HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-10-13 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
OCTOBER 13, 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, October 13, 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:
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Rigby called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Members of Council present:
Councilmembers Kaminski, Clausen, Earp, Zemanek, Moser, Engelken, Leonard and Martin. Also
present were City Secretary Patrice Fogarty, City Manager Corby Alexander, and Assistant City
Attorney Clark Askins.
2. INVOCATION - The invocation was given by Michael Thannisch, Congregation Benim Avraham.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilmember Daryl Leonard.
4. PRESENTATIONS, PROCLAMATIONS, and RECOGNITIONS
(a) Proclamation — Rosemarie Harmon Day — Mayor Rigby
Mayor Rigby presented a proclamation to Rosemarie Harmon in appreciation of her notable
achievements and valuable service to the City of La Porte.
(b) Presentation — Lifesaving Awards — Mayor Rigby
Mayor Rigby presented Lifesaving Awards to Cassie Briscoe, Thomas Dees and Dan Rager. EMS
Chief Ray Nolen thanked EMS personnel, Cassie Briscoe, Thomas Dees and Dan Rager for the
roles they played in saving Mr. Sheible's life.
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS (Limited to five minutes per person.)
Chuck Rosa, 812 S. Virginia, thanked Council for the street lights near the high school and
suggested the need for sidewalks for the kids walking to and from school.
Rhonda Lunsford, 10280 N. H, addressed Council in regards to the LED Digital Billboard and
provided ideas for usage of the billboard.
Nolan Allen, 10730 N. Ave L, addressed Council in regards to the LED Digital Billboard and
informed he is in the outdoor advertising business. Mr. Allen advised he is concerned with the types
of advertisement on the billboard and competing with the City as a taxpayer and a business owner.
Mike Henley, 201 S. Blackwell, addressed Council in regards to advertisement on the LED Digital
Billboard and encouraged Council to decide on a reasonable method for advertisement.
Dave Klingman, 3810 Pecan Circle, addressed Council in regards to the LED Digital Billboard and
suggested it would be beneficial for the City to maintain usage of the sign.
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October 13, 2014, 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 Meeting held on
September 22, 2014 — S. Harris
(b) Consider approval or other action regarding change in City Council meeting dates for the
months of November and December due to holiday schedule — C. Alexander/P. Fogarty
(c) Consider approval or other action regarding purchase of consolidated card access system —
J. Suggs
(d) Consider approval or other action authorizing the City Manager to approve a lease
agreement with Dell Computers to replace laptop and desktop computers — J. Suggs
(e) Consider approval or other action authorizing the City Manager to approve the purchase of
Microsoft Office 2013 through SHI Government Solutions Inc. — J. Suggs
(f) Consider approval or other action authorizing the City Manager to approve quote from
Datavox to replace routers and switches utilizing a DIR contract — J. Suggs
(g) Consider approval or other action regarding an Ordinance authorizing the execution by the
City of La Porte of an Industrial District Agreement with GSL Partners Sub 50, LLC — K.
Powell
(h) Consider approval or other action regarding a Resolution authorizing the resale of certain
tax delinquent properties located in Block 1125, Lots 26, 27, & 28, Block 1129, Lot 16, Town
of La Porte — K. Powell
(i) Consider approval or other action utilizing the BuyBoard contract for uniform rental and
cleaning services through G&K Services — C. Daeumer
(j) Consider approval or other action authorizing the City Manager to execute an Agreement
Letter for provision of Emergency Medical Services with companies located within the
Battleground Industrial District for the City of La Porte EMS — R. Nolen
(k) Consider approval or other action authorizing the City Manager to execute an Agreement
Letter for provision of Emergency Medical Services with the companies located within the
Association of Bayport Companies for the City of La Porte EMS — R. Nolen
(1) Consider approval or other action authorizing an order for the fourth fire truck in the 5-truck
series purchase agreement with Sutphen Corporation for an additional 1.5% for the
additional safety equipment — D. Ladd
(m) Consider approval or other action awarding Bid No. 14031 for Self Contained Breathing
Apparatus —. D. Ladd
(n) Consider approval or other action authorizing the City Manager to enter into a cost share
grant agreement with TxDot Aviation to fund eligible airport maintenance and half of the cost
of the Spencer Highway frontage sign — D. Mick
(o) Consider approval or other action authorizing the City Manager to enter into an Interlocal
Agreement with Harris County Precinct 2 for (8) mowing cycles to the Brookglen Subdivision
parcels owned and maintained by Harris County Flood Control District — D. Mick
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October 13, 2014, Council Meeting Minutes
Regarding item E, Mayor Rigby advised that City Manager Corby Alexander suggested the item be
voted on separately.
