The city may acquire property within or
without its corporate limits for any city purpose in fee -simple title or any .lesser interest or
estate by purchase, gift, devise, lease or condemnation and may sell, lease, exchange,
mortgage, hold, manage and control such property as its interest may require; and, except as
prohibited by the Constitution of this state or restricted by the Charter, the city may exercise
all municipal powers, functions, rights, privileges and immunities of every name and nature
whatsoever. The city may use a corporate seal; may sue and be sued; may contract; may
implead and be impleaded in all courts concerning all matters; may cooperate with the
government of the United States and of the State of Texas or any agency or political
subdivision thereof to accomplish any lawful purpose; and may pass such ordinances as may
be expedient for maintaining the city's peace and welfare and for the performance of its
functions.
b. Enumerated powers. Without limitation of the foregoing powers, the following are
enumerated for greater certainty:
1. Eminent domain. The city shall have the full power and right to exercise the power of
eminent domain when necessary or desirable to carry out any of the powers conferred
upon it by this Charter or by the Constitution and laws of the State of Texas. This
power shall include the power to acquire any public utility operating with or without
a franchise and furnishing a public service. The city may exercise its condemnation
power in any manner authorized or permitted by the constitution and laws of this
state. The power of eminent domain hereby conferred shall include the right of the city
to take fee -simple title in land so condemned and such power and authority shall
include the right to condemn property for such purposes. The city shall have and
possess the power of condemnation for any municipal or public purposes even though
not specifically enumerated in this Charter.
2. Streets.
(a) Powers. The city shall have the power to lay out, establish, open, alter, widen,
lower, extend, grade, abandon, discontinue, abolish, close, care for, pave, super-
vise, maintain and improve streets, alleys, sidewalks, parks, squares, public
places and bridges; and regulate the use thereof and require the removal from
streets, sidewalks, alleys and other public property or places of all obstructions
and all vendors, showcases and encroachments of every nature or character upon
any of said streets and sidewalks.
(b) Improvements. The city shall have exclusive dominion, control and jurisdiction in,
upon and over and under the public streets,. avenues, alleys and highways of the
city, and may provide for the improvement thereof of paving, repaving, raising,
draining or otherwise. The provisions of V.T.C.A., Transportation Code § 313.001
et seq. are expressly adopted and made a part of this Charter. Such exclusive
CHT:4 15.32
CHARTER 1.06
dominion, control and jurisdiction in, upon, over and under the public streets,
avenues, alleys and highways of the city shall also include, but not be limited to,
the right to regulate, locate, relocate, remove, or prohibit the location of all utility
pipes, lines, wires or other property.
3. Sanitary sewer system. The city shall have the power to provide for a sanitary sewer
system and to require property owners to connect their premises with such sewer
system, to provide for fixing penalties for failure to make sanitary sewer connections;
and shall further have the right to fix charges and compensation to be charged by the
city for sewerage service, providing rules and regulations for the collection thereof, and
to provide for rendering a lien against any property owner's premises who fails or
refuses to make sanitary sewer connections after due notice and to charge a cost
against said owner and make it a personal liability.
4. Garbage disposal. City council shall by ordinance adopt and prescribe rules and
regulations for the handling and disposition of all garbage, trash and rubbish within
the city and shall :fix charges and compensation to be charged by the city for the
removal of garbage, trash and rubbish, providing rules and regulations of the collection
thereof.
5. Nuisances, etc. The city shall have the power to define all nuisances and prohibit the
same within the city and outside the city limits for a distance of five thousand (5,000)
feet; have power to police all parks or grounds, speedways, or boulevards owned by said
city and lying outside of said city, to prohibit the pollution of any stream, drain or
tributaries thereof, which may constitute the source of water supply of any city and to
provide for policing the same as well as to provide for the protection of any watersheds
and the policing of same, to inspect dairies, slaughter pens, and slaughterhouses inside
and outside the limits of the city, from which meat :or milk is furnished to the
inhabitants of the city.
c. General powers adopted. The enumeration of the particular powers in this Charter shall
not be held or deemed to be exclusive but.in addition to the powers enumerated herein or
implied hereby or appropriate to the exercise of such powers; the city shall have and may
exercise all power of local self-government and all other powers which, under the Constitution
and laws of the State of Texas, it would be competent for this Charter specifically to
enumerate. The city shall have and may exercise all the powers enumerated in.V.T.C.A.,
Health and Safety Code § 122.006; V.T.C.A., Local Government Code §§ 26.021, 26.041, 43.021,
43.142, 51.072, 51,074-51.077, 54.004, 101.022, 101.023, 141.044, 211.003, 211.005, 211.013,
214.001, 214.013, .214.901, 215.072-215.075, 216.901, 217.042, 251.001, 341.003, 341.903,
342.011, 342.012, 401.002, 402.002, 402.017; V.T.C.A., Tax Code §§ 302.001, 302.002, 302.102;
V.T.C.A., Transportation Code §§ 311.001, 311.004, 311.005, 311.007, 311.091-311.094,
311,904; and Vernon's Ann. Civ. St. art. 1175.
1.06. Special provisions for damage suits.
• Before the city shall be liable to damage claim or suit for personal injury or death or damage
to property, the person who is injured or whose property is damaged or someone in his behalf
CHT:5 15.33
1.06 LA PORTE CODE 0
or his personal representative in cases of death shall give the city secretary notice in writing
within thirty (30) days after the occurring of the alleged injury, death or damage stating
specifically in such notice when, where and how the injury, death or damage was sustained and
setting forth the extent of the injury or damage as accurately as possible, and giving the names
and addresses of all witnesses upon whose testimony such person is relying to establish the
injury, death or damage. No action at law for damage shall be brought against the city for
personal injury, death or damage to property prior to the expiration of sixty (60) days after the
notice hereinabove described has been filed with the city secretary. After the expiration of sixty
(60) days aforementioned, the complainant may then have two (2) years in which to bring an
action of law.
State law reference —Tort claims, notice, V.T.C.A., Civil Practices and Remedies Code §
101.101.
ARTICLE II. CITY COUNCIL*
2.01. Composition of city council.
a. Members of council. City council shall be composed of a mayor and eight (8) councilpersons.
The positions of councilpersons shall be designated as follows:
Council person —District 1 •
Councilperson—District 2
Councilperson—District 3
Councilperson—District 4
Councilperson—District 5
Councilperson—Di strict 6
Council person-at-large—Posi tion A
Councilperson-at-large—Position B.
The mayor and the two (2) councilpersons-at-large shall be elected by a majority vote of the.
city at large. The city shall be divided, as described below in subsection b, into six (6) districts,
Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, and one Councilperson shall be elected from each district by
majority vote of. the resident voters of such district.
b. Formation of districts. City council shall divide the city into six (6) districts which are
reasonably compact, contiguous and of as nearly equal population as practicable.
It shall be the duty of city council to establish the boundaries of six (6) districts covering the
entire city for the purpose of electing district councilpersons. Such boundaries shall be
established by ordinance, which shall be final for purposes of this Charter. The first such
*State law reference —Form of government, V.T.C.A., Local Government Code § 26.001 et •
seq.
CHT:6 15.34
0
CHARTER 2.02
establishment shall be made as soon as practicable prior to the first city election following
adoption of this section. Any subsequent establishment shall be made when required by this
Charter.
Promptly following the addition of territory to the city by a boundary change, the city
council shall, by ordinance, add such territory to an adjacent district or districts.
Immediately following publication of the 1980 federal census, and at least every five (5)
years thereafter, city council shall conduct an investigation and determine the population of
the city and the population of each of the districts from which district councilpersons are to be
elected. Each such determination shall be based upon the best available data, including, but
not limited to, the most recent federal census. Each such determination shall be expressed in
an ordinance, which shall be a final determination for purposes of this Charter.
After any such determination, if the distribution of population among the various districts
is determined by city council to be materially unbalanced, the city council shall establish new
boundaries for the election of district councilpersons.
c. Election. All candidates for city council shall be voted on and elected separately for
positions and districts on said city council, and each candidate shall be designated on the
official ballot according to the title of such position or district to which he seeks election.
• Any candidate for office receiving a majority of all the votes cast for the office for which he
is a candidate shall be elected to such office. In the event any candidate for any office fails to
receive a majority of all votes cast for all the candidates for such office, the city council shall
call a run-off election to be held hot less than twenty-one (21) days nor more than thirty (30)
days after the regular election, at which run-off election the two (2) candidates receiving the
highest number of votes shall be voted for again. In the event of a tie in the vote for the two
(2) leading candidates, at the regular election, the city council shall hold a second election not
less than twenty-one (21) days nor more than thirty (30) days after the regular election, at
which said second election the candidates receiving such tie votes shall be voted for again.
d. Term of office. The mayor and councilpersons shall each hold their respective offices for
a term of three (3) years and until their successors shall have been elected and duly qualified.
2.02. Qualifications.
a. Enumerated. The mayor and councilpersons shall be resident electors of the city at the
time of filing for office, and continuously during their terms of office. A district councilperson
shall also be a resident of his district at the time of filing for office and continuously during his
term of office.
b. Council to be judge of members' qualifications. City council shall be the judge of the
election and qualifications of its members and for such purpose shall have power to subpoena
witnesses and require the production of records, but the decision of council in any such case
shall be subject to review by the courts.
CHT:7 15.35
2.03 LA PORTE CODE
2.03. Conduct of elections.
a. Regulations. All city elections shall be governed by the laws of the State of Texas. In the
event there should be any failure of the general laws or this Charter to provide for some
feature of the city elections, city council shall have the power to provide.for such deficiency,
making all regulations it considers desirable, not inconsistent with the laws of the State of
Texas, for the prevention of fraud in such elections and for the recount of ballots in case of
doubt or fraud.
Municipal elections shall be conducted by the appointed election authorities, who shall also
have power to make such regulations not inconsistent with this Charter, with any regulations
made by council or the laws of the State of Texas.
No informalities in conducting a city election shall invalidate the same, if it be conducted
fairly and in substantial compliance with the general laws, where applicable, and the Charter
and ordinances of the city.
b. Schedule.
1. Regular election. The regular election for choice of members of council shall be held
annually on the first Saturday of May.
2. Special election. Council may by ordinance or resolution order a special election, fix the .
time for holding same and provide necessary means.
Editor's note —The election date in the city is the first Saturday in May pursuant to
V.T.C.A., Election Code § 41.001.
State law reference —Uniform election dates, V.T.C.A., Election Code § 41.001.
2.04. Vacancies in city council.
a. Candidacy elsewhere. If the mayor or any councilperson shall announce his candidacy, or
shall in fact become a candidate, in any general, special or primary election for any office of
profit or trust under this Charter or the laws of Texas or the United States, other than the
office he has held, at any time when the unexpired term of the office then held shall exceed one
year, such announcement or such candidacy shall constitute an automatic resignation of the
office then held.
b. Procedure. When a vacancy occurs for any reason in the office of mayor or councilperson,
council shall call a special election within one hundred twenty (120) days. At said election the
vacant office or offices shall be filled under the provisions of this Charter.
c. Filing for office. Each candidate for public office must:
1. Be a qualified voter in the city.
2. File sworn application with the city secretary at least thirty (30) days prior to the
election date.
3. Post the required filing fee:
For mayor: Not to exceed the sum of one hundred dollars ($100.00).
CHT:8
15.36
CHARTER 2.07
40
For councilperson: Not to exceed the sum of fifty dollars ($50.00).
The filing fees shall be used to defray the cost of the election and said fee shall be
prorated and any surplus shall be refunded to said candidates.
In lieu of posting such fee, a candidate may submit a petition requesting that his name
be placed on the ballot. Said petition shall bear a number of signatures of qualified
electors who are residents of the city, which number shall not be less than five (5)
percent of the total vote cast at the most recent regular election in which a
councilperson was elected or fifty (50), whichever is the lesser number. Each signer
shall indicate his address and the number and county of his voter registration
certificate.
4. File for only one city office.
d. Official ballots. The full names of all candidates for mayor or council as hereinbefore
provided, except such as may have withdrawn, died or become ineligible, shall be printed on
the official ballots without party designations. If two (2) candidates with the same surnames,
or with names so similar as to be likely to cause confusion, file for office, their occupations or
the addresses of their places of residence shall be placed with their names on the ballots. The
order of the names on the ballot shall be determined by lot.
e: Canvassing elections. Returns of the elections, general and special, shall be made by the
• election officers to council promptly following said election, at which time council shall canvass
and declare the results of such election.
2.05. Compensation.
Each councilperson and the mayor shall receive for his services a salary in an amount
determined by the council, not to exceed the sum of twenty-four hundred dollars ($2,400.00)
per year for the mayor, and twelve hundred dollars ($1,200.00) per year for each councilperson.
2.06. Original meeting of new council.
On the first Monday next following the regular municipal election held on the first Saturday
of May, or as soon thereafter as practicable, city council shall meet at the usual place for
holding meetings, and the newly elected members shall qualify and assume the duties of office.
At such meeting council shall select one of its members to serve as mayor pro tem, who shall
serve for a one year term and until his successor is appointed and has qualified.
Editor's note —The election date in the city is the first Saturday in May pursuant to
W.C.A., Election Code § 41.001.
