HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-26-2024 CC minutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA PORTE
Councilpersons Present: Brandon Lunsford, Brent McCaulley, Mandi Williams, Chuck
Engelken, Bill Bentley, Rick Helton, Jay Martin, Robbie
McLarrin
CounciIpersons Absent: None
Councilpersons Attending Remotely: 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 August 26, 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 Reverend Jackie King of Victory Tabernacle United
Pentecostal Church and the pledges were led by Nadia Olson.
3. PRESENTATIONS, PROCLAMATIONS, AND RECOGNITIONS
a. Recognition of fire personnel who received awards at the Annual LPFD Fire
Banquet. [Chris Pettis, Fire Chief]
Ladies Auxiliary Firefighter of the Year - Steve Regan, Captain, Station 4
Firefighter of the Year - Ryan Deering, Firefighter, Station 2
Engineer of the Year - Payton Suggs, Engine Operator, Station 1
Officer of the Year - Bryan Pruitt, Training Captain
Rookie of the Year - Michael Knapik, Firefighter, Station 3
Chiefs Award - Justin Crow, Assistant Fire Chief
President's Award - Cameo Williams, Firefighter, Station 1
b. Recognition of Officer Jeff Kominek for 25 years of service [Scott Pullig,
Chief of Police]
c. Employee of the Quarter - Kelly Green [Scott Pullig, Chief of Police]
d. Presentation on Union Pacific Railroad's proposed development in Lomax
by Cliff Wilson. [Rick Helton, Mayor]
Cliff Wilson provided a presentation and he and Teri Hayes discussed their
concerns about the proposed development and the features of the Lomax
neighborhood.
4. 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.)
Randall Hayes spoke of his concerns about trucking service companies adjacent to
the Lomax neighborhood and asked for assistance with the Harris County Flood
Control District. Phillip Hoot spoke on the effectiveness of the proposed Whalen siren
tower replacement. William Stange of Battleground Estates spoke of his concern
about noise and environmental issues and in opposition to the proposed Union Pacific
project as well as of the flooding concerns in his neighborhood. David Turner said he
was the individual who had been leasing the Union Pacific property for cattle grazing
and spoke of unsavory potential effects if the project proceeds.
Without objection, Mayor Helton permitted Emergency Management Coordinator
Johnny Morales to provide the Hurricane Beryl debris collection update.
5. 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 August 12-13, 2024, regular City Council
meetings. [Lee Woodward, City Secretary]
b. Fiscal Year 2023-24 Budget Amendment - Adopt Ordinance 2024-4006,
amending the City of La Porte, Texas' Fiscal Year 2023-24 Budget by
appropriating a total of $575,000.00 for repairs to the Sylvan Beach Pier due
to damage caused by Hurricane Beryl. [Shelley Wolny, Assistant Finance
Director]
c. Whelen Siren Tower Replacement at Canada and Carlow - Approve the
purchase and installation of a replacement Modulator® High -Powered
Speaker Array (Siren Tower) in the amount of $64,264.00 through The
Interlocal Purchasing System (TIPS) under contract #220105. [Johnny
Morales, Emergency Management Coordinator]
d. Approve expenditures from Vulcan Materials Company - Approve
expenditures for purchase of materials including limestone base from
Vulcan Materials Company for a total authorization of $92,912.87. [Ray Mayo,
Director of Public Works]
Mayor Pro Tem Enoelken moved to approve the consent agenda the motion was
seconded by Councilperson Bentley; the motion was adopted 9-0.
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ASSOCIATED ORDINANCES
a. Ordinance 2024-4004 -Amendments to Chapter 106- Zoning - The City
Council will hold a public hearing to receive comments regarding a
recommendation by the Planning and Zoning Commission to adopt
Ordinance 2024-4004, amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of La
Porte, Chapter 106 "Zoning", by amending regulations related to: 1) e-
cigarette/vape stores; 2) mobile food services; 3) other personal care
services/sexually oriented businesses; and 4) public notice by sign posting;
followed by discussion and possible action to consider adopting Ordinance
2024-4004, amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of La Porte, Chapter
106'Zoning", by amending regulations related to: 1) e-cigarettelvape stores;
2) mobile food services; 3) other personal care services/sexually oriented
businesses; and 4) public notice by sign posting. [Teresa Evans, Planning
and Development Department Director]
Mayor Helton and City Manager Corby Alexander confirmed this item had been
pulled and would not be considered.
b. Dangerous Building - 122 S. 16th St. - The City Council will hold a public
hearing to receive comment on the adoption of Ordinance 2024-4007
ordering the condemnation of a dangerous/substandard structure located at
122 S. 16th St., La Porte, Texas; followed by discussion and possible action
to adopt Ordinance 2024-4007 ordering the condemnation of
dangerous/substandard structures located at 122 S. 16th St., La Porte,
Texas. [Richard Glass, Chief Building Official]
Mayor Helton opened the public hearing at T01 p.m. Richard Glass provided a
presentation. There were no comments, but Mr. Glass read a request from the
owner for a 90-day continuance. Mayor Helton closed the public hearing at 7:03
p.m.
c. Dangerous Building - 201 Edgewood St. - The City Council will hold a public
hearing to receive comment on the adoption of Ordinance 2024-4008
ordering the condemnation of dangerous/substandard structures located at
201 Edgewood St., La Porte, Texas; followed by discussion and possible
action to adopt Ordinance 2024-4008 ordering the condemnation of
dangerous/substandard structures located at 201 Edgewood St. [Richard
Glass, Chief Building Official]
Mayor Helton opened the public hearing at 7:04 p.m. Richard Glass provided a
presentation. Ms. Allison, the resident, requested a postponement until after the
first of the year. Mayor Helton closed the public hearing at 7:09 p.m.
