HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-09-11 Regular Meeting of the La Porte City Council Minutes LOUIS RIGBY OF ADARYL LEONARD
Mayor O Councilmember District 3
JOHN ZEMANEK „ .% KRISTIN MARTIN
Councilmember At Large A
DOTTIE KAMINSKI c7 �^ Mayor Tem
Dist
Councilmember District 4
DANNY EARprAt Large B
ri JAY MARTIN
j Councilmember District 5
Councilmember District 1 \ *Exxs NANCY OJEDA
CHUCK ENGELKEN Councilmember District 6
Councilmember District 2
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA PORTE
SEPTEMBER 11, 2017
The City Council of the City of La Porte met in a regular meeting on Monday, September 11, 2017, 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 Ojeda, J. Martin, K. Martin, Kaminski, Engelken, Zemanek, Leonard, and
Earp. Also present were City Secretary Patrice Fogarty, City Manager Corby Alexander, and
Assistant City Attorney Clark Askins.
2. INVOCATION —The invocation was given by Pastor Maurice Villarreal, First Baptist Church.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilmember John
Zemanek.
4. PRESENTATIONS, PROCLAMATIONS, and RECOGNITIONS
(a) Proclamation — 811 Safe Digging Day - Mayor Rigby
Mayor Rigby presented a proclamation to Peyton Ross, Phil Barker and Lisa Riggins for 811 Safe
Digging Day.
(b) Presentation — Crime Stoppers for the City of La Porte Police Department — Mayor Rigby
Mayor Rigby welcomed Michelle Sacks, with Crime Stoppers of Houston, who presented City of
La Porte Sgt. Matt Novosad with the Crime Stoppers of Houston Superhero Sidekick Award.
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS (Limited to five minutes per person.)
Philip Dunn, 701 San Jacinto St., addressed Council in regards to consent item 7(d) the Speed and
Intersection Traffic Control (STEP) Grant and asked Council to pull the item for discussion.
Gary Nixon, 410 N. Shady Lane, addressed Council and thanked the City for the rapid response of
clearing storm debris after Hurricane Harvey and expressed concerns of the code violations,
speeding and drainage issues in his neighborhood.
Bruce Bramlett withdrew his request to speak.
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September 11, 2017, 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 meeting held August 14-15,
2017 — P. Fogarty
(b) Consider approval or other action regarding the Tax Accessor's certified 2017 ad valorem
anticipated collection rate for the City of La Porte — M. Dolby
(c) Consider approval or other action authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with
Dr. Oscar Boultinghouse to serve as Medical Director for the City of La Porte Department of
Emergency Medical Services — R. Nolen
(d) Consider approval or other action regarding a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to
sign a grant award for Speed and Intersection Traffic Control (STEP) Grant— K. Adcox
(e) Consider approval or other action to include sponsorship funding for the Battleship TEXAS
anthem video production — C. Alexander
(f) Consider approval or other action authorizing the Mayor to execute an agreement between
the City of Shoreacres and the City of La Porte Police Department to provide Jail and
Emergency Dispatch Services — K. Adcox
(g) Consider approval or other action regarding proposed Meet and Confer Agreement between
the City of La Porte and the La Porte Police Officers' Association effective October 1, 2017
— M. Hartleib
(h) Consider approval or other action awarding Bid #17023 for Digester Aeration System
Modification for Little Cedar Bayou Wastewater Treatment Plant Re-Bid — D. Pennell
Songwriter Susan Giacona explained Consent Item E and sang the song provided as an exhibit.
Consent Agenda Items D, F and G were singled out for questions.
Councilmember Engelken made a motion to approve all Consent Agenda Items pursuant to staff
recommendations. Councilmember Leonard seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED
UNANIMOUSLY 9/0.
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ASSOCIATED ORDINANCES
(a) Public hearing to receive comments regarding the City of La Porte, Texas Fiscal Year 2017-
2018 Proposed Budget — M. Dolby
The public hearing opened at 6:44 p.m.
Finance Director Michael Dolby presented a summary.
Councilmember Zemanek asked what is the projected increase of activity at the La Porte Municipal
Airport with the proposed improvements. City Manager Corby Alexander informed him that the
improvements are for maintenance at the airport.
Martha Gillett, 2601 S. Broadway #27, addressed Council and provided information on the creation
of the Chapter 172 Employee Retiree Insurance and Benefits Committee and expressed concerns
regarding agenda items for committee members not being available in time for studying the issues
and the health design plan not being listed as an agenda item in the proposed budget.
