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Home My WebLink About1981-12-16 Regular Meeting CJ MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE LA PORTE CITY COUNCIL DECEMBER 16, 1981 1. Mayor Meza called the meeting to order at 6:55 P.M. Mayor Meza requested a brief executive session to discuss a legal matter. Motion was made by Councilperson Simons to adjourn into execu- tive session. Seconded by Councilperson Skelton. The Council retired to executive session at 6:55 P.M. Council returned to the Council table at 7:05 P.M. Members of the City Council Present: Mayor Meza, Council- . persons Norman Malone, John Longley, Gus Faris, Tom Simons, Deotis Gay, Don Skelton, Linda Westergren Members of the City Council Absent: None Members of the City Staff Present: City Attorney Knox Askins, City Secretary Betty T. Waters, Police Chief H. F. Freeman, Public Works Director Jerry Hodge, Fire Chief Joe Sease, Fire Marshal Paul Hickenbottom, Engineering Department Head John Joerns. Others Present in the Council Chambers: There were 13 citi- zens present; Betsy Webber of the Bayshore Sun; Frieda Beaty of the Baytown Sun; and Mr. Jack Owens. 2. The invocation was given by City Attorney Knox Askins. 3. City Council considered the minutes of the Regular Meeting of the La Porte City Council held December 2, 1981, and Special Called Meetings held December 8, 1981, and December 14, 1981. Motion was made by Councilperson Skelton to approve the minutes of the December 2, December 8, and December 14 meetings. Faris: Mr. Mayor, I'll second the motion, but I have a com- ment. Prior to Council Action, under item No. 6, there are • some comments that are left out of that paragraph that I made • Minutes, Regular Meeting, La Porte City Council December 16, 1981, Page 2 prior to making the motion on the resolution opposing the establishment of the hazardous waste disposal operation. They were left out between "those types of businesses should not be welcomed to the community" and there's some stuff mis- sing in the next sentence. There's about two or three other things left out. They have the same meaning as everything else in the paragraph, so I have no problem with accepting the minutes as they are. Meza: Do you want to amend your motion to accept the minutes? Skelton: Yes, with these comments. Meza: All in favor of accepting the minutes of the Regular Meeting of December 2, 1981, and the Special Called Meetings of December 8 and December 14 and the comments by Council- person Faris please answer "aye". The motion carried, 8 ayes and 0 nays. • Ayes: Councilpersons Malone, Longley, Faris, Simons, Gay, Skelton, Westergren and Mayor Meza Nays: None 4. City Attorney Askins read: AN ORDINANCE REQUIRING THE HOUSTON LIGHTING AND POWER COMPANY TO FILE MODIFIED RATE SCHEDULES TO BE CHARGED IN THE CITY OF LA PORTE, TEXAS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE FOR SUCH RATE SCHEDULES; PROVIDING CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH SUCH RATE SCHEDULES MAY BE CHANGED, MODIFIED, AMENDED OR WITHDRAWN; CONTAINING FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RE- LATED TO THE SUBJECT; REPEALING ANY OTHER ORDINANCES OR PART OR PARTS THEREOF WHICH MAY BE IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND DE- CLARING AN EMERGENCY. A motion was made by Councilperson Faris to approve and accept Ordinance No. 1293 as read by the City Attorney. Seconded by Councilperson Westergren. The motion carried, 8 ayes and 0 nays. Ayes: Councilpersons Malone, Longley, Faris, Simons, Gay, Skelton, Westergren and Mayor Meza Nays: None 5. Council considered a recommendation by Fire Chief Joe 5ease concerning bids received on aerial apparatus. There were three bids received on November 23, 1981, as follows: • • Minutes, Regular Meeting, La Porte City Council December 16, 1981, Page 3 Company Pierce Manufacturing Readi-Tower Corp. Sutphen Corp. Price $282,860.00 315,995.00 346,142.00 Delivery Time 300-365 days 365 days 365-420 days Sease stated the low bidder's bid is not acceptable under our specifications. Of the other two bids, the high bid from Sutphen Corporation is the better bid. I feel the difference in price is offset by their equipment's superior capabilities. Sutphen more closely meets our specifications. Sutphen will post a performance bond with the City if awarded the bid, therefore I recommend the bid be awarded to Sutphen Corpora- tion in the amount of $346,142.00. • Amotion was made by Councilperson Simons to accept the recom- mendation of Fire Chief Sease and award the bid for aerial apparatus to Sutphen Corporation in the amount of 346,142.00 with delivery time 365 to 420 days and a performance bond posted with the City. Seconded by Councilperson Malone. The motion carried, 8 ayes and 0 nays. Ayes: Councilpersons Malone, Longley, Faris, Simons, Gay, Skelton, Westergren and Mayor Meza Nays: None 6. Council considered the recommendation of Fire Chief Sease concerning bids received for 1000 feet of 4-inch fire hose. Bids were received on November 23, 1981, from two vendors as follows: Fire Fox Corp. Halprin Supply Co. $5,300.00 5,400.00 Sease recommended the