HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-07-27 Regular Meeting of La Porte City Council minutes LOUIS RIGBYOF.. L A
Mayor _ p DARYL LEONARD
JOHN ZEMANEK Councilmember District 3
Councilmember At Large A
DOTTIE KAMINSKI VACANTm
Councilmember At Large B Councilmember District 4
DANNY EARP JAY MARTIN
Councilmember District 1 rexAs Mayor Pro-Tem
CHUCK ENGELKEN Councilmember District 5
Councilmember District 2 MIKE CLAUSEN
Councilmember District 6
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA PORTE
July 27, 2015
The City Council of the City of La Porte met in a regular meeting on Monday, July 27, 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, Earp, Engelken, Martin, Clausen and Leonard. Absent: Councilmember
Zemanek. Also present were City Secretary Patrice Fogarty and City Manager Corby Alexander.
2. INVOCATION —The invocation was given by Don Hill, La Porte InterChuch Council.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE —The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilmember Jay Martin.
4. PRESENTATIONS, PROCLAMATIONS, and RECOGNITIONS
(a) Presentation — Resolution — Tribute to Tommy Charles Moser — State Representative,
(District 128,) Wayne Smith. City Flag Presentation by Mayor Rigby
State Representative Wayne Smith read a Resolution from the State, a tribute to the life of Tommy
Charles Moser; and Mayor Rigby presented the US flag and City Flag, both of which flew over the
entrance to the cemetery, to the Moser family.
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS (Limited to five minutes per person.)
Chuck Rosa, 812 S. Virginia spoke and asked the Holy Spirit to comfort the Moser family. In
addition, Mr. Rosa spoke in regards to Sylvan Beach and asked that the beach be extended or a
community center be built for the use of all citizens.
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
July 13, 2015 — P.-Fogarty
(b) Consider approval or other action regarding a Resolution to the TML Resolution Committee
requesting statewide support of a coastal barrier system, and including a request for funding
for design, construction, and maintenance for a coastal barrier system protecting the
Houston-Galveston Ship Channel region —Mayor Rigby
(c) Consider approval or other action authorizing the Mayor to execute a Facility Use
Agreement with the City of Morgan's Point for the use of City of La Porte facilities for
disaster response— C. Alexander
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(d) Consider approval or other action regarding an Ordinance amending Fiscal Year 2014-2015
Budget— M. Dolby
(e) Consider approval or other action regarding recommended date for September 14, 2015, for
the Public Hearing on the City's Fiscal Year 2015-2016 Proposed Budget— M. Dolby
(f) Consider approval or other action regarding an Ordinance amending Chapter 74, of the City
of La Porte Code of Ordinances by establishing regulations and fees related to the rental of
dire hydrant meters— S. Wolny
(g) Consider approval or other action regarding a contract with Trikings Construction of the
construction of a concrete parking lot at 114 South 3rd Street in the amount of $3,458.55 for
a combined total of$72,629.47— B. Eng
Councilmember Engelken moved to approve all Consent Agenda items pursuant to staff
recommendations. Councilmember Leonard seconded. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Leonard, Martin, Clausen,
Kaminski, Earp and Engelken
Nays: None
Absent: Councilmember Zemanek
Prior to Council vote, Assistant City Attorney Clark Askins read the caption of the following ordinances
considered from the Consent Agenda:
Ordinance 2015-3589
AN ORDINANCE APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF LA PORTE,
TEXAS, FOR THE PERIOD OF OCTOBER 1, 2015 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2015; 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.
Ordinance 2015-3590
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 74 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF LA
PORTE, TEXAS, BY ESTABLISHING REGULATIONS AND FEES RELATING THE RENTAL OF FIRE
HYDRANT METERS; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; CONTAINING A REPEALING CLAUSE;
PROVIDING THAT ANY PERSON VIOLATING THER TERMS OF THIS ORDINANCE SHALL BE DEEMED
GUILTY OF A MISDEMEANOR AND UPON CONVICTION SHALL BE FINDED IN A SUM NOT TO EXCEED
TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS; PROVIDING FOR THE PUBLICATION OF THE CAPTION HEREOF;
FINDING COMPLIANCE WITH THE OPEN MEETINGS LAW; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
7. REPORTS
(a) Receive report of the Fiscal Affairs Committee—Councilmember Engelken
Councilmember Engelken provided a report of the Fiscal Affairs Committee Meeting held prior the
City Council Meeting and advised the Fiscal Affairs Committee recommends Patillo, Brown & Hill,
L.L.P., as the Committee's choice for new auditors for the City of La Porte.
8. DISCUSSION OR OTHER ACTION
(a) Discussion and possible action regarding development of a multi-use convention center along
the waterfront of City-owned acreage— Councilmembers Martin, Earp and Zemanek
Councilmember Martin thanked Councilmembers Earp and Zemanek for their signatures to have
this item presented. Economic Development Coordinator Scott Livingston presented a presentation
for the development of a multi-use convention center along the waterfront of City-owned acreage.
Mr. Livingston provided the best estimate on a 26,000-square-foot conference center is roughly
$3.5 million.
