HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-09-09 Regular Meeting of La Porte City Council minutesLOUIS RIGBY
Mayor
JOHN ZEMANEK
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
SEPTEMBER 9, 2013
DARYL LEONARD
Councilmember District 3
TOMMY MOSER
Councilmember District 4
JAY MARTIN
Mayor Pro Tem
Councilmember District 5
MIKE CLAUSEN
Councilmember District 6
The City Council of the City of La Porte met in a regular meeting on Monday, September 9, 2013, 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, Leonard, Zemanek, Kaminski, Clausen, Moser and Martin. Also
present were City Secretary Patrice Fogarty, City Manager Corby Alexander, and Assistant City
Attorney Clark Askins. Councilmember Mosteit was absent.
2. INVOCATION - The invocation was given by Don Hill, La Porte Inter Church Council.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Rigby.
4. PRESENTATIONS, PROCLAMATION, and RECOGNITIONS
(a) Proclamation — "Airport Appreciation Month" — Mayor Rigby
Mayor Rigby presented a proclamation to Gideon Jones proclaiming "Airport Appreciation Month."
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS (Limited to five minutes per person.)
Chuck Rosa, 812 S. Virginia., addressed Council regarding the school lunch program at La Porte
Independent School District and expressed his appreciation.
Doug Briggs, 900 Parkway St. # 302, addressed Council regarding synergy and the good works of
the Bay Area Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Gideon Jones, 10403 Quiet Hill, addressed Council regarding the La Porte Airplane and Auto Show
to be held October 5, 2013, and requested support for the airport, troops and their families.
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 regular City Council meeting
held August 26, 2013 — P. Fogarty
(b) Consider approval or other action to support appointing a director to the Harris Galveston
Subsidence District — Mayor Rigby
(c) Consider approval or other action regarding a Resolution nominating a candidate for the
Harris County Appraisal District Board of Directors — Mayor Rigby
Page 1 of 5
September 9, 2013, Council Meeting Minutes
Councilmember Engelken moved to approve the Consent Agenda pursuant to staff
recommendations, with support for Ed Heathcott's nomination to the HCAD Board and support for
James Edwards to the Harris Galveston Subsidence District Board. Councilmember Leonard
seconded. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Clausen, Engelken, Martin,
Kaminski, Zemanek, Leonard and Moser
Nays: None
Absent: Councilmember Mosteit
7. PUBLIC HEARING AND ASSOCIATED MATTERS
(a) Public Hearing to receive comments regarding the City of La Porte's Fiscal Year 2013-2014
Proposed Budget — M. Dolby
The public hearing opened at 6:13 p.m.
Finance Director Michael Dolby presented a summary of the FY 2013-2014 proposed budget.
Phillip Hoot, 927 Seabreeze, addressed Council regarding taxes, stating that while the amount for
$100 valuation may not have been increased, he continues to pay more in taxes.
The public hearing closed at 6:41 p.m.
(b) Consider approval or other action regarding an Ordinance approving and adopting the City
of La Porte's Fiscal Year 2013-2014 Proposed Budget — M. Dolby
Councilmember Engelken moved to approve Ordinance 2013-3493 adopting the City of La Porte's
Fiscal Year 2013-2014 Proposed Budget. Councilmember Clausen seconded. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Clausen, Martin, Engelken,
Kaminski, Zemanek, Leonard and Moser
Nays: None
Absent: Councilmember Mosteit
Assistant City Attorney Clark Askins read the caption of Ordinance 2013-3493: AN ORDINANCE APPROVING
AND ADOPTING THE BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF LA PORTE, TEXAS, FOR THE PERIOD OF OCTOBER 1, 2013
THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2014; FINDING THAT ALL THINGS REQUISITE AND NECESSARY HAVE BEEN DONE
IN PREPARTION AND PRESENTMENT OF SAID BUDGET; FINDING COMPLIANCE WITH THE OPEN MEETINGS
LAW; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF.
8. AUTHORIZATIONS/ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS
(a) Consider approval other action regarding a Resolution adopting the 2013 Appraisal Roll of
the Harris County Appraisal District — M. Dolby
Finance Director Michael Dolby presented a summary.