2.07. Meetings.
a. Frequency. City council shall meet regularly at such times as may be prescribed by its
rules but not less frequently than once each. month. All meetings of council shall be open to the
. public; special meetings shall be called by the city secretary upon request of the mayor or three
(3) councilpersons.
CHT:9 15.37
2.07 LA PORTE CODE . 0
b. Rules. City council shall determine its own rules and order of business.
c. Journal. City council shall keep a journal of its proceedings. Such journal shall be open
to public inspection.
State law reference —Public meetings, V.T.CA, Government Code § 551.001 et seq.
2.08. Duties of mayor.
The mayor shall preside at meetings of council and shall be entitled to vote upon all matters
it considers. The mayor shall exercise such other powers and perform such other duties as are
or may be conferred and imposed upon him by this Charter and the ordinances of the city. He
shall be recognized as the head of the city government for all ceremonial purposes, by the
courts for civil process, and by the government for purposes of military law. In times of public
danger or emergency, the mayor shall take command of the police, maintain order and enforce
the law. If a vacancy occurs in the office of mayor or in the case of his absence or disability, the
mayor pro tern shall act as mayor until a successor is elected and has qualified or until the
mayor is again able to assume his duties of office.
2.09. Powers of council.
All powers of the city and the determination of all matters of policy shall be vested in city
council. Council shall. execute the laws and administer the government of the city. Without
limitation of the foregoing and among the other powers that may exercised by council, the
following are hereby enumerated for greater certainty:
a. Adopt budget of the city.
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
witnesses, administer oaths, and compel the production of books, papers and other
evidence. Failure to obey such subpoena 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 members of the planning commission.
e. Adopt plats.
f. Adopt and -modify the official map of the city.
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 replanning, .
reconstruction or redevelopment of any area or district which may have been destroyed
in whole or in part by disaster.
CHT:10 15.38
• CHARTER 2.10
i. Provide for the establishment and designation of fire limits and to prescribe the kind
and character of buildings or structures or improvements to be erected therein, and to
provide for the erection of fireproof buildings within certain limits, and to 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 to it by the board of equalization and adopt same
as 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 spending of which
shall be charged to the department or activity for which the appropriation is made.
2.10. Additional discretionary powers.
In addition to the above powers and without limitation of such, city council shall have the
power to, and may at its discretion, do any or all of the following:
a. Public library. 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
corporatibn under such terms as council may prescribe for the establishment of such
free public library. For budget purposes, the library shall be considered as a depart-
ment of the city and the appropriations -therefor shall comply with all the budgetary
requirements as outlined in this Charter and as may be prescribed from time to time
by council.
b. Hospital.
1. 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, council shall 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 shall be
contained in any ordinance or ordinances enacted by council.
2. Finances. All funds belonging to said hospital, whether classed 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.
The hospital board shall submit a quarterly operating statement to council, and
an annual audit to coincide with the fiscal year of the city.
C. Zoning.
. 1. Power. For the purposes of promoting the health, safety, morals or general welfare
of the city, council may by ordinance regulate the location, height, bulk and size
CHT:11 15.39
2.10
LA PORTE CODE •
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.
2. 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 meet-
ings 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 2.09e 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 shall receive such compensation.as council may deem
appropriate.
3. Generally. All of the powers granted by V.T.C.A., Local Government Code §
211.001 et seq., inclusive, relating to zoning in cities, are hereby adopted and
made a part of this 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, alter-
ation, repair, maintenance or operation of housing projects and housing accommoda-
tions as council may determine.
2.11. Ordinances.
a. Passage.
1. Procedure. Every ordinance shall be introduced in written or printed form, and, upon
passage, shall take effect at the time indicated therein; provided that any ordinance
imposing a penalty, fine or forfeiture for a violation of its provisions shall become
effective not less than ten (10) days from the date of its passage. The city secretary
shall give notice of the passage of every ordinance imposing a penalty, fine or forfeiture •
for a violation of the provisions thereof, by causing the caption or title, including the
penalty, of any such ordinance to be published in the official newspaper in the city at
CHT:12 15.40
CHARTER 3.01
least once within ten (10) da s of its passage according to the provisions of V.T.C.A.
Local Government Code § 52.011. He shall note on every ordinance, the caption of
which is hereby required to be published, and on the record thereof, the fact that same
has been published as required by the Charter, and the date of such publication and
promulgation of such ordinance; provided, that the provisions of this section shall not
apply to the correction, amendment, revision and modification of the ordinances of the
city for publication in book or pamphlet forma Except as otherwise provided in Article
VII of this Charter, it shall not be necessary to the validity of any ordinance that it
shall be read more than one time or considered at more than one session of city council.
Every ordinance shall be authenticated by the signature of the mayor and city
secretary and shall be systematically recorded in an ordinance book in a manner
approved by council. It shall only be necessary to record the caption or title of
ordinances in the minutes of journal of council meetings.
2. Codifications. Council shall have power to cause the ordinances of the city to be
corrected, amended, revised, codified and printed in code form as often as council
deems advisable. Such printed code, when adopted by council, shall be in full force and
effect without the necessity of publishing the same or any part thereof in a newspaper
and shall be admitted in evidence in all courts and places without further proof.
b. Additional ordinances. In addition to such acts of council as are required by statute or by
this Charter to be by ordinance, every act of council establishing a fine or other penalty or
providing for the expenditure of funds or for the contracting of indebtedness shall be by
ordinance.
c. Enacting clause. The enacting clause of all ordinances shall be "BE IT ORDAINED BY
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA PORTE."
ARTICLE M. ADMINISTRATION
3.01. City manager.
a. Appointment and qualifications. City council shall appoint a city manager, who shall be
chosen solely on the basis of his executive and administrative training, experience and ability.
No member of city council shall, during the term for which he is elected and for one year
thereafter, be appointed city manager.
b. Term and salary. The city manager may be appointed and removed at the will and
pleasure of city council by a vote of the majority of the entire city council. The action of city
council in suspending or removing the city manager shall be final, it being the intention of this
• Charter to vest all authority and fix all responsibility of such action in city council. Council
shall set a salary for the city manager as it deems appropriate.
CHT:13
15.41
3.01 LA PORTE CODE is
c. Duties. 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 adminis-
tration 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.
6. Perform such'other duties as may be prescribed by this Charter or required of him by
the council, not inconsistent with this Charter.
d. Provisions for absence. `Within thirty (30) days after taking office, the city manager shall
designate by letter filed with the city secretary a qualified administrative officer of the city to •
perform his duties during his temporary absence or disability. tJpon receipt of said letter, the
city secretary shall advise council of its contents. Said letter shall be in force and effect for the
duration of the city manager's employ or until he files another such letter.
3.02. Administrative departments.
a. Creation. There are hereby created the following administrative departments: Finance,
police, fire, law, public works, health, parks and recreation, and water and sewer.
Council may by ordinance create or abolish offices, departments or agencies other than the
offices, departments or agencies established by this Charter.
b. Consolidation. Council may consolidate or redesignate any of the offices, departments
and agencies.
c. Directors. The city manager shall appoint a director to supervise and control each
department. When necessary for the good of the city, the city manager may remove any such
director. Such director shall be an officer of the city and shall have supervision and control of
his department, subject to the supervision of the city manager. Two (2) or more departments
may be headed by the same individual, and directors of departments may also serve as chiefs
of divisions. The city manager, may head one or more, departments.
d. Divisions. The work of each administrative department may be distributed among such •
divisions thereof as may be established by ordinance or this Charter.
CHT:14
15.42
•
CHARTER
3.03. City secretary.
3.05
With the advice and consent of city council, the city manager shall appoint a competent
person to be secretary of the city. The city secretary shall:
a. Give notice of council meetings.
b. Authenticate by his signature and record in full in a book kept and indexed for the
purpose all ordinances and resolutions.
C. Perform such other duties as may be assigned to him by council or elsewhere in this
Charter.
3.04. Municipal court.'
a. Establishment. There shall be established and maintained a municipal court with all
powers and duties as are now, or may hereafter be, prescribed by the laws of the State of Texas
for municipal courts.
b. Municipal judge. City 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.
c. Alternate municipal judge. Council shall have the power to create and appoint additional
judges as provided by law.
d. Court clerk. Subject to the approval of the municipal judge, the city manager shall
appoint a municipal court clerk and deputy clerks. Said clerk or clerks shall have the power to
administer oaths and affidavits, make certificates, affix the seal of said court thereto and
generally do and perform any and all acts usual and necessary by clerks of court in conducting
the business thereof.
e. Costs and fines. All costs and fines imposed by the municipal court, or any court in cases
appealed from its judgments, shall be paid into the city treasury for the use and benefit of the
city.
State law reference=Municipal court, V.T.C.A., Government Code § 29.001 et seq.
3.05. City attorney.
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
ifor, the city and all offices and departments thereof.
CHT:15
15.43
4.01 LA PORTE CODE
ARTICLE IV. BUDGET*
4.01. Preparation and submission of budget.
At least forty-five (45) days prior to the beginning of each fiscal year, the city manager shall
submit to council a proposed budget with required attachments. For such purpose, at such date
as he shall determine, he shall obtain from the head of each office,- department or agency
estimates of revenue and expenditures of that office, department or agency, detailed by .
organization units and character and object of expenditure, and such other supporting data as
he may request. In preparing the budget, the city manager shall review the estimates, may
hold hearings thereon and may revise the estimates, as he may deem advisable.
a. Contents of budget.. The budget shall provide a complete financial plan for the fiscal
year. It shall contain the following:
1. A consolidated statement of receipts and expenditures for all funds.
2. An analysis of property valuations.
3. An analysis of tax rate.
4. Tax levies and tax collections, by years for at least ten (10) years or for a number
of years for which records are available.
5. A detailed listing of the resources of each fund.
6. A summary of proposed expenditures within such funds by department, function
and classification.
7. A revenue and expense statement for all outstanding bonded debt.
8. A schedule of principal and interest on each issue of outstanding bonds showing
rate of interest, maturity dates and amount outstanding.
9.. The appropriation ordinance.
10. The tax -levying ordinance.
b. Attachments to budget.
1. Budget message. The city manager shall prepare a budget message which shall be
submitted with the budget. It shall contain an outline of the proposed financial
policies of the city for the fiscal year and describe in connection therewith the
important features of the budget plan. It shall set forth the reasons for salient
changes from the previous years in expenditures and revenue items and shall
explain any major changes in financial policy.
2. Supporting schedules. Attached to the budget shall be such supporting schedules,
exhibits and other explanatory material, in respect to both current operations
and capital outlays, as the city manager shall believe useful to council.
*State law reference —Budgets, V.T.C.A., Local Government Code § 102.001 et seq.
CHT:16
15.44
0 CHARTER 4.03
3. Comparison tables. The city manager may prepare tables in which various items
may be compared with those of previous years and shall attach such to the
budget.
(a) Anticipated revenues. In parallel columns opposite the several items of
revenue, there shall be placed the actual amount of such item for the first six
(6) months of the current year, the budgeted amount for the current fiscal
year, and the proposed amount for the ensuing fiscal year.
(b) Proposed expenditures. The proposed expenditures for the administration,
operation, maintenance and capital outlay of each office, department or
agency of the city shall be itemized by character and object. In parallel
columns opposite the various items of expenditures, there shall be placed
the actual amount of such items of expenditures for the last completed fiscal
year, the estimated amount for the current fiscal year and the proposed
amount for the ensuing fiscal year.
C. Balanced budget. The total estimated expenditures of the general fund and debt
service fund shall not exceed the total estimated resources of each fund (prospective
income plus cash on hand). The classification of revenue and expenditure accounts
shall conform as nearly as local conditions will permit to the uniform classification as
promulgated by the National Committee on Municipal Accounting or some other
inationally accepted classification.
4.02. Availability of proposed budget.
The proposed budget and all attachments shall be a public record in the office of the city
secretary, open to public inspection. The city manager shall cause sufficient copies of such to
be prepared for distribution to interested persons.
4.03 Budget adoption.
a. Publication of notice of public hearing. At the meeting of city council at which the budget
and attachments are submitted, council shall determine the place and time of the public
hearing on the budget, and shall cause to be published a notice of the place and time, not less
than seven (7) days after date of publication, at which council will hold a public hearing.
b. Public hearing. At the time and place so advertised, or at any time and place to which
such public hearing shall from time to time be adjourned, city council shall hold a public
hearing on the budget as submitted, at which all interested persons shall be given an
opportunity to be heard, for or against the estimates or any item thereof.
c. Vote required for adoption. The budget shall be adopted by the favorable votes of at least
a majority of all members of the whole council.
d. Adoption. The budget shall be finally adopted not later than the last day of the fiscal
year. Should council take no final action on or prior to such day, the budget as submitted by the
city manager shall be deemed to have been finally adopted by council.
CHT:17 15.45
4.03 LA PORTE CODE
Upon final adoption, the budget shall be in effect for the fiscal year.
4.04. Public record.
a. Filed. A copy of the budget as finally adopted shall be filed with the city secretary.
. b. Availability. The final budget shall be printed, mimeographed or otherwise reproduced
and sufficient copies shall be made available for the use of offices, departments and agencies,
and for the use of interested persons and civic organizations.
