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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-01-24 Regular Meeting and Workshop Meeting of the La Porte City Council minutes MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING AND WORKSHOP MEETING OF THE LA PORTE CITY COUNCIL January 24, 2005 1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Mayor Alton Porter at 6:00 p.m. Members of City Council Present: Councilmembers Chuck Engelken, Tommy Moser, Barry Beasley, Peter Griffiths, Mike Clausen, Howard Ebow, Mike Mosteit, Louis Rigby and Mayor Alton Porter Members of Council Absent: None Members of City Executive Staff and City Employees Present: City Manager Debra Feazelle, Assistant City Manager John Joerns, Assistant City Manager Cynthia Alexander, Assistant City Attorney Clark Askins, Police Chief Richard Reff, Assistant City Secretary Sharon Harris, City Secretary Martha Gillett, Public Works Director Steve Gillett, EMS Chief Ray Nolen, Accountant Lori Langelier, Supervising Engineer Robert Cummings, Assistant Fire Chief Champ Dunham, Director of Planning and Community Development Wayne Sabo, Main Street Coordinator Debra Dye, Fire Chief Mike Boaze, Purchasing Manager Susan Kelley, Parks and Recreation Director Stephen Barr, Human Resources Manager Sherri Sampson, IT Manager Al Owens, Assistant Finance Director Michael Dolby and Judge Denise Mitrano Others Present: Bill White, Bill Scott, Spero Pomonis, Jack Oliphant, Deborah Johnson, A.J. France, Kathleen France, Judy & RoelofNewenhaus, Sue Gale Mock Kooken, Pat Muston, Mr. and Mrs. Juarez, Mr. Pederson, Bruce Compton, Steve and Colleen Hicks, Earl Shanks, Clarise Shanks, Barbara Norwine, Dennis Dunham, Leandro Suarez, Elizabeth Hutfles, Eric Breaux, Austin Appman, Phillip Spear, Samantha Bryant, Clint Tully, Rebecca Streety, Brittany Doyal, Amanda Johnston, Trent Wise, Zavzh Venegas and other citizens and students 2. Reverend David Morgan of First Baptist Church of La Porte delivered the invocation. 3. Mayor Alton Porter led the Pledge of Allegiance. 4. Presentations/Proclamations A. Mayor Porter presented the Main Street Association and Main Street Advisory members with a Proclamation in honor of their dedication and contributions of their time for the Community. B. Mayor Porter presented Cub Scout Pack 930 with a Certificate of Appreciation. C. Records Clerk Wendy Gottus was unavailable to be presented with the First Cost Savings Program Award by Mayor Porter. Wendy will be on the next Council Agenda. D. Assistant Finance Director Michael Dolby and the Accounting Division were presented with a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the fiscal year ending September 2003 honoring the City of La Porte. City Council Regular Meeting and Workshop Meeting - January 24, 2004 Page 2 5. CONSENT AGENDA A. Council to consider approval of the Minutes of the January 3,2005 Special Called City Council and La Porte Development Corporation Joint Meeting, and the approval of the January 10,2005 Minutes of the Regular Meeting and Workshop Meeting of the La Porte City Council. B. Council to consider approval of bid to be awarded to purchase and install a new tower using approved CIP monies. Councilmember Rigby had a question for Emergency Management Administrator Jeff Suggs. C. Council to receive financial report from auditors with financial report to be distributed at the meeting; auditors to make presentation, Fiscal Affairs Committee to present report to Council regarding prior meeting with auditors. D. Council to consider approval of the use of PSI as the City's testing laboratory for the upcoming year in an amount not to exceed $100,000.00. Motion was made by Councilmember Mosteit to approve Consent Items as presented. Second by Councilmember Griffiths. Ayes: Beasley, Engelken, Moser, Mosteit, Clausen, Porter, Ebow, Rigby and Griffiths Nays: None Abstain: None 6. PETITIONS, REMONSTRANCES, COMMUNICATIONS, AND CITIZENS AND TAX P AYERS WISHING TO ADDRESS COUNCIL ON ANY ITEM POSTED ON THE AGENDA Bill Scott of 1802 Lomax School Road, La Porte, Texas 77571, before I proceed over the coming months, with publicly exposing the Board of Adjustments violation of oath and of law; Mr. Porter, I would again ask you the 2646 question that the City has repeatedly avoided. Who authorized the pile of lies that the City calls findings-of-fact and conclusions oflaw? Your City Manager attempted to restate my question long ago and claimed that I was asking for names of members of the Board of Adjustments. The last City Manager tried the same trick, repeatedly restating my question. I will no longer tolerate that. I suggest you and the City Manager look up the definition of author; the Board of Adjustments was not the author, any authorship of the Board would