Regarding item C, Councilmember Earp questioned whether 64 card readers are a sufficient
amount for future technology use. Emergency Management Coordinator Jeff Suggs replied, "Yes."
Regarding item D, Councilmember Earp advised Council pull the item and suggests Emergency
Management Coordinator Jeff Suggs negotiate pricing with Dell for the lease of City desktops and
computers.
Regarding- item H, Councilmember Zemanek questioned the location of the property. Finance
Director responded S. 2"d and S. 71 Streets.
Regarding item N, Councilmember Zemanek questioned if airport maintenance was included in the
recent budget proceedings. Public Works Director Dave Mick responded staff proceeded to move
forward with maintenance items now and apply for grant applications. _Councilmember Zemanek
questioned the 50% contingency. Mr. Mick responded the Federal Aviation Administration has
identified obstructions to be addressed, and the 50% contingency is an approximate amount.
Councilmember Clausen moved to approve Consent Agenda Items A, B, C, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N
and O pursuant to staff recommendations. Councilmember Moser seconded. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Engelken, Moser, Zemanek,
Clausen, Kaminski, Earp, Leonard and Martin
Nays: None
Absent: None
Prior to council action, Assistant City Attorney Clark Askins read the caption of Ordinance 2014-3540: AN
ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION BY THE CITY OF LA PORTE OF AN INDUSTRIAL
DISTRICT AGREEMENT WITH GSL PARTNERS SUB 51, LLC, A TEXAS CORPORATION (9655 NEW
CENTURY DR) 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.
Councilmember Earp moved to postpone Consent' Agenda Item D to the next meeting when
information is available. Councilmember Moser seconded. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Engelken, Moser, Zemanek,
Clausen, Kaminski, Earp, Leonard and Martin
Nays: None
Absent: None
Emergency Management Coordinator Jeff Suggs presented a summary for Consent Agenda Item
E, the purchase of Microsoft Office 2013 Standard instead of Professional with a cost savings of
approximately $26,000.00.
Councilmember Clausen questioned if the upgrade is a one-year license. Emergency Management
Coordinator Jeff Suggs responded it is a volume license.
Councilmember Martin questioned whether Office 365 is an option for the City. Emergency
Management Coordinator Jeff Suggs stated he did not think so because of the limited features.
Councilmember Zemanek stated there are 90 computers that will not be upgraded and asked why.
Emergency Management Coordinator Jeff Suggs responded not all of the computers at the
community centers require the Microsoft Office 2013 upgrade, and some employees have already
been upgraded to the Microsoft Office 2013.
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October 13; 2014, Council Meeting Minutes
Councilmember Earp moved to purchase Standard Microsoft Office 2013 instead of Professional
Microsoft Office 2013. Councilmember Leonard seconded. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Engelken, Moser, Zemanek,
Clausen, Kaminski, Earp, Leonard and Martin
Nays: None
Absent: None
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ASSOCIATED ORDINANCES
(a) Public hearing to receive comments regarding condemnation of eight (8) substandard
buildings — R. Davidson
Deputy Building Official Russell Davidson presented a summary and advised Council the
homeowner of 3322 Clarksville has established a plan of action for the property, and he has
received a voluntary consent to demolish property at 316 N. 51 Street. Mr. Davidson stated the City
has five voluntary consents to demolish, and they are expected to be demolished this week.
The public hearing was opened at 6:54 p.m.
Rufina Lopez's son addressed Council on her behalf in regards to 119 S. Carroll St., and advised
she is in the process of obtaining estimates for foundation repair to determine whether the home is
repairable. Her son did not state his name while addressing Council.
Mayor Rigby questioned how much time is needed. The son responded two months. Mayor Rigby
asked if the work can be completed in sixty days. The son responded yes if the foundation is fine to
proceed with repairing the home; if not, they will sign a voluntary consent to demolish the home.
Councilmember Zemanek asked whether the home is on a concrete foundation or pier and beam.