Councilmember Leonard moved to approve Resolution 2013-17 accepting the 2013 Appraisal Roll
of the Harris County Appraisal District. Councilmember Engelken seconded. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Clausen, Martin, Engelken,
Kaminski, Zemanek, Leonard and Moser
Nays: None
Absent: Councilmember Mosteit
Page 2 of 5
September 9, 2013, Council Meeting Minutes
(b) Consider approval or other action regarding an Ordinance establishing the tax rate for Fiscal
Year 2013-14 at $0.71 per hundred dollar valuation — M. Dolby
Finance Director Michael Dolby presented a summary.
Councilmember Leonard moved to adopt Ordinance 2013-3494 levying a tax rate for Fiscal Year
2013-14 at $.614 cents per hundred dollar valuation for the general fund and .096 cents per
hundred dollar valuation for debt service, for a total tax rate of $0.71 cents per hundred dollar
valuation. Councilmember Zemanek seconded. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Clausen, Martin, Engelken,
Kaminski, Zemanek, Leonard and Moser
Nays: None
Absent: Councilmember Mosteit
Assistant City Attorney Clark Askins read the caption of Ordinance 2013-3494 AN ORDINANCE LEVYING
TAXES UPON TAXABLE PROPERTY LOCATED WITHIN AND SUBJECT TO TAXATION IN THE CITY OF LA PORTE,
TEXAS; MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR SUPPORT, MAINTENANCE, AND IMPROVEMENT OF THE CITY
GOVERNMENT OF SAID CITY OF LA PORTE; FINDING THAT ALL REQUIRED NOTICES HAVE BEEN PUBLISHED
AND ALL REQUIRED HEARING HELD; CONTAINING A REPEALING CLAUSE; CONTAINING A SEVERBILITY
CLAUSE; FINDING COMPLIANCE WITH THE OPEN MEETINGS LAW; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE
HEREOF.
(c) Consider approval or other action regarding an Ordinance amending Chapter 46 "Municipal
Court" of the Code of Ordinances to authorize compensation for jury services — D. Mitrano
Municipal Court Judge Denise Mitrano presented a summary.
Councilmember Engelken moved to adopt Ordinance 2013-3495 amending Chapter 46 "Municipal
Court" of the Code of Ordinances to authorize compensation for jury services. Councilmember
Moser seconded. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Clausen, Martin, Engelken,
Kaminski, Zemanek, Leonard and Moser
Nays: None
Absent: Councilmember Mosteit
Assistant City Attorney Clark Askins read the caption of Ordinance 2013-3495: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING
CHAPTER 46, "MUNICIPAL COURT' OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF LA PORTE, BY PROVIDING
FOR THE PAYMENT OF FEES FOR JURY SERVICE IN THE LA PORTE MUNICIPAL COURT OF RECORD;
CONTAINING A REPEALING CLAUSE; CONTAINING A SEVERBILITY CLAUSE; FINDING COMPLIANCE WITH THE
OPEN MEETINGS LAW; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF.
9. DISCUSSION OR OTHER ACTION
(a) Discussion or other action regarding appointing members to various City boards,
commissions and the La Porte Fire Control Prevention & Emergency Medical Services
District Board and the Zoning Board of Adjustment — P. Fogarty
City Secretary Patrice Fogarty presented a summary.
Councilmember Moser moved to appoint Nettie Warren as Alternate 2 on the Zoning Board of
Adjustment. Councilmember Kaminski seconded. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Clausen, Engelken, Martin,
Kaminski, Zemanek, Leonard and Moser
Nays: None
Absent: Councilmember Mosteit
Page 3 of 5
September 9, 2013, Council Meeting Minutes
Councilmember Martin moved to appoint John Kling to the La Porte Fire Control Prevention &
Emergency Medical Services District Board. There was no second.
Councilmember Kaminski moved to appoint Ronald Nowetner to the La Porte Fire Control
Prevention & Emergency Medical Services District Board. Councilmember Moser seconded.
MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Clausen, Engelken, Martin,
Kaminski, Zemanek, Leonard and Moser
Nays: None
Absent: Councilmember Mosteit
(b) Discussion or other action regarding awarding bid for Adoption Center and Animal Shelter —
K. Adcox
Police Chief Ken Adcox presented a summary.
Councilmember Zemanek moved to award Bid #13013 Adoption Center and Animal Shelter to
Frost Construction. Councilmember Leonard seconded. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Clausen, Engelken, Martin,
Kaminski, Zemanek, Leonard and Moser
Nays: None
Absent: Councilmember Mosteit
(c) Discussion or other action regarding the review process of non -conforming development via
zoning permits — T. Tietjens
This item was removed from the agenda at the request of City Manager Corby Alexander in order
for it to be brought before the Planning and Zoning Commission.
10. REPORTS
(a) Receive report of the Fiscal Affairs Committee — Councilmember Engelken
Councilmember Engelken provided a report of the Fiscal Affairs Committee meeting which was held
just prior to this council meeting. The next Fiscal Affairs Committee meeting will be October 28,
2013.
(b) Receive report from Perdue Brandon of Delinquent Tax accounts — C. Alexander
Jason Bailey with Perdue Brandon provided the new report and explained the categories
Councilmember Zemanek questioned how it is decided if a real property account goes into
foreclosure. Mr. Bailey responded when the City and school taxes are combined and over $1,000
in base amount regardless of the number of years delinquent. Councilmember Zemanek
commented there are accounts that have been in arrears for 27 years that have not been
foreclosed but one particular account that was 18 months delinquent has been foreclosed.
Councilmember Clausen questioned the meaning of "audit entry." Mr. Bailey responded it is an
entry that comes through the tape system if there is a change.
Councilmember Leonard commented the City needs to be aware of the properties that can be sold
or owned. Mr. Bailey advised he will provide information on real property that can be moved on.
Page 4 of 5
September 9, 2013, Council Meeting Minutes
11. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
(a) Receive report from City Manager
• La Porte Redevelopment Authority/La Porte Tax Reinvestment Zone Number One
Meeting, Wednesday, September 18, 2013
• La Porte Development Corporation Board Meeting, Monday, September 23, 2013
• City Council Meeting, Monday, September 23, 2013
• Annual Health & Safety Fair, Saturday, September 28, 2013
City Manager Corby Alexander reported two new homes are under contract to be sold in the
Northside Community. He also introduced Human Resource Manager Allison Curry.
12. 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 Mosteit, Clausen, Martin, Moser, Kaminski,
Zemanek, Leonard, Engelken and Mayor Rigby.
Councilmembers Clausen advised there is a resolution on the LPISD's board meeting agenda to
donate the Old Dewalt Schoolhouse to the City of La Porte; Councilmember Martin congratulated
Gideon Jones for receiving the "Airport Appreciation Month" proclamation and informed the citizens
appreciate the notification for street sweeping and mosquito spraying; Councilmember Moser
commented he appreciates the Food Distributions and would like to see them continued;
Councilmember Kaminski thanked Public Works Director Dave Mick and the employees for
sweeping the streets and spraying mosquitoes; Councilmember Zemanek gave support to the
Houston Texans; Councilmember Leonard congratulated Gideon Jones for receiving the "Airport
Appreciation Month" proclamation; Councilmember Engelken wished everyone a safe trip home;
and Mayor Rigby commented he attended the Hotelier Reception held last week and a meeting with
the Severe Weather Foundation at Rice University.
13. 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.
There was no Executive Session.
14. RECONVENE into regular session and consider action, if any, on item(s) discussed in executive
session.
There was no Executive Session.
15. ADJOURN
There being no further business, Councilmember Engelken moved to adjourn the meeting at
7:35 p.m. Councilmember Leonard seconded. MOTION PASSED.
Patrice Fogarty, Cit ecreta
Passed q(n¢t 4p0,6vPd on
_.September 23, 2013.
r Uouis R.
Page 5 of 5
September 9, 2013, Council Meeting Minutes