HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-01-26 Regular Meeting of La Porte City Council minutes LOUIS RIGBY F L
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Mayon , O DARYL LEONARD
JOHN ZEMANEK
Councilmember At Large A r'l -1 Councilmember District 3
DOT11E KAMINSKI
V \m TOMMY MOSER
Mayor Pro Tem Councilmember District 4
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Councilmember At Large B JAY MARTIN
DANNY EARP E�e
Councilmember District 5
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Councilmember District 1 MIKE CLAUSEN
CHUCK ENGELKEN Councilmember District 6
Councilmember District 2
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA PORTE
JANUARY 26, 2015
The City Council of the City of La Porte met in a regular meeting on Monday, January 26, 2015, 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, Martin, Earp, Moser, Leonard, and Engelken. Absent: Councilmembers
Clausen and Zemanek. Also present were City Secretary Patrice Fogarty and City Manager Corby
Alexander.
2. INVOCATION —The invocation will be given by Brian Christen, La Porte Community Church.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — The Pledge of Allegiance will be led by Councilmember Tommy
Moser.
4. PRESENTATIONS, PROCLAMATIONS, and RECOGNITIONS
(a) Recognition—Retirement of Monway (Monie) Ison (Bay Forest Golf Course) —Mayor Rigby
Mayor Rigby recognized the retirement of Monway (Monie) Ison.
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS (Limited to five minutes per person.)
Ross Selvaggi, 10016 Porter Rd., addressed Council urging them to oppose to the heavy haul
corridor.
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 City Council Meeting held on
January 12, 2015—P. Fogarty
(b) Consider approval or other action regarding an Ordinance ordering the May 9, 2015,
general election in the City of La Porte—P. Fogarty
(c) Consider approval or other action regarding an Interlocal Joint Election Agreement between
the City of La Porte; La Porte ISD and San Jacinto College—P. Fogarty
(d) Consider approval or other action regarding expenditure by the La Porte Development
Corporation for an Enhancement Grant not to exceed $25,000 for Lafitte Cajun Station at
the completion of the project—S. Livingston
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January 26,2015, Council Meeting Minutes
(e) Consider approval or other action authorizing the City Manager to execute an Amendment
to the Municipal Maintenance Agreement with Texas Department of Transportation for the
maintenance of the right-of-way along State Highway 146—T. Leach
(f) Consider approval or other action authorizing the Mayor to execute an Agreement with
Harris County Transit Authority for the provision of local circulator bus service—T. Leach
(g) Consider approval or other action regarding a Resolution opposing the designation of State
Highway 146 as a heavy haul corridor—T. Leach
(h) Consider approval or other action regarding an Ordinance vacating, abandoning, and
closing the southernmost 30' of the Sylvan Ave., right-of-way between Willow Avenue and
Park Drive—T. Tietjens
(i) Consider approval or other action regarding adoption of a Local Bidder Preference Policy
and Local Bidder Preference Application Form —M. Dolby
(j) Consider approval or other action regarding an Ordinance amending the City of La Porte
Fiscal Year 2014-2015 Budget—M. Dolby
Regarding Item H, Councilmember Martin questioned if the City will have to cover the cost of sewer
lines for the six (6) new single-family lots after closing the existing sanitary sewer line. Planning and
Development Director Tim Tietjens responded no, the developer plans to re-orient the lots; and
there will be no obstruction to the utilities.
Councilmember Moser moved to approve the Consent Agenda pursuant to staff recommendations.
Councilmember Leonard seconded. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Moser, Leonard, Engelken,
Martin, Kaminski and Earp
Nays: None
Absent: Councilmembers Clausen and Zemanek
Prior to council action, Assistant City Attorney Clark Askins read the caption of Ordinance 2015-3565: AN
ORDINANCE CALLING THE REGULAR ANNUAL ELECTION OF THE CITY OF LA PORTE; CALLING A RUN-OFF
ELECTION, IF NECESSARY; DESIGNATING ELECTION PRECINCTS AND POLLING PLACES; PROVIDING FOR
A JOINT ELECTION WITH THE LA PORTE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT AND THE SAN JACINTO
COLLEGE; PROVIDING FOR THE USE OF VOTING MACHINES; APPOINTING ELECTION OFFICIALS;
PROVIDING FOR METHOD AND DATES OF EARLY VOTING; PROVIDING FOR AN EARLY VOTING BALLOT
BOARD; PROVIDING FOR RETURN AND CANVASS OF VOTES OF SAID ELECTION; PROVIDING FOR NOTICE;
PROVIDING FOR A SAVINGS CLAUSE; FINDING COMPLIANCE WITH THE OPEN MEETINGS LAW; AND
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF.
