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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-04-13 Regular Meeting of La Porte City Council minutesLOUIS RIGBY DARYL LEONARD Mayor Of A Councilmember District 3 JOHNZEMANEK O 9 TOMMV MOSER Councilmember at Large A ram, Councilmember Mayor Pro Ten Y MAMdd MARTIN JAY M DOTTIE KAMINSKI Councilmember District 5 Councilmember at Large a MIKE MOSTEIT MIKE CLAUSEN Councilmember District 1 AMa Councilmember District 6 CHUCK ENGELKEN Councilmember District 2 MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA PORTE APRIL 13, 2013 The City Council of the City of La Porte met in a special meeting on Saturday, April 13, 2013, at 8:30 a.m., in the Council Chambers of City hall, 604 West Fairmont Parkway, La Porte, Texas to consider the following items of business: 1. Call to Order Mayor Rigby called the meeting to order at 8:32 a.m. Members of Council present: Councilmembers Engelken, Mosteit, Moser, Leonard, Kaminski, Clausen, and Martin. Members of Council absent: Councilmember Zemanek Mayor Rigby requested Councilmember Engelken chair the meeting if he has to leave because Mayor Pro-Tem John Zemanek is absent. Councilmember Engelken agreed. Members of Citv Executive Staff and Citv Emolovees Present: City Manager's Office: Corby Alexander and Traci Leach City Secretary's Office: Patrice Fogarty Finance: Michael Dolby, Phyllis Rinehart, Gay Collins and Shelley Wolny Parks: Stephen Barr Planning: Tim Tietjens Police Department: Ken Adcox Public Works Department: Dave Mick Fire: Mike Boaze Municipal Court: Denise Mitrano Emergency Management: Jeff Suggs There were no members of the public present. 2. Discussion or other 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. Financial Overview — 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. Councilmember Martin questioned Mr. Dolby if he knew if residents in the City of Shoreacres received a 20 percent property tax cut. Mr. Dolby responded no. Councilmember Martin questioned if a property tax cut can be verified. City Manager Corby Alexander responded the City can confirm through the Harris County Appraisal District. Page 1 of 10 April 13, 2013, City Council Special Meeting Minutes Mayor Rigby questioned the number of Industrial District Agreements for 2003-2004 vs. current date. Finance Director Michael Dolby responded he does not have the information at the present time. Councilmember Clausen commented if the general fund is being tracked at or above 42 percent, the City is doing well. Mr. Dolby responded yes. Councilmember Martin commented staff is doing a great job monitoring the City's revenue and expenditures. Councilmember Leonard questioned if current expenditures in the Health Fund appear acceptable. Mr. Dolby responded the claims are well within a conservative amount, and possibly, costs can be lowered due to plan designs. Mayor Rigby questioned Finance Director Dolby if the request from last year to include a column showing the amount actually spent by each department for year ending has been considered. Mr. Dolby responded the Finance Department has the request noted when preparing forthe upcoming budget year. B. Main Street Festival Electrical Project Update— Councilmember Moser (S. Barr) Parks and Recreation Director Stephen Barr provided an update on the Main Street Festival Electrical Project and asked Council for direction on moving forward with project changes including a more permanent installation of underground conduit utilizing boring and saw cuts of existing concrete, in order to also install a permanent outlet at each of the trees along Main Street. Councilmember Moser commented completing one or two blocks this year and the following blocks next year would be a resolution, and the electrical system will always be in place for future events on Main Street. Councilmember Moser also added he would like to discuss the possibility of new lighting at future budget retreats. Mayor Rigby questioned if the plan includes the City charging a fee to individuals wishing to use electrical on Main Street. Councilmember Moser responded yes it can. Councilmember Clausen asked what other events would Main Street be utilized for other than "Christmas on Main Street" Mr. Barr responded a car show in October and several other events have been held, but the electrical system would provide other opportunities for events along Main Street. Councilmember Clausen questioned how will the electrical system be regulated. Mr. Barr responded it would be metered and activated by authorized personnel. Councilmember Martin commented he would like to see the project move forward with the $145,000.00. Mr. Barr advised Council that staff will request to design the entire