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Home My WebLink About2001-06-05 Special Called Meeting and Public Hearing0 MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CALLED MEETING AND PUBLIC HEARING OF LA PORTE CITY COUNCIL JUNE 5, 2001 1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Mayor Norman Malone at 6:00 PM. Members of City Council Present: Councilpersons Guy Sutherland, Chuck Engelken, Peter Griffiths, James Warren, Charlie Young, Jerry Clarke, and Norman Malone. Members of Council Absent: Howard Ebow and Alton Porter Members of City Executive Staff and City Employees Present: City Manager Robert T. Herrera, City Attorney Knox Askins, Assistant City Manager John Joerns, City Secretary Martha Gillett, Finance Director Cynthia Alexander, Assistant Finance Director Mike Dolby, Director of Administrative Services Louis Rigby, Parks and Recreation Director Stephen Barr, Public Works Director Steve Gillett, Administrative Assistant Carol Buttler, Purchasing Manager Susan Kelley, Emergency Services Director Joe Sease, Planning Director Doug Kneupper, Police Chief Richard Reff, and Golf Pro Alex Osmond, City Manager's Secretary, Sara Urich Others Present: Spero Pomonis, Ana Griffiths, Sib Carpenter, Barbara Rupley, Nick Barrera, Wayne Spears, Kathy Richard, Myrtle Richard, and a number of citizens. 2. Dr. Wayne Spears of Fairmont Park Baptist church delivered the invocation. 3. Council considered approving the minutes of the Special Called Meeting on May 21, 2001. Motion was made by Councilperson Griffiths to approve the minutes of the Special Called Meetingon May 21, 2001 as presented. Second by Councilperson Engelken. The motion carried. Ayes: Sutherland, Engelken, Griffiths, Warren, Young, Clarke, and Malone. Nays: None Abstain: None 4. PETITIONS, REMONSTRANCES, COMMUNICATIONS, AND CITIZENS AND TAXPAYERS WISHING TO ADDRESS COUNCIL. The following citizens addressed City Council. Kathy Richard —16515 Laurelfield Houston, TX 77059 a teacher at Lomax Jr. High spoke in favor of the Youth Programs,and the Skateboard Park at Fairmont Park Baptist Church. Ms. Richard voiced that the programs are having a positive impact on her students. • City Council Minutes — Page 2 Barbara Rupley —10206 Old Orchard La Porte, Texas 77571, mother of one of the children who skates at the church stated, the program had a significant positive impact on her child's life. Dr. Wayne Spears - 3109 Old Hickory addressed City Council to inform them of the positive transformation the Skate Park and Youth Programs at Fairmont Park Baptist Church are having on the young peoples lives. 5. Council considered approving an ordinance declaring the results of the Run-off Election held in the City of La Porte on June 2, 2001. City Attorney read: ORDINANCE 2001-2492 — AN ORDINANCE DECLARING THE RESULTS OF THE RUNOFF ELECTION HELD IN THE CITY OF LA PORTE ON JUNE 2, 2001, FOR THE ELECTION OF A COUNCILPERSON-AT-LARGE— POSITION A; FINDING COMPLIANCE WITH THE OPEN MEETINGS LAW; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF. 6. Mayor Norman Malone administered the Oath of Office to At Large Position A Councilperson Peter Griffiths. Motion was made by Councilperson Enaelken to approve Ordinance 2001-2492 as presented by the City Attorney. Second by Councilperson Young. The motion carried. Ayes: Sutherland, Engelken, Griffiths, Warren, Young, Clarke, and Malone. Nays: None Abstain: None 7/8. Public Hearing — Council discussed the State Transportation Enhancement Nomination Project including landscaping and palm trees. Open Public Hearing — Mayor Malone opened the Public Hearing at: 6:20PM. Review by Staff —Assistant City Manager, John Joerns presented summary and answered Council's questions. Public Input — No public input. Recommendation of Staff Recommends approval. Close Public Hearing — Mayor Malone closed the Public Hearing at 6:35PM. Council considered approving a resolution approving the submittal of an application to the Texas Department of Transportation Statewide Transportation Enhancement Program for two project nominations through funding provided by the Transportation Equity Act for the 21" Century. City Council Minutes — Page 3 City Attorney read: RESOLUTION 2001-04 — A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF LA PORTE APPROVING THE SUBMITTAL OF APPLICATIONS TO THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION STATEWIDE TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM FOR A PROJECT NOMINATION PROVIDED BY THE TRANSPORTATION EQUITY ACT FOR THE 21ST CENTURY. Motion was made by Councilperson Engelken to approve Resolution 2001-04 as presented by Mr.Joerns . Second by Councilperson Griffiths. The motion carried. Ayes: Sutherland, Engelken, Griffiths, Warren, Young, Clarke, and Malone. Nays: None Abstain: None 9. Council considered appointing a representative to the Advisory Committee on Electric Aggregation. City Manager Robert Herrera presented summary and recommendation and answered Council's questions. Motion was made by CouncilRerson Sutherland to appoint City Manager as representative to the HGAC Advisory Committee on Electric Aggregation as presented by Mr.Herrera. Second by Councilperson Engelken . The motion carried. Ayes: Sutherland, Engelken, Griffiths, Warren Young, Clarke, and Malone. Nays: None Abstain: None 10. