HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-06-09 Regular Meeting of La Porte City Council minutesLOUIS RIGBY
Mayor
JOHN ZEMANEK
Councilmember At Large A
DOTTIE KAMINSKI
Mayor Pro Tem
Councilmember At Large B
DANNY EARP
Councilmember District 1
CHUCK ENGELKEN
Councilmember District 2
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA PORTE
JUNE 9, 2014
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, June 9, 2014, 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 Kaminski, Leonard, Clausen, Engelken, Zemanek, Moser and Martin. Absent:
Councilmember Mosteit. Also present were City Secretary Patrice Fogarty, City Manager Corby
Alexander, and Assistant City Attorney Clark Askins.
2. INVOCATION - The invocation was given by Windell Gill, First Baptist Church of La Porte.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilmember Chuck
Engelken.
4. PRESENTATIONS, PROCLAMATIONS, and RECOGNITIONS
(a) Presentation — Administer the Oath of Office to newly elected Councilmember Danny Earp,
District 1 — State Representative John Davis
State Representative John Davis administered the Oath of Office to newly elected Councilmember
Danny Earp, District 1.
Administer the Oath of Office to re-elected Councilmember Mike Clausen, District 6, and
Councilmember Dottie Kaminski, At Large B — Judge Denise Mitrano
Judge Denise Mitrano administered the Oath of Office to re-elected Councilmember Mike Clausen,
District 6, and Councilmember Dottie Kaminski, At Large B.
(b) Presentation — 2014 Arbor Award from Trees for Houston (Parks and Recreation
Department) — Mayor Rigby
Mayor Rigby and Barry Ward with Trees for Houston presented the 2014 Arbor Award to the Parks
and Recreation Department.
(c) Presentation — 2014 Platinum Leadership Circle Award (City of La Porte) — Mayor Rigby
Mayor Rigby presented the Finance Department with the 2014 Platinum Leadership Circle Award.
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS (Limited to five minutes per person.)
Chuck Rosa, 812 S. Virginia, addressed Council with concerns of needing sidewalks near La Porte
High School. Mr. Rosa also informed Council of a boy who was injured near the Skateboard Park
by a Domino's Pizza delivery vehicle, further indicating the need for a sidewalk. In addition, Mr.
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Rosa commented about the lack of business at Antonio's and Quizno's due to a sign posted not
allowing heavy'trucks entrance into the parking lot.
6.
7.
Barbara Norwine, 202 S. Lobit, addressed Council regarding the need for another grocery store in
the City of La Porte. Ms. Norwine advised Council she has pictures of the empty shelves at Kroger.
In addition, Ms. Norwine advised Council of homes that are in need of demolishing on Carroll St.
and comments she heard during her attendance at a Citizens Advisory Committee Meeting.
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 May 12, 2014. — P. Fogarty
(b) Consider approval or other action ratifying Councilmember Zemanek's appointment of Wyatt
Smith to fill vacancy in At -Large A position, formerly held by Danny Earp, on the Planning
and Zoning Commission — P. Fogarty
(c) Consider approval or other action regarding an Ordinance authorizing the execution by the
City of La Porte of an Industrial District Agreement with Orangewater, LLC — K. Powell
(d) Consider approval or other action regarding an agreement between the City of La Porte and
the City of Morgan's Point for City Emergency 911 Dispatch, Animal Control and Jail
Services, Fire Protection and Emergency Medical Services — K. Adcox
(e) Consider approval or other action appointing Stefan Happ to the La Porte Police Reserve
Force — K. Adcox
Councilmember Leonard moved to approve the Consent Agenda pursuant to staff
recommendations. Councilmember Engelken seconded. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Clausen, Engelken, Zemanek,
Kaminski, Earp, Leonard, Moser and Martin
Nays: None
Absent: None
Prior to Council vote, Assistant City Attorney Clark Askins read the caption of the following ordinance as
pertains to Item 6(c):
Ordinance 2014-3522: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION BY THE CITY OF LA PORTE
OF AN INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT AGREEMENT WITH ORANGEWATER, LLC A TEXAS CORPORATION
FOR THE TERM COMMENCING JANUARY 1, 2008, AND ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2019 MAKING
VARIOUS FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE SUBJECT; FINDING COMPLIANCE WITH
THE OPEN MEETINGS LAW; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF.
AUTHORIZATIONS
(a) Consider approval or other action regarding an Ordinance appointing a member of the City
Council to serve as Mayor Pro-Tem of the City of La Porte, Texas, for the period
June 1, 2014 through May 31, 2015 — P. Fogarty
City Secretary Patrice Fogarty presented a summary.
Mayor Rigby moved to appoint Councilmember Kaminski to serve as Mayor Pro-Tem of the City of
La Porte, Texas, for the period June 1, 2014, through May 31, 2015. Councilmember Moser
seconded. MOTION PASSED.
