HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-24-24 CC minutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA PORTE
June 24, 2024, 6:00 p.m.
City Hall Council Chamber, 604 West Fairmont Parkway, La Porte, Texas, 77571
Councilpersons Present: Rick Helton, Brandon Lunsford, Brent McCaulley, Mandi
Williams, Chuck Engelken, Bill Bentley, Robert Guerra, Jay
Martin, Robbie McLarrin
CouncilpersonsAbsent: None
Council -appointed Officers Present: Corby Alexander, City Manager; Clark T Askins, City
Attorney; Lee Woodward, City Secretary
The City Council of the City of La Porte met in a regular meeting on June 24, 2024,
at the City Hall Council Chambers, 604 West Fairmont Parkway, La Porte, Texas,
at 6:00 p.m.
1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Helton called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m.
2. INVOCATION/PLEDGES
The invocation was given by City Attorney Clark Askins and the pledges were led by
student guest pledger Ellie Bryan.
3. ELECTION MATTERS Item 5. Citizen Comment. was taken up before these items.
a. Presentation, discussion, and possible action to adopt Ordinance 2024-3992,
canvassing the returns of the June 15, 2024, runoff election to fill unexpired
term for Councilperson District 4. [Lee Woodward, City Secretary]
Mayor Pro Tern Engelken moved to adoot Ordinance 2024-3992. canvassing the
June 15 runoff election for District 4: the motion was seconded by Councilperson
Williams: the motion was adopted. 8-0
b. Swearing in of individual elected in the June 15, 2024, City of La Porte, Texas,
special election runoff to fill unexpired term of Councilperson District 4. [Lee
Woodward, City Secretary]
The Honorable Janikka Bratton, City of La Porte Municipal Court Judge, swore in
Robert Guerra as Councilperson District 4.
c. Presentation, discussion, and possible action to adopt Ordinance 2024-3994,
electing a Mayor Pro Tem of the La Porte City Council. [Rick Helton, Mayor]
4. PRESENTATIONS, PROCLAMATIONS, AND RECOGNITIONS
a. Economic Alliance Presentation for City Council - Receive annual report
from the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region. [Haley Bowers, Economic
Development Manager]
Economic Alliance President/CEO Chad Burke provided the annual report from the
Economic Alliance Houston Port Region.
b. Proclamation in recognition of Parks and Recreation Month. [Rick Helton,
Mayor]
c. Recognition of La Porte Police Chief Scott Pullig's completion of the
Leadership Command College. [Corby Alexander, City Manager]
d. Recognition of Marshall Dobson for 10 years of service [Scott Pullig, Chief
of Police]
e. Recognition of Stacey Lippold for 10 years of service [Scott Pullig, Chief of
Police]
5. CITIZEN COMMENT (Generally limited to five minutes per person; in accordance with
state law, the time may be reduced if there is a high number of speakers or other
considerations.)
This item was handled before item 3. Public comments were heard before the election
items. Kathryn Aguilar, Randa Spence, Virginia Pierson -Turner, Eric de la Garza, and
Erica Purell shared their concerns with the construction on Fondren Street. Terri
Hayes spoke in opposition to the proposed Union Pacific project. Randall Hayes spoke
of issues with the truck facilities and prostitution behind the homes in the Lomax area,
particularly violations occurring over the weekends, and was also permitted to briefly
speak about the City Hall roof. Thomas Garza discussed his family's experiences with
City splash pads recently. Sherri Ditrich congratulated Parks and Recreation and the
Public Works Department for their maintenance of facilities.
6. CONSENT AGENDA (Approval of Consent Agenda items authorizes each to be
implemented in accordance with staff recommendations provided. An item may be
removed from the Consent Agenda and added to the Statutory Agenda for full
discussion upon request by a member of the Council present at this meeting.)
a. Approve the minutes of the June 10, 2024, regular City Council meeting. [Lee
Woodward, City Secretary]
b. Demolition Bid #24009 - Reject all bids received for Bid #24009 - Demolition
Services. [Curtis Tarver, Deputy Building Official]
c. Authorization for Letters of Intent - Vehicles and Equipment - Authorize the
City Manager to issue Letters of Intent to Purchase to secure build slots for
replacement vehicles and equipment and new additions to the fleet for fiscal
year 2024-25. [Ray Mayo, Director of Public Works]
d. Street Lighting - 7th and 8th Street -Authorize the City Manager to execute a
letter of agreement with CenterPoint Energy for streetlight installation for the
7th Street Paving and Drainage project in the amount of $62,675.00.
[Jameson Appel, Assistant Public Works Director]
e. H-GAC Livable Centers Study - Approve Resolution 2024-14 to authorize the
City Manager to sign all documents pertaining to the FY2025-2028 H-GAC
Livable Center Study Funding Opportunity.
f. Economic Alliance Agreement Renewal - Authorize the City Manager to
execute a thirty-six- (36-) month economic development services agreement
with the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region and the La Porte
Development Corporation in the amount of $20,000.00 per year, with term
beginning July 1, 2024, and ending June 30, 2027, with a total authorization
of $60,000.00. [Haley Bowers, Economic Development Manager]
Mayor Pro Tem Engelken moved to approve the consent agenda items a b, c e
and f the motion was seconded by Councilperson Bentley: the motion was
adopted. 9-0.