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September 11, 2017, Council Meeting Minutes
There being no further public comments, the public hearing closed at 7:20 p.m.
(b) Consider approval or other action regarding an Ordinance approving and adopting the City
of La Porte, Texas' Fiscal Year 2017-2018 Proposed Budget— M. Dolby
Finance Director Michael Dolby presented a summary.
There was discussion regarding the cost of health care insurance and the operation and duties of
the Chapter 172 Employee Retiree Insurance and Benefits Committee.
Councilmember Earp made a motion to postpone approving and adopting the City of La Porte
Texas' Fiscal Year 2017-2018 Proposed Budget until the September 25, 2017, meeting.
Councilmember Zemanek seconded. MOTION PASSED 8/1.
Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers J. Martin, Ojeda, Earp.
Leonard, Zemanek, Kaminski, and Engelken
Nays: K. Martin
Absent: None
8. ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS/AUTHORIZATIONS
(a) Consider approval or other action regarding vote ratifying increase of revenue from property
tax reflected in 2017-2018 Fiscal Year Budget— M. Dolby
Councilmember Earp made a motion to postpone items 8(a-c) until the September 25, 2017,
meeting. Councilmember Engelken seconded. MOTION PASSED 8/1.
Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers J. Martin, Ojeda, Earp,
Leonard, Zemanek, Kaminski, and Engelken
Nays: K. Martin
Absent: None
(b) Consider approval or other action regarding a Resolution adopting the 2017 Appraisal Roll
of the Harris County Appraisal District— M. Dolby
See action on 8(a) above.
(c) Consider approval or other action regarding an Ordinance establishing the tax rate for the
current tax year (2017) for a total tax rate of $0.71 per hundred dollar valuation — M. Dolby
See action on 8(a) above.
9. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION
(a) Discussion and possible action regarding appointments to various City of La Porte boards,
committees and commissions — P. Fogarty.
City Secretary Patrice Fogarty presented a summary.
Councilmember Ojeda nominated Maisie Barringer to Position 6 on the Building Codes Appeals
Board; Cambria Beasley on the La Porte Area Water Authority; and Doyle Black to the La Porte
Development Corporation Board in the Citizen 2 Position.
Councilmember J. Martin nominated Dewey Walls to the La Porte Fire Control Prevention &
Emergency Medical Services District Board.
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September 11, 2017, Council Meeting Minutes
Councilmember Ojeda made a motion to appoint members nominated to the open positions and
also the expiring positions as provided in the staff write-up, and to ratify the City Manager's
appointment of Les Bird to the Civil Service Commission. Councilmember Kaminski seconded.
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY 9/0.
Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers K. Martin, J. Martin, Ojeda,
Earp, Leonard, Zemanek, Kaminski, and Engelken
Nays: None
Absent: None
(b) Discussion and possible action regarding drainage related needs for the La Porte Municipal
Airport and the City of La Porte surrounding neighborhoods — C. Alexander
Public Works Director Don Pennell presented a summary.
Councilmember Earp made a motion to include S. Lomax in the study along with the airport.
Councilmember Zemanek seconded. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY 9/0.
Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers K. Martin, J. Martin, Ojeda,
Earp, Leonard, Zemanek, Kaminski, and Engelken
Nays: None
Absent: None
10. REPORTS
(a) Receive report from the Economic Alliance Port Houston Region —C. Alexander
President and CEO of the Economic Alliance Port Houston Region Chad Burke presented an
annual report.
(b) Receive report of the Fiscal Affairs Committee — Councilmember Engelken
Councilmember Engelken provided a report of the Fiscal Affairs Committee meeting which was held
prior to the City Council meeting.
11. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
City Manager Corby Alexander advised Council he will follow up with Mr. Nixon regarding his
concern with code violations in his neighborhood.
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.