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Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Moser, Clausen, Kaminski,
Engelken, Zemanek, Earp, Leonard, and Martin
Nays: None
Absent: None
Assistant City Attorney Clark Askins read the caption of Ordinance 2014-3523: AN ORDINANCE
APPOINTING A MEMBER OF THE CITY COUNCIL TO SERVE AS THE MAYOR PRO-TEM OF THE CITY
OF LA PORTE, TEXAS, FOR THE PERIOD JUNE 1, 2014, THROUGH MAY 31, 2015, OR UNTIL A
SUCCESSOR HAS BEEN APPOINTED AND HAS QUALIFIED; FINDING COMPLIANCE WITH THE OPEN
MEETINGS LAW; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF.
(b) Consider approval or other action regarding an appointment to fill the vacancy in the Zoning
Board of Adjustment Alternate Position 2 — P. Fogarty
City Secretary Patrice Fogarty presented summary.
Councilmember Moser moved to appoint Doug Martin to fill the vacancy in the Zoning Board of
Adjustment Alternate Position 2. Councilmember Kaminski seconded. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Moser, Clausen, Kaminski,
Engelken, Zemanek, Earp, Leonard and Martin
Nays: None
Absent: None
(c) Consider approval or other action regarding an Ordinance authorizing the Mayor to execute
an amendment to the Agreement with Harris County related to applications to the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban development for funding the Community Development
Block Grant and the Home Investment Partnership programs — T. Tietjens
Planning and Development Director presented a summary.
Councilmember Moser moved to authorize the Mayor to execute an amendment to the Agreement
with Harris County related to applications to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development for funding the Community Development Block Grant and the Home Investment
Partnership programs. Councilmember Kaminski seconded. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Moser, Clausen, Kaminski,
Engelken, Zemanek, Earp, Leonard, and Martin
Nays: None
Absent: None
Assistant City Attorney Clark Askins read the caption of Ordinance 2014-3524: AN ORDINANCE
APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF
LA PORTE AND HARRIS COUNTY, FOR INCLUSION OF CITY OF LA PORTE POPULATION WITH
HARRIS COUNTY OR THE PURPOSE OF APPLICATIONS TO THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING
AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT FOR FUNDING FOR THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT
PROGRAM AND THE HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM, MAKING VARIOUS FINDINGS
AND PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE SUBJECT; FINDING COMPLIANCE WITH THE OPEN MEETINGS
LAW; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF.
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ASSOCIATED ORDINANCES
(a) Public Hearing to receive comments regarding approval or denial for the request from
Education Media Foundation to issue private activity tax exempt bonds — C. Alexander
The public hearing was opened at 6:27 p.m.
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Diana Silveira with Dinsmore & Shohl presented a summary and advised the Federal
Communications License is assigned to La Porte.
Councilmember Earp asked if there was any financial impact to the City. Ms. Silveira responded
no. Councilmember Earp asked if the City can make money since the license is assigned to
La Porte. Ms. Silveira responded no.
Ms. Silveira responded that from time to time the Education Media Foundation will contact areas
where local radio stations are located and do local programming at no cost, which is a savings to
the City.
Phillip Hoot, 927 Seabreeze, addressed Council and commented he likes the radio station and is in
favor of the station being the beneficiary of the issuance of private activity tax exempt bonds.
Chuck Rosa, 812 S. Virginia, addressed Council and commented he is not in favor of the City
having anything to do with the issuance of private activity tax exempt bonds if there is a cost to the
City.
Windell Gill, 714 S. Carroll, addressed Council in favor of the station being the beneficiary of the
issuance of private activity tax exempt bonds.
The public hearing closed at 6:37 p.m.
(b) Consider approval or other action regarding an Ordinance giving applicable elected
representative approval in connection with the issuance of private activity tax exempt
obligations by the Public Finance Authority — C. Alexander
Councilmember Martin moved to approve an Ordinance giving applicable elected representative
approval in connection with the issuance of private activity tax exempt obligations by the Public
Finance Authority. Councilmember Zemanek seconded. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Moser, Clausen, Kaminski,
Engelken, Zemanek, Earp, Leonard, and Martin
Nays: None
Absent: None
Assistant City Attorney Clark Askins read the caption of Ordinance 2014-3525: AN ORDINANCE GIVING
APPLICABLE ELECTED REPRESENTATIVE APPROVAL IN CONNECTION WITH THE ISSUANCE OF
TAX EXEMPT OBLIGATIONS BY THE PUBLIC FINANCE AUTHORITY.
9. DISCUSSION OR OTHER ACTION
(a) Discussion or other action regarding proposed budget items for the Fiscal Year 2015 Budget
— T. Leach
Assistant City Manager Traci Leach presented a summary.
Councilmember Martin questioned if funding for Renovations for the Council Chambers has been
budgeted for the proposed Fiscal Year 2015 Budget. City Manager Corby responded the proposed
budget is still in the process stages, and it depends on how everything comes out.