Mayor Pro Tem Engelken signed a conflict of interest affidavit for item 6d and did
not participate in the consideration or vote of that item. Councilperson Bentley
moved to approve item d: the motion was seconded by Councilperson McCaullev'
the motion was adopted. 8-0.
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ASSOCIATED ORDINANCES
a. Dangerous Building Updates, 114 S. Iowa St. - The City Council will hold a
public hearing to receive comments on the recommendation of the
Dangerous Buildings Inspection Board for condemnation of a
dangerous/substandard structure located at 114 S. Iowa St, La Porte, Texas;
followed by discussion and possible action to adopt Ordinance 2024-3972
ordering the condemnation of dangerous/substandard structures located at
114 S. Iowa St., La Porte, Texas. [Curtis Tarver, Deputy Building Official]
Mayor Helton opened the public hearing at 7715 p.m. Mr. Tarver provided a 90-day
update. There were no comments from the public. Mayor Helton closed the public
hearing at 7725 p.m.
Mayor Pro Tem Engelken moved to adopt Ordinance 2024-3972 ordering the
condemnation of danuerous/substandard structures located at 114 S. Iowa St., La
Porte, Texas: Councilperson McCaullev seconded the motion the motion was
adopted. 9-0.
b. Dangerous Building Updates, 209 S. Carroll St - The City Council will hold a
public hearing to receive comments on the recommendation of the
Dangerous Buildings Inspection Board for condemnation of a
dangerous/substandard structure located at 209 S. Carroll St, La Porte,
Texas; followed by discussion and possible action to adopt Ordinance 2024-
3975 ordering the condemnation of dangerous/substandard structures
located at 209 S. Carroll St, La Porte, Texas. [Curtis Tarver, Deputy Building
Official]
Mayor Helton opened the public hearing at 7:27 p.m. Mayor Helton closed the
public hearing at 7:33 p.m. Mr. Tarver provided an update on the property. Jeannie
Shipp and her contractor spoke on the progress with the structure.
c. Dangerous Building Updates, 210 S. Iowa St. - The City Council will hold a
public hearing to receive comments on the recommendation of the
Dangerous Buildings Inspection Board for condemnation of a
dangerous/substandard structure located at 210 S. Iowa St., La Porte, Texas;
followed by discussion and possible action to adopt Ordinance 2024-3976
ordering the condemnation of dangerous/substandard structures located at
210 S. Iowa St., La Porte, Texas. [Curtis Tarver, Deputy Building Official]
Mayor Helton opened the public hearing at 7:34 p.m. Mr. Tarver provided an
update. Mayor Helton closed the public hearing at 7:35 p.m. and reopened the
hearing at 7:36 p.m. Owner Raj Shafai confirmed the structure has been
demolished and that he was planning new construction. Mayor Helton closed the
public hearing at 7:38 D.m.
No motion was made or other action considered for this item
d. Dangerous Building Updates, 601 S. Carroll St. - The City Council will hold a
public hearing to receive comments on the recommendation of the
Dangerous Buildings Inspection Board for condemnation of a
dangerous/substandard structure located at 601 S. Carroll St., La Porte,
Texas; followed by discussion and possible action to adopt Ordinance 2024-
3977 ordering the condemnation of dangerous/substandard structures
located at 601 S. Carroll St., La Porte, Texas. [Curtis Tarver, Deputy Building
Official]
Mayor Helton opened the public hearing at 7:39 p.m. Mr. Tarver provided a 90-day
update. There were no public comments. Mayor Helton closed the public hearing
at 7:41 p.m.
Councilperson McCaulley moved to provide an extension of 90 days for the
dangerous/substandard structures located at 601 S. Carroll St., La Porte Texas
before further consideration of Ordinance 2024-3977: Councilperson Martin
seconded the motion: the motion was adopted 9-0.
e. Dangerous Building Updates, 9404 Carlow Ln. - The City Council will hold a
public hearing to receive comments on the recommendation of the
Dangerous Buildings Inspection Board for condemnation of a
dangerous/substandard structure located at 9404 Carlow Ln., La Porte,
Texas; followed by discussion, and possible action to adopt Ordinance 2024-
3979 ordering the condemnation of dangerous/substandard structures
located at 9404 Carlow Ln., La Porte, Texas. [Curtis Tarver, Deputy Building
Official]
Mayor Helton opened the public hearing at 7:43 p.m. Mr. Tarver provided an
update. Owner Kumade Runwal spoke on construction plans for the property.
Mayor Helton closed the public hearing at 7:47 D.m.
Councilperson McCaulley moved to provide an extension of 90 days for the
dangerous/substandard structures located at 9404 Carlow Ln.. La Porte Texas
before further consideration of Ordinance 2024-3979: Councilperson Martin
seconded the motion: the motion was adopted 9-0.
