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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-08-11>08-12 Regular Meeting Including a Budget Workshop on Proposed 2014-2015 Fiscal Year Budget of La Porte City CouncilLOUIS RIGBY Mayor JOHN ZEMANEK Councilmember At Large A DOTTIE KAMINSKI Councilmember At Large B DANNY EARP Councilmember District 1 CHUCK ENGELKEN Councilmember District 2 DARYL LEONARD Councilmember District 3 TOMMY MOSER Councilmember District 4 JAY MARTIN Councilmember District 5 Mayor Pro-Tem MIKE CLAUSEN Councilmember District 6 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING INCLUDING A BUDGET WORKSHOP ON PROPOSED 2014-2015 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA PORTE AUGUST 11 and 12, 2014 The City Council of the City of La Porte met in a regular meeting on two back-to-back evenings on Monday, August 11, and Tuesday, August 12, 2014, at the City Hall Council Chambers, 604 West Fairmont Parkway, La Porte, Texas, beginning each evening at 6:00 p.m. to consider the following items of business: CALL TO ORDER Mayor Rigby called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. each evening. Members of Council present on Monday, August 11, 2014, were: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Engelken, Martin, Earp, Zemanek, Kaminski, Clausen, Moser and Leonard. Members -of Council present on Tuesday, August 12, 2014, were: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Engelken, Martin, Earp, Zemanek, Kaminski, Leonard, and Moser. Councilmember Clausen was absent. Also present on Monday, August 11, and Tuesday,.,August 12, 2014, were Assistant City Secretary Sharon Harris and City Manager Corby Alexander. City Attorney Knox Askins was present on August 11, but not August 12, 2014. 2. INVOCATION - The invocation was given by Dr. B.L. Worsham, Second Baptist Church. 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - The pledge of allegiance was led by Councilmember Daryl Leonard. 4. PUBLIC COMMENTS (Limited to five minutes per person.) There were no public comments. 5. 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 28, 2014 — P. Fogarty (b) Consider approval or other action regarding an Ordinance establishing a speed limit of 25mph for all streets within the Shady River Subdivision — K. Adcox Councilmember Martin moved to approve the Consent Agenda pursuant to recommendations by City Staff. Councilmember Moser seconded. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Leonard, Earp, Zemanek, Clausen, Moser, Engelken, Kaminski and Martin Page 1 of 8 August 11-12, 2014 City Council Meeting Minutes Nays: None Absent: None Prior to council action, City Attorney Knox Askins read the caption of Ordinance 2014-3532: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 70 "TRAFFIC AND VEHICLES" OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES BY ALTERING THE PRIMA FACIE SPEED LIMITS ESTABLISED FOR VEHICLES UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF SEC. 545.356, TEXAS TRANSPORTATION CODE, UPON CERTAIN STREETS AND HIGHWAYS, OR PARTS THEREOF, WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF LA PORTE; PROVIDING A REPEALING CLAUSE; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE FINDING COMPLIANCE WITH THE OPEN MEETINS 'LAW; PROVIDING THAT ANY PERSON VIOLATING THE TERMS OF THIS ORDINANCE SHALL BE DEEMED GUILTY OF A MISDEMEANOR AND UPON CONVICTION SHALL BE FINDED IN A SUM NOT TO EXCEED TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS; PROVIDING FOR THE PUBLICATION OF THE CAPTION HEREOF; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF. 6. DISCUSSION OR OTHER ACTION (a) Discussion or other action concerning the proposed 2014-2015 Fiscal Year Budget of the City of La Porte, Texas — C. Alexander Mayor Rigby and Council proposed 9:00 p.m. as the time to recess each budget meeting. Finance Director Michael Dolby began the presentation by discussing the 2015 Budget Summary for Fiscal Year 2015 and an in depth budget discussion followed. Councilmember Martin questioned how a 2.4% increase is calculated over the current year estimate. Public Works Director Dave Mick responded the estimates take place in March and April and is an average cost estimate price per gallon for the next fiscal year. Mayor Rigby questioned the location of Park Fees in the proposed budget. Treasurer Shelly Wolny responded in the Grant Fund as Park Development. Fire Chief Mike Boaze presented the 2014-2015 Fiscal Year proposed budget for the Fire Department. Councilmember Zemanek questioned the decrease in electrical. City Manager Corby Alexander responded the Fire Marshal Office was paying an electrical bill and has now moved into the new Fire Administration Building. Mayor Rigby questioned the decrease in overtime for the Emergency Medical Services Division. Emergency Medical Services Chief Ray Nolen responded the regular earnings will cover the overages in overtime when fully staffed. Mayor Rigby then asked if there are enough Toughbooks for Emergency vehicles. Chief Mike Boaze responded they are