project in phases, including beginning at Five Points and Main. Councilmember Mosteit questioned if staff has contacted CenterPoint for cost. Mr. Barr responded staff met with Carlton Porter for an initial meeting to discuss the portable system, and he is confident the City can utilize the current services that exist and bring new meters as needed. Councilmember Mosteit questioned if the load will require new equipment from CenterPoint. Mr. Barr responded that during the meeting with Mr. Porter, he did not indicate new equipment will be required. Mr. Barr advised the design will provide a load analysis if needed, and staff will add it into the Request For Proposals. Councilmember Leonard commented he would like to move forward with design and prices Page 2 of 10 April 13, 2013, City Council Special Meeting Minutes Mayor Rigby advised staff to prepare a policy stating who has authorization to operate the system. C. Future Affordable Housing on Northside— Councilmember Moser (C. Alexander) City Manager Corby Alexander discussed the possibility of obtaining properties available for acquisition through delinquent taxes on the Northside Community and moving forward with participation of affordable housing by partnering with Habitat for Humanity and/or applying for grants from Harris County. Councilmember Moser provided Council with a sheet and informed since the beginning of the program in 1993, the total investment to city tax payers is $209,000.00 and 2.4 billion dollars in total ad valorem assets. Councilmember Moser commented the program is good for the city and citizens in need of housing and asked Council to consider establishing a Capital Improvement Project fund with $100,000.00 annually for redevelopment on the Northside. Councilmember Moser also commented to request assistance with tax situations from Harris County and La Porte Independent School District. Councilmember Leonard commented he would like to see the City reinstate $100,000.00 to continue obtaining properties available for acquisition. Councilmember Martin commented the program can be expanded to areas in need of revitalization throughout the city. Mayor Rigby questioned which funds were for Habitat for Humanity programs. City Manager Corby Alexander responded the general fund. Mayor Rigby questioned how does Council allocate and divide among the districts. Councilmember Martin responded as needed, and each Councilmember will bring back to Council for review. Councilmember Leonard commented he does not have a problem, and it is all about the obligation of each Councilmember to see what is needed in each district as far as housing. Mayor Rigby questioned Planning Director Tim Tietjens if the Harris County Home Grant Program targeted a specific area. Mr. Tietjens responded yes and may change if the census changes. Mayor Rigby questioned if there are other areas in town that may potentially qualify for Harris County funding. Mr. Tietjens responded yes. City Council had no objection to funding $100,000.00 for future affordable housing D. Model T Storage Building — Councilmember Kaminski (C. Alexander) City Manager Corby Alexander discussed the need for construction of a storage building at the depot museum for the 1927 Ford Model T car. Councilmember Kaminski informed Council the Heritage Society has been trying for over six years to get storage for the car. Mayor Rigby questioned the value of the car. Councilmember Moser responded approximately $18,000.00, and pointed out that the Heritage Society wants others to enjoy the car. Mayor Rigby questioned if the Heritage Society has plans on contributing to the cost of the storage building. City Manager Corby Alexander responded he did not know the answer to that. Mayor Rigby commented it will be easier if the Heritage Society came forward with some funds. Councilmember Martin commented the City can limit contributions for construction of a storage building. Page 3 of 10 April 13, 2013, City Council Special Meeting Minutes Councilmember Moser commented the building needs to be climate controlled Councilmember Clausen questioned if the City considered a prefabricated building on the property that can be retrofit with heat, air and sheetrock. Councilmember Moser responded the building needs to look like the other buildings, and the depot needs the existing driveway. Mayor Rigby commented he is concerned the Heritage Society cannot afford to maintain a storage building, and he prefers to spend money on a design to assure actual cost for a storage building. Councilmember Leonard commented he would like the Heritage Society to assist with the costs through fundraising. Councilmember Moser advised he is okay with hiring an architect to provide a design for