have to occur in a Public Meeting; there was no such meeting. This is the fourth time I have publicly asked for that question and it never has been answered. In the last meeting with your Assistant City Manager, he claims, several times, that staff made a recommendation at the Board of Adjustment hearing to limit the number of animals at the feed lot. I rebutted his claim with the facts each time and he finally said he would research the issue. I have asked this Council, formally, once, for the results of your Assistant City Manager's research and not only has he not answered, he has not responded; so consider this question repeated again tonight. I formally ask this Council what the written procedures are for producing evidence of improper contact against a City staff person. My question was ignored, it was not even answered. The last City Mayor said in a Council Meeting that I had City Council Regular Meeting and Workshop Meeting - January 24, 2004 Page 3 to produce the evidence in a private meeting. Consider that question formally asked again tonight, and some food for thought on that item. In your last meeting, I showed you a video of the filthy, fly infested, bellowing feed lot of unlimited animals that the City permitted 50 feet upwind of my front door, and I want to emphasize unlimited animals. I will produce the evidence of your Assistant City Manager's involvement in that permit and I will request his resignation. It can be in private or it can be in public, it is your choice. Now, three new 2646 questions for Mr. Porter, why did your City Attorney and his underlings stay involved in the feed lot matter when he had a severe conflict of interest because he was a joint owner with the feed lot owner, and the 10 acres west of the feed lot, which by the way violates the Zoning Ordinance. I have photos of that. In the Board of Adjustment September Hearing Minutes, Chairman Sidney Grant claimed he could rehear the hotel height, voted on in a previous meeting, because it was not denied it just failed to pass in his words, the details are in the hearing minutes. What is the law, rule, regulation that Sidney Grant bases his claim on? On a recent presentation to Council, I received a flowery, feel good letter from the City that you signed thanking me for my presentation. Why do you send me these letters? Do not send me anymore of these letters. All I want is my questions answered. Mayor Porter asked City Manager Debra Feazelle to follow-up on this issue. Ms. Feazelle assured the Mayor that Mr. Scott has documentation and would verify. Barbara Norwine of202 South Lobit, La Porte, Texas 77571, is concerned about the conversation between Council and the City Attorney at the last meeting, and "knowing the Spirit" of the ordinance. Board members do not seem to understand. Ms. Norwine feels monitoring of growth is a good thing. She also does not like having to sign up in advance to speak, unless the subject is on the agenda. Dennis Dunham is concerned with the naming of the Fire Station #2. The fire fighters had no input on this item. Mr. Dunham asked if they would table this item until they have an opportunity to have input. He stated names on Fire Stations could cause a safety problem and they should stay with numbers. 7. Council to consider approval or other action regarding a resolution stating the City of La Porte elects to become eligible to participate in tax abatement. Assistant City Manager John Joerns presented summary and recommendation and answered Council's questions. Assistant City Attorney Clark Askins read: RESOLUTION 2005-01 - A RESOLUTION STATING THAT THE CITY OF LA PORTE ELECTS TO BECOME ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE IN TAX ABATEMENT; FINDING COMPLIANCE WITH THE OPEN MEETINGS LAW; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF. Councilmember Mosteit stated in the summary which was provided; one of the items states that Texas Law requires the Tax and Jurisdiction Established Guidelines and Criteria to be unchanged for a two year period unless amended by a % vote. Mr. Mosteit questioned the % vote under Texas law; what is the interpretation of that % vote. Mr. Joerns stated the law states % of the vote of Council. Mr. Mosteit's real question regarding the vote is to provide information of what the interpretation of % is under Texas law. Council has been given some language interpretation from the City Charter, but he would like to know if there is a difference from Texas law. There is very limited access to an Attorney General's opinion in City Council Regular Meeting alld Workshop Meeting - January 24, 2004 Page 4 that regard. Mr. Joerns found 3.12.002, sub-paragraph C; "the guidelines and criteria adopted under this section are effective for two years from the date adopted. During that period, the guidelines and criteria may be amended or repealed only by a vote of % of the members of the governing body." Motion was made by Councilmember Griffiths to adopt Resolution 2005-01. Seconded by Councilmember Ebow. Motion carried. Ayes: Beasley, Engelken, Moser, Mosteit, Clausen, Porter, Ebow, Rigby and Griffiths Nays: None Abstain: None Assistant City Attorney Clark Askins agreed with the % of the entire governing body; it seems that we have the same as the state statutes. 