all covered. Councilmember Earp questioned how old are the ambulances that will have Stryker Power Load Systems. Chief Mike Boaze responded they will be placed in the newest ambulances that will be operating the longest. Police Chief Ken Adcox presented the 2014-2015 Fiscal Year proposed budget for the Police Department. Mayor Rigby questioned why the Police Administration salaries decreased by $6,000. Police Chief Ken Adcox advised he did not have an answer and the calculations come from the Finance Department. Page 2 of 8 August 11-12, 2014 City Council Meeting Minutes Councilmember Zemanek questioned why Machinery/Tools and Equipment was listed in two different accounts in the Patrol Division. Police Chief Adcox responded the 8021 account is a capital account and the expenditure is over $5,000. Councilmember Martin questioned why request $17,000 in the Physical Fitness Account when only $12,500 was expended in the Patrol Division. Police Chief Adcox responded it is budgeted for all police officers to participate in the program and to pass the tests. Assistant City Manager Traci Leach presented the 2014-2015 Fiscal Year proposed budget for the City Manager's Office; Community Investment and Legal for the Administration Department. Mayor Rigby, questioned the account for water in the Community Investment Fund. Assistant City Manager Traci Leach responded for utilities at Five Points. Councilmember Martin questioned if the account for water should be accounted in the Parks and Recreation Department. Finance Director Michael Dolby responded it can be in either account. City Manager Corby Alexander and Finance Director Michael Dolby advised Council they will follow-up on the item. Councilmember Zemanek questioned if there were any plans on replacing the dead palm tree at Five Points. City Manager Corby Alexander responded yes during this budget cycle. Emergency Management Coordinator Jeff Suggs presented the 2014-2015 Fiscal Year proposed budget for Information Technology and Emergency Management. Municipal Court Judge Denise Mitrano presented the 2014-2015 Fiscal Year proposed budget for the Municipal Court. Golf Course Manager Alex Osmond presented the 201- 2015 Fiscal Year proposed budget for the Golf Course. City Council recessed for a break at 7:28 p.m. and reconvened at 7:40 p.m. Assistant City Secretary Sharon Harris presented the 2014-2015 Fiscal Year budgets for the City Secretary Office and City Council. Councilmember Martin questioned if the existing iPads are purchased or leased and what will happen to the older iPads. City Manager Corby Alexander responded the iPads are purchased and the older ones will be repurposed. Finance Director Michael Dolby presented the 2014-2015 proposed Fiscal Year Budget for the Finance Department. Councilmember Zemanek questioned the increase comparison between HCAD and the contract with Hugh Landrum for the Industrial District in the Tax Office. Finance Director Michael Dolby responded he does not have the numbers available and will follow-up with Council. Public Works Director Dave Mick presented the 2014-2015 proposed Fiscal Year Budget for the Public Works Department. Councilmember Zemanek questioned if the 4015 account for Paving was for concrete, asphalt or a combination of the two. Public Works Director Dave Mick responded in the Streets Page 3 of 8 August 11-12, 2014 City Council Meeting Minutes Division primarily concrete and reinforcing steel. Councilmember Zemanek asked where the Street Maintenance Tax will be in the Public Works Department. Mr. Mick responded in the General Fund Budget. Councilmember Moser questioned if account 4007 (Fire Hydrants) is for new fire hydrants or repairs in Water Distribution. Public Works Director Dave Mick responded for repairs. Councilmember Moser where is water sampling testing for commercial customers. Assistant Public Works Director Dave Mick responded account 5007 (Other Professional Services) in the Wastewater Division. Public Works Director Dave Mick presented the Airport Fund and advised Council he and City Manager Corby Alexander had meet with the Federal Aviation Administration and Texas Department of Transportation Aviation regarding options for the La Porte Municipal Airport. Mayor Rigby questioned if Council will have to decide whether to continue with the Economic Development Study of the La Porte Municipal Airport or use the funds for another Master Plan. City Manager Corby Alexander responded yes. Councilmember Martin asked if there was an update on the Air National Guard Building. City Manager Corby Alexander reported the Army National Guard will not move into the building until the Air National Guard cleans the fuel leaks. Councilmember Moser questioned the amount of contribution from the City of Morgan's Point and the City of Shoreacres for the La Porte Area Water Authority Fund. Finance Director Michael Dolby advised Council he does not have the numbers available and will follow-up with Council. Councilmember Zemanek questioned the cost for mowing at the La Porte Municipal Airport