construction of a storage building. City Manager Corby Alexander advised Council the City will obtain proposed estimates for an architect to provide a design. Mayor Rigby questioned if the cost will be funded from Hotel/Motel funds and expended as needed. City Manager Alexander responded yes. City Council had no objections. E. Expansion of Summer Camp Programming — Councilmember Moser (S. Barr) Parks and Recreation Director Stephen Barr discussed two options for the expansion of the Summer Camp Program from 20 participants to 39 participants. Mr. Barr informed Council of a revenue shortfall of $3,300.00 for the 3 one -week sessions if all additional 19 slots are filled with Northside participation. Councilmember Moser commented there are many kids in the Northside community in need of a more structured recreation environment with meals; and it is La Porte City Council duty as governmental officials to provide assistance to any kid who qualifies; he asked Council to expand the program. Councilmember Martin questioned the current number of one -week camps. Parks and Recreation Director Stephen Barr responded two, one "structured" and the other one "unstructured." Councilmember Clausen questioned if staff has coordinated with La Porte Independent School District for possible summer school program assistance that is offered. Councilmember Clausen also advised breakfast, lunch and enrichment programs are also offered during the Summer School Program. Mr. Barr responded he will definitely coordinate with the La Porte Independent School District. Councilmember Mosteit commented the program should be expanded to all areas of town, inviting all lower income families to participate. Mr. Barr responded staff can make all areas aware of the program but not sure on providing transportation. Councilmember Mosteit suggested staff inquire with local churches for assistance with transportation. Mr. Barr advised staff will do so. Councilmember Martin questioned transportation and summer programs for kids with special needs. Mr. Barr responded kids with special needs receive first priority; and a bus is Page 4 of 10 April 13, 2013, City Council Special Meeting Minutes assigned to them along with Summer Camps, Special Olympics and Track and Field Programs. Councilmember Moser commented he would like to make sure the kids receive breakfast, lunch, and a structured environment; and partnering with La Porte Independent School District for a Summer School Program will be great. Mayor Rigby commented expanding the program is a great idea; but he is a little hesitant when offering slots "first come, first served" and individuals signing up early pay $60.00 and the individuals not signing up early do not pay a fee. Mayor Rigby also commented he does not want the recreation facilities known as a daycare. Councilmember Moser commented his main idea was to provide breakfast and lunch during the Summer Camp Program. City Council had no objections to Parks and Recreation Director Stephen Barr coordinating with La Porte ISD for additional assistance with a Summer School Program and bringing it back to Council. Mayor Rigby recessed for a break at 9:57 a.m. Mayor Rigby reconvened the special meeting at 10:10 a.m. F. Trail System, including extension of N. E St. Linear Park— Councilmembers Martin/Moser (S. Barr) Parks and Recreation Director Stephen Barr discussed the Trail System, including the extension of N. E St. Linear Park. Councilmember Moser informed Council the La Porte Civic Club has concerns with the future of the right-of-way property located at N. 'E" Street that is no longer utilized by La Porte ISD. The La Porte Civic Club requested Councilmember Moser bring forward their concerns for discussion and possible consideration of funding for a Bike Trail and for a Town Hall Meeting, as well. Mayor Rigby questioned Parks Director Stephen Barr what was the cost of the "U" that goes around the property. Mr. Barr responded $65,000.00. Mayor Rigby suggested the City obtain a title search for both N. "E Street and East "E" Street to confirm ownership of the property before any further consideration. City Manager Corby Alexander responded a title search would be completed. Councilmember Moser thanked Parks and Recreation Director Stephen Barr and Public Improvement Coordinator Reagan McPhail. City Manager Corby Alexander advised Council that staff will obtain title searches and bring this back to Council. Councilmember Martin commented the Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail has been positive in the city and requested Council discuss the idea of constructing a trail system and thanked Mr. Barr for the providing the presentation. Councilmember Mosteit questioned where is the