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Home My WebLink About1975-03-17 Regular Meeting • MINUTES - REGULAR MEETING OF THE LA PORTE CITY COMMISSION, LA PORTE, TEXAS MARCH 17, 1975 7:00 P.M. MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION PRESENT: Mayor E. A. Thomas, Commissioners C. D. Christensen, I. J. Kibodeaux, A. Uel Price, and C. D. Boyle. MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION ABSENT: None. OTHER CITY OFFICIALS PRESENT: Margie Goyen, City Clerk; Knox Askins, City Attorney; Larry Morton, Director of Public Works; Herb F. Freeman, Chief of Police; Joe Sease, Fire Chief. • OTHER CITY OFFICIALS ABSENT: Larry L. Broussard, Director of Finance, hospitalized. OTHERS PRESENT: Mr. A. J. Busch, Jr., Busch, Hutchison & Assoticates, Inc. PRESIDING: Mayor Thomas + + + 1. CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Thomas called the meeting to order. 2. INVOCATION - The invocation was given by Commissioner Christensen. + + + • Regular Meeting 3/17/75 2 3. COLONEL HEWITT - PROCLAMATION - MINUTEMAN FOR MARCH - Colonel Hewitt was recognized and presented a proclamation, proclaiming the month of March as March Minuteman Month. Mayor Thomas expressed the City's appreciation to have the Air National Guard present and the many things that they have done for the City. Colonel Hewitt introduced his staff and presented the Mayor, Commissioners, and Department Heads a certificate and button making each Guardsmen for the day. + + + • 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - REGULAR MEETING MARCH 3, 1975 - SPECIAL MEETING MARCH 12, 1975 - Motion by Commissioner Price, seconded y Commissioner Kibodeaux to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of March 3, 1975, and the special meeting of March 12, 1975, as presented. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: Commissioners Christensen, Kibodeaux, Price, and Boyle. NAYS: None. + + + 5. APPROVAL OF ACCOUNTS PAYABLE - Motion by Commissioner Kibodeaux, seconded by Commissioner Christensen to approve the accounts payable as presented. A copy is attached and made a part of these minutes. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: Commissioners Christensen, Kibodeaux, Price, and Boyle. NAYS: None. + + + • • • Regular Meeting 3/17/75 3 6. VISITORS WISHING TO ADDRESS THE COMMISSION - Mayor Thomas expressed the appreciation of the Commission for the presence of the visitors. There were no visitors wishing to address the Commission. + + + 7. APPROVE ORDINANCE NO. 780-AA REZONING CERTAIN TRACTS OF LAND IN NORTHERN AREA OF CITY - After the ordinance was read in full, motion by Commissioner Kibodeaux, seconded by Commissioner Christensen to adopt Ordinance No. 780-AA as read. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: Commissioners Christensen, Kibodeaux, Price, and Boyle. NAYS: None. CAPTION: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 780, THE • CITY OF LA PORTE ZONING ORDINANCE, BY CHANGING THE CLASSIFICATION OF THAT CERTAIN PARCEL OF LAND HEREIN DESCRIBED; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF. + + + 8. CONSIDER AWARDING BID FOR AUXILIARY TRUCK FOR RESCUE EQUIPMENT - Upon the recommendation of the Fire Chief, motion by Commissioner Kibodeaux, seconded by Commissioner Price to award the bid for an auxiliary truck for rescue equipment to Lumus Baytown Dodge in the amount of $5,490.00 plus $58.26 for mud and snow tires. A total bid of $5,548.26. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: Commissioners Christensen, Kibodeaux, Price, and Boyle. NAYS: None. + + + • • • • REGULAR MEETING 3/17/75 g 9. CONSIDER AWARDING BID FOR RADAR UNIT - Upon the recom- mendation of the Chief of Police, motion by Commissioner Kibodeaux, seconded by Commissioner Price to award the bid for a radar unit to Kustoms Signals, Inc., for an HR-8 Radar in the amount of $1,385.00. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: Commissioners Christensen, Kibodeaux, Price, and Boyle. NAYS: None. + + + ~J 10. RATIFY CHANGE ORDER FOR JOB NO. 74-1132 - SANITARY SEWER EXTENSION, SPUD 501 IN THE AMOUNT OF $20,142.95 FOR TOTAL CONTRACT PRICE OF 241,632.37,- Motion by Commissioner Christensen, seconded by Commissioner Kibodeaux, to ratify change order for Job No. 74-1132 - Sanitary Sewer Extension, Spur 501 in the amount of $20,142.95 for total contract price of $241,632.37. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: Commissioners Christensen, Kibodeaux, Price, and Boyle. NAYS: None. + + + 11. CONSIDER GROUP INSURANCE - After much discussion, motion by Commissioner Kibodeaux, seconded by Commissioner Boyle that the City pay the increased amount of premium for the insurance and remain with the Blue Cross - Blue Shield Insurance Company. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: Commissioners Christensen, Kibodeaux, Price, and Boyle. NAYS: None. + + + • • • Regular Meeting 3/17/75 5 12. CONSIDER RESOLUTION ENTERING INTO AGREEMENT WITH CRIMINAL JUSTICE COUNCIL ON A GRANT FOR A JUVENILE SERVICE BUREAU - Upon the recommendation of the Chief of Police, motion by Commissioner Kibodeaux, seconded by Commissioner Christensen to approve Resolution No. 75-2 entering into an agreement with the Criminal Justice Council on a grant for a Juvenile Service Bureau. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: Commissioners Christensen, Kibodeaux, Price, and Boyle. NAYS: None. + + + 13. CORRESPONDENCE - Mayor Thomas read the following correspondence: A. A letter from City of Houston, David F. Webb, Director Public Service Department, dated March 14, 1975, regarding Houston Pipe Line Company, subsidiary of Houston Natural • Gas Corporation proposed rate increase, and inviting representatives of the City to attend a meeting on March 25, 1975. A copy of said letter is attached and made a part of these minutes. After a brief discussion, motion by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner Christensen, to authorize the City Attorney to attend the meeting. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: Commissioners Christensen, Kibodeaux, Price, and Boyle. NAYS: None. + + + CORRESPONDENCE - B. - A letter from Commissioner Tom Bass, dated March 13, 1975, requesting a meeting to discuss mutual interest items, to be held April 16, 1975. A copy of said letter is attached and made a part of these minutes. CORRESPONDENCE - C. - A press release dated March 11, 1975, stating that Tom C. Simons had been selected by General Electric Foundation to receive the 1975 Gerald L. Phillippe Award for distinguished public service. A copy of said letter • is attached and made a part of these minutes. u • Regular Meeting 3/17/75 6 CORRESPONDENCE - C (Continued) Mayor Thomas stated that this was certainly an honor for the City of La Porte, to have someone like Tom Simons and then receive this award. After a brief discussion, motion by Commissioner Kibodeaux, seconded by Commissioner Boyle to have an award plaque made and present to Tom Simons in appreciation. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: Commissioners Christensen, Kibodeaux, Price, and Boyle. NAYS: None. + + + There was a brief discussion regarding mass transit and tr~ring to get the port commission increased in number. • + + + 14. DISCUSSION OF DEPARTMENT PROJECTS - Mr. Busch informed the Eommission of the E.P.A. reimbursement for the sewer grant, and that work had not yet begun on the water well. Work should begin within the next ten days. ZONING MAP - After a brief discussion, motion by Commissioner Kibodeaux, seconded by Commissioner Price to authorize the City Engineer to update the City-Zoning Map. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: Commissioners Christensen, Kibodeaux, Price, and Boyle. NAYS: None. + + + • • Regular Meeting 3/17/75 7 15. ADJOURNMENT - Motion by Commissioner Kibodeaux, seconded by Commissioner Price that the meeting adjourn. Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: Commissioners Christensen, Kibodeaux, Price, and Boyle. NAYS: None. The meeting adjourned at 8:20 P.M. ~ ~5~~~~J ,~-,~d,~ Margie Goyen, City Clerk Passed and approved this the 7th day of April, 1975. • `''' E. A. Thomas, Mayor • • ~ SCI-iEDULE OF ACCOUNTS PAYABLE Submitted for approval at the. March 17, 1975, Meeting, City Council 7:00 P. M. CREDITOR DESCRIPTION A~`10L'NT Adler Auto Parts Parts $ 819.76 Admiral Liner. Service Cleaning 285.94 Ad Valorem Records, Inc. Service 604.22 Allen $ Kerber Parts, Inc. Parts 64.81 Allied Equipment Co. Supplies 330.40 American Telephone ~ Telegraph Co. Service 97.60 Knox iV. Askins Service 847.00 Astex Pipe Cleaning Corporation Service 102.50 Bay Plumbing Supply Co. Supplies 15.33 Bayshore Lumber Co. Supplies 513.37 Bayshore Municipal Utility District Service 31.32 Eayshore Sun Service 154.20 Baytown Communications, Inc. Service 243.60 bbie's Cafe Prisoner Meals 77.75 own ~ Root, Inc. Type "D" HMAC 1,288.00 Coastal A/C ~ Htg. Co. Service 175.00 Compton's Flower Drum Service 48.93 Cornelius Cleaners Laundry Service 6.58 James iV. Crate Service 176.92 Daily Court Review Service 168.30 Dr. Nelson E. Dunn Service 21.00 Dyna-hied, Inc. Supplies 112.83 Eagle Pipe $ Supply Co.,Inc. Supplies 99.60 Ben Franklin Supplies 21.89 Gibson Discount Garden Center Supplies 8.07 Golden Triangle Auto Clinic Service Service 16.00 Gulf Oil Corporation Gasoline 1,306.45 Houston Lighting ~ Power Co. Service 2,564.57 Houston Welding Supply Co.,Inc. Supplies 13.50 Hughes Office Supply Supplies 575.51 Hunter Chemicals, Inc. Supplies 81.00 I~eda Linen Service Laundry 7.42 Limns -hi downe ody Co.,Inc. Parts 20.35 La Porte Hardware Co.,Inc. Supplies 411.44 La Porte Lumber Co.,Inc. Supplies 18.36 Lumus Baytown Dodge, Inc. Service 46.02 Lunday's Shell Service Service 8.60 Mainland Tire ~ Appliance Co. Service 12.06 Minnesota Mining ~ Mfg. Co. Supplies 247.08 Northwest Sweeping Service Service 488.00 Oxford Chemicals Supplies 148.78 ~iffer-Gambrell, Inc. Service 294.10 Polker Welding Co. Service 5.75 Rohan Co. Supplies 526.05 Safety Lights Co. Service 11.00 Seabrook Tool Rental Rental 8.00 Sharp Grain Co. Supplies 50.02 Southwestern Bell Telephone Co. Service 1,560.45 Standard Coffee Service Co. Supplies 67.82 Stephens-Baker Insurance Insurance 54.92 • • • Page 2 Accounts Payable March 17, 1975 CREDITOR DESCRIPTION AMOUNT Texas Crushed Stone Co. Supplies $ 4,027.82 Texas Marine ~, Industrial Supply Co. Supplies 61.37 G. A. Thompson Co. Supplies 196.50 Tri-City Exterminating Co. Service 14.00 PJalker's Sand Co. Sand 226.80 Waukesha-Pearce Industries Generator 999.16 West Chemical Products, Inc. Rental 40.90 Worthington Ice Maker Rentals Rental 40.00 M. H. PJyatt, M. D. Service 15.00 Xerox Corporation Rental 141.28 • r~ L • o~ HOUSTON FRED HOFHEINZ, MAYOR HOUSTON, TEXAS 77001 March 14, 1975 Honorable Mayor: LARRY MCKASKLE JUDSON ROBINSON, JR. JAMES J. MCCONN HOMER L. FORD FRANK O. MANCUSO JIM WESTMORELAND FRANK E. MANN JOHNNY GOYEN CONTROLLER LEONEL J. CASnLLo Please pardon this form letter, but the urgency of this matter requires us to send notice as quickly as possible. As you know, Houston Pipe Line Company, wholly owned subsidiary of Houston Natural Gas Corporation which serves our cities, has applied to the Railroad Commission for an increase in their city gate rate. The increase would be from 75.4¢ to an immediate increase of $1.15 (a 52% increase), with provi- sions for 100% pass through of additional costs (compared to the current 65%), which will probably drive the cost of gas up to $1.90 at the city gate rate eventually. In fact, Houston Pipe Line personne] have testified their • gas cost will be $1.40 per Mcf by July, 1975. The City of Houston appeared