Prior to council action, Assistant City Attorney Clark Askins read the caption of Ordinance 2015-3566: AN
ORDINANCE VACATING, ABANDONING AND CLOSING A PORTION OF THE SYLVAN AVENUE RIGHT-OF-
WAY; RETAINING A 10' WIDE SANITARY SEWER EASEMENT AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION AND
DELIVERY OF A DEED TO THE ADJOINING LANDOWNER, FINDING COMPLIANCE WITH THE OPEN
MEETINGS LAW;AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF.
Prior to council action, Assistant City Attorney Clark Askins read the caption of Ordinance 2015-3567: AN
ORDINANCE APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF LA PORTE; TEXAS, FOR THE
PERIOD OF OCTOBER 1, 2014 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30,2015; FINDING THAT ALL THINGS REQUISITE AND
NECESSARY HAVE BEEN DONE IN PREPARATION AND PRESENTMENT OF SAID BUDGET; FINDING
COMPLIANCE WITH THE OPEN MEETINGS LAW;AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF.
7. AUTHORIZATIONS
(a) Consider approval or other action regarding an agreement with Ray+Hollington Architects, Inc.
for architectural services in the amount of $88,650 for restoration of the historic LPISD Colored
School—R. J. Davidson
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Planning and Development Director Tim Tietjens presented a summary; and Deputy Building
Official R. J. Davidson provided specific details of the agreement with Ray+Hollington Architects,
Inc., for architectural services and the project.
Councilmember Moser moved to approve an agreement with Ray+Hollington Architects, Inc., for
architectural services in the amount of$88,650 for restoration of the historic LPISD Colored School.
Councilmember Kaminski seconded. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Engelken, Kaminski, Moser,
Leonard, Earp and Martin
Nays: None
Absent: Councilmembers Clausen and Zemanek
(b) Consider approval or other action regarding an amendment to the City of La Porte Employees
Handbook relating to education reimbursement guidelines—A. Curry
Human Resources Manager Allison Curry presented a summary.
Councilmember Engelken moved to approve an amendment to the City of La Porte Employees
Handbook relating to education reimbursement guidelines. Councilmember Leonard seconded.
MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Engelken, Kaminski, Moser,
Leonard, Earp and Martin
Nays: None
Absent: Councilmembers Clausen and Zemanek
8. DISCUSSION OR OTHER ACTION
(a) Discussion or other action regarding an Ordinance amending the current parkland provisions of
Development Ordinance 1444, Section 12.01(a) as it relates to assessing fees for individual
dwelling units—T. Tietjens
Planning and Development Director Tim Tietjens presented a summary.
Councilmember Moser moved to approve an Ordinance amending the current parkland provisions
of Development Ordinance 1444, Section 12.01(a) as it relates to assessing fees for individual
dwelling units. Mayor Rigby seconded. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Leonard, Moser, Earp, Martin,
Kaminski and Engelken
Nays: None
Absent: Councilmembers Clausen and Zemanek
Prior to council action, Assistant City Attorney Clark Askins read the caption of Ordinance 2015-3568: AN
ORDINANCE AMENDING CITY OF LA PORTE ORDINANCE NO. 1444 BY AMENDING SECTION 12.01 (a)
"GENERAL REQUIREMENT FOR DEDICATION OF LAND AND PAYMENT OF PARK DEVELOPMENT FEE";
PROVIDING A REPEALING CLAUSE; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; FINDING COMPLIANCE WITH
THE OPEN MEETINGS LAW; PROVIDING THAT ANY PERSON VIOLATING THE TERMS OF THIS ORDINANCE
SHALL BE DEEMED GUILTY OF A MISDEMEANOR AND UPON CONVICTION SHALL BE FINED IN A SUM NOT
TO EXCEED TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS; PROVIDING FOR THE PUBLICATION OF THE CAPTION HEREOF;
AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF.
(b) Discussion or other action regarding notification requirements for property owners in
connection with public hearings required under Chapter 106 Zoning of the La Porte Code of
Ordinances and heard before the City of La Porte Planning and Zoning Commission; La Porte
Zoning Board of Adjustment and La Porte City Council—E. Ensey
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January 26, 2015, Council Meeting Minutes
City Planner Eric Ensey Presented a summary.
Councilmember Leonard asked what the notification requirements of surrounding communities are.
Mr. Ensey advised Baytown requires 300 feet; Deer Park 200 feet; League City 500 feet; Pasadena
200 feet; and Seabrook 200 feet.
Mayor Rigby questioned if the City had received complaints from residents living outside the
200-foot requirement. Mr. Ensey advised there was a case with a Special Conditional Use Permit
where citizens from a subdivision were concerned they did not receive notice.
Councilmember Earp commented 1000 feet seems like a long way, and maybe 500 feet would be
better for consideration.
Councilmember Leonard commented 200 feet is fine in most of the city, but in a large lot district
maybe having 500-1000 feet would work.
Assistant City Attorney Clark Askins advised he would have to do research the law on the subject of
dual standards.
Councilmember Leonard commented if there is an issue with dual standards, he is more inclined to
go with Councilmember Earp's suggestion.