4.05. Effect of approved budget.
From the effective date of the budget:
a. The several amounts stated therein as proposed expenditures shall be and become
appropriated to the several objects and purposes therein named.
b. The amount stated therein as the amount to be raised by property tax shall constitute
a determination of the amount of the levy for the. purposes, of the city, in the
corresponding tax year.
4.06. Fiscal year defined.
The fiscal year of city government shall begin on the first day of October and end on the last
day of September of the succeeding calendar year. Such fiscal year shall also constitute the
budget and accounting year.
State law reference Fiscal year, authority to establish, V.T.C.A., Local Government Code
§ 101.022.
ARTICLE V. FINANCE ADNIINISTRATION*
5.01. Division of taxation.
There shall be established in the department of finance a division of taxation, the head of
which shall be the city tax assessor -collector.
a. Property subject to tax, method of assessment. All real and personal property within the
city not expressly exempted by law shall be subject to annual taxation at its true
market value.
Each person, partnership and corporation owning property within the limits of the city
shall between the first day of January and the thirty-first day of March of each year,
hand to the tax assessor -collector a full and complete sworn inventory of the property
possessed or controlled by him, her or them within said limits on the first day of
January of the current: year. In all cases of failure to obtain a statement of real and
personal property from any cause, the tax assessor -collector shall ascertain the
*State law reference —Financial matters, V.T.C.A., Local Government Code § 101.001 et 40
seq.
CHT:18 15.46
• CHARTER 5.01
amount and value of such property and assess the same as he believes to be true and
full value thereof; and such assessment shall be as -valid and binding as if such
property had been rendered by the owner thereof.
b. Board of equalization.
1. Membership. City council shall each year, prior to the first day of March, appoint
three (3) residents who are qualified voters as the board of equalization. Such
board shall choose from its membership a chairperson. A majority of said board
shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
The tax assessor -collector shall be ex officio secretary of the board.
2. Compensation. Members of the board while serving shall receive such compen-
sation as council may deem appropriate.
3. Powers and duties. In order that all property within the city shall be assessed as
uniformly as possible, the board of equalization shall have the power and duty to:
(a) Adopt regulations regarding the procedure of assessment review.
(b) Review, on complaint of property owners, assessments for the purpose of
taxation of both real and personal property within the city made by the
assessor -collector.
(c) Examine and, if necessary, revise the assessments returned by the tax
assessor -collector and as previously set by the board.
(d) Administer oaths, take testimony, hold hearings and compel the production
of all books, documents and other papers pertinent to the investigations of
the taxable values of any person, firm or corporation having or owning
property. within the corporate limits of the city subject to taxation.
(e) Certify its approval of the assessment rolls and have them returned to the
tax assessor -collector, immediately upon completion of the board's work.
4. Records. The board shall be required to keep an accurate record of all its
proceedings, which record shall be available for public inspection.
5. Public hearing and notice to owner. At the same meeting that city council
appoints the board of equalization, it shall by ordinance fix the time of the first
meeting of the board which shall be on the tenth day of May, or as soon thereafter
as practicable. After such first meeting, the board may reconvene and adjourn
from time to time, and as long thereafter as may be necessary, it shall hear and
determine the complaint of any person in relation to the assessment roll.
Whenever said board shall find it their duty to raise the value of any property
appearing on the lists or books of the assessor -collector, it shall, after having
examined such lists and books and corrected all errors appearing therein, adjourn
to a day not less than ten (10) nor more than fifteen (15) days from the date of
adjournment and shall cause the secretary of said board to give written notice to
the owner of such property or to the person rendering same of the time to which
said board has adjourned, and that such owner or person rendering said property
CHT:19 15.47
5.01 LA PORTE CODE •
may at that time appear and show cause why the value of said property should
not be raised. Such notice may be served by depositing the same, properly
addressed, and postage paid, in the city post office.
C. Payment of taxes.
1. When due and payable. All taxes due the city shall be payable at the office of the
assessor -collector and may be paid at any time after the tax rolls for the year have
been completed and approved, which shall be not later than October first. Taxes
shall be paid before February first following the year for which the tax was levied,
and all such taxes not paid prior to such date shall be deemed delinquent and
shall be subject to such penalty and interest as city council may provide by
ordinance.
2. Tax liens. The tax levied by the city is hereby declared to be a lien, charge or
encumbrance upon the property upon which tax is due, which lien, charge or
encumbrance the city is entitled to enforce and foreclose in any court having
jurisdiction over the same, and the lien, charge and encumbrance on the property
in favor of the city, for the amount of taxes due on such property, is such as to give
the state courts jurisdiction to enforce and foreclose said lien on the property on
which the tax is due, not only as against any resident of this state or person whose
residence is unknown, but also as against nonresidents. All taxes upon real estate
shall especially be a lien and a charge upon the property upon which the taxes are
due, which lien may be foreclosed in any court having jurisdiction.
Editor's note —The references in this section to board of equalization are obsolete as city
ad valorem taxes are assessed and collected pursuant to V.T.C.A, Tax Code § 6.01 et seq.
5.02. Purchase procedure.
All purchases made and contracts .executed by the city shall be pursuant to a requisition
from the head of the office, department or agency whose appropriation will be changed, and no
contract or order shall be binding upon the city unless and until the -'city manager or his
designee approves the same and certifies that there is to the credit of such office, department
or agency a sufficient unencumbered appropriation and allotment balance to pay for the
supplies, materials, equipment or contractual services for which the contract or order is to be
issued. Before the city may enter into a contract that requires an expenditure of more than five
thousand dollars ($5,000.00), the city must comply with the procedure prescribed byV.T.C.A,
Local Government Code § 252.001 et seq., for competitive sealed bidding or competitive sealed
proposals. The city may use the competitive sealed proposals procedure only for high
technology procurements. Council may by ordinance confer upon the city manager general
authority to contract for expenditures without further approval of council for budgeted items
not exceeding five thousand dollars ($5,000.00). All contracts for expenditures involving more
than five thousand dollars ($5,000.00) must be expressly approved in advance by council. If the
competitive sealed bidding requirement applies to the contract, the contract must be awarded
to the lowest responsible bidder. Council or the city manager, in such cases as he is authorized
to contract for the city, may reject any and all bids. If the competitive sealed proposals
CHT.20
15.48
CHARTER 5.05
requirement applies to the contract, the contract must be awarded to the responsible offeror
whose proposal is determined to be the most advantageous to the city considering the relative
importance of price and the other evaluation factors included in the request for proposals.
Council by ordinance may increase the five thousand dollar ($5,000.00) limitation herein
provided to conform to subsequent increases authorized by state law. Contracts for profes-
sional services for which bidding is prohibited by state law shall not be let on competitive bids.
Procurement of architectural or engineering services shall be in accordance with the Profes-
sional Services Procurement Act. In the event of conflict between any provision of this section
and state law, state law shall prevail.
(Ord. No. 1676, § 1, 2-12-90/5-5-90; Ord. No. 1699, § 1, 5-7-90; Ord. No. 1700, 5-7-90)
Editor's note —The city has exercised the option under V.T.C.A-, Local Government Code
§ 252.002 to have the requirements in .V.T.C.A., Local Government Code § 252.021 which
increased the requirements for competitive sealed bids or proposals to expenditures of more
than $15,000.00.
Code cross reference —Purchases and contracts, § 2-82.
State law reference Purchases, V.T.C.A., Local Government Code § 252.001 et seq.
5.03. Alterations in contracts.
Except in case of emergency, alterations in any contract.not to exceed twenty-five (25) .
percent of the total contract may be made when authorized by council upon written
recommendation of the city manager, provided that such alteration is acceptable to the other
party to the contract_ When such recommended change is for an amount not more than five
thousand dollars ($5,000.00), council may authorize the city manager to approve_ such
alterations.
5.04. Fees shall be paid to city.
All fees for city services received by any officer or employee shall belong to the city
government and shall be paid to the department of finance at such times as required by the
director of the finance department.
5.05. Borrowing.
a. Negotiable notes. In any fiscal year, city council may by resolution authorize borrowing
by the issuance and sale of negotiable notes of the city which shall mature and be payable not
later than the end of the fiscal year in which the original notes have been issued. All such notes
may be sold at not less than par and accrued interest at private sale by the director of the
finance department without previous advertisement, but such sale shall be authorized by
council. Such notes shall be in anticipation of either of the following:
1. Property taxes. Notes authorized in anticipation of the collection of property taxes in a
• fiscal year shall be designated "tax anticipation note for the year to
(stating the fiscal year).
CHT:21 15.49
5.05 LA PORTE CODE 0
2. Other revenues. Notes authorized in anticipation of the collection or receipt of other
revenues shall be designated "special revenue note for the year it
(stating the fiscal year).
b. Capital improvements.
1. Power and authority to incur indebtedness. The city shall have the power and
authority, by ordinance duly adopted, to borrow money on the credit of the city for
permanent public improvements and to issue its general obligation bonds, revenue
bonds, refunding bonds, certificates of indebtedness, notes, warrants, or other forms of
indebtedness pursuant to and in accordance with the present or hereinafter adopted or
amended general and special laws of this state applicable to home rule cities, except as
such power and authority is expressly limited or denied by this Charter, or any
amendments hereto.
2. Referendum on bond ordinance. Each bond ordinance passed pursuant to a purpose
which has been authorized by majority vote of the voters of the city at an election shall
not be subject to referendum. Each bond ordinance relating to bonds not authorized by
the qualified voters of the city shall be subject to permissive referendum on petition
pursuant to the provision of Article VI of this Charter, unless the bonds are authorized
solely for a purpose inade necessary as the result of fire, flood or other disaster, or the
bonds are to be issued to finance the improvement or extension of a municipally owned
or operated utility or other public service enterprise.
3. Public sale of all bonds. No bonds issued under this Charter shall be sold without first
offering the same at public sale. Notice of such sale shall be given by publication at
least once in.a financial journal published in the State of Texas and by publication at
least once in the official newspaper of the city, both of such publications to be made not
less than ten (10) days prior to the date set for such sale.
5.06. Disbursement of funds.
All checks, vouchers or warrants for the withdrawal of funds from the city depository shall
be executed in accord with the provisions of this Charter and shall be signed by the city
manager or his deputy and counter -signed by a member of city council.
5.07, Independent audit.
Prior to the end of each fiscal year, council shall designate a practicing certified public
accountant, who is licensed by the State of Texas, to make an independent audit of accounts
and other evidences of financial transactions of the city government and shall submit a report
to council. Notice shall be given by publication in the official newspaper in the city that the
annual audit is on file at the city hall for inspection. Such accountant shall have no personal •
interest, direct or indirect, in the fiscal affairs of the city government. He shall not maintain
any accounts or records of the city business, but, within specifications approved by council,
CHT:22 15.50
•
CHARTER 6.03
shall post -audit the books and documents kept by the department of finance and any separate
or subordinate accounts kept by any other office, department or agency of the city government.
State law reference —Audit, V.T.C.A., Local Government Code § 103.001 et seq.
5.08. Appropriations lapse at end of year.
All appropriations shall. lapse at the end of the budget year to the extent that they shall not
have been expended or lawfully encumbered.
ARTICLE VI. INITIATIVE, REFERENDUM AND RECALL
6.01. Power of initiative.
The electors shall have the power to propose any ordinance except an ordinance appropri-
ating money or authorizing the levy of taxes, and to adopt or reject the same at the polls, such
power known as the initiative.
6.02. Power of referendum.
The electors shall have power to approve or reject at the polls any ordinance passed by
council, or submitted by council to a vote of the electors, except as provided in section 5.05,
such power being known as the referendum. Ordinances submitted to council by initiative
petition and passed by council without change shall be subject to the referendum in the same
manner as the other ordinances.
6.03. Procedure for initiative or referendum petition.
a. Form of petition.
1. Text.. Initiative petition papers shall contain the full text of the proposed ordinance.
2. Signatures.
(a) The signatures to initiative or referendum petitions need not all be appended to
one paper, but to each separate petition there shall be attached a statement of the
circulator thereof as provided by this section. Each signer of any petition paper
shall sign his name in ink or indelible pencil and shall indicate after his name his
place of residence by street and number, or other description sufficient to identify
the place.
(b) The petition shall be signed by qualified electors of the city equal in number to at
least fifty (50) percent of the number of votes cast in the last regular municipal
election.
3. Circulators. There shall appear on each petition the names and addresses of five (5)
• electors, who, as circulators, shall be regarded as responsible for the circulation and
filing of the petition.
CHT:23 15.51
6.03 LA PORTE CODE •
4. Aff-idavit. Attached to each separate petition paper there shall be an affidavit of the
circulator thereof that he, and he only, personally circulated the foregoing paper, that
it bears a stated number of signatures, that all signatures appended thereto were
made in his presence, and that he believes them to be genuine signatures of the
persons whose names they purport to be.
b. Submission of petition.
1. Filing. All petition papers comprising an initiative or referendum petition shall be
assembled and filed with the city secretary as one instrument.