right-of-way on Farrington Blvd. to "H, Street. Mr. Barr responded on the south side of the road. Councilmember Leonard commented he has a concern with extending the "hike and bike trail" due to minimum bicycle traffic along Bay Area Blvd on the actual trail and more bicycle Page 5 of 10 April 13, 2013, City Council Special Meeting Minutes traffic in the road. In addition, Councilmember Leonard questioned how to increase bicycle traffic on the trails. Mr. Barr responded the bicyclists can legally ride on the road, you cannot force them on the trail, and there is a considerable amount of use on the trail other than during main commute hours. Councilmember Clausen suggested directional signage encouraging the use of the trail. Mr. Barr advised staff would look at signage. Councilmember Martin requested signage for S. Broadway, as well, due to the same concern. Mayor Rigby suggested passing an ordinance to require bicyclists to utilize trails when available and commented he believes there are currently enough trails. Councilmember Leonard agreed. Councilmember Martin commented he hears positive comments about the trails being utilized, and he would like the City to move forward. Mayor Rigby commented he is not opposed to moving forward, just not at the present time. Councilmember Moser commented the City should look at the cost. Councilmember Martin agreed. Councilmember Mosteit commented citizens should be kept informed of the status of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail System. Mr. Barr advised staff will review priorities; wait until Sens Road is completed, which will connect to Bay Area, adding more bicycle traffic, and may alleviate Councilmember Leonard's concern. City Manager Corby Alexander requested Council advise staff if there are priorities for the Trail System. Councilmember Leonard questioned how to justify the usage of the Trail System. Mr. Barr responded there is more usage of the trail system than sidewalks in the City. Councilmember Kaminski questioned if the trails were cleaned. Mr. Barr responded yes. Parks and Recreation Director Stephen Barr advised staff would come back with priorities. G. Streets & Utilities Multi -Year Plan — Mayor Rigby (D. Mick) Dave Mick, Public Works Director, discussed a multi -year plan for streets and utilities and recommended an annual Utility Capital Improvement Program of at least $2 million. Councilmember Moser requested Mr. Mick forward to him a list of concrete street repairs for District 4 in addition to requesting staff to substitute Type D asphalt for Chip Seal. Council directed staff to estimate resources available for the next five years for a possible Utility Capital Improvement Program. Mayor Rigby recessed for lunch at 11:33 a.m. Mayor Rigby reconvened the special meeting at 12:12 p.m. Councilmember Leonard left the table during the break and did not return until after the meeting was reconvened. H. Golf Course Fairway Upgrades — Mayor Rigby (T. Leach) Assistant City Manager Traci Leach discussed fairway upgrades at Bay Forest Golf Course. Ms. Leach informed Council that the back nine will be upgraded first. Page 6 of 10 April 13, 2013, City Council special Meeting Minutes Mayor Rigby said the course opened 25 years ago; and there are 35,000-40,000 rounds played per year on the course. Councilmember Martin commented there are a few senior citizens that informed him they do not play at the course any longer due to the uncomfortable ride in the golf carts along the fairways. Councilmember Mosteit commented he is in favor of improving all fairways. Councilmember Martin questioned Ms. Leach if staff looked at other options for repairs. Ms. Leach responded the least expensive option during the summer months is recommend by Golf Course Manager Alex Osmond. Finance Director Michael Dolby advised repairs can be completed during this current year. Assistant City Manager Leach advised she would confirm with Golf Course Manager Alex Osmond when repairs can begin. Council agreed for staff to begin repairs during the current summer months, as soon as possible. Councilmember Leonard was not present at this time. I. Department of Justice Complaint—Councilmember Engelken (T. Leach) Assistant City Manager Traci Leach discussed Councilmember Engelken's request for the City of La Porte to file a formal complaint with the Department of Justice against Harris County Flood Control for deceptive and unfair administration of the buy-out program in the Brookglen neighborhood. Councilmember Engelken commented the Harris County Flood Control's rules are not flexible; he has not been successful meeting with either Harris County Flood Control or Precinct 2; the buy-out lots are not being maintained, and they have done a