HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-08-08>08-10 Regular Meeting and Budget Workshop of La Porte City Council LOUIS RIGBY DARYL LEONARD
Mayor Councilmember District 3
JOHN ZEMANEK O AO TOMMY MOSER
Councilmember at Large A 9
DOTTIE KAMINSKI Councilmember District 4
Councilmember at Large B 0 m JAY MARTIN
MIKE MOSTEIT Councilmember District 5
Councilmember District 1 MIKE CLAUSEN
CHUCK ENGELKEN ` t Councilmember District 6
Mayor Pro Tem /
Councilmember District 2
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING INCLUDING A BUDGET WORKSHOP ON
PROPOSED 2011 -2012 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA PORTE
AUGUST 8 -10, 2011
The City Council of the City of La Porte met in regular meetings on Monday, August 8, 2011, Tuesday,
August 9, 2011, and Wednesday, August 10, 2011, at the City Hall Council Chambers, 604 West
Fairmont Parkway, La Porte, Texas, at 6:00 p.m. to consider the following items of business:
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Rigby called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. All members of Council were present. Also
present were City Secretary Patrice Fogarty, City Manager Ron Bottoms and City Attorney Knox
Askins.
2. INVOCATION - The invocation was given by B. L. Worsham — Second Baptist Church of La Porte.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - The pledge of allegiance was led by Councilmember John Zemanek.
4. PUBLIC COMMENTS (Limited to five minutes per person.)
Marylee Nolley, 2819 E. Street La Porte, TX, addressed City Council and suggested to cut the
Fiscal Year 2011 -2012 Budget by 10 percent, and she is supportive of the animal shelter.
5. AUTHORIZATIONS
(a) Consider approval or other action awarding bid for Independent Auditor Services — M. Dolby
Finance Director Michael Dolby presented a summary.
City Attorney Knox Askins read the caption of Ordinance 3368 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING
AND AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF LA PORTE AND NULL -
LAIRSON, CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS, TO AUDIT THE CITY'S GENERAL -
PURPOSE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDING SEPTEMBER 30,
2011, SEPTEMBER 30, 2012, AND SEPTEMBER 30, 2013; MAKING VARIOUS FINDINGS
AND PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE SUBJECT, FINDING COMPLIANCE WITH THE OPEN
MEETINGS LAW, AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF.
Councilmember Engelken moved to approve Ordinance 3368, including an audit of the La Porte
Development Corporation. Councilmember Zemanek seconded. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Leonard, Clausen, Zemanek,
Mosteit, Engelken, Moser, Kaminski and Martin
Nays: None
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August 8 -10, 2011, City Council Meeting Minutes
6. DISCUSSION OR OTHER ACTION
a) Discussion or other action regarding appointing members to the Fair Housing Activity
Statement -Texas (FHAST) Work Group for the Hurricane Recovery Program — R. Bottoms
Planning Director Tim Tietjens and Grant Administrator Bruce Spitzengel presented a
summary.
In addition to the city manager or his designee, and Tim Tietjens or his designee,
Councilmember Zemanek appointed Russell Ybarra (Gringo's), Councilmember Clausen
appointed Lloyd Graham (Superintendent of LPISD) and Councilmember Moser appointed
Charlie Perry (La Porte citizen) to the Fair Housing Activity Statement -Texas (FHAST) Work
Group for the Hurricane Recovery Program.
Councilmember Engelken moved to approve the appointment of the five members to the
Fair Housing Activity Statement -Texas (FHAST) Work Group for the Hurricane Recovery
Program. Councilmember Zemanek seconded. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Leonard, Clausen, Zemanek,
Mosteit, Engelken, Moser, Kaminski and Martin
Nays: None
(b) Discussion or other action concerning the proposed 2011 -2012 Fiscal Year Budget of the
City of La Porte, Texas — R. Bottoms
• Discussion regarding the City of La Porte's Mission Statement — R. Bottoms
Mayor Rigby proposed 9:00 p.m. as the time to recess each budget meeting until
concluded.
City Manager Ron Bottoms presented the City's proposed 2011 -2012 Fiscal Year Budget
and the City of La Porte's Mission Statement.
Finance Director Michael Dolby began the presentation by discussing revenues and an
indepth budget discussion followed. Mr. Dolby suggested auditors Null - Lairson's
engagement letters be held until after the Fiscal Affairs Committee meets.