Councilperson Guerra moved to postpone for 150 days any further consideration
on adopting 2024-4008 ordering the condemnation of dangerous/substandard
structures located at 201 Edgewood St La Porte Texas: the motion was
seconded by Councilperson McCaullev7 the motion was adopted 9-0
d. Dangerous Building - 201 N. 3rd St. - The City Council will hold a public
hearing to receive comment on the adoption of Ordinance 2024-4009
ordering the condemnation of dangerous/substandard structures located at
201 N. 3rd St., La Porte, Texas; followed by discussion and possible action
to adopt Ordinance 2024-4009 ordering the condemnation of
dangerous/substandard structures located at 201 N. 3rd St. [Richard Glass,
Chief Building Official]
Mayor Helton opened the public hearing at 711 p.m. Richard Glass provided a
presentation. Mr. Aguilar, a realtor, and his construction manager said they
expected to begin work in September and hope to complete rehabilitation of the
building by early January 2025. Mayor Helton closed the public hearing at 7:15
P.m'
e. Dangerous Building - 203 Bay Oaks Dr. - The City Council will hold a public
hearing to receive comment on the adoption of Ordinance 2024-4010
ordering the condemnation of dangerous/substandard structures located at
203 Bay Oaks Dr., La Porte, Texas; followed by discussion and possible
action to adopt Ordinance 2024-4010 ordering the condemnation of
dangerous/substandard structures located at 203 Bay Oaks Dr. [Richard
Glass, Chief Building Official]
Mayor Helton opened the Public hearing at 7:16 p.m. Richard Glass provided a
presentation. Otis Rice, the property owner, asked for a 90-day postponement.
Mayor Helton closed the Public hearing at 7:19 p.m.
no
f. Dangerous Building - 301 W. Fairmont Pkwy. - The City Council will hold a
public hearing to receive comment on the adoption of Ordinance 2024-4011
ordering the condemnation of dangerous/substandard structures located at
301 W. Fairmont Pkwy., La Porte, Texas; followed by discussion and possible
action to adopt Ordinance 2024-4011 ordering the condemnation of
dangerous/substandard structures located at 301 W. Fairmont Pkwy.
[Richard Glass, Chief Building Official]
Mayor Helton opened the public hearing at T21 p.m. Richard Glass provided a
presentation. Property manager Christine Garrett spoke on behalf of the property
owner. Mayor Helton closed the public hearing at T24 p.m.
g. Dangerous Building - 3217 Clarksville St. -The City Council will hold a public
hearing to receive comment on the adoption of Ordinance 2024-4012
ordering the condemnation of dangerous/substandard structures located at
3217 Clarksville St., La Porte, Texas; followed by discussion and possible
action to adopt Ordinance 2024-4012 ordering the condemnation of
dangerous/substandard structures located at 3217 Clarksville St. [Richard
Glass, Chief Building Official]
Mayor Helton opened the public hearing at T25 p.m. Richard Glass provided
information on the request. There were no comments. Mayor Helton closed the
public hearing at 7:27 p.m.
motion was adopted 9-0.
Dangerous Building - 711 W. Adams St. - The City Council will hold a public
hearing to receive comment on the adoption of Ordinance 2024-4013
ordering the condemnation of dangerous/substandard structures located at
711 W. Adams St., La Porte, Texas; followed by discussion and possible
action to adopt Ordinance 2024-4013 ordering the condemnation of
dangerous/substandard structures located at 711 W. Adams St. [Richard
Glass, Chief Building Official]
Mayor Helton opened the public hearing at 7:29 p.m. Richard Glass provided a
presentation. Owners Candace Brooks and her father Robert Brooks requested a
150-day postponement to repair the property. Mayor Helton closed the public
hearing at 7:32 p.m.
by Councilperson Williams the motion was adopted 9-0.
Dangerous Building - 9314 Spencer Hwy. - The City Council will hold a public
hearing to receive comment on the adoption of Ordinance 2024-4014
ordering the condemnation of dangerous/substandard structures located at
9314 Spencer Hwy., La Porte, Texas; followed by discussion and possible
action to adopt Ordinance 2024-4014 ordering the condemnation of
dangerous/substandard structures located at 9314 Spencer Hwy. [Richard
Glass, Chief Building Official]
Mayor Helton opened the public hearing at 7:34 p.m. Richard Glass provided a
presentation. There were no comments. Mayor Helton closed the public hearing at
7:35 p.m.