disservice to La Porte and are not good neighbors. Councilmember Clausen questioned if the goal was to make FEMA or owners of the lots accountable for the unfair administration of the buy-out program. Councilmember Engelken responded the ultimate goal is to file a complaint with specific actions to allow redevelopment on the existing lots. Mayor Rigby questioned if a well -written letter to Harris County Flood Control and copied to Commissioner Morman's office outlining the City's plans to complain regarding unfair buy-outs and rules is a starting point. Councilmember Engelken responded a letter can be done as a professional courtesy, but he would prefer to move forward. Mayor Rigby questioned if Council wished to move forward now or wait for the upcoming budget. Council agreed to move forward now. J. Major CIP Projects — D. Mick; K. Adcox; M. Boaze; J. Suggs Assistant City Manager Traci Leach provided an introduction for Major Capital Improvement Projects. Chief of Police Ken Adcox advised Council Police Department Radios must be upgraded by December 31, 2016; and advised of the two options: 1) Opt to remain on the Harris County Radio system and purchase all radios and supplies that are needed over a period of two and a half years to be completely upgraded by the end of 2016; or 2) Switch over to the City Page 7 of 10 April 13, 2013, City Council special Meeting Minutes of Houston and purchase all radios and supplies at a 30 percent discounted rate under the agreement the City of Houston has recently entered into with Motorola. Councilmember Martin questioned how long the City had the radio system. Police Chief Adcox responded the radio system has been in place for decades, and the current radios are five years old. Councilmember Engelken questioned if there was a mandate to replace street signs in order to be visible at night by the year 2016. Public Works Director Dave Mick responded the change was for text to be easily read, and he thinks there is no longer a mandate. Councilmember Clausen commented if the radios are purchased all at once they will all have to be renewed at once. Finance Director Michael Dolby responded funds are available. Police Chief Ken Adcox advised Council staff will move forward with the purchase of radios with a switch over to the City of Houston and the replacement of the consoles will be budgeted over the next few years. Mayor Rigby thanked Chief Adcox for his presentation. Fire Chief Mike Boaze commented he supports the console replacement for better communication. Chief Boaze informed Council the Fire Department is requesting to replace 85 Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBAs) units. Chief Boaze advised Council the options were to 1) continue existing practice of replacing SCBAs in a 6-year period or purchase and replace all 85 units at one time. Mayor Rigby questioned how much time equates to twenty-five percent in an air bottle. Fire Chief Boaze responded five minutes and advised after the proposed purchase, staff would like to put equipment on a replacement program. Councilmember Moser questioned if the firefighters were at risk. Chief Boaze responded yes, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Fire Chief Boaze advised Council if there is funding, he would like to move forward with the replacement of 85 SCBAs. Finance Director Michael Dolby informed funding is available. Council agreed to fund for the replacement of 85 SCBAs in the upcoming budget. Emergency Management Coordinator Jeff Suggs advised Council converting the current Naviline system to OneSolution that will better streamline the city processes internally and externally. Mr. Suggs also added the upgrade will take approximately 18 to 24 months, and the $450,000.00 total cost can be extended over a two-year period. Councilmember Martin questioned if OneSolution was previously Naviline and Sungard. Mr. Suggs responded yes. Mayor Rigby requested clarification regarding the audit performed of the Planning Department wherein Council was advised the department needed software for efficiency, and questioned why Finance and Human Resources were being suggested for software upgrades. Mr. Suggs responded processes and modules have been in place since 2011 that have not been utilized, and the IT Department was not approached during the audit regarding the capabilities of Naviline. Councilmember Martin commented that last year during the Budget Retreat, Council approved funds to convert from Naviline to Sungard and funds were not expended. Page 8 of 10 April 13, 2013, City Council Special Meeting Minutes City Manager Corby Alexander advised Council issues during the Planning Audit can be addressed without expending funds based on the current software, and