8. Council to consider approval or other action setting February 14,2005 as a Public Hearing date for establishing a Reinvestment Zone. Assistant City Manager John Joerns presented summary and recommendation and answered Council's questions. Motion was made by Councilmember Clausen to accept Mr. Joerns setting February 14.2005 as a Public Hearing date. Seconded by Councilmember Ebow. Motion carried. Ayes: Beasley, Engelken, Moser, Mosteit, Clausen, Porter, Ebow, Rigby and Griffiths Nays: None Abstain: None 9. Council to consider approving an Ordinance calling the General and possible Run-Off Election. Assistant City Attorney Clark Askins presented summary and recommendation and answered Council's questions. Assistant City Attorney Clark Askins read: ORDINANCE 2005-2804 - AN ORDINANCE CALLING THE REGULAR ANNUAL ELECTION OF THE CITY OF LA PORTE; CALLING A RUN-OFF ELECTION, IF NECESSARY; DESIGNATING ELECTION PRECINCTS AND POLLING PLACES; PROVIDING FOR THE USE OF VOTING MACHINES; APPOINTING ELECTION OFFICIALS; PROVIDING FOR AN EARLY VOTING BALLOT BOARD; PROVIDING FOR RETURN AND CANVASS OF VOTES OF SAID ELECTION; PROVIDING FOR NOTICE; PROVIDING FOR FILING DEADLINE AND FILING FEES FOR CANDIDATES; PROVIDING A SAVINGS CLAUSE; FINDING COMPLIANCE WITH THE OPEN MEETINGS LAW; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF. Motion was made by Councilmember Engelken to approve Ordinance 2005-2804 as presented. Second by Councilmember Ebow. Ayes: Beasley, Engelken, Moser, Mosteit, Clausen, Porter, Ebow, Rigby and Griffiths Nays: None Abstain: None 10. Council to consider amending Ordinance 99-2319. City Council Regular Meeting ..Jld Workshop Meeting - January 24, 2004 Page 5 City Secretary Martha Gillett presented summary and recommendation and answered Council's questions. Clark Askins read: ORDINANCE 99-2319- AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING AN AMENDED BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND AD HOC COMMITTEES HANDBOOK FOR THE CITY OF LA PORTE; FINDING COMPLIANCE WITH THE OPEN MEETINGS LAW; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF. Motion was made by Councilmember Rigby to approve this item. Second by Councilmember Griffiths. Ayes: Beasley, Engelken, Moser, Mosteit, Clausen, Porter, Ebow, Rigby and Griffiths Nays: None Abstain: None 11. Council to consider approval of an ordinance appointing positions to fill the remaining vacancies on Boards and Commissions. The following positions will be filled/replaced: Councilmember Rigby recommended April Crome to be appointed to the Main Street Committee. Assistant City Manager John Joerns was recommended to be appointed to the Fire Pension Board. Assistant City Attorney Clark Askins read: 2004-2782-C - AN ORDINANCE APPOINTING MEMBERS TO VARIOUS BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES, OF THE CITY OF LA PORTE; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; CONTAINING A REPEALING CLAUSE; FINDING COMPLIANCE WITH THE OPEN MEETINGS LAW; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF. Motion was made by Councilmember Beasley to approve the appointments. Seconded by Councilmember Moser. Ayes: Beasley, Engelken, Moser, Mosteit, Clausen, Porter, Ebow, Rigby and Griffiths Nays: None Abstain: None 12. This item was pulled from the agenda. Council will research this more. 13. Council to consider approval of an ordinance approving and ratifying the actions of the La Porte Development Corporation. Assistant City Manager Cynthia Alexander provided staff with a presentation of loan leveraging for a HUB Operations for an Automotive Remanufacturing Center to be constructed near the Intersection of Old Underwood Road and State Highway 225. Ms. Alexander spoke briefly of loan leveraging; the loan leveraging program, in conjunction with the State of Texas and the office of the Governor of Economic Development. The program is designed to allow communities to leverage local funds with state funds to assist expansion, business recruitments and other business opportunities. The program is administered by the Governor's Office; Economic Development City Council Regular Meeting ~lld Workshop Meeting - January 24, 2004 Page 6 Corporation programs are eligible to borrow up to four to five times the annual sales tax revenue