HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-14-2024 CC minutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA PORTE
Councilpersons Present: Rick Helton, Brandon Lunsford, Brent McCaulley, Mandi
Williams, Chuck Engelken, Bill Bentley, Jay Martin
Councilpersons Absent: Robbie McLarrin
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
October 14, 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 6:01 p.m.
2. I N VOCATION/PLEDGE S
The invocation was given by Shawn Williams of Gates of Praise and the pledges were
led by Moaz Chatta.
3. PRESENTATIONS, PROCLAMATIONS, AND RECOGNITIONS
a. Presentation by Alaina Hayden, Outreach, Education, and Prevention
Coordinator at Bay Area Turning Point, in recognition of October as
Domestic Violence Awareness Month. [Lee Woodward, City Secretary]
b. Presentation of the Main Street Revitalization Efforts. [Haley Bowers,
Economic Development Manager]
4. 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.)
Leo Suarez expressed his concerns about the proposed Main Street updates. Phillip
Hoot spoke in opposition to the tax rate.
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 September 23, 2024, regular City Council
meeting. [Lee Woodward, City Secretary]
b. Cancel the November 25 and December 23, 2024, City Council meetings. (Lee
Woodward, City Secretary]
c. Arctic Wolf Security - Authorize the City Manager to execute a three-year
agreement with Way Point Solutions (Choice Partners/HCDE #22/041 KN-02)
for Arctic Wolf software, with first year payment of $115,000.00 and year two
and year three up to the budgeted amount. [Darren Withers, IT Manager]
d. CentralSquare OneSolution ERP Renewal - Authorize the City Manager to
execute a one-year renewal agreement with CentralSquare for the
ONESolution Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software in the amount of
$329,625.96. [Darren Withers, IT Manager]
e. Motorola Radio Project - Approve the purchase of Motorola radios and
equipment from Motorola Solutions through HGAC Contract #HGAC-RA05-
01 as follows: Fire Department - $1,310,857.00, Public Works - $90,210.00,
Parks and Recreation - $30,231.00, and a contingency of $71,564.85 for a total
authorization of $1,502,861.85. [Chris Pettis, Fire Chief]
f. RFQ #24601 FMA Grant - Professional Services - Award RFQ #24601,
Professional Engineering Services for 2024 Funding of Hazard Mitigation
Grant Program (HMGP), Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities
Grant Program (BRIC), and Flood Mitigation Assistance Grant Project (FMA),
to Gauge Engineering and authorize the City Manager to execute a
professional services contract in the amount not to exceed $99,140.00. [Ray
Mayo, Director of Public Works]
g. Project Management Software - Authorize the City Manager to execute an
agreement with Projectmates by Systemates, for Project Management
Software, through DIR Cooperative Contract #DIR-CPO-4740, in the amount
of $100,266.00 and a project contingency of 10% in the amount of $10,000.00,
for a total authorization of $110,266.00 [Jameson Appel, Assistant Director of
Public Works, CIP]
h. Recreation and Fitness Center Renovations Phase I — FIFE - Authorize the
City Manager to execute a vendor contract to The Luck Company, for the
purchase of facility furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E), for the
Recreation and Fitness Center Renovation Phase 1, through cooperative
contracts AIS Omnia #R191801 and OFS Omnia #R191813 in the amount of
$74,968.80. [Jameson Appel, Assistant Director of Public Works, CIP]
i. Brookglen Drainage Improvements - Construction Materials Testing -
Authorize the City Manager to execute a professional services contract with
Terracon for the Brookglen Subdivision Drainage Improvements for
construction materials testing in the amount of $188,880.00. [Jameson
Appel, Assistant Director of Public Works, CIP]
j. Annual PC Refresh - Approve the purchase of computer hardware and
associated equipment in the amount of $99,939.00 for City of La Porte 2024-
2025 Fiscal Year from Intech Southwest Services, through DIR Cooperative
contract #DIR-TSO-4159. [Darren Withers, IT Manager]
k. Approve the appointment of Haley Bowers as the Employee Participant on
the Ch. 172 Employee/Retiree Insurance & Benefits Board. [Lee Woodward,
City Secretary]
I. Approve Purchases of Vehicles and Equipment for FY24-25 through
Cooperative Purchasing Programs - Approve purchases of vehicle and
equipment through cooperative purchasing contracts: BuyBoard 650-21,
706-23, 684-22; H-GACBuy HTO6-20; Sourcewell 040319,031121-KBA and
TIPS 210907, totaling $1,815,091.98. [Ray Mayo, Director of Public Works]
m. Approve interlocal agreement with Harris County Flood Control District for
improvement on the F101-06-00 drainage channel. - Approve an interlocal
agreement with Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) for design and
construction of the F101-06-00 channel improvements that include 39.2 acre-
feet of detention, and a commitment of La Porte's share of the project at
$2,104,048.00 and a contingency of $210,404.00, for a total authorization of
$2,314,452.00. [Ray Mayo, Director of Public Works]
n. Withdraw Nominations for HCAD Board - Adopt Resolution 2025-2,
rescinding the action of Resolution 2024-15 by withdrawing nominations
made 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, per request of these nominees. [Lee
Woodward, City Secretary]
Mayor Pro Tern Engelken moved to approve the consent agenda: the motion was
seconded by Councilperson Bentlev: the motion was adopted. 8-0.