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS City Manager Robert T. Herrera reminded Council of the following events: A. Chamber of Commerce Annual Hamburger Cookout — June 21, 2001. 11. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilpersons Sutherland, Engelken, Ebow, Griffiths, Porter, Warren, Young, Clarke, and Malone brought items to Council's attention. 12. EXECUTIVE SESSION — PURSUANT TO PROVISION OF THE OPEN MEETINGS LAW, CHAPTER 551.071 THROUGH 551.076, AND 551.084, TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE, - (CONSULTATION WITH ATTORNEY, DELIBERATION REGARDING REAL PROPERTY, DELIBERATION REGARDING PROSPECTIVE GIFT OR DONATION, PERSONNEL MATTERS, CONFERENCE WITH EMPLOYEES DELIBERATION REGARDING SECURITY DEVICES, OR EXCLUDING A WITNESS DURING EXAMINATION OF ANOTHER WITNESS IN AN INVESTIGATION) City Council Minutes — Page 4 A. 551.071 (Consultation with Attorney) Meet with City Attorney on pending claims against city. Council retired into executive session at 7:34P.M. Council returned to the table at 7:37PM, with no action taken. 13. CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON ITEMS CONSIDERED IN EXECUTIVE SESSION There was no action taken. 14. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before Council, the Special Called Meeting was duly adjourned at 7:38PM. Respectfully submitted, Martha Gillett City Secretary Passed and approved on this 5th day of June 2001. Norman Malone, Mayor � S 17-2576—OATH OF OFFICE —Class 2. (Constitu(jp2of Texas —Revised 2/94) • Hart Information Services, Inc. — Austin, Texas In the name and by the authority of I, The State of Texas OATH OF OFFICE Peter E. Griffiths , do solemnly swear (or affirm), that I will faithfully execute the duties of the office of Councilperson At Large "A" of the 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, so help me God. SWORN TO and subscribed before me by affiant on this June 20ni 5th day of Sig ature of P son Ad 'nistering Oath Norman L. Malone Printed Name Mayor Title See Reverse Side for Instructions Revised August 1992 OATH OF OFFICE I, PP t P r F r-,-; f f; t h o do solemnly swear (or affirm), that I will faithfully execute the duties of the office of councilperson At Large "A" , 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. Sworn to and subscribed before me this the sth day of 3une, 2001 v1--- No Publi in and for & State of Texas REOUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM Agenda Date Requested: June Requested By: Stephen L. B. Department: parks & Roe Report: Resolution: X Ordin Exhibits: Resolution No. 2001- Exhibits: Appropriation Funds: Fund 015 Account Number: Amount Budgeted: -0- Amount Requested: $80,000 Item: YES NO X SUMMARY & RECOMMENDATION The Federal Transportation Efficiency Act provides for transportation enhancement for each state. The Texas Department of Transportation administers the program, called the State Transportation Enhancement Program (S.T.E.P.) for our state. TxDOT has issued a call for proposals for this year and the City of La Porte has two projects that, subject to Council approval, we would like to submit to the program for funding. Project 1: In 1998 the City of Deer Park and TxDOT, in a joint venture, installed a very successful landscape project on S.H. 225 at the Battleground Road exit. The City of La Porte is proposing a similar right-of-way landscape project on S.H. 225 at the Sens Road exit. The City proposes to install Palm trees on both north and south sides of S.H. 225 and around the loop section on the north side. Approximate number of trees would be +/- 54 ea. The project would require installation of irrigation for the plant materials. There are already La Porte owned underground waterlines in the right-of-way at Sens Road that could be tapped for the project. In addition, the City proposes to plant +/- 200 Oleander shrubs in the loop section as understory to the palms, rather than the crepe myrtles used in the Deer Park project. The Oleanders are much hardier, more drought resistant, and less maintenance intensive than crepe myrtles. This project is expected to cost about $200,000, of which the City's share would be $40,000. Project 2: The City proposes to restore the historic traffic circle (roundabout) at Five Points Intersection, with landscaping, irrigation and other visual facets to enhance the visual impact and functionality of the intersection, to visitors and residents. The project would require purchase or dedication of some property or easements for right-of-way considerations. The project would require some realignment of lanes, installation of traffic islands for traffic direction, and the installation of utilities (i.e. electricity and water service) in the center of the roundabout. In addition, the existing pavement in the center of the roundabout would require removal. The project would make the existing traffic signalization unnecessary and it would be removed. The center portion of the roundabout would be slightly elevated with a star design in concrete or cement landscaping blocks, and in the center would be a lighted royal palm tree that could be seen as a focal point from each of the connecting roadways. Additional landscaping would include sago palm, and annual plant materials to add color and visual appeal. San Jacinto Street will require realignment to connect with S. Broadway prior to its connection with the roundabout. This