under this program. These are low cost loans providing capital at a floating prime rate. Future tax revenues serve as collateral for the loan repayment. Loan proceeds must be used to pay eligible costs of the project that is defined by the Development Corporation Act and our proposed project meets the standard. The loan process was put into action earlier this month following the meeting between the Governor's Staff and La Porte Development Consortium. We are now working with the proposed applicant in submission of a loan with the State of Texas. The applicant repays us and we repay the State. The proposed project is "Fix It" to remanufacture automobiles; this project will create employment. The final petition will be completed within the next six weeks. Assistant City Attorney Clark Askins read: 2005-2806 - AN ORDINANCE APPROVING AND RATIFYING THE CERTIFICATION OF APPLICATION BY THE LA PORTE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION TO THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR, ECONOMIC AND TOURISM DIVISION, FOR A TEXAS LEVERAGE FUND (TLF) LOAN TO FUND AN ELIGIBLE PROJECT UNDER THE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION ACT; MAKING VARIOUS FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE SUBJECT; FINDING COMPLIANCE WITH THE OPEN MEETINGS LAW; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF. Motion was made bv Councilmember Ebow to approve the application. Seconded by Councilmember Mosteit. Ayes: Beasley, Engelken, Moser, Mosteit, Clausen, Porter, Ebow, Rigby and Griffiths Nays: None Abstain: None 14. Fire Chief Mike Boaze provided Mayor, Council and Staff with an overview of the Fire Department. 15. Chairman of Fiscal Affairs Chuck Engelken provided Mayor, Council and Staff with a report from the Fiscal Affairs Committee. 20. Mayor and Council went out of order to have Executive Session. EXECUTIVE SESSION - PURSUANT TO PROVISION OF THE OPEN MEETINGS LAW, CHAPTER 551.071 THROUGH 551.076, 551-087, TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE (CONSULTATION WITH ATTORNEY, DELIBERATION REGARDING REAL PROPERTY, DELIBERATION REGARDING PROSPECTIVE GIFT OR DONATION, PERSONNEL MATTERS, DELIBERATION REGARDING SECURITY DEVICES, OR EXCLUDING A WITNESS DURING EXAMINATION OF ANOTHER WITNESS IN AN INVESTIGATION, DELIBERATION REGARDING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NEGOTIATIONS) 551.074 - (Personnel Matter) - Discuss compensation package for Municipal Judge 551.087 - (Economic Development) Meet with City Manager and City Attorney to discuss economic development matter 551.071 - (Legal Matter) Meet with City Manager and City Attorney on legal matter Council retired to Executive Session at 7:30 p.m. and the Regular Meeting reconvened at 8:28 p.m. City Council Regular Meeting <Odd Workshop Meeting - January 24, 2004 Page 7 21. Council to consider compensation for Municipal Judge. No action was taken at this time. 22. There was no action taken during Executive Session. 16. Close Regular Meeting and Open Workshop Meeting at 8:30 p.m. A. Human Resources Manager Sherri Sampson discussed changes, as requested, to the Drug and Alcohol Policy. Revisions were made as follows: Add weapons section to Personnel Policy Handbook and leave in this policy. Councilmember Rigby noted that golf course workers should be under Safety Sensitive positions. Councilmember Rigby is largely concerned with Social Security Numbers in the packet; these need to be retracted, get distributed copies from everyone and give a clean copy without the numbers in it; the numbers will not be distributed in the future; the policies with the numbers will be shredded. Contractors should require their own policy. B. Director of Planning and Community Development Wayne Sabo discussed the guidance and alternatives on mowing of City right-of-ways. Council requested maps of all areas to determine the magnitude, and work with Public Works on a schedule; return to Council and see what remains and what would need to be contracted. Initial clean-up will be a large job, cleaning up the alleys and trimming the trees. Look at allowing homeowners to extend their property line. C. Assistant City Manager John Joerns discussed tax abatement guidelines and criteria and provided staff with direction. Council is positive on declining the percentage. This item will be brought back at the February 14th City Council Meeting; Council will be provided with competitive sizing information prior to the meeting. 