Assistant City Manager Traci Leach advised Council the costs are projected.
Mayor Rigby commented he prefers a new dais and is not sure about new paint.
Councilmember Zemanek commented he prefers new monitors; but it's not really a need, and
suggested holding off on the renovations.
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Councilmember Moser commented he would like to move forward but needs time for the choices.
Councilmember Clausen commented he would like to see new monitors for the audience for their
visibility.
Councilmember Leonard commented the audience seating is not the most comfortable; he doesn't
care for chairs that are connected; a new dais is not needed; and he doesn't care about chairs.
Councilmember Earp questioned if the TV monitors can be moved to assist the audience. Assistant
City Manager Traci Leach advised probably.
Councilmember Engelken commented the pews may need to be reupholstered, and he is in favor of
easier viewing capabilities for the audience.
Staff was directed to move the TVs back toward Council for audience and "speaker at the podium"
viewing and additional TVs; reupholster the pews; leave the current computer monitors as they are
on the dais but move the wiring underneath the dais; and provide new chairs for Council. The item
will be brought back to Council.
(b) Discussion or other action regarding an appointment to fill vacancy left by former
Councilmember Mike Mosteit as City Representative to the Bay Area Houston Economic
Partnership — P. Fogarty
City Secretary Patrice Fogarty presented a summary.
Councilmember Clausen moved to appoint Councilmember Martin to fill the vacancy left by former
Councilmember Mike Mosteit as City Representative to the Bay Area Houston Economic
Partnership. Councilmember Moser seconded. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Moser, Clausen, Kaminski,
Engelken, Zemanek, Earp, Leonard, and Martin
Nays: None
Absent: None
(c) Discussion or other action regarding an appointment to fill a vacancy left by former
Councilmember Mosteit as Chairman of the Drainage and Flooding Committee — P. Fogarty
City Secretary Patrice Fogarty presented a summary.
Councilmember Engelken moved to select a Chairman at next Drainage and Flooding Committee
Meeting and to move Councilmember Martin from an Alternate Member to a Member.
Councilmember Clausen seconded. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Moser, Clausen, Kaminski,
Engelken, Zemanek, Earp, Leonard, and Martin
Nays: None
Absent: None
10. REPORTS
(a) Receive report of La Porte Development Corporation Board — Councilmember Engelken
Councilmember Engelken provided a report from the La Porte Development Corporation Board
meeting which was held prior to the Council meeting.
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11. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
(a) Receive report from City Manager
• La Porte Redevelopment Authority/La Porte Tax Reinvestment Zone Number One
Meeting, Wednesday, June 11, 2014
• Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting, Thursday, June 19, 2014
• City Council Meeting, Monday June 23, 2014
There were no additional reports from City Manager Corby Alexander.
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, Engelken, Earp Clausen, Martin, Moser,
Kaminski, Zemanek, Leonard and Mayor Rigby.
Councilmember Engelken congratulated elected Councilmembers Earp, Kaminski, and Clausen,
and Councilmember Kaminski for being appointed Mayor Pro-Tem, the Finance Department and
Parks and Recreation Departments; Councilmember Earp thanked everyone for their support and
commented he looks forwarding to working with everyone; Councilmember Clausen congratulated
Councilmembers Earp and Kaminski, the Finance and Parks and Recreation Departments;
Councilmember Martin congratulated Councilmember Kaminski for being appointed Mayor
Pro-Tem, congratulated Councilmember Earp on his first meeting, the Finance Department and City
Staff for their assistance with a citizen concern in District 5; Councilmember Moser congratulated
Councilmembers Earp, Kaminski, Clausen, Councilmember Kaminski for being appointed Mayor
Pro-Tem and the Finance Department; Councilmember Kaminski congratulated Councilmembers
Clausen and Earp, and advised there were 317 families distributed food at the Food Drive;
Councilmember Zemanek congratulated Councilmembers Earp, Kaminski, Clausen, the Finance
Department and invited everyone to attend the Juneteenth Parade on June 215t; Councilmember
Leonard congratulated Councilmembers Earp, Kaminski, Clausen and the Finance Department and
Mayor Rigby thanked Councilmembers Clausen and Kaminski for their continued service to the
City, congratulated and welcomed Councilmember Earp, and advised he attended a Press
Conference at Sylvan Beach on the Coastal Barrier System for Storm Surge Protection with a great
deal of information and everyone in attendance was all for it, and the wonderful events he was a
part of when he attended the 70thAnniversary of "D-Day" on the Battleship Texas.
13. ADJOURN
There being no further business, Councilmember Engelken moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:03
p.m. Councilmember Zemanek seconded. MOTION PASSED.
Aatrice Fogarty, Ci ecreta
ne 23, 2014.
Mayor Lbuis R.
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