HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-07-23 Regular Meeting of La Porte City CouncilLOUIS RIGBY
Mayor
JOHN ZEMANEK
Mayor Pro Tem
Councilmember at Large A
DOTTIE KAMINSKI
Councilmember at Large B
MIKE MOSTEIT
Councilmember District 1
CHUCK ENGELKEN
Councilmember District 2
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA PORTE
JULY 23, 2012
DARYL LEONARD
Councilmember District 3
TOMMY MOSER
Councilmember District 4
JAY MARTIN
Councilmember District 5
MIKE CLAUSEN
Councilmember District 6
The City Council of the City of La Porte met in a regular meeting on Monday, July 23, 2012, 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. Members of Council present:
Councilmembers Engelken, Zemanek, Mosteit, Martin, Kaminski, Clausen, Leonard and Moser.
Also present were City Secretary Patrice Fogarty, City Manager Corby Alexander, Assistant City
Manager Traci Leach and Assistant City Attorney Clark Askins.
2. INVOCATION - The invocation was given by Brian Christen, La Porte Community Church.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilmember Chuck
Engelken.
4. (a) Presentation — Keep Texas Beautiful Award — Mayor Rigby
Mayor Rigby presented the Silver City designation award from Keep Texas Beautiful to the City of
La Porte. It was accepted by Director of Parks and Recreation Stephen Barr.
(b) Recognition — Distinguished Budget Award — Mayor Rigby
Mayor Rigby recognized the Finance Department for receiving the Distinguished Budget Award for
the 22nd year in a row. It was accepted by Finance Director Michael Dolby.
(c) Presentation — "Employee of the (Second) Quarter' Tammy Adams (Police Department) —
Mayor Rigby
Mayor Rigby presented Tammy Adams (Telecommunications, Police Department) with the
"Employee of the (Second) Quarter' honor.
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS (Limited to five minutes per person.)
Rhonda Lunsford, 10280 N. H Street, addressed Council regarding the Lomax Arena. Ms. Lunsford
suggested the Lomax Arena be improved for safety and use by the public. Ms. Lunsford also suggested a list
of event rentals be made available to the public.
Mike Cobb, 109 Summer Winds Dr., addressed Council regarding the Lomax Arena, agreeing with Ms.
Lunsford as to improving the arena.
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July 23, 2012, City Council Meeting Minutes
6. CONSENT AGENDA (All consent agenda items are considered routine by City Council and will be enacted
by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a Councilmember requests an
item be removed and considered separately.)
(a) Consider approval or other action regarding the minutes of the regular City Council meeting
held on July 9, 2012 — P. Fogarty
(b) Consider approval or other action regarding an ordinance amending the City of La Porte
Fiscal Year 2011-2012 Budget — M. Dolby
(c) Consider approval or other action regarding Amendment No. 2 of the Interlocal Agreement
between the City of La Porte and the Harris County Transit Authority for the provision of
local bus service through October 31, 2012 — T. Leach
Regarding Consent Item B, Councilmember Zemanek had a question on Item F found on the
second page of the agenda request: $200,000.00 in the Utility Fund to increase the transfer to the
Utility Capital Improvement Project to cover project cost. City Manager Corby Alexander responded
that the transfer was requested to meet the need of all projects specified for the year. Finance
Director Michael Dolby and Treasurer Shelley Wolny commented that one of the projects in Fund
003 (Utility CIP) went over the estimated amount provided to Finance in preparation for the Fiscal
Year 2012 budget. The estimated amount for 2011 total project costs was lower than the original
budget. The remaining balance went to the bottom line fund balance and then reallocated for
upcoming 2012 projects. However, the project actually turned out to cost more than the revised
estimate. It was still within the original budget; but based on the revised estimate that was given,
the funds were allocated elsewhere. The $200,000.00 transfer is to cover the new projects that
were approved with the 2012 budget to keep the fund from going negative.
Assistant City Attorney Clark Askins read the caption of Ordinance 2012-3423: AN ORDINANCE
- APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF LA PORTE, TEXAS, FOR THE
PERIOD OF OCTOBER 1, 2011 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2012; FINDING THAT ALL THINGS
REQUISITE AND NECESSARY HAVE BEEN DONE IN PREPARATION AND PRESENTMENT OF SAID
BUDGET; FINDING COMPLIANCE WITH THE OPEN MEETINGS LAW; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE
DATE HEREOF.
Councilmember Mosteit moved to approve the Consent Agenda pursuant to recommendations by
City Staff and Ordinance 2012-3423, with the exclusion of correlating budget amendment as
indicated by bullet point F on the second page of the agenda request for Item 6(b), above.
