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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-04-09 Special Meeting of La Porte City Council 6 A LOUIS RIGBY DARYL LEONARD Mayor Mayor Pro Tem JOHN ZEMANEK O A Councilmember District 3 Councilmember at Large A p TOMMY MOSER JOHN BLACK � Councilmember District 4 Councilmember at Large B ••• m JAY MARTIN MIKE MOSTEIT Councilmember District 5 Councilmember District 1 CHUCK ENGELKEN MIKE CLAUSEN Councilmember District 2 Councilmember District 6 MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA PORTE APRIL 9, 2011 The City Council of the City of La Porte met in a special meeting on Saturday, April 9, 2011, at 8:30 a.m., at the La Porte Police Department in the Training Room, located at 3001 N. 23 Street, La Porte, Texas, to consider the following items of business: 1. Call to Order Mayor Rigby called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. Members of Council present: Councilmembers Zemanek, Mosteit, Engelken, Moser, Clausen, and Martin. Members of Council absent: Councilmembers Black and Leonard. Members of City Executive Staff and City Employees Present: City Manager's Office: Ron Bottoms, Traci Leach, Stacey Osborne and Melisa Boaze Legal: Clark Askins City Secretary's Office: Patrice Fogarty Finance: Michael Dolby, Gay Coffins and Shelley Wolney Parks: Stephen Barr Planning: Tim Tietjens and Julian Garza Police Department: Ken Adcox Public Works: David Mick and Don Pennell EOC /IT: Jeff Suggs Fire: Mike Boaze, Donald Ladd and Clifton Meekins EMS: Ray Nolan HR: Heather Weger Golf Course: Alex Osmond Municipal Court: Denise Mitrano and Lynda Kilgore Members of the Public Present: Tony Villarreal; Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Rosa 2. DISCUSSION /POSSIBLE ACTION — The purpose of this meeting is to discuss and formulate City Council and staff plans, operations, policies, and future projects, including the following: A. Financials — Michael Dolby Finance Director Michael Dolby presented a financial overview, with an update on revenues and expenditures, together with general fund long range financial plan assumptions. He also gave an update on the utility fund and other enterprise funds. B. Council Initiated Items a. 3 Ambulance — Councilman Moser /Ray Nolen Chief Nolan gave a presentation regarding a third ambulance. He gave stats on current staffing, an area EMS agency survey, 1 responder program, and costs based on estimates. It is his Page 1 of 5 April 9, 2011, City Council Special Meeting Minutes recommendation as EMS Chief, that LPEMS continue to operate with two (2) ambulances from EMS headquarters; and when call volume reaches near the 4000 mark, the idea of implementing a third ambulance be revisited. Mayor Rigby requested information on average response time per council district. Chief Nolan will provide that information. Council's direction was to move forward with a third ambulance, especially if the special election passes to approve the sales tax increase for the creation of the fire district for medical services. If the election fails, council will revisit this issue. Chief Nolan and Chief Adcox will provide information regarding the response times which includes the dispatch time. Council states the idea is to put the new ambulance on the east side, even if the station is not yet built. b. Council Chambers Voting System — Mayor Rigby /Melisa Boaze /Jeff Suggs Melisa Boaze and Jeff Suggs presented information they gathered regarding a voting system in Council Chambers. Council indicated they look forward to receiving more information in the future as to the functionality and price regarding what best fits the City's needs in council chambers. c. Lomax Park/Arena Roof Improvements — Councilman Mosteit/Stephen Barr Regarding the roof replacement, the City budgeted and is in the process of repairing the roof leaks with patch material and an epoxy coating, and epoxy coating each screw head. This repair will provide a good, solid patch and prevent problems for the Arena roof for the next five years. The engineer does not anticipate any permanent danger to the columns or rafter through this delay. The consulting engineer, Dunham Engineering, recommended the current patch as a stop -gap measure, and recommended the City strongly consider, at the end of the approximate five -year period, removing the existing roof and purlins, sandblasting the columns and rafters, applying an epoxy paint/coating to exposed surfaces, and installing new purlins and Galvalume roofing material. Estimated cost for this process is approximately $400,000. Clark Askins, Asst. City Attorney, stated 4b monies may be used for this type of expenditure. Regarding Lomax Park improvements, Lomax Park is home to the La Porte Livestock Show and Rodeo Association (LPLSRA). The park was for many years also home to the La Porte Girl's Softball Association. In 1999 the Little Cedar Bayou Girl's Softball home was established, and the LPLSRA inherited the old softball concession stand, storage facility and restrooms. The LPLSRA also has a shipping container on site that they have used for many years for equipment storage. Both the concession stand and storage facility are in excess of 30 years old and in need of replacement. The storage container represents a City code violation, and the LPLSRA is ready to address that issue. After this year's Livestock Show, the LPLSRA is proposing to have the container hauled off and consolidate storage in the old softball storage facility. That will solve one initial problem. Another issue is the lack of meeting space for the LPLSRA's meetings. The LPLSRA is proposing a new building that would have storage capacity, restrooms, and a concession building. They would also like to consider a building that could be expanded in the future to accommodate a meeting room /show hall as well. The LPLSRA is proposing a