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Councilmember Leonard asked if there are any thoughts for docking/pier facilities for boats to come
up to the convention center. Mr. Livingston responded that's a possibility; the City can find a
developer to implement docking facilities, or the City can build the facilities.
Councilmember Earp asked Economic Development Coordinator Scott Livingston if he could
provide a conservative budget and bring it back to Council. Mr. Livingston responded yes.
Councilmember Clausen commented he thinks a multi-use convention center is a good idea, but he
does not think the facility can be constructed for $120 per square foot. Councilmember Clausen
commented the City needs to make it a first class facility.
Councilmember Martin commented the facility will be available to all citizens and a crown jewel for
our City. Councilmember Martin also commented it will be a proper use of Hotel/Motel and
Economic Development Corporation funds, and he does not want to hold a bond election if not
required.
Councilmember Engelken commented Sylvan Beach Pavilion is a jewel with a lot of history, and he
wishes there was a better agreement between the City and Harris County. Councilmember
Engelken also commented the City does need a meeting place, whether on waterfront or more
inland; and City needs to study viable options for the future.
Mayor Rigby commented he is not familiar with the Michigan area and does not know the cost to
operate these type of facilities and if the City developed a multi-use convention center, there will be
competition with Harris County. Mayor Rigby also commented he cannot support the idea without
all of the information.
Councilmember Martin commented he is not sure the facility will be a revenue stream, but it will
bring individuals to the City.
Councilmember Earp commented the idea should be examined with cost of maintenance and
utilities as any other business.
Councilmember Leonard commented staff needs to look at a pro forma budget -- cost estimates
with cold hard figures.
Councilmember Leonard moved for staff to bring back additional information. Councilmember Earp
seconded. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Clausen, Martin, Leonard
Kaminski, Earp and Engelken
Nays: None
Absent: Councilmember Zemanek
(b) Discussion and possible action regarding further exploring the City options and opportunities
related to energy saving performance contracting — C. Alexander
City Manager Corby Alexander discussed exploring City options and opportunities related to energy
saving performance contracting and asked if Council is interested in staff exploring options and
opportunities for energy savings.
Councilmember Leonard asked if there are any cost estimates for consulting companies to provide
services. City Manager Corby Alexander responded the companies make money by putting the
projects together.
Councilmember Earp commented he would like to see which buildings are of concern and the
energy cost of each building to see if the project can be spread out.
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Councilmember Engelken commented he would like to see previous results for contracting for
energy saving performances.
Councilmember Martin asked if the savings consist of more than just air conditioning. Mr. Alexander
responded it consist of lights, insulation and equipment.
Councilmember Clausen commented he has never been a proponent of performance contracting,
and the City will have to be very careful selecting a company.
Mayor Rigby commented there may be some companies that will conduct an energy audit.
Councilmember Earp moved to bring this item back after additional information is gathered.
Councilmember seconded Engelken. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Clausen, Martin, Leonard
Kaminski, Earp and Engelken
Nays: None
Absent: Councilmember Zemanek
9. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
There were no additional reports.
10. 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 Martin, Kaminski, Zemanek, Leonard, Engelken,
Earp, Clausen and Mayor Rigby
Councilmember Martin congratulated Parks and Recreation Director Rosalyn Epting and staff on
the reopening of the Recreation and Fitness Center; commented the new safety exchange zone by
the Police Department is a great idea; thanked Representative Wayne Smith for the resolution to
the Moser family; and asked City Manager Corby Alexander why "no truck signs" are not allowed on
Wharton Weems Road; Councilmember Kaminski congratulated Parks and Recreation Director
Rosalyn Epting and staff on the reopening of the Recreation and Fitness Center; commented on
her excitement for the new safety exchange zone by the Police Department; thanked
Representative Wayne Smith for the resolution and sent prayers to the Moser family;
Councilmember.Leonard congratulated Parks and Recreation Director Rosalyn Epting and staff on
the reopening of the Fitness Center; thanked Representative Wayne Smith for the resolution to the
Moser family; Councilmember Engelken commented the Recreation and Fitness Center should be
made a showcase; commented a convention center should be addressed in the future; and thanked
Representative Wayne Smith for the resolution; Councilmember Earp thanked Representative
Wayne Smith for the resolution; commented on how much he misses Councilmember Moser; and
what a great idea for the new safety exchange zone; Councilmember Clausen thanked
Representative Wayne Smith for the resolution and sent prayers to the Moser family; commented it
was .great for the Recreation and Fitness Center to be open again; commented the new safety
exchange zone is a great idea; and advised he attended the groundbreaking for Sens Road; Mayor
Rigby thanked Representative Wayne Smith for the resolution; commented Councilmember Moser
was a good man that will be sorely missed; commented it is wonderful to have the Recreation and
Fitness Center reopened and advised he attended the Sens Road groundbreaking, and it will be a
540-day project; and he thanked Public Works Director and City Engineer Bob Eng for their
assistance on Highway 146 and Wharton Weems Road.
11. ADJOURN - There being no further business, Councilmember Engelken made a motion to adjourn
the meeting at 7:05 p.m. Councilmember Leonard seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
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Passed ancb roved on August 10, 2015.
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July 27, 2015, Council Meeting Minutes