Councilmember Moser seconded. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Leonard, Engelken, Kaminski,
Zemanek, Clausen, Mosteit, Martin and Moser
Nays: None
Absent: None
7. AUTHORIZATIONS/ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS
(a) Consider approval or other action regarding an ordinance adopting revised City of
La Porte Employee Policies Handbook to incorporate an updated Emergency Pay Policy —
K. Anderson
Human Resources Manager Katherine Anderson presented a summary.
Assistant City Attorney Clark Askins read the caption of Ordinance 2012-3424: AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING
REVISED CITY OF LA PORTE EMPLOYEE POLICIES HANDBOOK TO INCORPORATE UPDATED
EMERGENCY PAY POLICY; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE, FINDING COMPLIANCE WITH THE
OPEN MEETINGS LAW; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF.
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Councilmember Clausen moved to approve Ordinance 2012-3424 adopting the revised City of
La Porte Employee Policies Handbook to incorporate an updated Emergency Pay Policy.
Councilmember Engelken seconded. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Leonard, Engelken, Kaminski,
Zemanek, Mosteit, Clausen, Martin and Moser
Nays: None
Absent: None
8. DISCUSSION OR OTHER ACTION
(a) Consider approval or other action regarding a recommended date of September 10, 2012,
for the Public Hearing on the City of La Porte's FY 2012-2013 Proposed Budget and provide
staff with direction regarding dates for budget workshops — M. Dolby
Finance Director Michael Dolby presented a summary.
Councilmember Clausen moved to approve September 10, 2012, as the date for a Public Hearing
on the City of La Porte's FY 2012-2013 Proposed Budget. Councilmember Engelken seconded.
MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Leonard, Engelken, Kaminski,
Zemanek, Mosteit, Clausen, Martin and Moser
Nays: None
Absent: None
(b) Consider approval or other action awarding bid # 12024 for Lomax Park Improvements and
provide staff with direction — S. Barr
Parks and Recreation Director Stephen Barr presented a summary.
Councilmember Clausen questioned if a structural engineer had looked at the Lomax Arena. Mr.
Barr responded yes, three years ago. Councilmember Clausen questioned if painting was included
in the base bid. Mr. Barr responded yes.
Councilmember Martin questioned if citizen input was collected regarding repairs. Mr. Barr
responded yes, members of the Live Stock Show and Rodeo Association also met with the
architects. Councilmember Martin questioned if Phase 2 was funded in the improvements. Mr.
Barr responded no, Phase 2 has not been funded.
Councilmember Leonard added staff needs to make sure the facility functions as designed.
Councilmember Leonard questioned when looking at roof repairs, whether the bucking shoots and
gates will be looked at for use as intended. Mr. Barr responded the pens and fencing are owned by
the Live Stock Show and Rodeo Association, but the City is working on a possible arrangement to
include it as part of the package. Mr. Barr also added the circular drive was an alternate in the
plan and may not be able to be included.
Councilmember Zemanek commented the intent for improvements was for the arena and not a
storage building or concession stand. Councilmember Zemanek questioned if the costs associated
with improving the arena include new lighting. Mr. Barr responded no.
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Councilmember Clausen questioned if Council approved Option 3, would the preferred contractor
be able to go with the lowest bidder. Mr. Barr responded yes.
Councilmember Mosteit asked if Council awarded Option 3, would it move forward as scheduled
with eliminating the pavilion. Mr. Barr advised Council could move forward with the arena while
evaluating the restrooms.
Mayor Rigby questioned whether the budget for Phase 2 is $1.2 million. Mr. Barr responded yes.
Mayor Rigby questioned the cost for restrooms. Mr. Barr responded if Council approved Item 1 and
Alternate 1, the remaining balance would be $506,000.00 and restrooms, storage building,
concession building and meeting rooms could be built for the amount.
Mr. Barr stated that the electrical, including lights and fixtures for better lighting for the pavilion, will
be included in Item 2.
Councilmember Moser commented T5 fluorescent lights were not being utilized anymore and
currently, buildings are being built to save energy.
Councilmember Engelken moved to table awarding bid # 12024 for Lomax Park Improvements,
have staff re -work it and bring it back to Council. Councilmember Leonard seconded. MOTION
FAILED.
Ayes: Councilmembers Leonard, Engelken and Kaminski
Nays: Councilmembers Mosteit, Zemanek, Clausen, Martin, Moser
and Mayor Rigby
Absent: None
Councilmember Clausen moved to go with Option 3 including electrical work with staff utilizing a
better lighting scheme for Lomax Park Improvements. Councilmember Mosteit seconded.
MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Clausen, Mosteit, Martin,
Leonard, Moser and Leonard
Nays: Councilmembers Kaminski and Engelken
Absent: None
(c) Receive report of Chapter 172 Employee, Retiree Insurance and Benefits Board regarding
benefits and provide staff with input and direction — K. Anderson
Human Resources Manager provided a report of the Chapter 172 Employee, Retiree Insurance and
Benefits Board regarding benefits, and recognized Chapter 172 committee members who were
present. Council accepted the report without further action.
9. STAFF REPORTS
(a) Receive drainage report — J. Garza
Senior Engineer Julian Garza provided a drainage report and highlighted updates.
(b) Receive reports of the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region and Bay Area Houston
Convention and Visitors Bureau — S. Osborne
Chad Burke, President of the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region, provided a presentation and
City of La Porte Annual Report.
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Michelle Twist, Communications Director of the Bay Area Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau,
provided a report and scope of services provided for member cities for FY 2011-2012.
Councilmember Leonard requested specific data for the City of La Porte due to the services
provided by the Bay Area Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau. President Pat Summers, of the
Bay Area Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau, advised specific data was not available for the
presentation but would be sent to Council.
Councilmember Martin questioned the percentage of revenues generated from the City of La Porte.
Ms. Summers responded 10 percent. Councilmember Martin inquired what type of activities could
be recommended for sponsorship by the City of La Porte that would fill hotels and whether that type
of services is provided. Ms. Summers responded yes, advertising services are provided.
Councilmember Zemanek requested the amount of the City of La Porte's subscription fee to the
Bay Area Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau. Ms. Summers responded, approximately
$62,000.00. Councilmember Zemanek questioned if Sylvan Beach Day was advertised by the Bay
Area Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau. Ms. Twist responded yes.
(c) Receive report of Fiscal Affairs Committee — Councilmember Engelken
Councilmember Engelken provided a report from the Fiscal Affairs Committee meeting just prior to
the council meeting.
(d) Receive Delinquent Tax Report — K. Powell
Assistant City Manager Traci Leach provided the Delinquent Tax Report.
10. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
(a) Citizens' Charter Review Advisory Commission Meeting, Tuesday, July 24, 2012
(b) Open House and 20th Anniversary of La Porte Recreation and Fitness Center, Wednesday,
August 1, 2012
11. COUNCIL COMMENTS regarding matters appearing on the agenda; recognition of community
members, city employees, and upcoming events; inquiry of staff regarding specific factual
information or existing policies — Councilmembers Engelken, Mosteit, Clausen, Martin, Moser,
Kaminski, Zemanek, Leonard and Mayor Rigby.
Councilmembers Engelken, Mosteit, Clausen, Martin, Moser, Kaminski, Leonard, Zemanek and
Mayor Rigby congratulated the Finance Department on the Distinguished Budget Award and
Tammy Adams for being recognized as the "Employee of the (Second) Quarter." In addition,
Councilmember Zemanek commented he was glad to see the Lomax Arena Improvements
project moving forward.
12. EXECUTIVE SESSION
The City Council reserves the right to meet in 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.
Texas Government Code, Section 551.072 — Deliberation regarding purchase, exchange, lease or
value of real property: Discussion of the sale of building located at 912 West Main Street and former
Police Department/Municipal Court building at 913/915 S. 8th Street.
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July 23, 2012, City Council Meeting Minutes
Texas Government Code, Section 551.074 — Deliberation concerning the appointment,
employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal of a public officer or
employee: Corby Alexander, City Manager
City Council recessed the regular meeting to convene an executive session at 8:44 p.m. to discuss
the sale of building located at 912 West Main Street and former Police Department/Municipal Court
building at 913/915 S. 8th Street, and the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment,
duties, discipline, or dismissal of a public officer or employee: Corby Alexander, City Manager
11. RECONVENE into regular session and consider action, if any, on item(s) discussed in executive
session.
The regular meeting was reconvened at 9:45 p.m. Council accepted the offer of $350,000.00 on
913/915 S. 8th Street (old police building); accepted the offer of $220,000.00 on the 912 West Main
building, with restrictions; and gave City Manager Corby Alexander direction on goals and
objectives to work on during his first six months of employment.
12. ADJOURN
There being no further business, at 9:46 p.m. the meeting was adjourned.
Re ectfully submitted,
Patrice Fogarty, "ecretary
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Passed an(faIfpNv,6J on _August 13, 2012.
Mavbr Lohis R. Ri
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July 23, 2012, City Council Meeting Minutes