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ASSOCIATED ORDINANCES
a. Ordinance 2024-4004-Amendment 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", providing for adoption of use classification categories for Tobacco
and Smoker's Supply Stores (ECigarette and Vape Stores) in designated
zoning districts; 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", providing for adoption of use
classification categories for Tobacco and Smoker's Supply Stores
(ECigarette and Vape Stores) in designated zoning districts. [Yvonne
Briscoe, Planning and Development Department Planner II]
Mayor Helton opened the public hearing at 6:44 p.m. Yvonne Briscoe provided a
presentation. There were no speakers. Mayor Helton closed the hearing at 6:46
p,m.
Councilperson McCaullev moved to adopt Ordinance 2024-4004, amending the
Code of Ordinances of the City of La Porte, Chapter 106 "Zoning", providing for
adoption of use classification categories for Tobacco and Smoker's SuppIV Stores
(ECigarette and Vape Stores) in designated zoning districts; the motion was
seconded by Councilperson Guerra; the motion was adopted, 8-0.
7. STATUTORYAGENDA
a. Civera Election Products - Presentation, discussion, and possible action to
purchase Civera ElectionStats, BallotVerifier, and/or BallotRedactor
software products and supportservices for City of La Porte, Texas, elections
reporting. [Lee Woodward, City Secretary]
motion; the motion was adopted. 8-0.
b. Property Tax Rate - Presentation, discussion, and possible action to adopt
Ordinance 2024-4020, setting the City of La Porte, Texas' ad valorem tax rate
and levying taxes on taxable property located in the City of La Porte, Texas,
for the 2024-25 Fiscal Year. [Michael Dolby, Finance Director]
Finance Director Michael Dolby confirmed that City of La Porte's tax assessor
collector has calculated the no -new -revenue tax rate at $0.73663 and the voter -
approval rate at $0.89231, so a public hearing is not required on the proposed
$0.71 tax rate.
Mayor Pro Tern Engelken moved to approve the Maintenance and Operations
portion of the tax rate at $0.602; Councilperson Bentley seconded the motion; the
motion was adopted, 8-0.
Mayor Pro Tern Engelken moved to approve the Interest and Sinking Fund portion
of the tax rate at $0.108; Councilperson Bentley seconded the motion; the motion
was adopted, 7-1, Councilperson Williams voting against.
Mayor Pro Tern Engelken moved to approve the combined 2024-2025 tax rate of
$0.71; Councilperson Bentley seconded the motion; the motion was adopted,7-1,
Councilperson Williams voting against.
c. Seabreeze Park Pier - Design Services - Presentation, discussion, and
possible action to award a contract for Professional Engineering Services
for Seabreeze Park Pier to Cobb Fendley and Associates and authorize the
City Manager to execute a professional services contract in the amount of
$90,216.00, and possible action for provide administrative staff with direction
of funding for the construction of this project. [Jameson Appel, Assistant
Director of Public Works, CIP]
Councilperson Guerra moved to postpone consideration to award a professional
services contract for Professional Engineering Services for Seabreeze Park Pier
until the Council receives information on the potential option of a rock jetty: the
motion was seconded by Councilperson Williams; the motion was adopted, 8-0.
d. Presentation, discussion, and possible action to adopt Ord. 2024.4021,
amending the order of business of the City of La Porte City Council's Rules
of Procedure. [Rick Helton, Mayor]
Councilperson McCauley moved to adopt Ordinance 2024-4021 amending the
order of business of the City of La Porte City Council's Rules of Procedure as
presented, with additional modifications so that Recognitions will precede Citizen
Comment which would then be followed by Presentations: the motion was
seconded by Councilperson Williams; the motion was adopted 8-0.
e. Drought Contingency Plan for the City of La Porte - Presentation, Discussion
and Possible Action to adopt ordinance 2024-4024, approving revisions to
the Drought Contingency Plan for the City of La Porte, adopting Ordinance
2024-4024 and codify the plan in Chapter 74, Utilities, of the Code of
Ordinances. [Ray Mayo, Director of Public Works]
Mayor Pro Tern Engelken moved to adopt Ordinance 2024-4024, approving
revisions to the Drought Contingency Plan for the City of La Porte and codification
of the Plan in Chapter 74 Utilities of the City's Code of Ordinances: Councilperson
Bentley seconded the motion; the motion was adopted 7-0 (Councilperson
Lunsford left the room at 7:48 p.m. I.