bid be awarded to the low bidder, Fire Fox Corporation in the amount of $5,300.00. This is a budget item, and is within the amount budgeted for this item. A motion was made submitted by Fire the bid 5,300.00 ncilperson Ayes: Councilpersons Malone, Longley, Faris, Simons, Gay, • Skelton, Westergren and Mayor Meza Nays: None Malone. The motion carried, 8 ayes and 0 nays. • • Minutes, Regular Meeting, La Porte City Council December 16, 1981, Page 4 7. Council considered Fire Chief Sease's recommendation concerning bids received for a 4-wheel drive vehicle for Fire Department use. The bids received on November 23, 1981, .were as follows: Timmers Chevrolet, Inc. $13,384.29 Joe Camp Ford, Inc. 14,239.78 Chief Sease recommended the bid be awarded Timmers Chevrolet, Inc., for the amount of is a budgeted item and adequate funds were this bid. 65 day delivery 30-90 day delivery to the low bidder, $13,384.29. This budgeted to meet A motion was made by Councilperson Simons to award the bid for a 4-wheel drive vehicle for Fire De artment use to Timmers Chevrolet, Inc., in the amount of 13,384.29. Seconded by Councilperson. Gay. The motion carried, 8 ayes and 0 nays. Ayes: Councilpersons Malone, Longley, Faris, Simons, Gay, ,Skelton, Westergren and Mayor Meza Nays: None • 8. Mayor Meza stated he had been unable to contact the person he would like to recommend for the remaining member of the La Porte Area Water Authority Board. This member will be the person living within the Authority's jurisdiction but outside the corporate limits of the City of La Porte. I would like to ask if this will in any way impair the election or the processes of this Authority? Askins: No, none whatsoever. Skelton: At this time I would make a motion to table this matter of the appointment of Director, Position 1, to the La Porte Area Water Authority. Simons: I second the motion. Faris: Mr. Mayor, prior to tabling this item or possibly as a separate issue from tabling this item, I'd like to, as sug- gested, to get Mr. Anderson to serve as an advisor on this Board. Meza: I think we can consider that at the same time as we name this other director. Westergren: Can we do that? • Faris: Do them together? ~ ~ • Minutes, Regular Meeting, La Porte City Council December 16, 1981, Page 5 Meza: Yes. We have all the other members on there. Faris: That's fine. Meza: I have a motion to table and a second. All in favor? Ayes: Councilpersons Malone, Longley, Faris, Simons, Gay, Skelton, Westergren and Mayor Meza Nays: None 9. Council considered a recommendation from the Director of Parks and Recreation Stan Sherwood, concerning an offer by Mr. Red Westen to donate to the City a portable building for use as a girls softball concession stand. Sherwood recommended the City accept the portable building as offered and appropriate $5,500.00 from the General Fund Con- tingency to refurbish the building (bring it up to Code) and relocate the building on the girls softball field. • A motion was made by Councilperson Skelton to accept the portable buildin donated by Mr. Westen and a ro riate 5,500.00 from the General Fund Contingency for refurbishi the building. Seconded by Councilperson Gay. The motion carried, 8 ayes and 0 nays. Ayes: Councilpersons Malone, Longley, Faris, Simons, Gay, Skelton, Westergren and Mayor Meza Nays: .None 10. Council considered a lease agreement with Swann Technical Services, Inc., for a parking lot immediately north of 125 South Third. City Attorney Askins read the lease to those present and asked if it met with Council's approval. Council was in agreement. Askins asked if it, the lease, met with Mr. Edward F. Swann's approval. Mr. Swann stated it did and that he had a check for the first six months' lease he would like to present. Motion was made by Councilperson Faris to authorize the Mayor • and City Secretary to sign the lease agreement as read on be- half of the City of La Porte. Seconded by Councilperson Longley. The motion carried, 8 ayes and 0 nays. i • • Minutes, Regular Meeting, La Porte City Council December. l6, 1981, Page 6 Ayes: .Councilpersons Malone, Longley, Faris,. Simons, Gay, .Skelton, Westergren and Mayor-Meza Nays: None 11. Administrative Reports: Police Chief Freeman advised the Council he had prepared his recommendation concerning bids received December. 7, 1981, for five (5) patrol vehicles as follows: Joe Camp Ford, Inc. $9,988.03 Timmers Chevrolet, Inc. 9,558.85 Chief Freeman stated both vendors therefore recommends the bid be a' Chevrolet, Inc., in the amount of budgeted item. per unit per unit meet the warded to $47,794.; $49,940.15 total 47,794.25 total specifications. He low bidder, Timmers Z5. This is a A motion was made b Councilperson Malone to accept the low bid of Timmers Chevrolet, Inc., in the amount of 47,794.25 • for five (5) patrol vehicles. Seconded by Councilperson Simons. The motion carried, 8 ayes and 0 nays. Ayes: Councilpersons Malone, Longley, Faris, Simons, Gay, Skelton, Westergren and Mayor Meza Nays: None At this time, Mayor Meza stated the Council should take under consideration the offer extended to Mr. Jack Owens to come to the City to fill the