HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-01-23 Budget RetreatLOUIS RIGBY
Mayor
BRANDONLUNSFORD
Councilperson At Large A
BRENT McCAULLEY
Councilperson At Large B
MANDI WILLIAMS
Councilperson District 1
MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA PORTE
APRIL 1, 2023
CHUCK ENGELKEN
Mayor Pro Tem
Councilperson District 2
BILL BENTLEY
Councilperson District 3
RICK HELTON
Councilperson District 4
JAY MARTIN
Councilperson District 5
ROBBIE MCLARRIN
Councilperson District 6
The City Council of the City of La Porte met in a special meeting on Tuesday, April 1, 2023, at
the City Hall Council Chambers, 604 West Fairmont Parkway, La Porte, Texas, at 8:30 a.m., with
the following in attendance:
Councilpersons present: Louis Rigby, Brandon Lunsford, Brent McCaulley, Mandi Williams, Chuck
Engelken, Bill Bentley, Rick Helton, Jay Martin, Robbie McLarrin
Councilpersons attending remotely: None
Councilpersons absent: None
Council -appointed officers present: Corby Alexander, City Manager; Lee Woodward, City Secretary
CALL TO ORDER — Mayor Rigby called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m.
2. CITIZEN COMMENT (Generally limited to five minutes perperson; in accordance with state law, the
time may be reduced if there is a high number of speakers or other considerations.)
There were no citizen comments.
STATUTORY AGENDA The purpose of this meeting is to discuss and formulate City Council
and staff plans, operations, policies, and/or future projects, including the following:
(a) Finance Department Budget Presentation [Michael Dolby, Director of Finance]
Without objection, the Council agreed to permit discussion of items without motions to
do so and to allow Councilpersons to speak more than twice on each item. Mr. Dolby
provided the financial presentation. There was no objection to the following items, unless
noted. The Council recessed from 9:52-10:05 a.m. (Mayor Pro Tem Engelken rejoined
the meeting at 10:07 a.m.)
(b) Medical Plan Update [Matt Hartleib, HR Manager]
(c) Compensation Update [Matt Hartleib, HR Manager]
(d) Texas Municipal Retirement System Vesting Period [Matt Hartleib, HR Manager]
(e) Additional Garbage Collection Crew and Vehicle [Ray Mayo, Director of Public
Works]
(f) Additional Personnel -Assistant Parts Manager [Ray Mayo, Director of Public
Works]
(g) Expansion of Senior Services and Food Program to Brookglen Community Center
[Tim Miller, Director of Parks and Recreation]
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(h) Athletics Recreation Specialist Position [Tim Miller, Director of Parks and
Recreation]
(i) Proposed expansion of parking at Recreation and Fitness Center [Councilpersons
McCaulley, Martin, and Helton]
(j) Proposed Pickieball courts [Louis R. Rigby, Mayor]
Without objection, it was determined there was not a need to move forward with this item
at this time.
(k) Proposed Second Inclusive Playground [Louis R. Rigby, Mayor]
Without obiection, the Council agreed the placement of the new playground would not
be decided at this time.
(1) Proposed Vehicle Replacement 2023 [Carl Holley, Fire Chief]
(m) Proposed La Porte Fire Department Cancer Initiative 2023 [Carl Holley, Fire Chief]
Without oboection, the Council directed that volunteers and new hires also undergo the
recommended prescreenings.
(n) Police Firing Range Rebuild [Doug Ditrich, Interim Chief of Police]
The Council recessed for lunch from 11:41 a.m.-12:26 p.m.
(o) Beautification Efforts [Louis R. Rigby, Mayor]
Mayor Rigby suggested reviving the volunteer organization beautification day event,
similar to Cleanup, Green Up. Mayor Pro Tern Engelken spoke of his concerns about
the code enforcement and appearance issues related to Harris County Precinct 2 and
Harris County Flood Control District's responsibilities for local properties, as well as
appearance issues of tree cover and replacement on industrial properties and along
TXDoT roadways. Other topics mentioned were the concrete wall fencing along Spencer
and the possibility of murals, illegal dumping issues, early trash placement,
communications (code enforcement information in City communications; use of the City
app), beautification of Highway 146 structures, etc.
(p) Main Street Master Plan [Louis R. Rigby, Mayor]
Without obiection. the Council asked the City Manager to proceed with an evaluation of
a greater Main Street area, by Texas Downtown Association, from 6t' Street to West
Virginia and down Broadway to E Street.
(q) Main Street District Alley Repaving [Ray Mayo, Director of Public Works]
Without obiection. the Council directed that the project proceed in a single phase, rather
than being separated into a two-year cycle.
(r) Masonry Wall Northside and Pumping Station on North Broadway
[Councilpersons Helton, McCaulley, and Martin]
(s) Electric Vehicle Pilot Program [Louis Rigby, Mayor]
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April 1, 2023, Special Council Meeting Minutes
Without obiection the Council asked for side -by -side cost comparison with hybrid and
conventional vehicles and a determination of resale values when this item is next
discussed.
(t) Grant Administrator position [Louis R. Rigby, Mayor]
(u) Discuss Potential Improvements for Heavy Trash Collection [Councilpersons
Bentley, Helton, and Williams]
(v) Youth Advisory Council [Louis R. Rigby, Mayor]
Mayor Rigby noted the Superintendent supported the initiative and would vet students
for the Council to consider for participation. Councilperson Lunsford served on the first
iteration of the Youth Commission.
4. 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.
Ul
Councilpersons thanked staff for their work and time.
Without obi
0
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April 1, 2023, Special Council Meeting Minutes