on March 10 and 11, 1975 to protest the rate increase. The City of Lake Jackson, through its City Attorney, also made an appearance on March 10 and made a statement in protest. We believe there are substantial questions concerning Houston Pipe Line's application. Jonathan Day, City Attorney of Houston, and I conducted clarifying examination of the eleven witnesses presented by Houston Pipe Line in their direct case. We were also able to get the Railroad Commission to postpone cross-examination and any direct case put on by the City of Houston (or any other city) until April 2, 1975. Accordingly, the City of Houston is preparing a case for presentation on that date and we would like to inform you of our progress and have the benefit of your comments. We would like to meet with you, or a representative of your city, on March 25, 9 a.m.,in the Conference Room 4100A, 4th floor,-City Hall Annex, Bagby at Walker Streets, Houston, Texas. Your participation in this matter for the possible purpose of your city filing a statement with the Railroad Commission or jnterven~ng in this case in the interest of your city is urgen•~ly requested.•' Since>~ely, • David F. Webb, Director Public Service Department DFW/ah DAVID F. WEBH Director Public Service Department AA • ... 1()i3l:lir 4a,tU1~~a (~r~CI#3 i/ FAMILY LAW CENTER • ~ IIIB CONGRESS Av E. 4[13ItIIIti~$tDitrrt~ C~IIKaI .! ~. NOUSTON.TE%AS 77002 ~Vltt ~~CZ~~ (~atitnti~~i~itrr ~rrrntr# I Maroh ~13, 1975 Mr. Buck Thomas, Mayor City of La Porte 124 South 2nd Street La Porte, Texas Dear Buck: Although your city now lies mostly in Precinct 2, I feel it would still be beneficial for us to get together now and then to discuss items of mutual. interest and concern. • I have continued my practice of setting aside Wednesday afternoons to meet with city officials. I would like to schedule a visit with you and your council members for Wednesday, April 16, 2:30 p.m. Would you please advise my office if this is convenient or if not, what date you would prefer. I will look forward to seeing you. ~' Yours truly, ~, ~~'~- Tom Bass TB:NG:af PRESS RFT~FISE MAR(,~i 11, 1975 TACAL MAN' 5 PUBLIC SERVICE GAIN5 NATICY~iAI+ REO3C~T1fiI0N C Tan C. Simans has been selected by the General Electric Foundation as a recipient of the 1975 Gerald L. Phillippe Award for distinguished public service. Torn is a Logistics Specialist at the Johnson Space Center with 'the Houston Operat~.ons oacq~onent of the General Electric Space Division. Mr. Simons was named fortis long ccnunitment in providing emergency medical care in LaPorte, Texas. One of the first in this area to qualify as an emergency medical technician, he has instructed over 200 volunteers as teci~ni.cians and in cardiopulimnary resuscitation. He is a volunteer driver and technician for the Laporte Emergency Ambulance Service and a manber of the Volunteer Fire Depart~e-nt and Rescue Unit. Each summer he takes a week of vacation to instruct Texas firemen in these skills. He has also spent over 2000 hours as a volunteer in,the emeSgency roan of the Gulf Coast Hospital. Tan joins four other award recipients who were chosen fratt airong $2 nominees sutmi.tted by operating components of the General Electric Canpany, representing over 400,000 employees throughout the world. The five winners will receive the Phillippe medallion and will have the opportunity to select a charity fora $1,000 grant fran the General Electric Foundation. They bring tQ 30 the nu-nber of winners of the Phillippe Award in its six years of existence. Other winnexs were William E. Emerson, West Lynn, Mass.; Brady Ervin, Nashville, Tenn.; Charles E. Leonard, Burlington, Vt.; and Lewis Woods, Jr., Hickory, N.C. Ca~tact: Warren D. Tripp Relations Representative General. Electric Ocmpany Space Division 1830 NASA Boulevard P. 0. Box 58408 Houston, Texas 77058 phone: 332-4511, ext. 368 CC ~ ~cz~J~u~-z~' .~t~