vacant position of City Manager. I would .like at this time to entertain a motion to employ Jack Owens as-the City Manager of the City of La Porte. Motion was made by Councilperson Faris to employ Jack Owens as City Manager. Seconded by Councilperson Simons. The motion carried, 8 ayes and 0 nays. Ayes: Councilpersons Malone, Longley, Faris, Simons, Gay, Skelton, Westergren and Mayor Meza Nays: None Meza: I believe Mr. Owens is here, our new City Manager. Would you stand up, please, and let the folks meet you? Owens: Mayor, I want to thank you and the Council for the confidence you have placed in me. Things have been moving a • little fast for me this week, and I haven't had time to pre- pare a speech. • • • Minutes, Regular Meeting, La Porte City Council December 16, 1981, Page 7 Malone: Mr. Owens, here you are supposed to approach the mike and give your name and address before making any state- ments. Owens: I didn't realize your rules and regulations. I would make one comment Mayor, if I may. I should hope all your Council meetings would be this short. Having been in the business for 33 years, I don't think they will be. Westergren: You are exactly right. Meza: There are times they are not. Westergren: Like most of the time. Faris: And they may not be yet tonight. 12. Council Action: Malone: I just wanted to say that as I was coming through • town, someone blew out one of the candles on First Street, Jerry. Longley: I would like to welcome Jack to the City and tell him to watch out for the tigers. Faris: Mr. Owens, it's nice to have you, and I am very glad you accepted our offer. Mr. Mayor, I would like to have an executive session on two personnel matters. I'd also like to comment that someone took my box of extra action Tide. My soap box is missing and I would like for the minutes to reflect that I would like to have it returned, but will afford the expense to go down and get another one. Skelton: Let the minutes reflect it will be a short speech tonight. Simons: I would like an executive session on a contractural matter. Gay: I would like to welcome Mr. Owens and also the wonderful citizens who have taken time to come to me, and I want to say I am grateful for the opportunity to serve. May God bless you, and Merry Christmas. Skelton: Jack, we welcome you into this group with the City • of La Porte, and we are looking forward to great things. I know the Mayor will be pleased to get rid of some of the work r ~_ • Minutes, Regular Meeting, La Porte City Council December 16, 1981, Page 8 he has been required to do during this interim period of playing City Manager while being the Mayor. We do welcome you, and I want to wish all the citizens of La Porte a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I'm doing that because I won't be here anymore until after the first. Westergren: Jack, I also want to welcome you. We are very glad to have you come join us. I am sincerely moved by your taking our offer, because I believe you will be a benefit to our City. I am very proud to have you aboard. Merry Christ- mas, everybody. Simons: Jack, I don't want to be left out - welcome on board, and also I wish all the citizens of La Porte a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Make the last one coffee. Meza: Jack will start his new position on January 25, 1982. We are happy to have him here. By the. way, I wasn't playing; I took the job of Acting City Manager very seriously. • Skelton: I apologize for that. I had to get back for some- thing you did to me earlier. Meza: We have Mr. David Spangler here to make a presentation for Cablevision. Mr. David Spangler, President of Houston division of Harte- Hanks Cablevision spoke to Council concerning the progress being made towards La Porte cablevision. He stated construc- tion is 95 percent complete. He projected a turn on for the first sections of town to be in January 1982. As the areas become ready, they will go door to door with packets to advise the customer of the service available and charges. We antici- pate completion of the entire City area in the first quarter of 1982. Spangler answered some questions from the Council and those present in the Chambers. Faris asked that those persons going door to door to inform the public of the Cablevision services be very well identified. 13. There being no further questions we will adjourn into an executive session on two personnel matters and a legal matter. The Council retired into executive session at 7:45 P.M. The Council returned to the Council table at 8:35 P.M. • • ~J • Minutes, Regular Meeting, La Porte City Council December 16, 1981, Page 9 14. There being no further action to be taken by the Council, the meeting was duly adjourned at 8:35 P.M. Respectfully submitted; ' etty Waters City Secretary Passed and Approved this the 6th day of January, 1982 J. J. Meza, Mayor • • •" • RESOLUTION NO. 81- 27 A RESOLUTION OPPOSING ESTABLISHMENT OF THE HAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL OPERATION (WASTE MANAGEMENT INDUSTRIAL PARK) WHICH GULF COAST WASTE DISPOSAL AUTHORITY PROPOSES AT THE INTERSECTION OF RED BLUFF ROAD AND BAY AREA BOULEVARD IN POPULOUS