Councilperson Williams moved to adopt Ordinance 2024-4014 ordering the
Dangerous Building - 9405 Montgomery Ln. - The City Council will hold a
public hearing to receive comment on the adoption of Ordinance 2024-4015
ordering the condemnation of dangerous/substandard structures located at
9405 Montgomery Ln., La Porte, Texas; followed by discussion and possible
action to adopt Ordinance 2024-4015 ordering the condemnation of
dangerous/substandard structures located at 9405 Montgomery Ln. [Richard
Glass, Chief Building Official]
Mayor Helton opened the public hearing at 7:37 p.m. Richard Glass provided a
presentation. Owner Ernie Weatherford spoke of his definition of standards, his
home in the Missouri City area, and his property management practices. Mayor
Helton closed the Dublic hearing at 7:45 D.M.
Councilperson McCaulley moved to permit a 60-day extension before further
consideration to adopt Ordinance 2024-4015 ordering the condemnation of
dangerous/substandard structures located at 9405 Montgomery Ln.. La Porte,
Texas: the motion was seconded by Councilperson McLarrin: the motion was
adopted. 8-1, Councilperson Guerra voting against.
k. Dangerous Building - 9407 Montgomery Ln. - The City Council will hold a
public hearing to receive comment on the adoption of Ordinance 2024-4016
ordering the condemnation of dangerous/substandard structures located at
9407 Montgomery Ln., La Porte, Texas; followed by discussion and possible
action to adopt Ordinance 2024-4016 ordering the condemnation of
dangerous/substandard structures located at 9407 Montgomery Ln. [Richard
Glass, Chief Building Official]
Mayor Helton opened the public hearing at 7:47 p.m. Richard Glass provided a
presentation. Owner Ernie Weatherford spoke of his definition of standards and
appreciation of the City Council's service. Mayor Helton closed the public hearing
at 7:49 p.m.
voting against.
I. La Porte Municipal Airport - The City Council will hold a public hearing to
receive comments regarding a request for a through -the -fence operation at
La Porte Municipal Airport; followed by discussion and possible action
regarding the through -the -fence request. [Corby Alexander, City Manager]
Mayor Helton opened the public hearing at 7:51 p.m. City Manager Corby
Alexander and Public Works Director Ray Mayo provided information. TXDoT
Aviation Planner Catrina Gomes offered context. Requestor Keith McGill spoke on
his request. Mayor Helton closed the public hearing at 8:13 p.m.
Councilperson Williams moved to instruct the City Manager's Office to move
forward with reviewing applicable law and legal review. engage TXDoT Aviation.
STATUTORYAGENDA
a. HCAD Board of Directors nominations - Presentation, discussion, and
possible action to adopt Resolution 2024-15, making up to five nominations
on behalf of the City of La Porte to the Harris Central Appraisal District
(HCAD) Board of Directors to be considered for election by the voting taxing
units of Harris County other than conservation and reclamation districts for
terms beginning January 1, 2025. [Lee Woodward, City Secretary]
Councilperson Williams nominated Nolan Allen and Councilperson Bentley
Mayor Helton placed the motion to adopt Resolution 2024-15 to nominate Nolan
adopted. 9-0.
b. Presentation, discussion, and possible action to appoint/reappoint members
of boards, committees, and commissions. [Lee Woodward, City Secretary]
C.
Future Municipal Solid Waste Transfer Station - Presentation, discussion,
and possible action to examine the feasibility of planning a municipal solid
waste transfer station for the City of La Porte. [Councilpersons Williams,
McLarrin and Mayor Pro Tern Engelken]
Councilperson Williams provided an overview of the issues to be considered and
Mayor Helton informed the Council of a pending item to appoint an ad hoc
committee for this topic.
8. REPORTS
a. Report of the La Porte Development Corporation Board of Directors meeting
[Mayor Pro Tem Engelken]
Mayor Pro Tern Engelken said the Board met, received a BAHEP presentation on
the Space Alliance Technology Outreach Program (SATOP); re-elected the
Board's President and Vice President; adopted a motion to publish a notice to
begin a 60-day comment period for a CIP project.
b. Monthly Fund Balance Report [Michael Dolby, Director of Finance]
Mr. Dolby provided the report, indicating that, at the end of June, the General Fund
had 466 days of working capital and the Utility Fund had 226 days of working
capital.
9. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
• Drainage and Flooding Committee, September 9
• City Council, September 9
City Manager Corby Alexander said staff would be preparing a more in-depth report
on concerns and open code enforcement issues with Louisiana Chemical. He also
noted the Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) was aware of the issues with
the drainage along Lomax mentioned during Public Comment and were working with
the City.
10. COUNCIL COMMENT Hear announcements concerning matters appearing on the
agenda; items of community interest, and/or inquiries 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 those recognized at the beginning of the meeting;
offered condolences to the family of former police chief Ron Parker, who passed
over the weekend; thanked City staff for their work on debris collection; and asked
for individual consideration of the items on the item pulled tonight, including that for
mobile food units in the Main Street area, with more review from the Planning and
Zoning Commission.
11. ADJOURN