17. Closed Workshop and reconvened Regular Meeting at 9:46 p.m. 18. Administrative Reports City Manager Debra Feazelle commented on the good attendance at the ground breaking events; thanked Mayor, Council and Staff for their participation and compliments regarding the Council Retreat; the Depot was broken into this weekend, the Chronicle will have an article in the Thursday, January 27,2005 newspaper; overall programs are noted on the agenda. Ms. Feazelle reminded Mayor, Council and Staff of the Bay Area Houston Banquet on January 28,2005 the AMCC February 12-14 in Austin, and the City Council Meeting on February 14,2005. City Council Regular Meeting Add Workshop Meeting - January 24,2004 Page 8 19. Council Comments Clausen, Rigby, Beasley, Moser, Griffiths, Ebow, Engelken, Mosteit and Porter had comments. 23. There being no further business to come before Council, the Regular Meeting was duly adjourned at 9:57 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ~~~C~ Martha Gillett, TRMC City Secretary Passed and approved on this 14th day of February 2005, ~L:-P~ Mayor Alton E. Porter o ,...-- R CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM Appropriation Requested By: Source of Funds: Rlldgpt..d Fllnds Department: Account Number: OlS 9892 893 1100 e rt: I . n: Amount Budgeted: $100,000 Exhibits: TxDOT Letters Amount Requested: $24,108 Exhibits: Budgeted Item: YES X NO Exhibits: SUMMARY & RECOMMENDATION Last month staff presented a workshop presentation regarding trail implementation for the City of La Porte. At that time, staff s recommendation was to hold the existing $100,000 in CIP funds earmarked for Trail Implementation design and construction in abeyance, until the bid package for the Safe Routes to School project was complete. TxDOT has notified us that the project is ready to go to bid. Although the project is 100% funded through TxDOT based on the initial cost estimates, as is stated in our agreement with TxDOT, the City is responsible for any costs over the original $568,746 estimate. TxDOT's estimate of the project is now $592,853.35. In order to meet the terms of the agreement, TxDOT has asked the City to remit $24,107.35 which is the difference between the original estimate and the current estimate. As discussed in January, staff is requesting to use a portion of the CIP account described above to fund the TxDOT request. If the actual bids are less than the estimate, the City will be refunded the difference. If the actual bids are higher, the City will be asked to provide the additional funds required to construct this bicycle-pedestrian pathway along the east side of S. Broadway from Fairmont Parkway southward to the entrance to Bayshore Elementary school. Staff recommends that authorization be given to continue to participate in our Safe Routes to School agreement with TxDOT. We have a very good working relationship with TxDOT and will continue to work with them to provide this much-needed safe route to school for both students and adults in La Porte. Action Reauired bv Council: Consider approval authorizing a City of La Porte expenditure in the amount of$24,107.35 for the Texas Department of Transportation Safe Routes to School program grant, using existing Capital Improvement Project funds earmarked for Trail Implementation design and construction. Approved for City Council A2enda cJ- ~-tJ5 Date City of La Porte Established 1892 February 7, 2005 Ms Sally G. Wegman, P.E. Director of Transportation Operations Texas Department of Transportation Houston District P.O. Box 1386 Houston, TX 77251-1386 ,- Dear Ms. Wegman: I am in receipt of the recent letter regarding the above project. The City is preparing the documentation required to issue the $24,107.35 payment, as required by our Agreement, and to present the information to City Council at its next regularly scheduled meeting on February 14th. Approval of the required payment is expected at the meeting. Upon approval, we will deliver the funds as required to begin the formal bid process. Again thank you and the entire TxDOT staff for your perseverance in making this project happen. Completion of this Safe Route to School project will be timely, as the public will derive benefit from it for many years to come. The Department of Transportation's work on this important project for the La Porte and Shoreacres communities is much appreciated. Re: Safe Routes To School Project CSJ 0912-71-867 BS 146D & Spur 501 c: Debra B. Feazelle, City Manager Maureen M. Wakeland, P.E. TxDOT South Harris Area Office 604 W. Fairmont Pkwy. · La Porte, Texas 77571 . (281) 471-5020 * I Texas Department of Transportation P.O. BOX 1386. HOUSTON, TEXAS 77251-1386. (713) 802-5000 February 2.2005 CO:-.JTACT: TRF E:-.JG Sate Routes to School Program BS 146 and Spur 501 CSJ 0912-71-867 Harris County Mr. John Joerns Assistant City Manager City of La Porte 604 West Fairmont Parkway La Porte, Texas 77571 Dear Mr. Joerns: Reference is made to our recent conversations concerning the status of the Sate Routes to School project along BS 146 and Spur 501. The project was