project is also expected to cost about $200,000, the City's share would be about $40,000; total cost to the City if both projects are completed expected to be $80,000. This state program is a reimbursable program and, if approved, the City would be expected to pay for the entire project, then be reimbursed for 80% of the cost, by TxDOT. Chapter 10 of the La Porte Comprehensive Plan Update provides for "develop(ment qfl gateways and scenic corridors into and throughout the community to establish a first impression and create a recognizable identityfor La Porte". These projects both lend themselves to this Comprehensive Plan Update goal, using state funding to accomplish the majority of the work. The Five Points project also fits with the Bayfront Master Plan goal "to identify opportunities for beautification and visual enhancement of the approach to the waterfront... ". There would be some increase in cost of operations should these projects be approved, due to maintenance of the areas after installation. Staff recommends that the City move forward with the submission of the nominating forms. Action Required by Council: Consider approval of a resolution approving the submittal of an application to the Texas Department of Transportation Statewide Transportation Enhancement Program for two project nominations through funding provided by the Transportation Eauitv Act for the 2 1 " Centurv. -� j�S/30 1,91 ITF;-.—City Manager Date • 0 CITY OF LA PORTE RESOLUTION NO. 01- 04 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF LA PORTE APPROVING THE SUBMITTAL OF APPLICATIONS TO THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION STATEWIDE TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM FOR A PROJECT NOMINATION PROVIDED BY THE TRANSPORTATION EQUITY ACT FOR THE 21ST CENTURY. WHEREAS, the City of La Porte, Texas desires to submit 2 applications: 1) for implementation of a landscape enhancement plan for State Highway 225 at Sens Road, 2) for restoration and enhancement of the roundabout at Five Points intersection in La Porte; and WHEREAS, the enhancement programs proposed will be beneficial to both residents and travelers through the City of La Porte by improving the aesthetics, reducing fuel usage and providing cleaner air; and WHEREAS, the City desires to establish its commitment to pledge the 20% match in accordance with the Texas Transportation Enhancement Program guidelines; and WHEREAS, the City commits to the projects' development, implementation, construction, maintenance and financing, should tCh jects be approved; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY TH NCIL OF THE CITY OF LA PORTE: that the City Manager is authorized to execute all documents necessary for the submission of the two projects designated herein. PASSED AND APPROVED, this 5" day of June 2001. ATTEST: Martha billeft, City Secretary Knox W. Askins, City Attorney CITY OF LA PORTE By: Orman L. Malone, Mayor Page 1 of 1 r WL� f 1 San Jacinto �e City Cf Ua I)Crte parks & Recreation proposed Roundabout CCnCiouraticn Five paints Intersection May 259 2CC1 N.T.S. • 0 City of La Porte Established 1892 June 8, 2001 Houston -Galveston Area Council Office of the Executive Director Jack Steele P.O. Box 22777 Houston, Texas 77227-2777 Dear Mr. Steele: In response to your request that City Council appoint a representative to the Advisory Committee on Electric Aggregation, I was appointed by City Council at our June 5, 2001 council meeting. I look forward to working with this committee, and should you need additional assistance feel free to give me a call. Sincerely, Robert T. Herrera City Manager RTH/mg P.U. Box It 15 • La Porte, Texas 77572-1115 • (281) 471=5020 Houston -Galveston Area Council Office of the Executive Director PO Box 22777.3555 Timmons • Houston, Texas 77227-2777.713/627-3200 May 23, 2001 Mr. Robert T. Herrera, City Manager City of La Porte 604 West Fairmont Parkway LaPorte, TX 77571 Deaf 7vfr-re Thank you for your jurisdiction's expression of interest in the electricity purchasing program sponsored by H-GAC. Results to date indicate strong local government participation, and possibilities of significant savings. Realizing this potential will require strong participatory jurisdiction involvement. Therefore, the H-GAC Energy Purchasing Corporation Board is requesting that your local government appoint a representative to its Advisory Committee on Electric Aggregation. Initial committee membership will include: 7 municipalities, 2 counties, 4 school districts, 2 college districts, and 3 water authorities. The Committee's primary duties will be to assist in analyzing program strategy, ensure that communication is occurring in an effective way with potential customers, and to help local governments "buy -in" to our aggregation program as it progresses. In order that the advisory committee can be fully involved in the development of this important program we would appreciate having your appointment by June 18. If you have questions, or would like more information please contact me or David Malloch, Cooperative Purchasing Program Manager, at (713) 993-4541 or (800) 926-0234; also you can email your response to dmalloch(a hgac.co .tg x.us. Thanks again for your support of Cooperative Purchasing through H-GAC. Sincerely, Jack Steele RDt /111 .4 -Ale :i0t 11 M AY 2 5 211 1 CITY MANAGER'S ` OFFICE L Recycled