SOUTHEAST HARRIS COUNTY. WHEREAS, the several entities and persons who became parties opposing these same regional hazardous waste management facilities at a location near Ellington Air Force Base opposed that site be- cause of health threats through air and water pollution in heavily populated Southeast Harris County; and WHEREAS, these facilities, if sited at Bayport, pose the same threats to the same population and environment which were posed by the Ellington site proposal; and WHEREAS, in consideration of the long-term responsibility of the City of La Porte officials to the health and safety of current and future generations of people in the City of La Porte; and WHEREAS, the City of La Porte feels that any such facility as proposed should be sited away from populated areas, water-sheds leading to populated areas or areas likely to become populated; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA PORTS, TEXAS THAT, the City of La Porte, Texas, opposes the proposed site location and desires to become a party in all administrative hear- ings of matters relative to Gulf Coast Waste Disposal Authority's Bayport site and join other parties in opposing all permits for said proposed facilities. • AND IT IS SO ORDERED. PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS the 2nd day of December, 1981. J. ,T. Meza, Mayor ATTEST: Betty T. Waters, City Secretary Dl • The Light CO~Lp3l1y Houston Lighting & Power P. O. Box 597 Seabrook, Texas 77586 (713) 474-4151 December 8, 1981 Honorable Mayor ~ City Council City of La Porte, Texas Gentlemen: It is our understanding that the City Council has on its agenda a rate ordinance that would authorize Houston Lighting ~ Power Company to place in effect within the City of La Porte rates identical to those approved on October I5, 1981 by the Public Utility Commission of Texas in Docket No. 3955. At the present time HL1;P has pending before the Commission appeals from the action • of several municipalities authorizing rates different from those approved by the Commission. In an appeal involving the City of Houston the Company has already been authorized to make effective in Houston the Commission approved rates. This letter constitutes the commitment of HL~P to the City of La Porte that HL~P will substitute any lower rate finally approved by the PUC for any other municipality pursuant to HL~P's rate filing of July 6, 1981, the appeals therefrom in lieu of the rates previously approved in Docket No. 3955 when any such lower rates shall become final and no longer subject to judicial review. We appreciate your cooperation in this matter. Sincerely yours, HOUSTON LIGHTING POWER COMPANY Gvywr - James L. Wyatt~~~~` District Manager JLW/jm • • • MEMORANDUM November 24, 1981 TO: Mayor and City Council FROM: Planning and Zoning Commission SUBJECT: Request for Rezoning of a 10-Acre Tract at Highway 225 and Highway 146 from Commercial to Industrial - Bruce Angel Planning and Zoning met on November 23, 1981, to consider a request from Mr. Bruce Angel regarding his ten-acre tract bounded by Highway 146, Highway 225, Strang Road, and the Southern Pacific Railroad. A drainage ditch divides the tract into two (2) parts, the larger of which has been in use as a container yard prior to the effective date of Ordinance 780-~(~X The remainder of the property to the north consists of approximately 12 acres, and Mr. Angel wishes to lease this for container storage, also. Access to both portions of the property would be from Strang Road. Planning and Zoning requests a joint public hearing to con- sider this request. Our preliminary recommendation is to rezone the entire 10-acre tract from Commercial to Industrial, with a Special Use permit under Ordinance 780)(XX to allow for container storage and truck terminal, and providing a minimum five (5) foot green belt with screening shrubbery along public street frontage. Respectfully, ~~T Pat Mus n, Chairman PM/cb ORDINANCE NO. ~~ AN ORDINANCE REQUIRING THE HOUSTON LIGHTING & POWER COMPANY TO FILE MODIFIED RATE SCHEDULES TO BE CHARGED IN THE CITY OF LA PORTE, TEXAS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE FOR SUCH RATE SCHEDULES; PROVIDING CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH SUCH RATE SCHEDULES MAY BE CHANGED, MODIFIED, AMENDED OR WITHDRAWN; CONTAINING FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT; REPEALING ANY OTHER ORDINANCE OR PART OR PARTS THEREOF WHICH MAY BE IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. WHEREAS, on July 6, -1981, Houston Lighting & Power Company (HL&P) filed with the City of La Porte a request for an increase in rates to be charged within the City in the amount of $248 mil- lion per year on a system-wide basis; and WHEREAS, the City suspended the effective date of such pro - posed rate increase for 120 days beyond August 10,.1981; and . WHEREAS, the City Council, having reviewed the Company's rate filing package and supporting testimony as well as the Final Order of October 15, 1981 of the Public Utility Commission. of Texas re- garding the same rate application in Docket No. 3955,. is of the opinion that a lesser increase in rates