Dangerous Building Updates, 9406 Carlow Ln. - The City Council will hold a
public hearing to receive comments on the recommendation of the
Dangerous Buildings Inspection Board for condemnation of a
dangerous/substandard structure located at 9406 Carlow Ln., La Porte,
Texas; followed by discussion and possible action to adopt Ordinance 2024-
3980 ordering the condemnation of dangerous/substandard structures
located at 9406 Carlow Ln., La Porte, Texas. [Curtis Tarver, Deputy Building
Official]
Mayor Helton opened the public hearing at 7:49 p.m. Mr. Tarver provided an
update. Mayor Helton opened the public hearing at 7:50 p.m.
seconded the motion: the motion was adopted 9-0.
8. STATUTORYAGENDA
a. Rules of Procedure update - Presentation, discussion, and possible action
to adopt Ordinance 2024-3995, amending Section 3.03. Agenda of the City
Council Rules of Procedures and Ethics Policy, to clarify language regarding
the date by which proposed agenda items are due for inclusion in a city
council agenda. [Rick Helton, Mayor]
Following debate, there was no motion made for consideration.
b. Ordinance 2024-3993 - Presentation, discussion, and possible action to
adopt Ordinance 2024-3993, amending Chapter 2 "Administration," Section
1 "Policy for Naming City Facilities," of the Code of Ordinances of the City
of La Porte, Texas. [Scott Pullig, Chief of Police]
Councilperson Martin moved to adopt Ordinance 2024-3993 amending Chapter
2. Administration. Section 1. Policy for Naming City Facilities. of the Code of
Ordinances of the City of La Porte Texas: the motion was seconded by
Councilperson Williams: the motion was adopted. 9-0.
c. New Dangerous Buildings - Presentation from the Dangerous Buildings
Inspections Board reporting their inspection results on fourteen (14)
dangerous/substandard properties located at:
1) 704 W. Main St., La Porte, Texas,
2) 2426 S. Broadway, La Porte, Texas,
3) 531 S. Shady Ln., La Porte, Texas,
4) 110 N. 3rd St., La Porte, Texas,
5) 122 S. 16th St., La Porte, Texas,
6) 201 Edgewood, La Porte, Texas,
7) 201 N. 3rd St., La Porte, Texas,
6) 203 Bay Oaks, La Porte, Texas,
9) 301 W. Fairmont Pkwy., La Porte, Texas,
10) 3217 Clarksville, La Porte, Texas,
11) 711 W. Adams St., La Porte, Texas,
12) 9314 Spencer Hwy., La Porte, Texas,
13) 9405 Montgomery, La Porte, Texas, and
14) 9407 Montgomery, La Porte, Texas,
followed by discussion and possible action authorizing administrative staff
to notify the owners of those buildings determined by the Dangerous
Building Inspections Board to be dangerous. [Curtis Tarver, Deputy Building
Official]
N. 3rd St., 203 Bay Oaks 301 W. Fairmont Pkwy., 3217 Clarksville 711 W. Adams
St., 9314 Spencer Hwy.. 9405 Montgomery, and 9407 Montgomerythe motion
was seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Engelken: the motion was adopted. 9-0.
9. REPORTS
a. Monthly Fund Balance Report [Michael Dolby, Director of Finance]
Mr. Dolby provided the report.
b. LPDC Report [Mayor Pro Tem Engelken]
Mayor Pro Tern Engelken noted the LPDC Board of Directors met, received the
report of the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region, recommended renewal of
the City's agreement with the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region, and
authorized the Board President to sign a letter of support for the H-GAC Livable
Center Study Funding Opportunity.
c. Report on HOA Meetings [Rick Helton, Mayor]
City Manager Alexander noted the intention is to invite at -large Councilpersons as
well as the district Councilperson for each event. Councilpersons encouraged the
City Manager to continue holding regular roundtable events with FICA leadership,
as well.
d. City Hall Update [Corby Alexander, City Manager]
City Manager Alexander let the Council know state law does not permit the City to
seek additional opinions of probably cost from professionals while a professional
is already engaged.
10.ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
• Zoning Board of Adjustment, June 27
• Drainage and Flooding Committee, July 8
• City Council, July 8
City Manager Alexander said City staff would be following up on the issues raised in
Citizen Comment.
11.COUNCIL COMMENT Hear announcements concerning matters appearing on the
agenda; items of community interest; and/orinquiries of staff regarding specific factual
information or existing policy from the Mayor, Councilpersons, and City staff, for which
no formal action will be discussed.
Councilpersons congratulated new District 4 Councilperson Robert Guerra; offered
condolences to the Askins family on the passing of former Knox Askins, City Attorney
for over 50 years; expressed sympathy for the residents of Bayside Terrace;
congratulated Chief Pullig on his achievement; recognized the excellence of the Parks
and Recreation Department; asked for trust among the Council and staff and urged
training for Councilpersons; thanked residents for voting; and reflected on the success
of the Juneteenth parade and celebration on Saturday.
12.ADJOURN