staff will bring it back to Council. Public Works Director Dave Mick informed Council the City of La Porte entered into an agreement with Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) in 2010; and Sanitary Sewer Overflows have been successfully maintained by the City, but TCEQ requires certain improvements to be completed over a period of time. City Manager Corby Alexander advised Council $2,600,000.00 in debt can be issued this year by either C.O.'s or G.O.'s from the General Fund. Council agreed to issue $2,600,000.00 in debt for this budget year. K. Health Fund and Insurance Information — K. Anderson City Manager Corby Alexander updated Council on the current financial status of the plans and requested input on potential opportunities for savings and improvements to the plan design. In addition, Mr. Alexander also discussed the positive results from the design changes implemented January 2011. City Secretary Patrice Fogarty left table at 1:44 p.m. and returned at 2:00 p.m. Council directed staff to research and implement a disease management program where appropriate, and encouraged employees and dependents to purchase generic prescriptions when acceptable. L. Future Audit of Departments/Functions — C. Alexander/T. Leach City Manager Corby Alexander and Assistant City Manager Traci Leach proposed additional audits of various City functions, services, departments and other key revenue sources. Councilmember Engelken commented the common policy within departments is fine, and he would choose Public Works and Parks and Recreation for the next review. Councilmember Kaminski agreed. City Manager Corby Alexander informed Council that Municipal Court volunteered a similar audit for this year. Council agreed to conduct an audit of Public Works and revenue sources for the upcoming budget year and Municipal Court this budget year. Staff will be bringing a budget amendment to Council for approval. M. Community Cooperative Projects —T. Leach Assistant City Manager Traci Leach discussed community cooperative projects and asked Council if they wish to reinstate funds in the Capital Improvement Program for partnership projects. Councilmember Martin questioned if the donation of $50,000.00 from Albemarle for Safety Town and the Youth Safety Alcohol and Awareness Program has been expended. Chief Ken Adcox responded yes, a detailed report of proposed expenses was provided at the last Council Retreat; and there is an $8,000.00 balance remaining. 3. Receive Direction from Council on upcoming 2013-2014 Fiscal Year Budget This item was combined with Council Comments. Page a of 10 April 13, 2013, City Council Special Meeting Minutes City Manager Corby Alexander presented projections for FY 2013-2014 Budget and received supportive comments. 4. Council Comments Councilmember Mosteit thanked staff for their assistance and input on the budget, thanked everyone that attended the Livestock Show and Auction and City Manager Corby Alexander and his daughters for participating in the program; Councilmember Clausen expressed the importance of focusing on the city infrastructure; Councilmember Martin commented the City is in a good financial position, thanked the Finance Department and Executive Staff, commented he would like to see the 25" Anniversary of Bay Forest Golf Course celebrated and hopes the City would also recognize the reopening of Sylvan Beach Pavilion; Councilmember Moser thanked staff and requested a Breakfast Program for this summer. City Manager Corby Alexander responded costs for a program can be brought back to Council for a budget amendment. Councilmember Kaminski thanked Corby Alexander and staff and commented she is excited about the upcoming projects; Councilmember Leonard commented that during the upcoming budget, expenses should not over exceed revenue; Councilmember Engelken thanked staff for their hard work and commented the citizens of La Porte will be proud of the city; and Mayor Rigby thanked Finance Director Michael Dolby for his work and attention to the budget, advised Councilmember Kaminski did attend the Kuraray groundbreaking ceremony which was inadvertently omitted in the "Friday Memo," confirmed the City of La Porte does not maintain the landscaping at the intersection of Highway 146 and Fairmont Parkway, and questioned if discussion for additional DOT certified officers will be on the April 22nd City Council Agenda. City Manager Corby Alexander responded yes. 6. 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. 6. Reconvene from Executive Session. There was no executive session. Adjourn The meeting was adjourned at 2:13 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Page 10 of 10 April 13, 2013, City Council Special Meeting Minutes