should be approved by HL&P; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds that. the total increase ap- proved by the Final Order in Docket No. 3955 will provide revenues that are adequate to the Company and will result in rates that are just and reasonable to both customers and the Company; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA PORTE: Section 1. That the City Council of the City of La Porte or- • ders the Houston Lighting & Power Company to file rate schedules to be effective within the City of La Porte identical to those rate schedules filed with and approved by the Public Utility Com- mission of Texas pursuant to the Commission's Final Order in Docket No. 3955. Section 2. The rates set forth on such rate schedules are those under which said Company shall be authorized to render elec- . tric service and to collect charges from its customers for the sale .. _ i ~ Ordinance No. Page 2 of electric power and energy within the City of La Porte until such time as said rate schedules may be changed, modified, amended or withdrawn as provided by law, but shall not be in excess of rates approved by the Public Utility Commission for any other municipality pursuant to the rate filing of HL&P on July 6, 1981. Section 3. The rate schedules filed by Houston Lighting & Power Company shall be effective from and after final passage of this ordinance and shall apply to each customer of HL&P within the City of La Porte for electricity consumed after the date of filing with the City, and may not be charged for electricity con- sumed prior to such date. • PASSED AND APPROVED at a meeting duly convened by the City Council of the City of La Porte, Texas, this the day of A.D., 1981. CITY OF LA PORTE By J. J. Meza, Mayor ATTEST: City Secretary APPROVED: • City Attorney • ~ ~ • CITY OF LA PORTE INTER-OFFICE MEMORANDUM • T0: MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL y DATE: 12-2-81 FROM: J.L. SEASE, FIRE CHIEF ,f`~ SUBJECT: BIDS FOR AERIAL APPA//RATUS FOR THE .FIRE DEPARTMENT ON NOVEMBER 23, 1981, BIDS WERE RECEIVED FOR AN AERIAL APPARATUS. BIDS WERE SUBMITTED BY THREE VENDORS: COMPANY PRICE DELIVERY TIME PIERCE MANUFACTURING $282,860.00 300-365 DAYS READI-TOWER CORPORATION 315,995.00 365 DAYS SUTPHEN CORPORATION 346,142.00 365-420 DAYS THE LOW BIDDER'S BID IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. UNDER OUR SPECIFICATIONS. OF THE OTHER TWO BIDS, THE HIGHEST BID FROM SUTPHEN CORPORATION IS THE BETTER BID. I FEEL THAT THE DIFFERENCE IN PRICE IS MORE THAN OFFSET BY THEIR EQUIPMENTS SUPERIOR CAPABILITIES.. THEY MORE CLOSELY MATCH OUR SPECIFICATIONS. ALSO, BY BOTH BIDDERS OWN LIST OF PRIOR SALES, SUTPHEN CORPORATION HAS A MUCH HIGHER EXPERIENCE FACTOR. SUTPHEN LISTS 266 AERIAL TOWERS SOLD, MANY TO REPEAT BUYERS, VERSUS 4 BY READI-TOWER. SUTPHEN WILL POST A PERFORMANCE BOND WITH THE CITY IF AWARDED THE BID. THEREFORE, I RECOMMEND THE CITY AWARD THE BID TO SUTPHEN CORPORATION. • • • CITY OF LA PORTE INTER-OFFICE MEMORANDUM • T0: MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL FROM: J.L. SEASE, FIRE CHIEF ~~ SUBJECT: FIRE HOSE BID DATE: 12-2-81 ON NOVEMBER 23, 1981, BIDS WERE RECEIVED FOR 1,000 FEET OF 4-INCH FIRE HOSE. BIDS .WERE SUBMITTED BY TWO VENDORS. FIRE FOX CORP.. $5,.300.00 HALPRIN SUPPLY CO. 5,400.00 I RECOMMEND THE BID BE AWARDED TO THE LOW BIDDER, FIRE FOX CORP. FOR $5,300.00. THIS WAS A BUDGETED ITEM IN THE CURRENT BUDGET AND THE BID IS WITHIN THE BUDGETED AMOUNT. • • • CITY OF LA PORTE INTER-OFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL FROM: J.L. SEASE, FIRE CHIEF /SZ~ SUBJECT: BIDS FOR SUPERVISORS VEHICLE DATE: 12-2-81 ON .NOVEMBER 23, 1981, BIDS WERE RECEIVED FOR A 4-WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLE FOR THE. FIRE DEPARTMENT. BIDS WERE SUBMITTED BY TWO VENDORS: TIMMERS CHEVROLET, INC. $13,384.29 65 DAY DELIVERY JOE CAMP FORD, INC. 14,239.78 30-90 DAY DELIVERY I RECOMMEND THAT THE BID BE AWARDED TO THE LOW BIDDER, TIMMERS CHEVROLET, INC. FOR THE AMOUNT OF $13,384.29. THERE ARE SUFFICIENT FUNDS ALLOCATED FOR THIS VEHICLE. 1r~ u • CITY OF LA PORTS Inter-Office Memorandum T0: Mayor and City Council DATE: December 8, 1981 FROM: Stan Sherwood, Director Parks & Recreation SUBJECT: Concession Stand at Lomax Baseball Fields After studying all alternatives it would be my recommendation that we accept the portable building that Mr. Red Westen has offered to give the city. This building along with $5500.00 will make an adequate concession stand and restroam facility on a temporary basis, until such time as funds can be programmed, into the next fiscal budget year. The $5500.00 will be used to refurbish to bring the building up to electrical and plumbing codes, and moving expenses to the ballfield site. I feel that the facility could last one (1) to possibly two (2) years before the Girls Softball Organization outgrows this facility. See attached page for pictures and lay-out building. Stan Sherwood Director Parks & Recreation SS/ms Enclosure [~ ~. ..., ., I C~ _ i i, .. f'r., i~l C ~v'.., _S ~5 ~o~~" .C~ ~' ~' _~ .w ._.... r~ -- -- i•_._...---•--- - --- ~ ~ w ~. ---~• ~ Q ~ ----- D.