The son responded pier and beam
Gilbert Diaz, 500 W. Main, addressed Council and advised he has been trying to repair the
structure for three years and seven months and has not been able to obtain a permit from the City
to begin repairs. Mr. Diaz informed he has been fined for not making repairs, was told the building
will be demolished; and he feels it is unfair. In addition, Mr. Diaz requested Council review the plans
and advised it will take two weeks for architectural designs and another three weeks for structural
engineers.
Councilmember Zemanek asked Mr. Diaz who told him the structure will be destroyed. Mr. Diaz
responded the previous owner, owner of Kings BBQ. Councilmember Zemanek asked Mr. Diaz if
the City is continually denying his permits. Mr. Diaz responded yes. Councilmember Zemanek
requested City Manager Corby Alexander address Mr. Diaz's claim. City Manager Corby Alexander
responded the initial permit was denied due to repairs being 50 percent more than the value of
structure and requested the Inspections Department to provide information of any other permits
being denied. Planning and Development Director Tim Tietjens informed the City has not received
any permits or reviewable drawings and has requested the owners come into the City for permits.
Councilmember Zemanek questioned when the rear of the building was demolished and the current
HCAD value of the building. City Manager Corby Alexander responded the rear of the building was
demolished three months ago.
Mr. Diaz advised Council he can get the building up to code.
Councilmember Zemanek commented to Mr. Diaz, he has two concerns. One, the City telling him
not to get a permit; and two, what is the reason for taking this long. Mr. Diaz responded he can get
the building up to code.
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October 13, 2014, Council Meeting Minutes
City Manager Corby Alexander advised the current HCAD improvements valuation is $42,539.00,
approximately $46,000.00 is the value of the land, with a total of $88,464.00 for land and
improvements.
Councilmember Moser questioned Planning and Development Director Tim Tietjens when the
Zoning Board of Adjustment ruled the building can be saved and whether plans were brought into
the City. Mr. Tietjens responded the ruling was in 2012; and according to staff, the City has not
seen a draft set of plans.
Councilmember Clausen questioned Mr. Diaz according to the plans he passed out to Council,
which part of the building does he plan to save; and which part will be demolished. Mr. Diaz
responded he will tear out the back portion and build 22 feet backwards, with all of the building the
same level. Mr. Diaz advised if Council wants improving to 50% of the value of the building, he can
comply; and he can also build something nice, as well.
Diana Diaz, 500 W. Main, addressed Council and advised that in the beginning of the process they
met with two City Inspectors and were given a list of items to be done in order to proceed with the
building. Ms. Diaz advised the property has been surveyed, tested for asbestos, and the property
taxes are paid. She feels it has been an unfair battle with three City permits being denied.
Councilmember Zemanek questioned Ms. Diaz if she recalls coming before City Council a year ago
and being asked to demolish the rear of the building. Ms. Diaz responded yes, and the rear of the
building has been demolished. Councilmember Zemanek questioned how many times in the last
calendar year has she come into the City to request permits. Mr. Diaz informed he met with the
City Manager's Office about two months ago and requested a permit be issued. In addition, Mr.
Diaz advised he had a permit application at the time but did not turn it into the Inspections
Department. Councilmember Zemanek advised Mr. Diaz a permit application must be submitted to
the City in order for a permit to be issued.
Planning and Development Director Tim Tietjens requested to provide information that was secured
during the meeting. Mr. Tietjens advised there are three permit applications on file that were denied
prior to the 2012 City Council Meeting or the Planning and Zoning's 50 percent ruling.
Chuck Rosa, 812 S. Virginia, addressed Council and spoke in favor of the Diaz's being granted a
permit.
Randy Cernosek, 303 S. Iowa St., addressed Council and requested he be allowed 30 days to
repair the carport structure.
Councilmember Clausen questioned Mr. Cernosek why did it take this action to get him to begin
repairs. Mr. Cernosek responded he has not worked on the carport recently but requests 30 days to
get the carport repaired.
The public hearing closed at 7:31 p.m.
The public hearing was re -opened at 7:32 p.m. to allow additional comments from the public.
Milton Perales, addressed Council on behalf of his parent's home at 3322 Clarksville. Mr. Perales
advised his parents purchased the property over a year ago knowing there are issues. Mr. Perales
provided Council a list of plans with the back garage and kitchen cabinets demolished. Mr. Perales
advised it will take 60 days to bring the property up to code, and estimated the garage can take up
to 4 months.