joint venture in which the City provides building materials for construction and that the LPLSRA provide labor to perform the actual construction. Several local companies, including Oates Industries, have offered support to provide labor toward this joint project. Any construction would be completed according to the City's building codes, rules, and regulations. The City has the option of moving forward with formalizing the proposed plan for a new building at Lomax Park. The City has participated in two previous major joint ventures with sports associations (soccer and LPLSRA). The project would require design by an architect or engineer, or be a prefabricated building that is already engineer stamped and approved. The estimated cost to build such a building, with mechanical, plumbing, and electrical (MPE) to finish out the restrooms, concession, and storage, would be approximately $550,000. That cost to the City could be cut in half by having the LPLSRA provide the labor for construction and finishing. All MPE work would have to be supervised by Master craftsmen as is required by City Code. The new building would eliminate the need for the existing restroom /concession, the old storage facility, and allow those to be demolished. This project would be economical, and meet a large community need for La Porte. A second option would be to move forward with an agreement, and construct a Page 2 of 5 April 9, 2011, City Council Special Meeting Minutes building that would meet the storage needs initially, and then could be expanded to meet the concession, restroom needs, and meeting needs based on priorities as the LPLSRA and City determine. Costs could then also be spread over a longer period of time, and the two entities could reach the goal of meeting the community needs for La Porte. Clark Askins, Asst. City Attorney, stated 4b monies may be used for this type of expenditure. d. Lighting Neighborhood Parks — Councilman Martin /Stephen Barr Stephen Barr presented information regarding additional lighting in City parks. There are thirteen parks listed as Neighborhood Parks in the City's park inventory. Chapter 50 -2 of the Code of Ordinances establishes the hours of operation for Neighborhood Parks from 7:00 am until 9:30 pm daily. These neighborhood parks are generally placed in specific neighborhoods and do not have extensive sports facilities or amenities that lend themselves to use at night. The parks are designed for family use, such as picnics and play equipment for younger children, and are not designated for use after 9:30 pm, primarily for safety reasons, which is why the City has not lighted these parks in the past. Staff has identified a number of possible lighting options for Council's consideration. If Council chooses to proceed with lighting, Council may want to amend the park ordinance to revise park hours. Chief Adcox stated that he would have someone do an inventory of all City parks as it relates to lighting and safety. This item will be further addressed after that information is received. e. Drainage Projects for FY11 -12 — Councilman Mosteit/Tim Tietjens Julian Garza presented an update for future drainage projects. Regarding L Street, staff was directed to ask Pct 2 about widening and drainage. Mr. Garza stated nothing is planned, yet; but, they are studying it. Council indicated projects should be prioritized according to repeat flooding issues. f. 100 Acres next to Pasadena Convention Center — Councilman Engelken/Tim Tietjens Tim Tietjens presented information regarding the 100 acres next to the Pasadena Convention Center. Council did not provide direction at this time. g. Council Travel/ Business Expenses/Technology Equipment — Mayor Rigby /Patrice Fogarty /Jeff Suggs Mayor Rigby indicated changes he would like to see to the Council travel ordinance, and those changes will be brought forward at the next council meeting. Mayor Rigby also indicated any councilmember needing a phone or device on which to receive email should ask the city secretary to get it for them. Councilmember Moser stated he would like an iPhone. Mayor Rigby recessed for a break at 11:45 a.m. Mayor Rigby reconvened the special meeting at 12:03 p.m. C. Staff Initiated Items a. Streaming Public Meetings — Jeff Suggs Council looks forward to seeing what Jeff provides on the streaming of council meeting. Council indicated they are interested in all options — live streaming or recording for playback on the web. b. Automated Solid Waste Pilot Program — Dave Mick Dave Mick presented a proposal regarding a pilot program for automated solid waste. Council indicated that an increase in monthly costs plus fewer pickup days may not be readily accepted by the citizens. Mayor Rigby and Councilmember Engelken both indicated that with the need to maintain conservative financial expenditures, this item should be put on hold. Mayor Rigby recessed for lunch at 12:41 p.m. Mayor Rigby reconvened the special meeting at 12:54 p.m. Page 3 of 5 April 9, 2011, City Council Special Meeting Minutes c. Dog Park — Stephen Barr Stephen Barr gave a presentation regarding establishing a dog park. Council suggested placing this item in the upcoming budget. d. New Animal Shelter — Ken Adcox Chief Adcox gave a presentation on the need for a new animal shelter. If a 7,100- square -foot building is built, the cost is approximately $1.1 million. The Mayor suggested taking another look at it to see if costs can be reduced. Councilmember Moser liked the look of the proposed building. Councilmember Clausen cautioned against building too small, stating we need to go with a building that will carry us into the future. Council suggested putting this item ahead of the dog park in the budget process. e. Depot Parking & Bayshore Drive — Stephen Barr Stephen Barr presented this issue stating the La Porte -Bay Area Heritage Society operates the historic Sylvan Beach