~ ~ s ~ r, , j ~(./~ ~~~ I , ~~ ~1„ ~~ ~~ • t S1A~A>,NN TEC!-!!'*IC~L. SERVICE. IIUC. 125 S. THIRD ~ L.A PORTS, TEXAS, 77571 PHONES: (713) X17 i -7272 471-7273 ,~~, l December 4, 1981. ~. Mr. J.J. Meza - Mayor City of LaPorte - City Hall LaPorte, Texas 77571 Dear Honorable Mayor, Regards: Request leasing of parking lot adjacent (North Side) to STS, Inc. Property at 125 S. 3rd, LaPorte. In June of this year, Swann Technical Service,. Inc. applied-for a building permit to extend our existing facilities at 125 South Third Street. Our present parking space was inadequate to allow the granting of the building permit. We would like to lease or lease/purchase the parking lot owned by the City of Laporte on the north side of our property (which contains 22 parking spaces), for a five year period with a renewable option at a price agreeable to both parties, contigent upon granting a building permit. Should the city desire to discontinue use of the city parking lot at the end of lease period, to Swann Technical Service, Inc., then the city could designate the use of the new STS, Inc. building extension to be used as storage, rather than office space, and we would comply with that ruling. Also, STS, Inc. would only need the parking lot during normal working hours (7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Mon. thru Fri.) and only seven to eleven of its 22 spaces, for our new extension. Thank you for your kind consideration and prompt attention to this matter. Sincerely, lU~-- C~Cz~-s-~. Edward F. Swann - President • DESIGNERS PIPING STRUCTURAL CIVIL ELECTRICAL • INSTRUMENTS . ~ , ~~~. ~ ~,' • - ~, ~,.., 5~~~.NN~ T~,Gr-•t~~•-. ' • ~ ~ 1 ?_5 S. THipn ~- I_n. p~F?Tr, TEXAS. 77571 ' • ~ .~. ' ~ pNQNES:~ t71 ~7> ii71-727?.. ~•7! -7273 , ~ ' ~ December 4, 1g81 •. •~ . ~ •, . ' . ,~ Mr. •J.J. Meza -Mayor Regards: :lequest leasing of~~ ' .~ ~ • City of ~L;aPorte - City Hall parking lot adjacent (Ivorth``~:. . " ~ LaPorte, Texas 7.7571 Side) to STS, Inc. Property.,. , ~ ~~ '• ,, ~ at 125 S. 3rd, LaPorte. . ~ ", .. ,~ .. - Dear Honorable Mayor, ~ •~ .. r In June of, this yFar, Swann 'I'echni.cal. SFrv:i.ce, Inc. •appl.ied fora building permit to extend our existi.r~; facilities at 125 South Third Street. ~ ~ ~. ' ~ Our present .parking space was inadequate Lo allow the granting of t.,he buiJ.di.ng ' Permit.' ~ .. We would like to 7.ca.se or •leasc/purcha_.^~ the parking lot owned by the ~ ' . City of•Laporte on the north side of. otkr property (whi.ch contains 22 parking ' ' spages~), for a five year p^riod with a renewable option at a price 1~;reeable • ~ to both parties, contiP;ent upon gran*,ing a building permi.t.. Should the city ~" • . desire 'to discontinue t~se o.f the city parking lot at; the end o.f 1ea.se period, to'Swann Technical.Serv:ice, Inc., then the city could designate the use of the ' new STS;~'Inc. building extension •to be used as storage, rather than. office space, ' and we would.gompl.y~wiL-h that ruling. • ,' Also;' STS, Inc. would only, n~~d t;he parking .lot cluri.ng normal a,orking hours ~• (7:30 a:m. to 6:00 p.m. Mon. thru I'ri.l and rn.ly seven to el.evr-.n of i.ts ?_2 ,• , spaces; for our .new extension. ' ~ Thank you for your. kind consi.cl~-gyration ~~nd prompt attention to this matter. ' . 1 , :~ ~ .. '~ ' '. ~ ~ ' ' ~ sincerely, ~Jf~ ~••~ , ~' ~ ' • ~ ~.' `' ~~ •;• ,•, ' Edward F. Swann -President ~ ' ' "~ • •, ~ ~ , . ~ r~ 1 ~ , !, , • ~ • ' , ~' , ~ ~ 1 . I , , 1 . ~ • . • ~ • 1 ' ' ~' i y ~ .. . .~, •, , ' ' ~ ~DESIGNER3 ' ~ • ~ PIPING ~„•~•;• ~ ~~ ST~t.iCTURAL f; !l~.. ELECTRICAL ITJCTAUMENTS . ~ , ~ ~ ~~ !~ ~J AGREEMENT OF LEASE THE STATE OF TEXAS ~ COUNTY OF HARRIS ~ C~ This Agreement of Lease made by and between the CITY OF LA PORTE, a municipal corporation, known herein as LESSOR, and SWANN TECHNICAL SERVICES, INC., a Texas corporation, known herein as LESSEE, both of Harris County, Texas, W I T N E S S E T H: LESSOR does, by these presents, lease and demise unto LESSEE • the following described property, lying and being situated in the City of La Porte, Harris County, Texas, to-wit: Joint use in common with Lessor, of 22 parking spaces on Lots Thirteen (13) and Fourteen (14), and the North Ten Feet (N.10') of Lot Fifteen (15), Block Thirty-nine (39), TOWN OF LA PORTE, Harris County, Texas, reference to which is here made for all purposes, together with all improvements thereon situated, upon the terms, conditions, covenants and agreements following: I. The term of this lease shall be for a period of five (5) years, beginning on the 1st day of January, 1982, and ending on the 31st day of December, 1987. II. . As rent for the use and occupancy of the leased premises, LESSEE hereby agrees, obligates and binds itself to pay unto LESSOR the sum of Six Thousand Six Hundred Dollars ($6,600.00), payable in equal monthly installments of One Hundred Ten Dollars ($110.00) each, the first and last month's installments being due and payable upon the execution hereof, and further monthly installments being due and payable on or before the 1st day of each and every calendar month • during the term hereof. . ~ ~~ • • -2- III. Monthly payments on this Agreement are due and