The public hearing closed at 7:43 p.m.
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October 13, 2014, Council Meeting Minutes
(b) Consider approval or other action regarding Ordinances authorizing the condemnation of
seven (7) substandard buildings — R. Davidson
Councilmember Martin made a motion to move forward with the condemnation process of the three
(3) substandard buildings, with the exception of 303 S. Iowa; 500 W. Main; 119 S. Carroll St.; and
3322 Clarksville, granting the four (4) properties a sixty (60) day extension to get their permits in
order. Councilmember Leonard seconded.
Assistant City Attorney Clark Askins read the caption of Ordinance 2014-3541: AN ORDINANCE
DECLARING A MOBILE HOME STRUCTURE AND TWO ACCESSORY STORAGE BUILDINGS LOCATED
ADJACENT TO SAID MOBILE HOME STRUCTURE LOCATED AT BLK 5, LT 75 & 75, SPENCER
HIGHWAY ESTATES, HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS, TO BE IN FACT A NUISANCE; ORDERING SUCH
BUILDINGS CONDEMNED; FINDING THAT FRANCES DAVID TURRENTINE & LINDA DAVIS GARNER
(C/O DOROTHEA F. HILL, DECEASED) ARE THE RECORD OWNERS OF SAID PROPERTY; ORDERING
THE SAID OWNERS TO ENTIRELY REMOVE OR TEAR DOWN SUCH BUILDING(S) ORDERING THE
SAID OWNERS TO COMMENCE SAID REMOVAL OR DEMOLITION WITHIN TEN (10) DAYS FROM THE
EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS ORDINANCE; AND TO COMPLETE SAID REMOVAL OR DEMOLITION
WITHIN FORTY-FIVE (45) DAYS FROM THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS ORDINANCE; ORDERING THE
DANGEROUS BUILDING INSPECTION BOARD TO PLACE A NOTICE ON SAID BUILDINGS; ORDERING
THE CITY SECRETARY TO FORWARD A COPY OF THIS ORDINANCE TO SAID OWNERS; PROVIDING
FOR THE REMOVAL OF SAID BUILDINGS BY THE CITY OF LA PORTE IF NOT REMOVED BY SAID
OWNERS IN THE MANNER PROVIDED HEREIN; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF; AND
FINDING COMPLIANCE WITH THE OPEN MEETINGS LAW.
Assistant City Attorney Clark Askins read the caption of Ordinance 2014-3542: AN ORDINANCE
DECLARING A MOBILE HOME STRUCTURE AND TWO ACCESSORY STORAGE BUILDINGS LOCATED
ADJACENT TO SAID MOBILE HOME STRUCTURE ALL LOCATED ON THE SOUTHWEST PORTION OF
BLK 6, LT 92 & 93 SPENCER HIGHWAY ESTATES, HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS, TO BE IN FACT A
NUISANCE; ORDERING SUCH BUILDINGS CONDEMNED; FINDING THAT ELISEO GUZMAN AND
MARIA S. CAMPOS ARE THE RECORD OWNERS OF SAID PROPERTY; ORDERING THE SAID
OWNERS TO ENTIRELY REMOVE OR TEAR DOWN SUCH BUILDING(S) ORDERING THE SAID
OWNERS TO COMMENCE SAID REMOVAL OR DEMOLITION WITHIN TEN (10) DAYS FROM THE
EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS ORDINANCE; AND TO COMPLETE SAID REMOVAL OR DEMOLITION
WITHIN FORTY-FIVE (45) DAYS FROM THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS ORDINANCE; ORDERING THE
DANGEROUS BUILDING INSPECTION BOARD TO PLACE A NOTICE ON SAID BUILDINGS; ORDERING
THE CITY SECRETARY TO FORWARD A COPY OF THIS ORDINANCE TO SAID OWNERS; PROVIDING
FOR THE REMOVAL OF SAID BUILDINGS BY THE CITY OF LA PORTE IF NOT REMOVED BY SAID
OWNERS IN THE MANNER PROVIDED HEREIN; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF; AND
FINDING COMPLIANCE WITH THE OPEN MEETINGS LAW.