The proposed budget book was presented in order, with the City Manager reviewing each
department.
City Council recessed for a break at 8:13 p.m. and reconvened at 8:22 p.m.
Council directed staff to remove video streaming of council meetings and the Channel 16
upgrade. Council had questions on Hotel /Motel accounts 3001 (Memberships/
Subscriptions), 6015 (Community Festivals), and $25,000.00 budgeted for the concert
series.
Councilmember Engelken requested staff to address the following items on Tuesday,
August 9, 2011: what is estimated cost for a two percent pay increase for city staff; is there
a financial benefit of moving all staff evaluations to be effective on one particular date; is it
possible for a new animal shelter and the proposed Lomax Arena improvements be funded
by the La Porte Development Corporation; can speed limits in residential neighborhoods be
lowered from 30 miles an hour to 25 miles an hour?
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August 8 -10, 2011, City Council Meeting Minutes
Councilmember Engelken suggested staff review allocated funds of $862,000.00 in Other
Professional Services (5007) as well as the $329,000.00 contingency.
Councilmember Engelken also requested the risk and benefits of spreading residential solid
waste increased rates over a two -year period versus one year.
Councilmember Kaminski requested information discussed at the April 2011 Council
Retreat.
Councilmember Zemanek suggested funding for the Lomax Arena improvements be
provided by the La Porte Development Corporation. If funded by the Development
Corporation, the City's general fund may be sufficient to provide raises for city employees.
The meeting recessed at 9:10 p.m. to reconvene on Tuesday, August 9, 2011, at 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Mayor Rigby called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 9, 2011. All
members of Council were present. Also present were City Secretary Patrice Fogarty, City
Manager Ron Bottoms, and City Attorney Knox Askins.
City Manager Ron Bottoms continued presenting the proposed 2011 -2012 Fiscal Year
Budget, started with the Legal Department budget. There were no questions from City
Council.
The Municipal Court budget was presented with no questions from Council.
The City Secretary budget was presented next.
• Discussion or other action regarding S.B. 100 (Senate Bill 100) and Future Elections — P.
Fogarty /R. Bottoms
City Secretary Patrice Fogarty presented a summary regarding the impact of S.B. 100 on
City Elections.
There was discussion regarding the purchase of voting equipment for City Elections.
Councilmember Engelken recommended continuing utilizing the eSlate voting equipment
because La Porte citizens are familiar with this equipment. Councilmember Moser also
recommended the eSlate equipment. It was reported that La Porte ISD and San Jacinto
College have indicated they are willing to pay their fair share of costs to purchase this
equipment.
Staff was directed to meet with the other entities and advise on the purchase of the eSlate
voting equipment. City Secretary Fogarty stated she would provide a more definite cost
analysis for the eSlate equipment.
City Manager Ron Bottoms discussed the La Porte Economic Development Corporation
budget. Council recommended staff to change the contingency from $25,000.00 to
$1,000.00. Council requested clarification on Advertising (6005) expenses for Fiscal Year
2011. Stacey Osborne will provide this information to Council.
Council discussed housing development and advertisement for retail businesses in the city.
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August 8 -10, 2011, City Council Meeting Minutes
Councilmember Clausen reminded Council of the Buxton Study, and staff was directed to
provide copies of the study to the new Councilmembers.
The Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) budget was presented with no questions
from Council.
City Manager Ron Bottoms discussed the Human Resources budget and provided
information regarding costs for updated /new software.
City Manager Ron Bottoms presented the Liability and Insurance Fund budgets.
City Council recessed for a break at 7:45 p.m. and reconvened at 7:54 p.m.
Councilmembers Zemanek and Kaminski returned at 7:57 p.m.
City Manager Ron Bottoms presented the Information Technology (IT), City Council, and
Finance budgets. Of note, the Finance Department budgeted $15,000.00 for the purchase
of Laserfische software.
Council discussed the Non Departmental budget contingency of $250,000.00 versus
reducing it to $175,000.00. Council agreed to leave the contingency at $250,000.00.
City Manager Ron Bottoms and City Council discussed employee merit increases as
requested by Councilmember Engelken.