2. Examination. Within twenty (20) days after a petition is filed, the city secretary shall
determine whether each paper of the petition has a proper statement of the circulator
and whether the petition is signed by a sufficient number of qualified electors. The city
secretary shall declare any petition paper entirely invalid which does not have
attached thereto an affidavit signed by the circulator thereof. If a petition paper is
found to be signed by more persons than the number of signatures certified by the
circulator, the last signatures in excess of the number certified shall be disregarded. If
a petition paper is found to be signed by fewer persons than the number certified, the
signatures present shall be accepted unless void on other grounds. •
3. Certification.
(a) Procedure. After completing his examination of the petition, the city secretary
shall certify the result thereof to city council at its next regular meeting. If he
shall certify that the petition is insufficient, he shall set forth in his certificate the
particulars in which it is defective and shall at once notify the circulators of his
findings.
(b) Effect. When a referendum petition or amended petition has been certified as
sufficient by the city secretary, the ordinance specified in the petition shall not go
into effect, or further action thereunder shall be suspended if it shall have gone
into effect, until and unless approved by the electors, as hereinafter provided.
c. Amendment of petition. An initiative or referendum petition may be amended at any time
within ten (10) days after the notification of insufficiency has been sent by the city secretary,
by filing a supplementary petition upon additional papers signed and filed as provided in case
of an original petition. The city secretary shall, within five (5) days after such an amendment
is filed, make examination of the amended petition and, if the petition be still insufficient, he
shall file his certificate to that effect in his office and notify the circulators of his findings and
no further action shall be had on such insufficient petition.
d. Refiling not prejudiced. The finding of the insufficiency of a petition shall not prejudice
the filing of a new petition for the same purpose.
CHT:24 15.52
• CHARTER 6.07
6.04. Consideration of referendum or initiative by council.
Whenever city council receives a certified initiative or referendum petition from the city
secretary, it shall proceed at once to consider such petition and shall take final action on it
within sixty (60) days after the date on which it was submitted to council.
a. Initiative. A proposed initiative ordinance shall be read and provision made for a public
hearing on such before the time set for final action.
b. Referendum. Areferred ordinance shall be considered by council and its final vote upon
such reconsideration shall be upon the question, "Shall the ordinance in the referen-
dum petition be repealed?"
6.05. Election on referendum or initiative.
a. Submission to electors. If council shall fail to pass an ordinance proposed by initiative
petition or shall pass it in a form different from that set forth in the petition therefor, or if
council fails to repeal a referred ordinance, the proposed or referred ordinance shall be
submitted to the electors on the next election day as established by the laws of the State of
Texas. Council may, in its discretion, and if no regular election is to be held on such day shall,
provide,for a special election.
• b. Form of ballot. Ordinances submitted to vote of electors in accordance with this article
shall be submitted by ballot title, which shall be prepared in all cases by the city attorney. The
ballot title may be different from the legal title of any such initiated or referred ordinance and
shall be a clear, concise statement, without argument or prejudice, descriptive of the substance
of such ordinance. Below the ballot title shall appear the following propositions, one preceding
the other, in the order indicated: "FOR THE ORDINANCE" and "AGAINST THE ORDI-
NANCE."
Any number of ordinances may be voted on at the same election and may be submitted on
the same ballot, but any paper ballot used for voting thereon shall be for that purpose only.
c. Results. If a majority of the electors voting on a proposed initiative ordinance shall vote
in favor thereof, it shall thereupon be an ordinance of the city. A referred ordinance which is
not approved by a majority of the electors voting thereon shall thereupon be deemed repealed.
If conflicting ordinances are approved by the electors at the same election, the one receiving
the greatest number of affirmative votes shall prevail to the extent of such conflict.
6.06. Amendment of initiative or referendum ordinances.
Initiative and referendum ordinances adopted or approved by the electors shall be
published, and may be amended or repealed by council, as in the case of other ordinances.
• 6.07. Power of recall.
The mayor or any councilperson may be removed from office by recall.
CHT:25 15.53
6.07 LA PORTE CODE
is
No recall petition shall be filed against the mayor or a councilperson within six (6) months
after he takes office nor in respect to an officer subjected to a recall election and not removed
thereby, until at least six (6) months after such election.
6.08. Procedure for recall petition.
a. Affidavit. Any elector of the city may make and file with the city secretary an affidavit
containing the name or names of the officer or officers whose removal is sought and a
statement of the grounds for removal.
b. Petition blanks. Upon receipt of said affidavit, the city secretary shall deliver to said
elector copies of petition blanks demanding such removal. The city secretary shall keep a
sufficient number of printed petition blanks on hand for distribution. Such blanks when issued
shall:
1. Be signed by the city secretary.
2. Be addressed to city council.
3. Be numbered and dated.
4. Indicate the name of the person to whom issued.
5. Indicate the name of the officer whose removal is sought.
6. Indicate the number of such blanks issued. •
The city secretary shall enter in a record to be kept. in his office the name of the elector to
whom the petition blanks were issued and the number issued to said person.
c. Return of petition. To be effective, the.recall petition must:
1. Be signed by qualified electors of the city equal in number to at least fifty (50) percent
of those who were qualified voters and voted on the date of the last regular municipal
election, and at least one-half of the qualified voters constituting such fifty (50) percent
signing the petition shall make affidavit, 'to be filed with the petition, to the effect that
they voted for the person whose recall is sought, in the election at which he was last
elected.
2. Be returned and filed with the city secretary within thirty (30) days after the filing of
the affidavit required in section 6.08a.
6.09. Recall election.
a.. Submission. The city secretary shall at once examine the recall petition and, if he finds
it sufficient and in compliance with the provisions of this article, he shall within five (5) days
submit it to city council with his certificate to that effect and notify the officer Bought to be
recalled of such action. If the officer whose removal is sought does not resign within five (5)
days after such notice, council shall thereupon order and fix a date for holding a recall election.
Any such election shall be held at the next election day as established by the laws of the State •
of Texas.
CHT:26 15.54
WCHARTER 7.01
b. Ballots. Ballots used at recall elections shall conform to the following requirements:
1. With respect to each person whose removal is sought the question shall be submitted
"Shall (name of person) be removed from the office of (name of office) by recall?"
2. Immediately below each such question there shall be printed the two (2) following
propositions, one above the other, in the order indicated:
"For the recall of (name of person)"
"Against the recall of (name of person)."
c. Results. If a majority of the votes cast at a recall election shall be against the recall of the
officer named on the ballot, he shall continue in office for the remainder of his unexpired term,
subject to recall as before.. If a majority of the votes at such an election be for the recall of the
officer named on the ballot, he shall, regardless of any technical defects in the recall petition,
be deemed removed from office and the vacancy shall be filled as in other vacancies.
6.10. District judge may order election.
Should city council fail or refuse to order any of the elections as provided for in this article,
when all the requirements for such election have been complied with by the petitioning
electors in conformity with this article of the Charter, then it shall be the duty of any one of the
• district judges of Harris County, Texas, upon proper application being made therefor, to order
such elections and to enforce the carrying into effect of the provisions of this article of the
Charter.
ARTICLE VII. FRANCHISES AND PUBLIC UTILITIES*
7.01. Enfranchisement.
a: Power of council. City council shall have power by ordinance to grant, amend, renew and
extend all franchises of all public utilities of every character operating within the city. All
ordinances granting, amending, renewing or extending franchises for public utilities shall not
be finally passed until thirty (30) days after the first reading; and no such ordinance shall take
effect until sixty (60) days after its final passage; and pending such time, the notice and caption
of such ordinance, noting the place where the full text may be examined by the public, shall be
published once each week for four (4) consecutive weeks in the official newspaper of the city,
and the expense of such publication [is] to be borne by the proponent of the franchise. No public
utility franchise shall be transferable except with the approval of council expressed by
ordinance.
b. Extensions. All extensions of public utilities within the city limits shall become a part of
the aggregate property of the public utilities, shall be operated as such, and shall be subject to
all the obligations and reserved rights contained in this Charter and in any original grant
*State law references —Franchises, Vernon's Ann. Civ. St. art. 1175; franchise to use
streets, V.T.C.A., Transportation Code § 311.071 et seq.
MT27 15.55
7.01 LA PORTE CODE •
hereafter made. The right to use and maintain any extension shall terminate with the original
grant and shall be terminable as provided in section 7.02a. In case of an extension of a public
utility operated under a franchise hereafter granted, such right shall be terminable at the
same time and under the same conditions as the original grant.
c. Other conditions. All franchises heretofore granted are recognized as contracts between
the city and the grantee, and the contractual right as contained in any such franchises shall
not be impaired by the provisions of this Charter, except that the power of the city to exercise
the right of eminent domain in the acquisition of any utility property is in all things reserved,
and except the general power of the city heretofore existing and herein provided for to regulate
the rates and services of the grantee which shall include the right to require proper and
adequate extension of plant and service and the maintenance of the plant and fixtures at the
highest reasonable standard of efficiency.
Every public utility franchise hereafter granted shall be held subject to all the terms and
conditions contained in the various sections of this article whether or not such terms are
specifically mentioned in the franchise.
When the city chooses to exercise its power of eminent domain to acquire any public utility,
the procedure to be used in such acquisition shall be as set forth in V.T.C.A_, Property Code §§
21.011 to 21.065, inclusive. In valuing the property, the measure of damages shall be the fair
market value of the physical properties taken together, as one system. This power shall be in .
addition to and cumulative of any other powers of acquisition granted to or reserved by the city
in a franchise ordinance.
Prior to the purchase of any existing franchised utility system, either according to the terms
of the franchise or by eminent domain, city council shall submit the question of purchase to the
voters of the city, and such must be approved by a majority of those voting. .
Nothing in this Charter shall operate to limit in any way, as specifically stated, the
discretion of council or the electors of the city -in imposing terms and conditions as may be
reasonable in connection with any franchise grant.
7.02. Regulation.
a. Right of regulation. All grants, renewals, extensions. or amendments of public utility
franchises, whether it be so provided in the ordinance or not, shall be subject to the right of the
city:
1. To repeal the same by ordinance at any time for failure to begin construction or
operation within the time prescribed or otherwise to comply with the terms of the
franchise, such power to be exercised only after due notice and hearing.
2. To require an adequate extension of plant and service, and the maintenance of the
plant and fixtures at the highest reasonable standard of efficiency.
3. To establish reasonable standards of service and quality of products and prevent •
unjust discrimination in service of rates.
CHT:28 15.56
• CHARTER 7.05
4. To prescribe the form of accounts kept by such utility. If the franchise does not
prescribe the form of accounts kept by a utility, then it shall keep its accounts in
accordance with the utility system of accounts for said utility prescribed by the
appropriate state and federal utility regulatory agencies.
5. To examine and audit the accounts and other records of any such utility at any time
and to require annual and other reports, including reports on local operations by each
such public utility.
6. To impose such reasonable regulations and restrictions as may be deemed desirable or
conducive to the safety, welfare and accommodation of the public.
7. To at any time require such compensation and rental as may be permitted by the laws
of the State of Texas.
b. Regulation of rates and service. Council shall have full power, after due notice and
hearing, to regulate by ordinance the rates and service of every public utility operating within
the city. Such power shall be subject to the exercise of power in each area of each utility by the
appropriate agencies of state and federal government.
7.03. Franchise records.
Within six (6) months after this Charter takes effect, every public utility and every owner
• of a public utility franchise shall file with the city, as may be prescribed by ordinance, certified
copies of all franchises owned or claimed, or under which such utility is operated in the city.
The city shall compile and maintain a public record of public utility franchises.
7.04. Accounts of municipality -owned utilities.
Accounts shall be kept for each public utility owned or operated by the city, in such manner
as to show the true and complete financial results of such city ownership and operation,
including all assets, appropriately subdivided into different classes, all liabilities subdivided
by classes, depreciation, reserve, other reserves and surplus, also revenues, operating
expenses, including depreciation, interest payments, rental and other disposition of annual
income. The accounts shall show the actual capital cost to the city of each public utility owned,
also the cost of all extensions, additions and improvements, and the source of the funds
expended for such capital purposes. They shall show as nearly as possible the cost of any
service furnished to or rendered by any such utility to any other city or governmental
department. City council shall annually cause to be made by a licensed certified public
accountant and shall publish a report showing the financial results of such city ownership and
operation, giving the information specified in this section or such data as council shall deem
expedient, in accordance with section 5.08.
7.05. Franchise value disallowed.
The value of the franchise granted by the city shall not be included in fixing reasonable rates
and charges for utility service within the city or in determining the just compensation to be
paid by the city for public utility property which may be acquired by eminent domain or
otherwise.
CHT:29 15.57
7.06 LA PORTE CODE . •
7.06. Consent of property owners.
The consent of abutting and adjacent property owners shall not be required for the
construction, extension, maintenance or operation of any public utility; but nothing in this
Charter or in any franchise granted thereunder shall be construed to deprive any such
property owner of any rights of action for damage or injury to his property as now or hereafter
provided bylaw.
ARTICLE VIIL GENERAL PROVISIONS
8.01. Publicity of records.
All records and accounts of every office, department or agency of the city shall be open to
inspection by any person, any representative of a citizen's organization or any representative
of the press during normal business hours, as provided in the Texas Open Records Act,
V.T.C.A., Government Code § 552.001 et seq.
State law reference Public records act, V.T.C.A_, Government Code § 552.001 et seq.