Depot as a museum, open to the public approximately 500 hours per year, through their agreement with the City of La Porte. The Society is primarily made up of La Porte, Shoreacres, and Morgan's Point citizens, many of whom are retired, and all whom have an interest in preserving the heritage of La Porte. There is no parking specifically provided for this facility, although there is substantial parking available in the Sylvan Beach Park across the street. With the increasing attendance at the Museum, coupled with the elevated median age of the Society members, staff was asked to explore the possibility of additional parking adjacent to the Depot to facilitate the use and utility for the end users, which are Museum visitors and Society members. Staff has explored some possible solutions. Council suggested staff get a cost on a parking lot on the north end. Mr. Barr stated he will get a cost. Councilmember Zemanek stated opening the gate would be helpful to facilitate entrance from the parking lot across the street. f. RFC Land Acquisition — Stephen Barr Stephen Barr stated the City began acquiring land behind the La Porte Recreation & Fitness Center in 1999 for future park expansion purposes. The majority of land was acquired through the delinquent tax process. Between 1999 and 2007, the Assistant City Attorney assisted in the acquisition of approximately 12 additional land purchases of individual lots or parcels. In October of 2005, the City Council passed a Takings Resolution for all the remaining properties at the time, except for the Cook property because it was occupied. Five parcels are remaining to be purchased. Council suggested leaving it as is and not move forward on purchasing these remaining parcels at this time. g. Klein Retreat & Happy Harbor Properties — Stephen Barr /Ron Bottoms Stephen Barr and Ron Bottoms both spoke on this issue. The Klein's Retreat Property and Happy Harbor Property were purchased for an undetermined future use. One possible use for a portion or all of the properties is for parkland, to connect the Seabreeze Park with Sylvan Beach to the southwest. The future land use has not been determined at this date. There is an issue of the properties becoming "de facto" parks, where the occasional recreational use becomes the primary activity and could be claimed as the intended use. While this is a possibility, in order to reserve the final determination of how the land will be used in the future, the City Attorney's office is recommending that a resolution be considered by the Council that establishes that the future use has not been determined and that although the property is available for recreational use, it is not dedicated parkland. The resolution would not preclude the future use as parkland, should the Council determine that should be its future use. It would eliminate the claim for "de facto" parkland based on previous use, should the Council decide some other future use for the land. Council stated they would consider the resolution on a future agenda as per the recommendation of staff. Page 4 of 5 April 9, 2011, City Council Special Meeting Minutes h. Air National Guard Building — Ron Bottoms City Manager Bottoms gave an update on proposed future uses of the Air National Guard Building. He stated there are several options: use by San Jacinto College; utilization by City departments; a small business incubator site; or a conference /meeting center. Council mentioned what about using part of it as an animal shelter. If that doesn't work out, then they believe working something out with San Jacinto College might be a good use. i. City Charter Review — Patrice Fogarty City Secretary Fogarty presented the idea that it might be good timing for a charter review commission to be appointed sometime after the legislature finishes meeting this year. Council indicated they are in favor of doing this. 3. Receive Direction from City Council on upcoming 2011 -2012 Fiscal Year Budget Council stated staff has presented a large "wish list" for the next fiscal year. They would like to see what can be taken care of with 4b monies, and requested staff to look outside the box to determine how items can be funded. Councilmember Mosteit asked that those homes receiving repetitive flooding be considered first. Regarding Christmas on Main Street, Council indicated a larger Christmas tree is needed. It was also suggested that lights should be installed at the end of the pier at Seabreeze Park. When questioned by the City Secretary as to whether Council likes the set -up of the meeting, Council indicated yes. Mayor Rigby indicated that next year, it would be beneficial for all items to be put up on the overhead screen so that members of the public can view all information. He also requested that there be an agenda item for Council comments similar to agendas for regular council meetings. Council indicated Saturday is probably the best day to have an all -day retreat. A couple of councilmembers believe having the meetings in the evening would work, as well. When asked about the technology in the council chambers, several councilmembers indicated they would like to reduce the clutter of all the cords /plugs, and that the volume of the microphone on the lectern needs to be increased. 4. Executive Session — The City Council reserves the right to meet in a closed session on any agenda item should the need arise and if applicable pursuant to authorization by Title 5, Chapter 551, of the Texas Government Code. There was no executive session. 5. Reconvene into Regular Session and Consider Action, if any, on items discussed in Executive Session. There was no executive session. 6. Adjourn The meeting was adjourned at 2:37 p.m. Respectfully submitted, P O:b i U,( 7- t Patrice Fo•artY , Cty Secret Passed • •v on April 25, 2011. Al\ Mayo i RIgby Page 5 of 5 April 9, 2011, City Council Special Meeting Minutes