Councilmember Zemanek recommended a one -time salary adjustment of $1,000.00 per
employee and to fund the adjustment by having Lomax Arena Improvements paid by the La
Porte Development Corporation. Councilmembers Engelken and Martin also supported a
one -time salary adjustment of $1,000.00.
City Manager Ron Bottoms confirmed an Animal Shelter could not be funded by the La
Porte Development Corporation.
Councilmember Zemanek questioned if Lomax Arena Improvements could be funded from
Hotel /Motel funds.
The meeting recessed at 9:12 p.m. and will reconvene on Wednesday, August 10, 2011, at
6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Mayor Rigby called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. on Wednesday, August 10, 2011. The
following members of Council were present: Councilmembers Leonard, Zemanek, Moser,
Clausen, Mosteit and Martin. Absent: Councilmember Engelken. Also present were
Assistant City Secretary Sharon Harris and City Manager Ron Bottoms.
Mayor Rigby began the meeting by directing the City Manager to address the conduct of
City staff in the audience during Council meetings.
City Manager Ron Bottom began by presenting the Public Works Departmental budget.
Councilmember Moser inquired about the Crack Seal Program and the goals of the Street
Department. Councilmember Moser was advised to forward a list of streets in District 4 that
are in need of repair to City Manager Ron Bottoms.
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August 8 -10, 2011, City Council Meeting Minutes
Councilmember Moser confirmed the Wastewater Treatment Plant would be fully operable
during emergency situations.
Councilmember Leonard inquired on the purchase of parts for Vehicle Maintenance.
Assistant Public Works Director Don Pennell informed Council that filters and hard parts
were purchased through an annual contract and miscellaneous parts required three quotes.
City Manager Ron Bottoms presented the Parks and Recreation Departmental and Planning
Departmental budgets.
Councilmember Martin recognized Parks and Recreation for their programs, facilities and
equipment.
Councilmember Zemanek requested clarification on the Inspection Services Division's
Personnel Position Roster.
City Manager Ron Bottoms presented the Capital Improvement Projects.
AFIS Lite Latent Fingerprint Machine - Councilmember Zemanek inquired how many times
in a calendar year were fingerprints done outside the city. Chief Adcox confirmed four to five
times a month.
Animal Shelter - Councilmember Martin inquired if the current Animal Shelter facility is in
compliance with current State codes. Chief Adcox confirmed the current facility is not in
compliance, but is grandfathered in.
DOT (Department of Transportation) Inspection Site - Chief Adcox informed Council of the
purpose of a secured inspection site.
Golf Course Restroom — Councilmember Leonard inquired if the La Porte Development
Corporation could fund the project. City Manager Ron Bottoms and Finance Director
Michael Dolby will verify with Legal.
Whelen Tower — Emergency Coordinator Jeff Suggs updated Council on the completion of
the Whelen Tower project.
City Wide Sidewalk Replacement Program — Councilmember Zemanek inquired if
$50,000.00 would be enough to fund repairs with the current drought conditions and advised
staff to come back to City Council if more funding was required.
In -house Waterline Replacement — Councilmember Moser inquired about replacement of
the lead lined pipe on Main Street. City Manager Ron Bottoms and Assistant Public Works
Director Don Pennell reported the replacement is 70 percent complete and the water is safe
for drinking and is tested on an annual basis.
Sens Road Utility Relocation — Phase II — Mayor Rigby inquired if the widening of Sens
Road had been placed on hold. City Manager Ron Bottoms reported the widening of Sens
Road was on hold until possibly 2014. Councilmember Mosteit advised staff to ensure traffic
studies are included to make sure citizens can enter Sens Road safely.
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August 8 -10, 2011, City Council Meeting Minutes
Shoreacres /La Porte Interconnect — Councilmember Moser inquired if the City of
Shoreacres was providing assistance with this project. Public Works Director Dave Mick
reported the City of Shoreacres was not providing assistance at the present time, and the
item would be coming back to City Council for discussion.
Street Maintenance — Councilmember Moser requested staff to survey Iowa St, 4 St. and D
St. for severe base failure.
City Council recessed for a break at 7:30 p.m. and reconvened at 7:40 p.m.
Parking Lot Repair — Jennie Riley /Evelyn Kennedy — Mayor Rigby inquired on the status of
Safety Town. Chief Adcox informed a report will be provided at a September Council
meeting. Mayor Rigby advised staff not to repair parking lots if it is a possibility of it being
torn out in the near future.