8.02. Employers and officers. •
a. Personal financial interest. No member of city council or any officer or employee of the
city shall have a financial interest, direct or indirect or by reason of ownership of stock in any
corporation, in any contract or in the sale to the city, or to a. contractor supplying the city, of
any lands or rights of interests in any land, material, supplies or service. Any willful violation
of this section shall constitute malfeasance in office, and any officer or employee of the city
found guilty thereof shall thereby forfeit his office or position. Any violation of this section with
the knowledge expressed or implied of the person or corporation contracting with the city shall
render the contract voidable by council.
b. Employment interest. No one who has been elected to city office shall be employed in a
nonelective office by the city within the term for which he was elected or for one year
thereafter.
c. Nepotism. No person related, within the second degree by affinity or within the third
degree by consanguinity, to the mayor or any councilperson or to the city manager shall be
employed or appointed to any office, position or clerkship of the city. This prohibition shall not
apply, however, to any person who shall have been employed for two (2) years or more by the
city at the time of the election or appointment of the officer to whom he is related.
d. Bonds. Council shall require bonds of all municipal officers and employees who receive
or pay out any monies of the city. The amount of such bonds shall be determined by council and
the cost thereof borne by the city. Council shall set the bond amount for the city manager and ,
the director of finance at an amount not less than ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00).
CHT:30 15.58
0 CHARTER 8.02
e. Oath of once.
1. Elected officers. Every elected officer of the city shall, before entering upon the duties
of his office, take and subscribe to the following oath or affirmation, to be filed and kept
in the office of the city secretary:
"I, 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 ordinances 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 for the giving or withholding a vote at the
election at which I was elected. So help me God."
2. Appointed officers. Every appointed officer of the city shall, before entering upon the
duties of his office, take and subscribe to the following oath or affirmation, to be filed
and kept in the office of the city secretary.
"I, 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 ordinances 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 of employment, as a reward to secure my appointment or the confirmation
thereof. So help me God."
f. -Discharge. Council shall be authorized to discharge at any time, with or without a
hearing, as council may elect, any officer, employee or clerk which it appoints.
The city manager shall be authorized to discharge at any time, with or without a hearing,
as the city manager may elect, any officer, employee or clerk which he appoints.
g. Injuries; insurance. City council shall have authority to provide the rules and regulations
for maintaining employees when injured and disabled while performing their duties, and it
may provide for such plan of insurance as it deems proper.
h. Pensions. City council may establish a pension plan for any employee who has been
employed by the city for twenty (20) years and who shall have reached the age of fifty-five (55),
or may adopt in lieu thereof any pension system available to cities under state law. The
amount of said pension shall be graded and proportioned to the average salary received by the
.employee during the whole period of his employment. All those falling under the head of
employees in this Charter and who are employed by the city when the same takes effect shall
be entitled to a credit for the years of service heretofore served; provided, however, that any
• payment under this provision shall never constitute a waiver or stop the city from asserting
any defenses it might have under section 1.06.
CHT:31 15.59
8.03 LA PORTE CODE is
8.03. Assignment, execution and garnishment of city property.
The property, real and personal, belonging to the city shall not .be liable to be sold or
appropriated under any writ of execution or cost bill. The funds belonging to the city, in the
hands of any person, firm or corporation, shall not be liable to garnishment, attachment or
sequestration; nor shall the city be liable to garnishment on account of any debt it may owe or
funds or property it may have on hand or owing to any person. Neither the city nor any of its
officers or agents shall be required to answer any such writ of garnishment on any account
whatever. The city shall not be obligated to recognize any assignment of wages or funds by its
employees, agents or contractors.
8.04. City not required to give security. or execute bond.
It shall not be necessary in any action, suit or proceeding in which the city is a party for any
bond, undertaking or security to be demanded or executed by or on behalf of said city in any
court, but in all such actions, suits, appeals or proceedings, same shall be conducted in the
same manner as if such bond, undertaking or security had been given as required by law, and
said city shall be as liable as if security of bond had been duly executed.
8.05. Effect of this Charter on existing law.
All ordinances, resolutions, rules and regulations now in force under the city government of •
the city and not in conflict with the provisions of this Charter shall remain in force under this
Charter until altered, amended or repealed by city council after this "Charter takes effect; and
all rights of the city under existing franchises and contracts are preserved in full force and
effect to the city, and any unissued bonds and revenue bonds, or installments thereof,
heretofore authorized at an election held in said city shall not be affected by the adoption of
this Charter, but the right to sell, issue and deliver same, in whole or in part, in keeping with
the provisions of the laws under which they were voted is hereby expressly reserved.
8.06. Amending this Charter.
a. Amendments may be proposed and submitted to the electors of the city by ordinance
passed by a majority vote of -the full membership of city council 'br by a petition signed by
qualified voters of the city in number not less than five (5) per cent thereof or twenty thousand
(20,000) signatures, whichever is less. Such petition shalt in all other respects conform to the
provisions of Article VI.
When a properly drawn petition has been duly filed, council shall provide by ordinance for
submitting such proposed amendments to a vote of the electors at an election to be held not less
than thirty (30) days nor more than ninety (90) days after the passage of said ordinance. If the
next regular municipal election is to be held during said period, the submission of said
amendment or amendments shall be at such election. Otherwise, a special election shall be
called for the purpose. Notice of the election shall be given by publication thereof in the official •
newspaper on the same day in each of two (2) successive weeks; the date of the first publication
CHT:32 - 15.60
CHARTER 8.09
to be not less than fourteen (14) days prior to the date set for said election. The form of such
notice shall be as prescribed by this Charter, including a substantial copy of the proposed
amendment or amendments.
Each amendment submitted shall contain only one subject and shall be printed separately
on the ballot, each proposed amendment being followed by designations for the voter to vote for
the amendment or against the amendment.
Each proposed amendment, if approved by the majority of the qualified voters voting at said
election, shall become a part of the Charter. The city secretary shall enter notice into the
records of the city declaring the same adopted.
b. This section is subject to the provisions of V.T.C.A., Local Government Code §$ 9.04 and
9.05, and V.T.C.A., Election Code § 41.001 et seq.
8.07. Severability clause.
If any section or part of section of this Charter shall be held invalid by a court of competent
jurisdiction, such holding shall not affect the remainder of this Charter nor the context in
which such section or part of section so held invalid may appear, except to the extent that an
entire section or part of section may be inseparably connected in meaning and effect with the
• section or part of section to which such holding shall directly apply.
8.08. References to laws.
All references within this Charter to laws of the State of Texas or of the United States are
to be construed as meaning such laws as now or hereafter amended or superseded.
8.09. Approval of this Charter.
a. Copies to electors. In not less than thirty (30) days prior to the election provided in
subsection b., the city commission shall cause the city clerk to mail a copy of this Charter to
each qualified voter of the city, as listed on the current voter registration list.
b. Submission of Charter to electors. The charter committee in preparing this comprehen-
sive Charter amendment finds and decides that it is impracticable to segregate each subject so
as to permit a vote of "yes" or "no" on the same, for the reason that the Charter is so constructed
that in order to enable it to work and function, it is necessary that the comprehensive
amendment be adopted in its entirety. For these reasons the charter committee directs that
said amended Charter be voted upon as a whole and that it shall be submitted to the qualified
voters of the city at an election to be held for that purpose on the 9th day of August, 1980.
The form of ballot to be used in such election shall be as follows:
• FOR THE ADOPTION OF THE AMENDED CHARTER.
AGAINST THE ADOPTION OF THE AMENDED CHARTER.
CHT:33 15.61
8.09 LA PORTE CODE
0
c. Results of vote for adoption. If a majority of the qualified electors voting in such election
shall vote in favor of the adoption of the Charter, and after the returns have been canvassed,
the city clerk shall file an official copy of the Charter with the records of the city. The city
commission shall at its next meeting declare this Charter adopted. The clerk shall furnish the
mayor a copy of said Charter, which copy of the Charter so adopted, authenticated and certified
by his signature and the seal of the city, shall be forwarded by the mayor to the Secretary of
State of the State of Texas and shall show the approval of such Charter by majority vote of the
qualified voters voting at such election.
8.10. Provisions for transition.
a. Tenure of officers during transition. From and after the date of the adoption of this
Charter and until the completion of the first election under this Charter to be held on the first
Saturday in April, 1981, and the: qualification of the councilpersons therein elected, the present
qualified and acting commissioners and mayor shall constitute city council. Such city council
shall possess all the powers provided by this Charter.
After said election and until the election to be held on the first Saturday in April, 1982, and
the qualification of the councilpersons and mayor therein elected, the present qualified and
acting commissioner —Position .2 shall serve as councilperson-at-large—Position A; the present
qualified and acting commissioner —Position 4 shall serve as councilperson-at-large—Position •
B; and the present qualified and acting mayor shall serve as mayor. These councilpersons and
mayor, along with the councilpersons elected and qualified as provided in subsection b, below,
shall, for the duration of their terms of office, compose city council and shall possess all the
powers proyided by this Charter.
b. Original election of mayor and councilpersons. Councilpersons representing districts
shall be elected at the election to be held on the first Saturday in April, 1981, for terms of office
as follows:
Council person—Dis trict 1, three-year term
Councilperson—District 2, one-year term
Councilperson—District 3, one-year term
Councilperson—District 4, two-year term
Councilperson—District 5, two-year term
Councilperson—District. 6, three-year term.
Council persons -at -large and the mayor shall be elected at the election to be held on the first
Saturday in April, 1982, for terms of offices as follows:
Councilperson-at-large—Position A, one-year term
Councilperson-at-large--Position B, two-year term
Mayor, three-year term.
CHT:34
15.62
CHARTER 8.10
•
•
•
Following these terms of office, all councilpersons and the mayor shall be elected to
three-year terms, according to the provisions of Article II 'of this Charter.
CHT:35
15.63
\1/ \1/ \!/ J/ \t/ \1/ \1/ \1/ \1/ \t/ \1/ \t/ Ali
/1\ INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
OF
i
\1/
i{;
Ali �ti �!i Ali Ali Ali Ali Ali �{i Ali .!/ Ali
/1\ /{\ /,\ /{\ /{\ /,\ /{\ /{\ /{\ /,\ /{\ /,\ /1\ -IN "IN i,, i{, /,\ /,\
CITY/SCHOOL LOCAL GOVERNMENT
0 INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
•
Proposal/Concept
The City of La Porte agrees to work with the La Porte Independent School District
Government class in an effort to develop an internship program. The program will be
separated over two semesters.
At this time, the program will follow the following points which may be adjusted,
depending upon the success of the project.
Program Outline.
o La Porte Independent School District will provide the City with one (1) intern per
City department.
o The intern will spend one (1) hour per week with their assigned department.
o The City will spend quality time insuring that the intern is given an understanding
of the jobs and the responsibilities and duties provided by the department.
o A management level employee from each department of the City will mentor the
growth of the intern and will be responsible for assisting in the education of the
intern.
o The length of the proposed program will be approximately sixty (60) days.
16.1
\I/ COMMUNITY XIAP AND KIOSK ;I\
No CENTER
\I/
i,\
\1/ \1/ \1/ \1/ \1/ \1/ Ali Ali Ali Ali Ali Ali �!i Ali �ii Ali Ali Ali Ali Ali �ti
i,\ i,\ i,\ i,\ i,\ ,IN ,,\ ,,\ ,,\ 71\ ,,\ ,,\ /IN ,,\ ,i\ 71\
COMMUNITY GRAPHICS MAP / KIOSK PROGRAM
Community Graphics Inc. (CGI):
I. Approaches City staff and presents marketing program concept. — February 2000.
A. Graphics Poster Map
1 3-year life.
2. Mailed by CGI to 10,000 residents in community.
3. 2,000 delivered by CGI to City sites for distribution.
4. May be linked to City's Web Page.
B. Interactive Kiosk
1. 3-year life.
2. Complimentary if participate with poster map.
3. Placed in a highly visible location.
4. Connects to Internet.
5. Can connect to City's Web Page.
6.
7. Allows addition of businesses that missed poster map deadline.
8. Owned and maintained by CGI during display period.
II. Indicates no cost or liability to City; CGI responsible.
40 III. Requests letter of support from City to present to local businesses.
IV. Meets with local businesses to seek advertising on map.
A. CGI selects businesses to solicit.
B. City only responsible for municipal facilities.
V. Contacts Chamber of Commerce to request support of program.
VI. Provides drafts and final proofs to City staff and local businesses for review /
approval - October 2000 thru May 2y 001.
VII. Delivers and mails maps to City, local businesses, and residents — July 2001.
VIII. Meets with City Manager and staff to discuss Kiosk — August 2001.
A. Kroger not interested; planning own interactive kiosk.
B. Seeking alternate high traffic sites.
C. 6 months until installation once site selected.
D. Supplies 500 CD's to City for distribution.
E. Can include community video.
•
17.1
.2�Ir NI,- Ali Nii Ali Nli -li .li Ali NI/ N1/ Ali Nlo .Is .'1" �ii Ali Ali Nli Ali Ali -li GIs Ali Ali
\I,_
il;z
,1;
1 _\I,_
/I\
N1,
,1;
\i,
i1C
N1,
NO/
�1, Ali
,1\
�1, Ali
,1N
NI/
7'\
\1, il;
i1;
��I,
1,
C ITY' S WEB SITE
\I,
i1�z
.I,
\fi
ilc
ilc
ilc
ilc
.1, .I,
ic
i1�
l
.IN
/IN
-1,
il;
Ali
il\
7'; \1,
Ali
il;
i�
/1.
ip.