Mayor Rigby commented he is fine with 200 feet.
Councilmember Martin questioned why not keep the 200 feet and also send notice to the
Homeowners' Association president. Assistant City Attorney Clark Askins advised it may be an
equal protection issue.
Mayor Rigby asked if there was a motion to table until a future meeting in order to give time for the
assistant city attorney to research dual standards and equal protection. Councilmember Earp
stated he is fine with 200 feet; and Councilmember Leonard stated he is, as well.
Councilmember Earp moved to leave as is the notification requirements for property owners in
connection with public hearings required under Chapter 106 Zoning of the La Porte Code of
Ordinances and heard before the City of La Porte Planning and Zoning Commission; La Porte
Zoning Board of Adjustment and La Porte City Council. Councilmember Leonard seconded.
MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Leonard, Moser, Earp, Martin,
Kaminski and Engelken
Nays: None
Absent: Councilmember Clausen and Zemanek
The Assistant City Attorney requested clarification regarding whether this subject matter will be
considered by the Planning and Zoning Commission. It was clarified that City Council is not
forwarding this subject matter to the Planning and Zoning Commission for consideration.
(c) Discussion or other action regarding proposed draft updates to the City of La Porte and
La Porte Area Water Authority Drought Contingency Plans—D. Mick
Public Works Director Dave Mick presented a summary.
Councilmember Engelken moved to approve proposed draft updates to the City of La Porte and
La Porte Area Water Authority Drought Contingency Plans. Councilmember Moser seconded.
MOTION PASSED.
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January 26, 2015, Council Meeting Minutes
Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Leonard, Moser, Earp, Martin,
Kaminski and Engelken
Nays: None
Absent: Councilmember Clausen and Zemanek
(d) Discussion or other action regarding proposed draft updates to the City of La Porte and
La Porte Area Water Authority Water Conservation Plans—D. Mick
Public Works Director Dave Mick presented a summary.
Councilmember Engelken moved to approve proposed draft updates to the City of La Porte and
La Porte Area Water Authority Water Conservation Plans. Councilmember Martin seconded.
MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Leonard, Moser, Earp, Martin,
Kaminski and Engelken
Nays: None
Absent: Councilmember Clausen and Zemanek
9. Reports
(a) Receive report of Fiscal Affairs Committee—Councilmember Engelken
Councilmember Engelken provided a report from the Fiscal Affairs Committee meeting held prior to
this meeting and reported the City is off to a very good start according the Finance Department.
(b) Receive report of La Porte Development Corporation Board —Councilmember Engelken
Councilmember Engelken provided a report from the La Porte Development Corporation Board
meeting held prior to this meeting, stating the Board will move forward with publishing a 60-day
notice of a public hearing to consider awarding an economic development grant to Gantstein
Esquire, LLC, for an amount not to exceed $300,000.
(c) Receive report on the quarterly Delinquent Tax Report—T. Leach
Assistant City Manager Traci Leach provided a report. There were no questions.
(d) Receive report on Animal Shelter and Adoption Center—R. J. Davidson
Deputy Building Official R. J. Davidson provided a report. Councilmember Engelken asked if there
is a projected opening date for the Animal Shelter and Adoption Center. Mr. Davidson responded
he cannot give a hard date, but staff is moving forward on an opening date as fast as possible.
10. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
• La Porte Development Corporation Board Meeting, Monday, February 9, 2015
• City Council Meeting, Monday, February 9, 2015
City Manager Corby Alexander reminded Council of the City Council Budget Retreat in April and
asked Council to give some thought to items they wish to discuss.
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 Moser, Kaminski, Zemanek, Leonard, Engelken,
Earp, Clausen, Martin and Mayor Rigby.
Councilmember Moser thanked Councilmember Kaminski and Mayor Rigby for attending the Martin
Luther King, Jr., Park Dedication and City Staff for their assistance; Councilmember Kaminski
commented the Martin Luther King, Jr., Park Dedication had nice attendance and congratulated
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January 26, 2015, Council Meeting Minutes
Monway (Monie) Ison on his retirement; Councilmember Engelken thanked Monway (Monie) Ison
for his years of service to the City and congratulated him on his retirement; Councilmember Martin
congratulated Monway (Monie) Ison on his retirement, wished Jaree Hefner the best at her new job,
commented on the nice speech from Meterologist Neil Frank at the La Porte Chamber of
Commerce Installation Banquet and congratulated his son Jeff Martin for been awarded Volunteer
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of the Year at the banquet; and Mayor Rigby reiterated comments from Councilmembers Moser and
Kaminski in regards to the Martin Luther King, Jr., Park Dedication and the informative speech
provided by Meterologist Neil Frank at the La Porte Chamber of Commerce Installation Banquet.
12. ADJOURN
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:02 p.m.
Patrice Fogarty, Secretary
Passed an r e on February 9, 2015.
Ma or L uis R. 'gby
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