Playground Beautification — Councilmember Leonard asked staff to consider alternative
funding other than the General Fund for this project. Councilmember Martin advised staff he
is in support of a park and equipment in Bay Oaks Subdivision.
Dog Park — Councilmember Leonard again asked staff to consider alternative funding for
this project. Councilmember Mosteit reminded staff of previous discussions of combining the
Animal Shelter and Dog Park.
Lomax Park Improvements — Councilmember Zemanek asked if clarification of funding had
been confirmed. City Manager Ron Bottoms reported funds could be used from the
Hotel /Motel fund but the actual amount had not yet been confirmed.
Airport Trail — It was the consensus of Council to remove the project from the list.
Trail Connectors — It was the consensus of Council to remove the project from the list.
The Airport Trail and Trail Connector projects were removed from the Capital Improvement
Projects List.
Finance Director Michael Dolby presented the Debt Service Funds.
City Manager Ron Bottoms presented the following re -cap for City Council.
• Delete Video streaming and Channel 16 upgrade.
• Delete Airport Trail and Trail Connectors.
• Reduce contingency in La Porte Development Corporation Board from $25,000.00 to
$1,000.00 — take recommendation back to Board.
• Staff will evaluate using Hotel /Motel Funds regarding Lomax Park Improvements.
• $1,000.00 stipend for City employees.
The City Manager and Council discussed step increases for Civil Services employees.
City Manager Ron Bottoms reported on reducing speed limits in residential neighborhoods as
requested by Councilmember Engelken. Mr. Bottoms advised Council that the state law speed
limits in residential neighborhoods is 30 miles an hour, and the Public Works Department had
provided a cost estimate of $200,000.00 for signs in addition to a possible engineering study
being required.
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August 8 -10, 2011, City Council Meeting Minutes
City Manager Ron Bottoms and Council discussed residential solid waste rates and spreading
the increase over a two -year period. It was the consensus of Council to increase the rates to
$1.50 at one time instead of spreading rates over a two -year period.
7. COUNCIL COMMENTS - Matters appearing on agenda; recognition of community members, city
employees, and upcoming events; inquiry of staff regarding specific factual information or existing
policy — Councilmembers Zemanek, Leonard, Engelken, Mosteit, Clausen, Moser, Martin Kaminski,
and Mayor Rigby.
Councilmember Zemanek thanked staff for their work on the budget, wished Councilmember Moser
and Park and Recreation Director Stephen Barr a Happy Birthday, gave condolences to the
Beasley family and wished Christy Johnson and her family well and a speedy recovery for Ms.
Johnson. Councilmember Leonard thanked staff for their work on the budget and condolences to
the Beasley family. Councilmember Mosteit sent condolences to the Beasley family, thanked staff
for budget preparations, their patience with Council and thanked citizens for attending the meetings.
Councilmember Clausen sent condolences to the Beasley family, thanked the City Manager and
staff for the proposed budget. Councilmember Martin also thanked the City Manager and staff for
the proposed budget. Councilmember Moser thanked staff and the Finance Department for the
proposed budget. Councilmember Kaminski thanked staff for the proposed budget and sent
condolences to the Beasley family. Mayor Rigby questioned if the Step Program had been finalized
during the budget meetings for Police Officers. City Manager Ron Bottoms responded it had not but
gathered from Council discussions to apply $47,000.00 toward the Step Grant. The Mayor
requested staff to look at the physical fitness program and confirm if it truly assists the Health Fund
that continues to increase, directed staff on the agenda requests for Capital Improvement Projects
to include benefits of projects if approved, and liability if not approved, and the effects on the budget
in the next two years. The Mayor expressed his concerns that the budget numbers presented are
not always the same as in previous years and requested future budgets include an amended
column in order for the budget numbers to reflect what had been approved by City Council.
8. EXECUTIVE SESSION
There was no executive session during the three meeting nights.
9. RECONVENE into regular session and consider action, if any, on items discussed in executive
session.
10. ADJOURN
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:03 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
AP,
Patrice Fogarty, fj Secret'ry
Passed a • .. 'proved on August 22, 2011.
AIM
May Lo is b
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August 8 -10, 2011, City Council Meeting Minutes