�1, Ali
i,N ,1�
Ali Ali -,li Ali Ali Ali �!i Ali Ali Ali Ali Ali Ali Ali Ali Ali Ali Ali Ali �ii -li �tii !fit Ali Ili Ali Ali
71; 71; ,IN ,IN 71\ 71-, 71; ."IN 71N ,fN 71\ ,IN ,1N .,IN 71N 71%. ,I;
CITY OF LA PORTE WEB PAGE
0 Purr ose
Interactive method to provide a variety of information to the public.
Current Status
I. Direct Links to External Web Sites
A. Search Engines
Yahoo, Google, etc.
B. Chamber of Commerce
C. Other Government Sites (Harris County, Port Authority, Harris County Appraisal
District, Houston - Galveston Area Council, Federal Government)
C. Houston Chronicle
D. US Post Office / Federal Express
E. Cities of the U.S.
H. Direct Links to Internal Web Pages
A. City Management (City Council biographies)
B. City Secretary (City Council Meeting Agendas and Minutes, Code of Ordinances)
C. Comprehensive Plan
D. Bids / Legal Notices
E. Golf Course
F. LEPC
G. Main Street Brochure (including map)
H. Useful Information
Proposed Status
I. Department Participation
A. Generic department e-mail addresses to receive inquiries from the public
B. Personnel assigned to monitor and respond to inquiries
C. Names of Assistant City Manager and Department Directors
D. Annual Calendar
E. PARD Magazine
F. Adopted Budget
G. CAFR
H. Departmental Brochures
I. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
II. Full Motion Sight and Sound
A. Photos to depict City amenities in panoramic format
B. New promotional CD
III. Page Layout 18.1
Ali tit,- Ali Ali Ali Ali \I, 1I, NI, Nl, Ali NI/ ",li NIZ "'Ii NI.., Ali No" NI.. -NI/ \ii -,li \li Ali \li, �1
Ali ,ti Ali �I, �I, J, NI,- Ali NI, NI, il, %J/ Ali Ali
9!! �k NI, 11 11, .1149 Ali Ili Ali Nli \1, NI, \1, �1, \1, N1, \100 \1, N!, �1, il, \1, \1,
--------------------
Ali
Ali
Ali
�I,
Ali
Ali
Ali
�I,
Ali
�I,
Ali
�I,
Ali
�I,
Ali
�I,
Ali
�I,
Ali
�1,
Ali
�1,
Ali
Ali
Ali
�I,
NO BACKUP FOR THIS ITEM
1
ZIN
.I,
.I,
Ali
al,
Ali
�I,
,I,
Ali
Ali
�I�
Ali
.I,
/JN
\I,
,,\
%IN
\I,
\I,
Ali �V
Ali �fi Ali Ali Ali Ali Ali NI,- Ali Ali Ali Ali \I, \1, \I, \I/ Ali Ali Ali NIX NI..- Ali
,,;z 71; 71; 71; ,,;z ,,; i,N' i,\ i,\ ,,\ ,,\ ,,\ ,,\ ,,\ ,,\ ,,\ -I\ i,\ i,\ i,\ /IN
Ali Ali N1i Ali Ali -,ii NO,- Ali NO/ -,li NI/ Ali
71; i1; i1v i1� i,� 71; i1; i1; i1; i1; 71; 71;
NI/ Ali NI,- NI.- Nli Ali NI, -
NI/
/IN
Ali
Ali
Ali
Ali
Ali
Ali
Ali
Ali
Ali
Ali
NI/
Ali
HIGHWAY MARQUEE SIGNAGE
s
Ali
Ali
Ali
Ali
,I,
/IN
\I,
Ali
Ali
Ali
Ali
\I,
Ali
Ali
Ali
Ali
Ali
Ali
Ali
Ali
Ali
Ali
Ali
i,:
Ali
Ali NI/ Ali -li Ali NI,- NI/ Ali NI.., Nli NI.- Nli Nli NI,.- Nli NI/ Ali Nli Ali NI..- Ali Ali NI,- NI/ NJ,- Nli
714 71�z 71�Zi1; 71�z 71; 71�z 71; 71�z 71�z 71�z 71�z 71�z 71�z 71; 71�z 71; 71; 71�z 71�z i,�z 71; 71�z
•
•
Monument Entrance Signs for La Porte; Progress Report
On August 27th, the City entered into a contract with Bob Duke, a landscape architect in
Galveston, to design the four proposed monument entrance signs for La Porte. Mr.
Duke worked for Galveston County Beach and Parks Department for a number of years
before entering private practice. Mr. Duke has designed a number of monument
entrance signs in the area, including the College Park entrance for Galveston College,
City of Galveston, Texas City, and others.
Mr. Duke is planning to have some preliminary drawings ready for review at the
upcoming Council Retreat. He is looking to incorporate some of the historic aspects of
La Porte into the signage, as well as ideas from other area cities' monument signage.
After receiving direction on the proposed signage from Council, Mr. Duke will proceed
with the final design for one large monument sign at the SH 225-SH 146 interchange,
and three smaller signs; 1) on the north bound side of the southern city limit on SH 146,
2) on the eastbound side of SH 225 at Old Underwood, 3) on the eastbound side of
Fairmont Parkway, just east of Luella. He anticipates completion of the design by
November, 2001. After completion of the design and approvals from the various state
and county, the project will be let for bids.
20.1
NI/ NI,- NI,- \!/ NL, J.- \1/ \I/ \I/ \I/ NI,- NL, Ali \1/ \1/ \1/ \I/ \I/ \I/ \1/ \1/ \1/ \1/ \I/ \1/
71\ /1\ ,,\ 71; 71; 71�z 71\ 71�z 71�z 71�z 71�z 714 71; i1�z 71�z 71�Z i1; 71;
e
\1/
\1/
\1/
\1/
\1/
%,\
\1/
\1/
\I/
\1/
\1/
\1/
FACTORY OUTLET MALL
\I/ \I/ \I/ \I/ \I/ \I/ \I/ \I/ \I/ \I/ \I/ \I/ \I/ \I/ eli Ali Ali NIX \1/
71�z 71;Z,71;z ,1\ ,1\ /1\ ,,\ ,,\ ,,\ ,1\ ,,\ /,\ /,\ ,,\ ,1\ ,1\ ,1\ ,,\ ,,\ 71\ 71\
The City and the Chamber jointly hired the firm of Factory Outlet
Consultants to perform a marketing study to determine if La Porte would be
a good candidate for an outlet mall.
The study was also to provide recommendations to the City on how to
proceed in alluring a development of this sort.
Attached is an executive summary and conclusion report from Carlton
Meyers, President of Factory Outlet Centers.
21.1
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
After spending three days in the market and reviewing the marketing information,
FOC is impressed with all of the mixed -use retail possibilities of the site, although
am concerned about some of the negatives. Of all the elements considered,
tourism will be the major source of economic development. In addition to a full
time antique, arts, crafts, and collectibles coordinator, a tourism director will also
play an important role in the speedy development of the tourist project.
Appointment of a tourism director should be an important part of La Porte's overal
economic development plan. A tourist director could coordinate special events
and would serve as a complement to the antiques coordinator.
Antique malls are a major tourism draw as outlined in the enclosed article from
USA Today. At this time I recommend that the community focus on augmenting
the tourist traffic through the creation of an Antiques, Collectibles Arts, and Crafts
program, an Off -Price Retail program, and if at all possible, the establishment of a
Tourist Information Center. The recommendations featured in this report should
serve to assist in meeting these objectives in a reasonable time frame.
La Porte TX
6/11/01 21.2
Increasing tourist activities in the area will enhance La Porte's image, strengthen
the retail base, and increase the potential for developmental involvement from
home furnishings, off -price and factory outlet manufacturers.
This is a time consuming yet vital process that requires persistence and continual
attention. The course is similar to that of a steam engine, which at the beginning of
its journey, once it receives the appropriate fuel, slowly generates the energy and
momentum necessary to maintain the high speed required so that it can reach its
destination. This is also the case with tourism development. Once the process is
initiated and the fuel source is maintained, the energetic cycle continues until the
goal is achieved.
At the present time, it is our recommendation that La Porte develop a strong
antiques, arts, crafts, and collectibles market. After tourist attractions are
established, development of a factory outlet shopping center, with an emphasis on
home furnishings, should be considered. Ultimately, the programs described in
this report may generate the necessary momentum to establish a strong retail and
tourism base in preparation for the possible implementation of factory outlet
stores. At that time La Porte may capture the attention of national manufacturers.
A long-term commitment will be necessary. This would be not so much a long-
term monetary commitment, but a time commitment. A project like this, with its
balance of positive and negative factors, will take some time to evolve —just as it
La Porte TX
6/11/01 21.3
did with the Marina and the Houston Space Center. Polite persistence and timing
will become very important elements of your overall success.
SPECIFIC ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN TO BEGIN
THE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS:
• Contact property owners for the chosen site and gather the following data-
-Confirm availability of land
-Cost per acre
-Total acreage available
• Ensure all necessary utilities are at the site.
• Ensure the property is properly zoned.
Develop an Antique, Arts, Crafts, and Collectibles Program
Develop an additional Tourist Attraction Program
Develop an Annual Consumer Marketing Program
• Establish a Director of Tourism Position
• Obtain an Economic Impact Study from the Johnson Space Center
It is important to the overall success of the project that these steps are followed. If
they are, La Porte may win the attention of factory outlet manufacturers and the
plan to develop a factory outlet shopping center can move forward.
La Porte TX
6/11/01 21.4
Our job needs to continue. We feel as you do that our job will only be finished
when you have started on a new course of economic development. We believe
the fundamentals are in place to get your community going in a new direction, and
FOC wants to be a part of that process.
We would welcome the opportunity to assist in this effort for a specified number of
hours at no\ additional cost. This could include reviewing marketing materials,
making marketing recommendations, creating new marketing presentations,
making contacts, offering ideas, and offering analysis of your program. FOC's
twenty-five years of experience in the business of retail development would be at
your disposal. This could easily be accomplished through conference calls and
correspondence. If a meeting were required, I would be willing to make the trip for
expenses only.
FOC makes this offer because of our commitment to your general retail
development. As long as that community support continues, FOC wants to be an
active supporter of your efforts at economic development. Based on our on -site
evaluation, study of relevant data and discussions with the economic development
director, we believe your efforts at various retail revitalization will succeed. It's an
exciting prospect and -we want to be an active participant.
LET'S DISCUSS!!
La Porte TX
6/1t/O1 21.5
ADDENDUM: Listing of manufacturers in the factory outlet, homes furnishings
business. The range of manufacturers in the factory outlet business and home
furnishings business is broad and includes the following categories.
HOME FURNISHINGS MERCHANDISE CATEGORIES
Books Floor Coverings
Records Wall Paper
Electronics Appliances
Fabrics Yarns
Crafts Food
Luggage Leather Goods
Home Decor Furnishings Home Improvement
Hardware Housewares
Tableware Pottery
Linens Domestics
Paper Goods
La Porte TX
6/11/01 21.6
\1, -1, N1, \1, \1, NI, \1, N1, \1, Ali Ali NI/ Nli Nli NIe Nli NI/ NI,- NI,- NI/ Ali Ali NI", NI..- NI.- \I/
1l i14 i14 i14 i14 i1;. i14 71� i1; ,1; ,1� ,1; 71; ,1� ,1� ,1� ,1� � ,,,14 i1� 71; 71; ,1�z 71�z 71�z 71�z 71�z
Ll
.I,
il4
CITY POLLING LOCATIONS
Ali Ali Ali Ali Ali Ali Ali Ali Ali Ali Ali Ali Ali Ali \1, N1, \1, \1, \1, \1, N1, N1, N1, NI/ \I/ Nl i Al i
,1� ,1� ,1� ,1� ,,a ,1� ,1� ,,� ,1� ,,� ,,� ,1� ,I; ,,� i1; ;I; i1� ;I;; ;I
; i� ,i1; i,� ,1� ,,� ,,;z 71;
Prepared by: Alartha .-t. Gillett, City Secretary
POLLING LOCATION REPORT
INTRODUCTION
The City of La Porte currently has seven (7) polling Locations throughout the City. Citizens vote in
their district for City Elections. The City Secretary has been approached on numerous occasions by
citizens, council members and most recently by members of the redistricting committee about
limiting the member of polling locations to simplify the voting process and eliminate confusion.
Outlined in this report is an analysis of the research and the costs associated with polling locations.
RESEARCH ANALYSIS, CURRENT PRACTICES AND CONCERNS
In researching this matter. several phone calls were made to other Cities. It was determined other
City's have been faced with similar problems. An example of three cities making polling location
changes is the City of Baytown, Friendswood and Deer Park. Baytown reduced its number of
polling locations from over twenty-five to thirteen. The City of Friendswood reduced its number of
polling locations from six to two. The City of Deer Park reduced its number from eight to four.
Baytown and Friendswood indicated it improved the election process and the only disadvantage
was the voter might be required to stand in line during busy periods. The City of Deer Park has not
held an election since reducing its number.