vs. other city facilities on an annual basis. City Manager Corby Alexander advised Council staff will generate figures. Councilmember Moser requested a copy of the scheduled Street Maintenance List. Parks and Recreation Director Stephen Barr presented the 2014-2015 proposed Fiscal Year Budget for the Parks and Recreation Department. The meeting recessed at 8:53 p.m. to reconvene on Tuesday, August 12, 2014, at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 12, 2014 Mayor Rigby called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 12, 2014. Members of Council present: Councilmembers Engelken, Martin, Leonard, Kaminski, Earp, Zemanek and Moser. Absent: Councilmember Clausen. Also present were Assistant City Secretary Sharon Harris and City Manager Corby Alexander. Parks and Recreation Director Stephen Barr began the meeting by presenting the Special Services Division to complete the 2014-2015 proposed Fiscal Year Budget for the Parks and Recreation Department. Councilmember Martin questioned the use for account 5007 (Other Professional Services) in the Recreation Department. Parks and Recreation Director Stephen Barr responded life guard services at the swimming pools. Page 4 of 8 August 11-12, 2014 City Council Meeting Minutes Councilmember Zemanek questioned the cost of $4,850 for equipment maintenance and the fee of $3,606 to lease a 75 horse power tractor with wing mower. Public Works Director Dave Mick responded the calculations are based on the maintenance cost for the last four years and staff will go back and gather a summary with additional information. Public Works Director provided a handout with answers to questions during the previous night meeting. Mayor Rigby questioned if citizens express wishes that the Hazardous Waste Collection Day be held more often than once a year. Public Works Director Dave Mick responded there are calls from citizens that missed the Hazardous Waste Collection Day and want to know what to do with hazardous materials. Councilmember Earp questioned if the Public Works Department can provide a disposal site for hazardous materials. Public Works Director Dave Mick advised staff will confirm the options and liabilities for providing the services. Mayor Rigby questioned if the hazardous materials were disposed by city employees. Public Works Director Dave Mick responded a contractor trained with handling the disposal of the materials in accordance with environmental laws disposes of hazardous materials. Finance Director Michael Dolby provided and handout with answers to questions during the previous night meeting. City Manager Corby Alexander advised Council account 8050 (Motor Vehicles) in the Emergency Medical Services Budget will decrease by $17,500. Planning and Development Director Tim Tietjens presented the 2014-2015 proposed Fiscal. Year Budget for the Planning Department. Mayor Rigby questioned if there was enough budgeted for training when transitioning over to ONESolution in the GIS Division. Planning and Development Director Tim Tietjens responded the actual training is expected to take place in a year or two. Councilmember Moser commented he noticed mowing in District 4 has decreased. Planning and Development Director Tim Tietjens responded the decrease of mowing was due to being without one of the two Code Enforcement Officers, in addition to other staff shortages in the Planning and Development Department. Councilmember Zemanek questioned if the employees in the Inspections Department are cross -trained to continue providing services to the City. Planning and Development Director Tim Tietjens responded employees are trained and staff shortages in the department may have had an impact on customer service in the past. Mayor Rigby commented Council does not have an issue with new positions being requested if they can be justified. Councilmember Martin questioned if the post office can be issued citations for complaints of tall trees and high grass. Planning and Development Director Tim Tietjens responded yes. Councilmember Earp questioned if most code enforcement issues are reported or discovered by the Code Enforcement Officers. Planning and Development Director Tim Tietjens responded most are reported and the Code Enforcement Officers are driving looking for violations as well. Page 5 of 8 August 11-12, 2014 City Council Meeting Minutes Councilmember Leonard questioned if both the Chief Building Official and Deputy Building Official are trained in code enforcement. Planning and Development Director Tim Tietjens responded yes. Assistant City Manager Traci Leach presented the 2014-2015 proposed Fiscal Year Budget for the Hotel/Motel Fund. Mayor Rigby questioned $25,000 requested in account 9997 (Request for Special Programs). Assistant City Manager Traci Leach responded Decorative Lighting on Main Street. Mayor Rigby questioned why the Decorative Lighting was not a Capital Improvement Project. Treasurer Shelley Wolny advised it will be transferred to the Capital Improvement Project. Councilmember Zemanek questioned if the $25,000 will include metering. Assistant City Manager Traci Leach responded yes. Councilmember Zemanek requested the towers on the Gateway have more lighting to work properly. Councilmember Earp requested revenue figures for advertising. Economic Development Coordinator Scott Livingston presented the 2014-2015 proposed Fiscal Year Budget for Economic Development. Councilmember Zemanek questioned the difference between Training & Seminars and Trade Shows. Finance Director Michael Dolby responded a classification requested by the La Porte Development Corporation Board to track seminars and trade shows separately. Human Resources Manager Allison Curry presented the 2014-2015 proposed Fiscal Year Budget for Human Resources, Health Fund"and Insurance. Councilmember Martin questioned if there are any conditions for Tuition Reimbursements if an employee decides to leave the City. Human Resources Manager Allison Curry responded no, employees are encouraged to seek higher education and are only reimbursed if they pass the class. Councilmember Engelken questioned if there is a point system for employees for the annual Driver License Audit. Human Resources Manager Allison Curry responded there is not a point system. Councilmember Engelken then questioned if there was any driving training for employees to reduce liability. City Manager Corby Alexander responded the City is not currently providing any type of training but it is something the City can look into. Councilmember Earp questioned if background and driver's license checks are performed before employment. Human Resources Manager Allison Curry responded yes. Councilmember Engelken and Councilmember Zemanek questioned the number of traffic accidents and incidents last year. Human Resources Manager Allison Curry and City Manager Corby Alexander advised a report can be generated by TML. Councilmember Leonard questioned if TML subrogates with other insurance companies when there is an accident. Human Resources Manager Allison Curry responded not if the damage are less than the deductible. Councilmember Earp questioned the EMR rating for Worker's Compensation. Human Resources Manager Allison Curry responded she does not have the information but will forward it. Page 6 of 8 August 11-12, 2014 City Council Meeting Minutes Councilmember Martin questioned the percentage of employees and retirees using In - Network vs. Out -of —Network. Human Resources Manager Allison Curry advised she will forward the information to Council. Councilmember Earp questioned if a Wellness Program is being promoted due to the low amount requested. Human Resources Manager Allison Curry responded there is a Wellness Program with Aetna and additional funding does not have to be included. Ms. Curry also informed the Wellness Program is not being utilized and there will be more emphasis on wellness the coming year. Councilmember Zemanek commented he would like to see information from the City of Pasadena regarding their City Employee Medical Clinic. City Manager Corby Alexander advised Council, staff will generate a report by disease category and prescription drugs. City Council recessed for a break at 7:37 p.m. and reconvened at 7:49 p.m. City Manager Corby Alexander and Public Works Director presented the 2014-2015 proposed Fiscal Year Budget for Capital Improvement Projects. Mayor Rigby informed Council that Councilmember Clausen advised, he has no problem revisiting Fairmont Park Spray Park next year. Councilmember Zemanek commented he would like to move forward with the project. Councilmember Martin commented he has no problem revisiting Fairmont Park Spray Park. Council agreed to move forward with the project. Councilmember Moser commented he has concerns with the street light at 7th Street on Fairmont Parkway and would like to see it moved to 8th Street. Public Works Director Dave Mick advised Harris County may consider the Fairmont Parkway Corridor Study as a federal grant project. 7. 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, Moser, Kaminski, Zemanek, Leonard, Engelken, Earp, Clausen, Martin and Mayor Rigby. Councilmembers Moser, Kaminski, Leonard, Earp and Engelken thanked staff, for their hard work on the budget process; Councilmember Zemanek thanked staff and requested departmental sections for the slide presentations with increases and decreases; Councilmember Martin thanked staff and commented City streets and sidewalks are also a priority in the City, Mayor Rigby thanked staff for the budget process and requested all Councilmembers be provided any additional information requested at tonight's meeting. 8. ADJOURN There being no further business, Councilmember Engelken moved to adjourn the meeting on Tuesday, August 12, 2014 at 8:21 p.m. Councilmember Zemanek seconded. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Respectfully submitted, Sha on Harris, Assistant City Secretary Passed and approved on August 25, 2014. Page 7 of 8 August 11-12, 2014 City Council Meeting Minutes uis R. Page 8 of 8 August 11-12, 2014 City Council Meeting Minutes