originally estimated and approved by the Transportation Commission at the amount of $568,746.00. We have completed the project which has been increased to $592.857.35. As stated in the Advanced Funding Agreement For A Safe Roules To 5,'choo! Project. cost overruns in excess of the project cost estimate will be the responsibility of the local government. The ditTerence of $24.111.35 is requested from the City of La Porte. Provided the funds are received by February 24.2005, we anticipate that the project will let in March 2005. I f you should have any questions or need any assistance, please contact me at (713) 802-5831. Sincerely. stI C CJ... P. E. / Pot:. Sally G. Wegmann. P.E. Director of Transportation Operations Houston District .IRK Attachments cc: Ms. Maureen M. Wakeland, P.E. Mr. James Keener An Equal Opportunity Employer * I Texas Department of Transportation P.O. BOX 1386. HOUSTON, TEXAS 77251.1386. (713) 802-5000 January 21, 2005 CONTACT: TRF ENG Safe Routes to School BS 146D & Spur 501 CSJ 0912-71-867 Harris County Mr. John Joems Assistant City Manager City of La Porte 604 West Fairmont Parkway La Porte, Texas 77571 Dear Mr. Joems: We wanted to provide a status of the proposed Safe Routes to Schools project, to be constructed on Business 1460 and Spur 501, from Fairfield Street to Fairmont Parkway. We also are requesting your written concurrence with design modifications to eliminate the pedestrian bridge as discussed in our October 8, 2004 meeting. We have completed the design plans and submitted them to Austin for review and inclusion in the March 2005 construction bid letting. Under this schedule, we anticipate construction would begin this summer. The proposal we received in 2002 from the City of Laporte included a separate pedestrian bridge over Little Cedar Bayou. During the design process (performed this past year), we identified the need to re-evaluate the placement of the bridge, due to the following factors: 1) The placement of the bridge could potentially impact the upper banks of Cedar Bayou. At a minimum this would have required additional environmental study, and would have delayed the project several months. If the area around Cedar Bayou was impacted, potential mitigation would result, and could have resulted in more longer delays. 2) There are future projects (CSJ 0389-15-006 & CSJ 0389-15-014) which widen this section of roadway. If a pedestrian bridge was installed, it would potentially conflict with the future roadwork and/or existing utilities, and would result in future additional costs and delays. 3) The existing Little Cedar Bayou bridge has a separated, raised crossing, which could serve pedestrian traffic as an interim measure. An Equal Opportunity Employer Mr. John Joerns January 21,2005 Page 2 In consideration of these design factors, the potential project delay, and increased cost to install a separate pedestrian bridge, we mutually determined that meeting the project schedule and constructing the pathway with transitions to the existing bridge crossing would be best and most timely approach to bring this improvement to the community. Please provide written confirmation of this design approach. If you should have any questions or need any assistance, please contact me at (713) 802-5831. Sincerely, stf (CnL P.t, I Stuart Corder, P.E. District Traffic Engineer Houston District JRK Attachments cc: Ms. Maureen M. Wakeland, P.E. C$J ---- ~- City of La Porte Established 1892 January 24, 2005 :, 8 ! ,: ;'i: t I" ,',f.l I Mr. Stuart Corder, P.E., District Traffic Engineer L,_L,"~",:,::, ".-~~.':';;::;~.., IJ' '-../ Texas Department of Transportation {/ A _'''~-'-,~v DE?r. Houston District ~ -.~ . P.O. Box 1386 Houston, TX 77251-1386 Re: Safe Routes To School Project CSJ 0912-71-867 BS 1460 & Spur 501 Dear Mr. Corder: I am in receipt of your January 21st letter regarding the above project. The City concurs with your assessment of the bridge issue over Little Cedar Bayou, and have signed off on the final plan set. Our position is that the interim solution that you discussed and as designed, is the most effective and efficient way to get this project moving. I want to take this opportunity to thank you and the entire TxDOT staff for your perseverance in making this project happen. As you know, we had another bicycle fatality in October 2004 on this route; underscoring the need for its rapid completion. Completion of this Safe Route to School will be very much appreciated, as the public will derive benefit from it for many years to come. Again, thank you for your work on this important project for the La Porte and Shoreacres communities. c: Debra B. Feazelle, City Manager Maureen M. Wakeland, P.E. TxDOT South Harris Area Office 604 W, Fairmont Pkwy, · La Porte, Texas 77571 · (281) 471-5020