City Secretary Martha Gillett has managed elections for the City of La Porte, La Porte Independent
School District and San Jacinto College District since 1997. During all elections, citizens have
experienced the same problems regarding confusion on where citizens are required to vote. The
confusion arises due to the City districts having different boundaries than Harris County Precincts
and County precincts frequently change. When citizens vote in non -city elections, they vote at
various locations according to their Harris County Precinct number as indicated on their voter
registration card. When citizens vote in City elections, they are required to vote in their City district.
Too further add to the confusion, the locations are often different and several Harris County
Precincts fall within different City districts (see Exhibit A). As a result, voters become extremely
frustrated and sometimes leave the polls without casting a vote.
Signs are placed at each polling location prior to and on Election Day. This has been a tremendous
help, but if the voter does not know their City district they still are not sure where to vote. The
Bayshore Sun also runs articles addressing this problem and encouraging voters to call City Hall if
they were not certain where to vote. However, not everyone reads the paper so you still have a
large percentage of confused voters. In addition, a flyer has been placed in the water bill.
POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS/RECOiNLtiIENDATIONS
After researching this matter, a recommended solution could be to reduce the number of polling
locations to one (1), two (2) or three (3). One (1) polling location would totally eliminate any
confusion to the voters. Voters would know they always go to the same location to vote. However,
this may cause waiting lines and no single location would be convenient to all voters throughout the
City of La Porte due to the geographic size. Two (2) locations would reduce the confusion to a
minimal level and maintain a more balanced travel distance for the voter. Three (3) locations
would be better than seven (7) and may still cause some confusion in the beginning.
22.1
Page 2
• ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
ADVANTACTFS
• Voter Convenience/Improved Customer Service
• Cost Savings (See Exhibit B)
• Reduction in Margin of Error
• Change Can Be Difficult
• Requires Justice Department Approval
• Possible Increased Travel Distance to Polling Place
• Increased Voters Per Polling Location
In order to change polling locations, the following steps would need to take place:
• City Council Approval
• Preclearance From Justice Department (75 day process)
• Coordination With School and College District
• Compliance With Election Laws
0 The City Secretary has visited with both the La Porte Independent School District and San Jacinto
College District and they are in favor of reducing the number of polling locations.
If the Council wants to make this type of change, clearance submission to the Justice Department
would need to be submitted at least 75 days prior to passing an Ordinance calling the election.
The Secretary of State's Office was contacted and the City would not be required to seek approval
from that office per Section 42.061 of the Election Code. City's have the authority to set polling
locations.
The City Attorney also provided a previous recommendation on this matter the last time this matter
was addressed (see Exhibit Q.
POSSIBLE POLLING LOCATIONS
UffmWel WGIRL41.1031. •. UIT#M
City Hall — Districts 5 and 6
DeWalt — Districts 1 and 4
Lomax — Districts 1 and 4
Baker — Districts 2, 3 and 7
•
22.2
• Rag,�e!
•
City Hall — Districts 4, 5 and 6
DeWalt — Districts 4, 5 and 6
Recreation Fitness Center Training Room — Districts 4, 5 and 6
Fairmont Recreation Center — Districts 1, 2, 3 and 7
Lomax Elementary — Districts 1, 2, 3 and 7
Baker Junior High— Districts 1, 2, 3 and 7
City Hall — All Districts
Recreation Fitness Center Training Room — All Districts
Sylvan Beach Pavilion — All Districts
Baker Junior High — All Districts
SUMMARY
In summary, as you can see this is a complex issue which causes the voters much confusion on
where to vote on Election Day. There are multiple options for the make-up of locations and
districts for polling location purposes. The City Secretary's Office is willing to implement any
changes the City Council desires.
22.3
EXHI31T A
•
•
CITY COUNCIL DISTRICTS
DISTRICT I
DISTRICT 2
DISTRICT 3
DISTRICT 4
DISTRICT S
DISTRICT 6
DISTRICT 7
H.-URRIS CO(NL TY PRECLNCTS LN EACH DISTRICT
471,632
357, 632
290, 632
33, 290, 561
33,377
33, 290, 377, 561, 632
51, 665,340
® VOTER REGISTFIATION CzFMFICATE -, ---
* (C—f— d�sgmv E---ar�ll
RARRIS- NTY (C—imdn)
-
r
7
�"•_. N ='INCIO- V,
�•..._
Fever ae no m
L
--_,—,
1 �,
C.rt-Na lN.m �. C+.il --1
2029370-0
S.a 15-
V.ud man IV�Yaa a..o.l -
.
_
lls.s ar H4tt1 iFeou ae Naorta�wol
F
��.IYv.: aanJ
05
7+ru '• -
�
--
��
0 9 — 2 3 — 5 8
0377
livma)
" 12-31 99 '`
�. —d ..�,g add— (Hoff n
y
RETURN SERVICE RECUESTED
Par+ne.+ent Resldencs Address (N—cp y mrn¢idn rssdenosl ) _.- .�
GILLETT MARTHA COPELAND
GILLETT MARTHA
COPELAND
810 HACKBERRY
5
810 HACKBERRY
LA PORTE TX 77571
j
LA PORTE TX 77571 1
varfa .
e U9T PER aNALLY 9GN MISM EA NAPE �WlE01ATELY UVaM RFC:IPT, IF AaLE 7; (!] va..v,sew Tamar
erA urlws o.na.�annma r clxno u rec i v pu.a.-I
�y
I
.022
11 `-129
22.4
Exhibit B
•
LJ
I*
ELECTION COSTS PER POLLENG LOCATION
Personnel Costs - Judge and Clerks $300.00 per location X 7 = 52,100.00.
Other Related Costs - Food, Supplies
Training, Administrative, etc. $825.00 per location X 7 = $5,775.00.
22.5
La forte Independent School District
---� ;List29,
(TY SEC S'
Nis. Martha Gillett, City Secretary
The City of La Porte
P.O. Box 1115
La Porte, TX 77572-1115
Dear Nls. Gillett:
1
John E. Sawyer, Ed. D.
Superintendent of Schools
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Gordwi Westmoreland
President
Bill Baker
Vice President
Jay Guillot
Secretary
Dr. Charles Hilborn
Gene Horn
Debi Kramyen
Chris Osten
Trustees
[ shared with our Board of Trustees at their meeting last evening, the ideas you and I had
previously discussed concerning your (the City's) ideas for revising polling places for our joint
elections. I also pointed out that the proposal could or could not be approved by the Justice
Department, but recommended that the La Porte Independent School District support the City
of La Porte's efforts in. trying to establish a more convenient, less confusing, and more efficient
procedure for our city and school district elections.
The Board members were very much in agreement that revisions were needed, and the consensus
was that they would be happy to support the City of La Porte in their efforts.
Please keep us informed and let us know what we can do to assist.
ince ply,
1e n w hams
,,1 dministrative Assistant &
District Election Judge
PC: Dr. John E. Sawyer, Superintendent of Schools
Board of Trustees
0
301 East Fairmont Parkway 22.6
La Porte, Texas 77571
Public Information Office (281) 604-7001
EXHIBIT C
ASKINS & ARMSTRONG, P. C
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
702 W. FAIRMONT PARKWAY
P.O. BOX 1218
LA PORTS. TEXAS 77572-121S
KNOX W. ASKINS
JOHN 0. ARMSTRONG
CHARLES R. HUBER. JR.
BOA R0 C RTIFIEO - CIV IE TRIAL L.-
TEXAS 3a ARO OF IEOAL SPEZIALIZANQN
June 22, 1999
Mr. Robert T. Herrera
City Manager
City of La Porte
City Hall
La Porte, Texas
TELEPHONE 281 471-1886
TELECOPIER 261 471-2047
CQYat
BPc� un �ti CCG. iLc� re.,.ttSCe�
0YWo"rP Coe d r A-kZ% I Cis GY
12.6 9 9
Ok-VA
Re: City Council Re-Districting/Census 2000
Dear Mr. Herrera:
You have asked me to furnish you a letter on the procedure to be
followed for City Council re -districting following the federal
census which will be conducted in April, 2000, and, also on the
• question of possibly reducing the number of polling places.
Six City Councilpersons are elected from single member districts.
Article 2.01(b), "Formation of Districts", of the Home Rule Charter
of the City of La Porte, provides that City Council shall divide
the City into six districts which are reasonably compact,
contiguous and of as nearly equal population as practicable.
Immediately following the publication of the 2000 federal census,
which I would anticipate will occur sometime during the year 2001,
City Council is required to conduct an investigation and determine
the population of the City and the population of each of the
districts from which district Councilpersons are to be elected.
Such determination shall be based upon the best available data,
including, but not limited to, the most recent federal census.
Council then passes an ordinance, which makes a final determination
of the population.
After such determination by City Council, if the distribution of
population among the various districts is determined by City
Council to be- materially unbalanced, the City Council shall
establish new boundaries for the election of district Council -
persons.
Following the 1980 and 1990 federal censuses, the City Council made
its determination, and then appointed a citizens committee to study
the matter, hold public meetings, receive public input, and
recommend to City Council, a plan for re -districting, again,
dividing the City into six districts which are "reasonably compact,
contiguous and of as nearly equal population as practicable".
22.7
ASKINS & ARMSTRONG, P. C.
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
Robert T. Herrera
June 22, 1999
Page 2
Thereafter, the City Council holds a public hearing on the proposed
plan, and, when adopted by City Council, the new plan must be filed
with the Voting Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice,
for preclearance under the Voting Rights Act of 1964, as amended.
A full brief must be filed with the Justice Department, reflecting
the census; the population determination; the findings of the
City's citizens committee, together with the evidence upon which
the findings were based; and evidence of the opportunities which
were given for citizen participation in the proceedings.
Based on past experience, this is a complex procedure, and
hopefully can be put in place in time for the 2002 election of City
Councilpersons.
You have asked the related question of the possibility of reducing
the number of polling places. Presently, a district polling place
is open on election day and runoff election day, if necessary, in
each of the respective districts. Absentee voting for all
elections is conducted at City Hall. Due to historic low voter
turnout at some of the districts, and the difficulty in obtaining
the election judges and clerks required by state law at each
polling place, the question has been raised as to whether the
number of polling places might be reduced.
I would suggest that this proposition be presented to the City's
citizens committee for its consideration, and made a part of its
deliberations and recommendations to City Council. Should the
recommendation be made that districts be consolidated for election
purposes, the City would have to make a showing to the Justice
Department that such consolidation will not unduly impede or
inconvenience the ability of voters to exercise their right to
vote.
Finally, it is my recollection that in the past, the City has had
input in the planning stages of the federal census, encouraging
federal census officials to make reference to the boundary lines
for the six Council districts, in establishing its census tracts.
If this could be done, it would make the determination of existing
population as of the year 2000, more convenient.
Please let me know if I can be of further assistance.
Yo s ery truly,
• r&�
KWA:sw
Knox W. Askins
City Attorney
City of La Porte
22.8
Ali Ali NI/ Ni,- NI., NI" NO.' -,li -1, NI, \1, N1, �f, Ni, �i, N1, -J, -J/ ".I, "I, \1, Ali -.li
---------------------------------
NI,-
,,;z
SIN
NJ/
\I,
,,N
i1;
Ali
,IN
�1,
\I/
,,;z
Ali
Ali
NI/
Ali
,IN
�I,
Ali
,,N
Ali
Ali
Ali
�I,
Ali
�I,
Ali
�1,
/JN
Ali
�f,
Ali
BOA.RD AND COMMISSIONS
�1,
Ali
Ali
Ali
�I,
Ali
,,.
�1�
IN
Ali
�1,
Ali
�I,
Ali
�I,
Ali
�I,
Ali
�1,
Ali
Ali
Ali
,1,
,Ic
Ali �f,
Ali NJ/ NI" Ali Ali Ali \fi Ali \I/ Ali Ali Ali Ali Ali \I, \I, \I, \1, \I, \I, \I, \1, Ali Ali Ali
,,; i1� ,,� 71; 71; ,,� 71; ,1; 1; 71; 71; 71; 71; 71; 71; 71;;� �,i,71; 71;;� i,i,i1; ,,N ,IN i,\
BOARDS AND' COMMISSIONS PROCESS
SEPTEMBER 2001
II. Overview of Current Handbook. and Process
a. Discussion on Handbook
b. Review of Current Process
c. Challenges of Current Process
Il. Recommendations
a. Discuss an Improved Process to Notify Members
b. Discuss Conducting a Workshop Meeting in February to Discuss Upcoming Member
Expirations
� ��#I'e✓5 uf` �lS
/lar red e�P�
Lohc4 cwe �rOG+�55 i� fin-D�F
e
23.1
0 BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
•
HANDBOOK
Exhibit A
To Ordinance No. 99-2319
23.2
•
m City of La Porte
U
Established 1892
TEXAS
Dear Citizen:
I would like to thank you on behalf of the Citizens of La Porte for your willingness to
serve the City as an appointed member of a Board or Commission. Your commitment of time
and talent is a very important contribution to our community.
The work done by citizens who serve on Boards and Commissions is a vital part of our
city government. Board and Commission members assist the City Council in setting public
'r policy, implementing public policy and in communicating that policy to the community as a
whole.