payable on the 1st day of each calendar month, as aforesaid. In the event any such payment is not paid within ten (10) days of its due date, a penalty of four per cent (4$) of the monthly payment shall be added. IV. Failure to pay any one or more installments of rent, when due, or within fifteen (15) days after the same shall become due, shall terminate this lease, at the option of the LESSOR. V. • LESSEE agrees to obtain and maintain at its sole cost and expense, public liability insurance and property damage insurance to protect LESSOR and LESSEE against all loss or damage from the claims of all persons who may be in or on the leased premises by the invitation, consent or sufferance of LESSEE. Such public liability insurance shall have minimum bodily injury limits of $100,000 for each person and $300,000 for each accident, with respect to any accident occurring on the leased premises. LESSEE shall furnish LESSOR certificates of all insurance coverage. VI. The permitted use of the demised premises is for a parking lot. VII. • LESSOR shall be responsible for the maintenance to the parking lot. VIII. In case of default of any of the aforesaid covenants, LESSOR may enforce the performance thereof in any modes provided by law, and may declare the lease forfeited at its discretion, and LESSOR, its agents or attorneys, shall have the right, without further notice or demand, • to re-enter and remove all persons therefrom without being deemed guilty of any manner of trespass and without prejudice to any remedies for arrears of rent or breach of covenant, or LESSOR, its agents or V ,' • -3- attorneys, may resume possession of the premises and re-let the same for the remainder of the term for the best rental it may obtain, for account of LESSEE, which shall make good any deficiency. IX . Provided that all terms and conditions of this lease have been faithfully performed by LESSEE, LESSOR hereby grants and gives LESSEE the option to renew and extend the term of this lease for an addi- tional five (5) year period, upon the same terms and conditions as the primary term hereof. X. • LESSEE shall not assign this agreement or sublet said premises, or any part thereof, to any person or persons whatsoever, without the prior written consent of LESSOR. This instrument expresses the entire agreement of the parties on subjects it purports to cover. This agreement is executed in multiple original copies. WITNESS OUR HANDS, this the 16th day of December, 1981. CITY OF LA PORTE, Lessor By J. J. Meza, Mayor ATTEST: • e y to City Secretary SWANN TECHNICA SERVICES, INC., Lessee ~:1 By ~iL~~_ ED SWANN, President .ATTEST: Secretary LAPORTE POLICE DEPT. CITY OF LaPORTE PO BOX 846 L.4PORTE, TEXAS 77571 TO Mayor and City Council DATE December 14, 1981 SUBJECT Vehicle Bids We received only two bids on the five (5) patrol vehicles as follows: Joe Camp Ford $9,988.03 per unit $49,940.15 total Timmers Chev. (Pasadena) $9,558.85 per unit $47,794.25 total Both vendors meet the specifications submitted, therefore I re low bid of $47,794.25 from Timmers Chevrolet. This figure is within the budgeted amount. H. F. F r e 1rt-a ~>; . the ri ~ a 1 _ . C~ ~, ~ ~~~ ~ CITY OF LA FORTE ~ , _ ~~. $i- .,.~ ~ '~ r,., PHONE ( 7131 471.5020 • P. O. Box 1 1 15 • Lq FORTE. TExws 77571 . ~ ~ ~ R~ p.^ 1 . F ~ ?} p, ~_ r _ l n~, r e T t ~ i ' . r .~',"r. ~ a . ;. te;. - : . +... December 3, 1981 Honorable Mayor and - City Council 604 West Fairmont Parkway La Porte, Texas 77571 Dear Mayor and Council: Further to our letter of October 22, 1981, we wish to advise you that the Civil Service Commission has completed its study of proposed classifications for the La Porte Police Department. We respectfully submit the following for City Council review and action: CLASSIFICATION POSITIONS Police Officer lg Sergeant 6 Lieutenant 2 Assistant Chief of Police l The justification and reasons for our recommendations are as follows: • (a) Police Officer: We believe the classification of Police Officer more clearly defines a position within the Police Department rather than emphazing only patrol duties. Such a classification also services the purpose of not using the masculine gender. We also recommend increasing the number of authorized positions to 18 due to our recom- mendations as noted below on Sergeants. (b) Sergeant: We do not recommend a classification change but rather a decrease in the number of authorized positions. Current police administration plans call for three (3) Sergeants to be assigned to the criminal investigation section. In a meeting with representatives of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education (TCLEOSE), they. strongly recommended only one Sergeant position . be created in criminal investigation and all other manpower needs for this functional area be performed by Police Officers assigned to this section. This structure would allow the Chief of Police flexibility in assigning Police Officers to criminal investigation. It also has a positive effect on allowing work assignments for the purpose of training and developing police department employees. ~~ - ~ ~ ~, Page 2 (c) Lieutenant: We do not recommend