Assistant City Attorney Clark Askins read the caption of Ordinance 2014-3543: AN ORDINANCE
DECLARING THE BUILDING WITH ATTACHED STORAGE SHED LOCATED AT BLK 73, LT 17 & 18, BAY
FRONT TO LA PORTE, HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS, TO BE IN FACT A NUISANCE; ORDERING SUCH
BUILDINGS CONDEMNED; FINDING THAT JEANETTE LA FOSSE & GILGERT VILLA ARE THE RECORD
OWNERS OF SAID PROPERTY; ORDERING THE SAID OWNERS TO ENTIRELY REMOVE OR TEAR
DOWN SUCH BUILDING(S) ORDERING THE SAID OWNERS TO COMMENCE SAID REMOVAL OR
DEMOLITION WITHIN TEN (10) DAYS FROM THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS ORDINANCE; AND TO
COMPLETE SAID REMOVAL OR DEMOLITION WITHIN FORTY-FIVE (45) DAYS FROM THE EFFECTIVE
DATE OF THIS ORDINANCE; ORDERING THE DANGEROUS BUILDING INSPECTION BOARD TO
PLACE A NOTICE ON SAID BUILDINGS; ORDERING THE CITY SECRETARY TO FORWARD A COPY OF
THIS ORDINANCE TO SAID OWNERS; PROVIDING FOR THE REMOVAL OF SAID BUILDINGS BY THE
CITY OF LA PORTE IF NOT REMOVED BY SAID OWNERS IN THE MANNER PROVIDED HEREIN;
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF; AND FINDING COMPLIANCE WITH THE OPEN MEETINGS
LAW.
Councilmember Zemanek questioned Planning and Development Director Tim Tietjens if any of the four
properties with a motion on the table for a sixty (60) day extension have been on the dangerous buildings list
prior to this time. Planning and Development Director Tim Tietjens responded yes, 500 W. Main, 3322
Clarksville, and 119 S. Carroll.
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October 13, 2014, Council Meeting Minutes
Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Engelken, Clausen, Leonard
and Martin
Nays: Councilmembers Moser, Kaminski, Zemanek and Earp
Absent: None
MOTION PASSED.
8. AUTHORIZATIONS
(a) Consider approval or other action regarding an Ordinance authorizing the donation of Lots 23 &
24, Block 648, Town of La Porte, Lots 31 & 32 of Block 648, Town of La Porte and Lots 16 & 17
of Block 22, Bayfront to La Porte, Harris County, Texas, to Bay Area Habit of Humanity
Houston, Inc., for the construction of affordable housing — T. Tietjens
Planning and Development Director Tim Tietjens presented a summary.
Councilmember Moser moved to authorize the donation of Lots 23 & 24, Block 648, Town of La
Porte, Lots 31 & 32 of Block 648, Town of La Porte and Lots 16 & 17 of Block 22, Bayfront to La
Porte, Harris County, Texas, to Bay Area Habit of Humanity Houston, Inc., for the construction of
affordable housing. Councilmember Zemanek seconded. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Engelken, Moser, Clausen,
Earp, Engelken, Martin, Leonard and Kaminski
Nays: None
Absent: None
Prior to Council vote, Assistant City Attorney Clark Askins read the caption of Ordinance 2014-3541: AN
ORDINANCE APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE DONATION OF LOTS 23 AND 24, BLOCK 648,
TOWN OF LA PORTE, AND LOTS 16 AND 17 OF BLOCK 22, BAYFRONT TO LA PORTE, HARRIS
COUNTY, TEXAS, TO BAY AREA HABITAT TO HUMANITY-HOUSTON, INC., A TEXAS NON-PROFIT
CORPORATION, FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING, MAKING VARIOUS
FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE SUBJECT, FINDING COMPLIANCE WITH THE OPEN
MEETINGS LAW; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF.
(b) Consider approval or other action authorizing the Human Resources Manager to execute an
agreement with Aetna to incorporate into City Retiree Health Insurance Coverage the Post 65
Medicare Advantage Plan — A. Curry
Human Resources Manager Allison Curry presented a summary.
Councilmember Moser moved to authorize the Human Resources Manager to execute an
agreement with Aetna to incorporate into City Retiree Health Insurance Coverage the Post 65
Medicare Advantage Plan. Councilmember Leonard seconded. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Engelken, Moser, Clausen,
Earp, Engelken, Martin, Leonard and Kaminski
Nays: None
Absent: None
9. DISCUSSION OR OTHER ACTION
(a) Discussion or other action regarding Galveston Bay Foundation Project — C. Alexander
City Manager Corby Alexander provided a summary and introduced Bob Stokes, Executive Director
of Galveston Bay Foundation; and he gave a presentation regarding the Galveston Bay Foundation
Project for construction of a new Galveston Bay Foundation Headquarters and Education Center.