Councilmember Zemanek thanked everyone for attending the meeting; asked everyone to
remember the events that took place on September 11, 2001, and changed lives forever; thanked
the citizens and employees for coming together after Hurricane Harvey; commented he looks
forward to seeing the Battleship TEXAS anthem video and thanked Chad Burke for the informative
report; Councilmember Leonard expressed his gratitude for the proclamation for 811 Safe Digging
Day; congratulated Sgt. Matt Novosad for receiving the Crime Stoppers of Houston Superhero
Sidekick Award; thanked Chad Burke for his presentation and advised Mr. Burke he will be
reaching out to him for a presentation to his students at La Porte High School; Councilmember
Engelken congratulated Sgt. Matt Novosad for receiving the Crime Stoppers of Houston Superhero
Sidekick Award; thanked the Police Department for the Citizens Police Academy Program and their
recent outreach to victims flooded during Hurricane Harvey; thanked the City of La Porte First
Responders for the many water recues; commented he would like to see an After Action Report
from the hurricane and commented the City of La Porte citizens really shine; Councilmember Earp
congratulated Sgt. Matt Novosad for receiving the Crime Stoppers of Houston Superhero Sidekick
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September 11, 2017, Council Meeting Minutes
Award; thanked City employees that were on the Ride-out Team during Hurricane Harvey and
commented he witnessed a horrible wreck in La Porte and expressed his amazement with the
efforts of the First Responders and thanked the City of La Porte for the flowers after the passing of
his mother-in-law; Councilmember Ojeda thanked the City of La Porte Public Works Department;
First Responders and the Ride-out Team for their efforts during Hurricane Harvey; Chad Burke for
everything he does for the City; Finance Director Michael Dolby and present and prior
Councilmembers for investing in the City of La Porte's drainage system; Councilmember J. Martin
thanked Chad Burke for his report; commended Director of Public Works Don Pennell and the
department for the tremendous job before the arrival of Hurricane Harvey; thanked the First
Responders; commented the drainage improvements since Hurricane Ike are working;
congratulated Sgt. Matt Novosad for receiving the Crime Stoppers of Houston Superhero Sidekick
Award; requested code violations be enforced in the City; thanked Susan Giacona for her beautiful
song and presentation; thanked Martha Gillett for her comments and requested the City find a
resolution for the easement on Crescent View; Councilmember K. Martin congratulated Sgt. Matt
Novosad for receiving the Crime Stoppers of Houston Superhero Sidekick Award; thanked First
Responders and the Ride-out Team during Hurricane Harvey; commented Sens Road was not a
concern during the hurricane and the drainage was great around the City; Councilmember Kaminski
congratulated Sgt. Matt Novosad for receiving the Crime Stoppers of Houston Superhero Sidekick
Award and the recipients of the proclamation for 811 Safe Digging Day; thanked the First
Responders; Chad Burke for his report; Finance Director Michael Dolby and Staff for their work on
the proposed budget; the Public Works Department for picking up all the debris after Hurricane
Harvey and everyone for the cards and flowers during her stay in the hospital. Mayor Rigby
congratulated Sgt. Matt Novosad for receiving the Crime Stoppers of Houston Superhero Sidekick
Award; Finance Michael Dolby and Staff for preparing the proposed budget; thanked Staff for the
preparations before and after Hurricane Harvey; informed he and City Manager Corby Alexander
met with FEMA on Labor Day and received good information; informed he met today with
Representative Mary Ann Perez and other Mayors and advised there is 7.4 billion dollars allocated
for the states of Texas and Louisiana; and congratulated 2 former City of La Porte citizens for
receiving awards for the University of Texas Hall of Honor.
13. 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 551.074 — Personnel Matter: Deliberation concerning the
appointment, employment, evaluation, assignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal of a public officer
or employee, unless the officer or employee requests a public hearing: Meet with City Manager and
City Attorney regarding an extension of line-of-duty injury leave for Officer Seth Candelari.
City Council recessed the regular Council meeting to convene an executive session at 8:22 p.m.
regarding the subject of the executive session item listed above.
14. Reconvene into regular session and consider action, if any, on item(s) discussed in executive
session.
(a) Consider approval or other action regarding an Ordinance approving an extension of
line-of-duty injury leave for Officer Seth Candelari and setting salary during the extension
period.
City Council reconvened the regular council meeting at 9:05p.m.
Regarding Texas Government Code, Section 551.074 — Deliberation regarding Personnel Matter,
Councilmember Earp made a motion to deny passage of the Ordinance and extension of benefits.
Councilmember Leonard seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY 9/0.
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September 11, 2017, Council Meeting Minutes
15. ADJOURN - There being no further business, Councilmember Engelken made a motion to adjourn
the meeting at 9:06 p.m. Councilmember Leonard seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED
UNANIMOUSLY 9/0.
POJAIZL
Patrice Fogarty, City creta
Passed and appro :• o. September 25, 2017.
h
Mayor Lo is R. Rigby
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September 11, 2017, Council Meeting Minutes