In recognition of the important civic commitment members of Boards and Commissions
have made, we have prepared this orientation handbook to assist members in performing their
duties.
It is our hope that your service to the City of La Porte will be both rewarding and
iEulfilling. Again, thank you for your wiIlin�ness to serve.
,Sincerely,
Norman L. Malone
0 Mayor
P.O. Box 1115 - La Porte, Texas 77572-1115 - (281) 471-5020
23.3
CITY OF LA PORTE
APPLICATION FOR CITY BOARDS / COMMISSIONS
NOTE: As an applicant for a City Board or Commission, your name, address and phone
number will be available to the press and the public. All other information will remain
confidential. You will be contacted before any action is taken on your appointment.
Incumbents whose terms expire are automatically considered for reappointment, upon
request. A member who is absent for more than 25 % of called meetings, for other than
medical reasons, will be subject to removal by City Council. Final decisions on
appointment and reappointment of members of Boards and Commissions rests with the
City Council. APPLICANT MUST BE A CITIZEN OF THE UNITED STATES; A
RESIDENT OF THE CITY OF LA PORTE; AND A QUALIFIED VOTER IN
THE CITY OF LA PORTE. MEMBERS OF THE PLANNING AND ZONING
COMMISSION MUST ALSO BE RESIDENTS OF ONE OF THE CITY
COUNCIL DISTRICTS FROM WHICH THEY ARE APPOINTED.
Please me or print clearly DATE:
Name: Phone (H)
Last First M1 (* )
Address:
City: State/Zip Code:
11D Are you a registered voter in the La Porte City limits?: Y or N
Did you vote in the last City election?: Y or N
Please indicate your preference by number. 1-2-3. etc._
ADVISORY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
Airport Advisory Board
Fire Code Review Committee
DECISION MAKING BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
Planning and Zoning Commission
Zoning Board of Adjustment
Civil Service Commission
SEPARATE LEGAL ENTITIES
La Porte Area Water Authority
I the undersigned am interested in serving on one of the above Boards / Commissions
ias indicated.
Signature of Applicant Date
23.4
0
BACKGROUND
EDUCATION
INSTT 71ON CITY AND STATE I DATE LAST ATTENDED MAJOR
Professional Background:
Community Activities / Hobbies:
References
1.
2.
3.
(include address and phone number)
Additional Pertinent Information:
Goals / Objectives:
Attachments: YES _�10
You are welcome to attach additional information, such as, resumes, letters, certifications, etc. that further
describe your professional and personal background.
Please return this form and any attachments to:
City of La Porte
City Secretary's Office
PO Box 1115
LaPorte, Texas 77572-1115
23.5
0 TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER I. DEFINITIONS AND LEGAL LIABILITY Page Number
Section 1 Boards & Commissions Defined .................................. I
Section 2 Advisory Commission & Boards.................................1
Section 3. Decision Making Boards & Commissions ...................... I
Section 4. Separate Legal Entities.............................................2
Section 5. Legal Liability of Members........................................2
BOARD AND COW IISSION
APPOINTMENT PROCESS
Section 1. How Board & Commission Members are Appointed .........3
Section 2. Notice of Appointment ............................................. 3
Section 3. Eligibility and Qualifications......................................3
Section 4. Oath of Office........................................................4
CHAPTER III. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE MEMBERS OF
BOARDS AND CONLNIISSIONS
�! Section 1. Conflicts of Interest ................................................. 4
Section 2. Open Meetings Act..................................................6
Section 3. Open Records Act ................................................... 7
Section 4. Meeting Attendance ................................................. 8
Section 5. Working with City Staff............................................8
Section 6. Reporting to the City Council .....................................8
CHAPTER IV. MEETINGS
Section 1. Role of the Chairman...............................................9
Section 2. The Agenda...........................................................9
Section 3. Robert's Rules of Order............................................9
Section 4. Public Hearings......................................................9
Section 5. Quorum ..................
Section 6. Signing of the Minutes.............................................10
APPENDIX A Description of Boards and Commission ........................11
APPENDIX B Boards and Commissions
Having Eligibility Requirements.................................13
APPENDIX C Reference Table to Robert's Rules of Order...................15
23.6
•
is
11
CHAPTER I
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
creati-. -- 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 CONLNIISSIONS
Name Members Term(vears) Expiring
Members per vear
Airport Advisory Board 7 Regular 3 years 2
2 Advisory 3 years -
Fire Code Review Committee 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 -Malang 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.
1 23.7
DECISION MAILING BOARDS AND COMIIISSIONS
Name
Members
Terms (years)
Expiring
Members oer vear
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
is
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:
Name Members Terms (years) Expiring
Number per year
La Porte Area Water Authority 5 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 no or little 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 S 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 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
2
23.8
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.
'i 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 a officer illegally
discriminates against an individual. A City and its officers, as a governmental entity, must treat all
individuals 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 statues.
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 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.
BOARD AND COMNIISSION APPOEVni TENT PROCESS
Section I How Board and Commission Members are Appointed The La Porte City Council
makes all of the appointments to the 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.
3 23.9
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
I� 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
"I, 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 ordinances 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 lII
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE NEMBERS OF BOARDS AND CON IISSIONS
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-MAXING BOARDS
IDENTIFIED IN "CHAPTER I" 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.
4
23.10
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 a surety for a business entity that has work, business, or a contract with the
governmental entity; or
acts as surety on any official bond requirement of an officer of the governmental entity.
b. An offense under this section is i 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 rile,
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.
5 23.11
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 may not 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 a action involving a
conflict of interest would not have passed file 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 take 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.
6 23.12
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 Meetings Act, does 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 recording must be preserved for at least two years.
2.7 Penalties. A fine of not less than $100 not 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 in 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/or information 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 or more than $4,000 or confinement 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.
7 23.13
lJ
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 percent (25 %) of the duly called meetings in any
period of twelve consecutive months or absent from more than two (2) 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's 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.
B
23.14
CHAPTER IV
• MEETINGS
Section 1 Role of the 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 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.
0 - 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
9
23.15
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.
0 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.
r�
U
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.
to
23A6
APPENDIX A
Is DESCRIPTION OF BOARDS AND CONEVUSSIONS
ADVISORY BOARDS A_N-D CONLtiIISSIONS
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.
I*
DESCISION NLAKING BOARDS AND CONLNIISSIONS
Planning & 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
Pay
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 Beautification and Conservation Plan
Thoroughfare Plan Public Safety Plan
Utilities Systems Community Facilities Plan
Open Space / Pedestrian System Plan Capital Improvement Program
i i 23.17
Zoning Board of Adjustment - The 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 ENT TIES
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
Is the City Council.
•
12 23.18
APPENDIX B
fa BOARDS AND CONL IISSIONS HAVING ELIGIBILITY REQUIlZETNIENTS
0
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, there are 2 Advisory Members:
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 sic 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 5 members and 2 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:
1. Be of good moral character
2. Be a United States Citizen
3. Be a resident of the municipality who has resided in the municipality for more than
three years.
4. Be over 25 years of age; and
5. 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
13 23.19
Fire Code Review Committee -
ft The Fire Code Review Committee consists of 9 voting members and 3 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 1 member, said member
shall reside in La Porte. The 3 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 confirmation by a
majority of the City Council.
•
14 23.20
•
•
APPENDIX C
Robert's Rules of Order Relating to Motions
MOTION
m
¢
Q
w❑
Qz
0
U
p
0
w
Q
w
m
U
0
C
O
w
U
U) Oj
�>
��_
=
C O
L
m�
E—❑
Z
O
Cn
�
w�Cf
p 0
LLOu_
OQw
=
Z t-
0= Q
T
Adjoum
No
Yes
No
No
I 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
Adcpt-Standing Rules
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes jYeYes
Amend
2
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
I
I Yes
Amend an Amendment
2
YesTN
o7
Yes
Yes
I Yes
Yes
Amend Constitution, By-laws, and Rules of Order
Yes
Yes
Yes
1
3
Yes
Yes
Amend Standing Rules
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
14
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 I
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
L. No
1
7
No
No
15
23.21
Robert's Rules of Order Relating to Motions
0
I•
MOTION
O
ZO
}
o
WO
Wz
o
m
of
o
=LL
LU
o
O
�w
zO
z cn
z
u7
Q
Oz
U
w f
J
p W
U D
w
2
Z
O
cn
W
W
o cn
Q
m
C
w
m
O=
►<
m
Fw.
m Z
w
m
LL
p
W
W
Z
Q
Z
Q
O
W W
U)
:D
E- _
Z) F-
m W
U
U
0
�
00
D_
>
Q
Order, Question of
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
( No
Order, to Make a Special
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
( No
Yes
Yes
Orders of the Day, to Call for
No
( Yes
No
No
Yes
No
( No
Parliamentary Inquire
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
I No
Postpone Definitely (to Certain Time)
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes I
Yes
Postpone Indefinitely
Yes
No
No
8
Yes
Yes
Yes
Previous Question
No
Yes
No
9
No
Yes
Yes
Privilege, to Raise Question of
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
No
Recess, to Take a
6
Yes
Yes
No
Yes I
Yes
Yes
Reconsider 12
10
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Substitute (same as Amend)
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Suspend the Rules
No
Yes
No
No
No
Yes I
Yes
Take from the Table I
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Withdraw
No
Yes
No
1
Yes (
No
Yes
k1m.
23.22
FOOTNOTES TO TABLE OF ROBERT'S RULES OF ORDER
•
1. An affirmative vote on this motion cannot be reconsidered.
2. Undebatable when the motion to be amended, reconsidered, or rescinded is undebatable.
3. Constitutions, By -Laws, 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 question is before the assembly.
7. The objection can be made only when the question is fast introduced, before debate. A
0 2/3 vote must be opposed to the consideration in order to sustain the objection.
s
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.
17 23.23
r1, NI, -I, NI, Nli Ali NI'- Ali ,{/ Nli Nli NIX \I, �I/ NI, NIA' %li iI/ "Le Nli Ali NI,- \1,
7171�z 71�z 71; ,,�z 71; 71; ,1�z 71�z 71�z 71�z 71; 71�z 71�z 71�z 71�z 71�Z ilz
Drl
L—A
t
mil/
�h
/JN
\1/
/IN
\1/
PARTICIPATING WITH TML
CONVENTION
Ali Ali \I, -i, N1, NI, -1, '..1/ \1, \I/ Ali
------------------
/I; �1� ,1� ,1� il� i1; ,1; ,1; ,1; ,1; ,1� �1; 71;
CITY OF LA PORTE
0 TEXAS MUNICIPAL LEAGUE CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION REPORT
SEPTEMBER, 2001
Prepared by Martha A. Gillett, TR.WC
City Secretary's Office
The City Manager created a Marketing Team and has been working closely with this
group over the past several months. One of the items the group discussed was marketing
our City at the Texas Municipal League Annual Conference. The Conference is being
held in Houston this year at the George R. Brown Convention Center, from November 28
through 30, 2001. This City has requested a 10' X 20' corner booth. The City will work
jointly with the Chamber of Commerce to create a successful event that will create a
positive and friendly image of our City. Our goal is to promote our City and encourage
others to visit or relocate to our City should the opportunity arise.
The marketing team has also been working on a short five minute CD featuring the many
fine sites, recreational facilities, museums, fishing/boating, walking trail and cool bay
breezes our City has to offer. The CD will serve as a great marketing tool for this
convention and will also serve many more multiple uses.
City and Chamber staff will be scheduled to work shifts throughout the conference. In
addition, Council will be provided with passes so they may greet visitors as their
schedule allows.
The theme of our booth will blend the nautical, historical and hospitable components
while displaying the civic pride that makes La Porte a unique town.
0
24.1
SYLVAN BEACH
�I,
� CONFERENCE CENTER "�
�I� Ali Ali
,,N ,,� ,,� ,,� ,,� ,,� ,,N ,1".. ,,N ,,N ,1-, i,\ -IN -IN i1-.. i,. i,\ i,., i,\ =1N i1-., ,1\ ,1-*. ,,\ ,1N ,1a
N!i Nli Nli \li -li NO,- Nli Nli Nli -li \►e Ali N,li Nli N.li Ali NO,- Nli -li N1, Nte alr
i,Z 714Z 71�z 71�z 71; ,,�z 71�z 71�z 71�z 71�z 71�z 71; 71; 71; ,,; i,;z i,;z i,;Z iy;z
�!i
Ali
Ali
Ali
Nli
Ali
,,N
Ali
Ali
Ali
Ali
Ali
Ali
Ali
Ali
�I,
Ali
�I,
Ali
Ali
�I,
�1,
Ali
�1,
Ali
Ali
Ali
�I,
No BACKUP FOR THIS ITEIrv.[
Ali
�I,
Ali
,1,
Ali
.1,
.1,
Ali
N1,
,,,
\1,
,,,,%
Ali
�1,
.1,
Ali
Ali
�1,
Ali NI,
,,;z ilc
Ali NI/ Nli NI, �!, �I, �I, �I, �I, �I, �I, �I, �I, �I, mot, \I, NI, \I, \I, NI, \1, NI, Ali NJ/ Nli NI/ Ali
,; ,; ,; i; i; i\ iN i� i� i� i� i; i� i\ i� i� i; i; i� i; i; i; ,; ,� ,� ,� ,;
i l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l t l