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October 13, 2014, Council.Meeting Minutes
Councilmember Leonard questioned Mr. Stokes if the Galveston Bay Foundation currently works
with any groups at La Porte High School. Mr. Stokes responded the Education Director does work
with La Porte students, and they are always looking for more opportunities to expand with students.
Councilmember Martin questioned Mr. Stokes if the Galveston Bay Foundation was classified as
tax exempt and if they intend to pay any property taxes. Mr. Stokes responded Galveston Bay
Foundation is 501(c)(3) Tax Exempt; and the intention is not to pay taxes but to generate sales
taxes with the Galveston Bay Foundation's presence. Councilmember Martin questioned who are
the stakeholders for Galveston Bay Foundation? Mr. Stokes responded, the entire community;
different facilities along the bay; and they work with local communities doing projects.
Councilmember Martin questioned if there is a financing plan in place. Mr. Stokes responded the
.plan is to raise money for the purchase; they have access to capital to ultimately pay cash.
Councilmember Martin questioned if there is an interest in a lease agreement. Mr. Stokes
responded the goal is to own; but if the city is interested in a lease, he is open to discussion.
Councilmember Martin questioned if the Galveston Bay Foundation owned the property, how
accessible will it be to individuals? Mr. Stokes responded they will have programs for adults and
children with access along the water.
Councilmember Moser questioned if Galveston Bay Foundation has a position on the Ike Dike. Mr.
Stokes responded the Galveston Bay Foundation is absolutely supportive of the discussion of storm
surge suppression and does not take a position pro or con on either the Centennial Gate or the Ike
Dike because neither are completely studied at this time.
Councilmember Zemanek questioned the anticipated capital outlay for the Galveston Bay
Foundation Project. Mr. Stokes responded between $12-14 million; up to $4 million for land
purchase; approximately $5 million for construction; $1 million to be invested in education activities.
Mayor Rigby questioned City Manager Corby Alexander if the project will be discussed in Executive
Session and a possible decision reached after reconvening. City Manager Corby Alexander
responded yes.
(b) Discussion or other action regarding appointment to the La Porte Area Water Authority — P.
Fogarty
City Secretary Patrice Fogarty presented a summary.
Councilmember Moser moved to appoint Charlie Perry to the La Porte Area Water Authority.
Councilmember Kaminski seconded. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Engelken, Leonard, Moser,
Clausen, Earp, Engelken, Martin, and Kaminski
Nays: None
Absent: None
(c) Discussion or other action regarding renaming N. 51 Street to Martin Luther King, Jr., Blvd. — C.
Alexander
City Manager Corby Alexander presented a summary.
Councilmember Zemanek questioned how many properties abut either side of N. 5th Street, and
how many are controlled by the City. City Manager Corby Alexander responded 66 abut, and he
would have to confirm how many are controlled by the City.
Councilmember Moser moved to give the City Manager authority to sign the petition to rename
N. 5th Street to Martin Luther King, Jr., Blvd. Councilmember Kaminski seconded. MOTION
PASSED.
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October 13, 2014, Council Meeting Minutes
Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Engelken, Leonard, Moser,
Clausen, Engelken, Martin, and Kaminski
Nays: Councilmember Earp
Absent: None
(d) Discussion or other action regarding LED Digital Billboard — Mayor Rigby
Mayor Rigby opened the discussion.
Councilmember Earp requested an update on the cost of $285,000.00 for the LED Digital Billboard,
inquiring whether the quote is outdated. Assistant City Manager Traci Leach provided an update
and informed the quote was from November 2013 from a billboard company for a one-sided digital
sign with the size and dimensions, including $25,000.00 for land acquisition. Councilmember Earp
asked about the proposed location for the billboard. Ms. Leach responded the feeder of Fairlane St.
and Highway 146. Councilmember Earp commented he would like to see a detailed business plan
before spending money on a billboard.
Councilmember Leonard commented he has a concern with the price. being from 2013, and there
may be legal issues with the sign having to be available for all businesses to advertise.
Assistant City Manager Traci Leach advised Council that staff is in need of direction from Council
for gathering information for the cost.