B. REPORTS
a. Presentation of 3rd Quarter CIP Report. [Matt Daeumer, Assistant City
Manager]
Jameson Appel, Assistant Public Works Director, CIP, provided an update.
b. Report of the Drainage and Flooding Committee meeting. [Councilperson
Martin, Chair]
Councilperson Martin said the Committee met, received updates on a number of
projects, particularly with respect to the Lomax Area. He added his appreciation
that the Council, at tonight's meeting, had approved an $8 million project with the
County, of which the City would pay $2.3 million. Councilperson Martin said the
Committee had discussed the Bayside Terrace Project at length and set its next
meeting for November 11.
c. Report of the Investigation of Retail Opportunities Ad Hoc Committee
meeting. [Councilperson McCaulley, Chair]
(Councilperson Lunsford returned to the meeting at 8:02 p.m.) Councilperson
McCaulley said the Committee met and discussed the Committee's charge and
opportunities within the city, particularly regarding unoccupied locations. He added
that the lot where the Wells Fargo building had been previously will house three
new businesses, likely restaurants, with one space confirmed for a Chipotle.
Councilperson McCaulley said the Committee will meet next on October 28.
d. Report of the Storm and Incident Readiness Ad Hoc Committee meeting.
[Mayor Pro Tem Engelken, Chair]
Mayor Pro Tem Engelken said the Committee met and challenged the OEM to be
'legendary' in its response, acknowledging the variety of potential incident vectors
and transportation vulnerabilities. He added that staff was directed to perform a
review of AARs from previous events, including the need to communicate with the
public when the power was out, and a facility for first responders when they are
on -scene for an extended period of time. Mayor Pro Tem Engelken said the
Committee would meet again next week.
e. Report of the Conference/Multipurpose Center Ad Hoc Committee meeting.
[Councilperson Martin, Chair]
Councilperson Martin said the committee met to consider its charge and will have
a second meeting this week to hear from the City's floodplain manager,
CobbFendley, and look at some conceptual drawings.
L Report of the Transfer Station Ad Hoc Committee meeting. [Councilperson
Williams, Chair]
Councilperson Williams said the committee met to discuss the potential for a
transfer station and ways to streamline the City's trash and garbage collection,
9. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
• Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, October 17
• La Porte Development Corporation Board of Directors meeting, October 28
• City Council meeting, October 28
Emergency Management Coordinator Johnny Morales provided an update on last
week's event at the PEMEX Oil Refinery in Deer Park.
10.COUNCIL COMMENT Hear announcements concerning matters appearing on the
agenda; items of community interest; and/orinquides of staff regarding speck factual
information or existing policy from the Mayor, Councilpersons, and City staff, for which
no formal action will be discussed.
Councilpersons lauded the City's new messaging sign at Luella and Spencer; noted
the amounts approved in the Consent Agenda; congratulated all the staff who
participated in National Night Out; thanked the Office of Emergency Management for
the quality of its emergency and disaster communications; offered clarification of
comments made during the meeting; inquired about supposed Highway 146 closures;
thanked Police Chief Pullig for National Night Out activities; expressed gratitude to
Councilpersons for their extra work with the ad hoc committees; and noted the high
caliber of the City's emergency services.
11. EXECUTIVE SESSION The Council will adjoum into executive session without vote
unless an objection is raised.
a. Real Property - Texas Government Code 551.072 - Deliberation regarding
purchase, exchange, lease, or values of real property: The City Council will
meet in closed session with the City Manager and the City Attorney to
discuss purchase of real property located in the City of La Porte, Texas.
The Council convened in executive session at 8:20 p.m.
12.11ECONVENE into open session and consider action, if any, on item(s)
discussed in executive session.
The Council resumed its open session at 8:41 p.m. Councilperson McCaulley moved
to task staff to continue negotiation on the property discussed in executive session;
Councilpersgr,Guerra seconded the motion; the motion was adopted, 8-0.