a classification change but rather a decrease in the number of authorized positions. This is due to our recommendation in item (d). (d) Assistant Chief of Police: "The Personnel Resource Needs Study Report" compiled by TCLEOSE dated January 1981 contained a recommendation to replace the Assistant Chief position with a Lieutenant position. Their reasons for this recommendation are clearly stated in the subject report. However, in a discussion session with the Civil Service Commissioners and the Chief of Police, TCLEOSE representatives have altered this recommenda- tion and now support the contention that the La Porte Police Department currently needs an Assistant Chief of Police. They advised their original recommendation was based on facts existing at the time of the study (late 1980). They recognize the growth in responsibilities placed on the Police Department due to population increases. They were, at the time of the study, not aware the Police Department would be coming under 1269m. They acknowledge the Chief of Police's contention that the removal of the Assistant Chief's position at this time has had a demoralizing effect upon the Department. They stated in light of 1269m they would recommend retaining an Assistant Chief's position in order that he could directly assist the Chief of Police in effecting an orderly professional transition to Civil Service. They feel Officer Hall is uniquely qualified to fulfill this role in the short term due to his past 15 years of experience as Assistant Chief of Police here in La Porte. The TCLEOSE representatives stated it appears that if the La Porte area continued to grow and expand, the classification structure of the Police Department should be reviewed annually. As an example, they surmized that, in all likelyhood within 18 months to 2 years, the Police Department would no longer need an Assistant Chief but would rather need two (2) Captain positions. To ensure this situation is professionally monitored, it is Chief Freeman's intention to request an annual manpower needs assessment study be conducted by TCLEOSE. The Civil Service Commission fully supports this intention and will utilize such reports in the future when making classification recommendations to City Council. The Civil Service Commission is available at the convenience of City Council to discuss our recommendations should it be requested. Respectfully submitted, ~ ~ .~" ; . 1-'"'"-"r ~ ~,,. ~_~--~~ ~~l (Signatures on original) eith Tra'ner, Weldon Randall, Dexter Joyner, • Chairman Vice Chairman Commissioner cc: Knox Askins H. F. Freeman, Jr. ~~ ~ ~ ~ /~j l Wednesday, November 25, 19111 Houston Chronicle Pasadena police officer fights staff restructuring BY JOE ~icQUADE Chronicle Staff ~ Pasadena police sergeant. who would be deprived of a promotion by a proposed staff reorganization, is challenging the legality of the change. Detective Sgt. ;Viike Box, 3~t, placed highest among seven sergeants on a re- cent civil service exam to fill a vacant lieutenant's slot. An ordinance being con- sidered by City Council, however, would delete the position, leaving the depart- ment with seven lieutenants instead of eight. $ox sought an injunction to forestall -final passage of the ordinance Tuesday. State District Judge Thomas Stovall denied the injunction, but council tabled the ordinance later that day to study the legal issues in the case. Box's attorney. Bob Sussman. said state civil service law requires that va- cancies be filled within 90 days and that candidates scoring highest uii promotion exams be elevated immediately. The vacancy occurred in September. when Lt. C. L. Ellis was promoted to deputy chief. ••He iBox~ has worked hard all his ca- reer to attain this." Sussman said. "He studied hard for the test. It seems some- what unfair fur the city to pull it away from him." ' Mayor Johnny Isbell said he supports deleting the lieutenant's position because a study of the department completed this month indicates its staff "is too top- heavy." "We have 56 officers of sergeant's rank or above in a department of 200," Isbell' said. "I can't see keeping this position when it isn't needed." . The study, by Peat, Marwick, /Mitchell & Co., calls for deleting one of four cap- tains' slots or a captain's slot and one of three deputy chief positions. With either of those cutbacks, the study envisions eight or nine lieutenant positions. Isbell said he favors dropping a lieuten- ant's slot instead because all of the Higher ranks are staffed. "It's less painful to eliminate a position that isn't filled," he said. "I don't want to see anyone knocked down i a rankl." Acting Police Chief David ltullican said the proposed deletion has nothing to do with which sergeant would get the job. Asked if he thinks the proposed deletion results from a personal rift between him- self and :1lullican, Box declined com- ment. Sussman said a lawsuit against the city "is a definite possibility" if council drops the lieutenant's position. "They're chang- ing the rules in the middle of the game." he said. '•He's being denied the property right i to the lieutenant's slot) he earned on the exam." J