Councilmember Zemanek questioned if the city ordinance allows construction for the size and
location of the billboard. Assistant City Manager Traci Leach responded yes.
City Manager Corby Alexander advised if Council is interested in the concept of an LED Digital
Billboard, staff will obtain information on all of Council's concerns and bring this item back at a later
date.
Councilmember Moser moved to move forward with a concept and allow staff to come back with
pricing; policy proposal; ideas; and any legal issues. Councilmember Martin seconded. MOTION
PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Earp, Engelken, Leonard,
Moser, Engelken, Martin, and Kaminski
Nays: Councilmember Clausen
Absent: None
10. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
• Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting, Thursday, October 23, 2014
• Fiscal Affairs Committee Meeting, Monday, October 27, 2014
• La Porte Development Corporation Board Meeting, Monday, October 27, 2014
• City Council Meeting, Monday, October 27, 2014
• Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting, Thursday, October 30, 2014
There were no additional reports.
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 Leonard, Engelken, Earp, Clausen, Martin,
Moser, Kaminski, Zemanek and Mayor Rigby.
Councilmember Leonard congratulated Rosemarie Harmon for receiving a proclamation and the recipients
of the Life Saving Awards; Councilmember Engelken also congratulated Rosemarie Harmon for receiving a
proclamation; recipients of the Life Saving Awards and welcomed City Secretary Patrice Fogarty back to
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October 13, 2014, Council Meeting Minutes
Council meetings, Councilmember Earp also congratulated Rosemarie Harmon for receiving a
proclamation; recipients of the Life Saving Awards; welcomed City Secretary Patrice Fogarty back to
meetings; thanked Emergency Management Coordinator Jeff Suggs and City Manager Corby Alexander
for their assistance with the computer savings; and requested an update on the Animal Shelter and
Adoption Center and noted it has been 400 days, today, since the beginning of construction;
Councilmember Clausen deferred to Councilmember Earp's comments and agreed; Councilmember Martin
congratulated Rosemarie Harmon for receiving a proclamation; recipients of the Life Saving Awards;
reported he attended the TML Conference and gave kudos to Golf Course Manager Alex Osmond and staff
for the Bayforest Junior Golf Championship with over 80 players and $6500 being raised in revenue for the
City; Councilmember Moser congratulated Rosemarie Harmon for receiving a proclamation; recipients of
the Life Saving Awards and gave kudos to the City of La Porte's Emergency First Responders;
Councilmember Kaminski congratulated Rosemarie Harmon for receiving a proclamation; recipients of the
Life Saving Awards and welcomed City Secretary Patrice Fogarty back to meetings; Councilmember
Zemanek echoed congrats and echoed Councilmember Moser's comments on the City of La Porte
Emergency First Responders, reported the La Porte Police Officers' Association Golf Tournament is this
Friday; the Salute to Industry Golf Tournament has been rescheduled to October 22, 2014, and welcomed
back City Secretary Patrice Fogarty; and Mayor Rigby congratulated recipients of the Life Saving Awards;
thanked the City of La Porte Emergency First Responders, and reported the car show held on W. Main was
a nice events despite the rain on Saturday.
12. EXECUTIVE SESSION: The City 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, including, but not limited to, the following: Texas Government Code,
Section 551.072 — For the purpose of deliberating the purpose of the purchase, exchange, lease or
value of real property: Klein Retreat property and former Happy Harbour property.
City Council recessed the regular Council meeting to convene an executive session at 9:08 p.m. for
the purpose of deliberating the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property: Klein Retreat
property and former Happy Harbour property.
13. RECONVENE into regular session and consider action, if any on item(s) discussed in executive
session.
Council reconvened into the regular Council meeting at 9:47 p.m.
Regarding the executive session pertaining to Section 551.072, For the purpose of deliberating the
purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property: Klein Retreat property and former Happy
Harbour property, Councilmember Zemanek moved authorize the City Manager to meet and
negotiate with Galveston Bay Foundation for the property discussed. Councilmember Leonard
seconded. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Moser, Clausen, Kaminski,
Engelken, Zemanek, Earp, and Leonard
Nays: Councilmember Martin
Absent: None
14. ADJOURN
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:49 p.m.
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Patrice Fogarty, C Secre ry
Passed n p ved on October 27, 2014.
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October 13, 2014, Council Meeting Minutes