HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-13-2025 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, Robert Guerra, Jay
Martin, Robbie McLarrin
Councilpersons Attending Remotely: None
Councilpersons Absent: 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 January 13,
2025, 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. Invocation and Pledges of Allegiance
Reverend Kevin Gilmore of the First United Methodist Church of La Porte provided an
invocation and Mallorie Blagg led the pledges.
3. Citizen Comment
Mike Davis spoke of fires and individuals on the beach near Dolphin Park, suggesting
the park could have improvements to limit after-hours access. Josh Beier proposed a
reservation deposit for Seabreeze Park and preventing use by others during
reservations, expressed support for a jetty, and praised City team members Juan and
Jennifer, who help maintain the park.
4. Consent Agenda
a. Approve the minutes of the December 9, 2024, regular City Council meeting.
[Lee Woodward, City Secretary]
b. SETH - Piedmont Apartments, Baytown -Authorize the Mayorto sign General
and No Litigation Certificate for benefit of Texas Attorney General in
connection with issuance of tax-exempt bonds by Southeast Texas Housing
Finance Corporation (SETH) for the Piedmont Apartments project in
Baytown, Texas. [Matt Daeumer, Assistant City Manager]
c. 5 Points Plaza Fountain -Approval of the purchase and installation of spray
features at 5 Points Plaza from Kraftsman, through BuyBoard contract # 679-
22 in the amount of $343,440.73, and a contingency amount of $17,172.00,
for a total authorization of $360,612.73. [Tim Miller, Director of Parks and
Recreation]
d. Purchase of New Bunker Gear -Authorize the purchase of twenty-eight (28)
sets of firefighter bunker gear in the amount of $103,152.00 from Metro Fire
Apparatus Specialist, Inc., utilizing Buy Board Contract 698-23. [Chris Pettis,
Fire Chief]
e. Approve interlocal agreement with Harris County Radio Services -Authorize
the City Manager to execute an Interlocal Agreement (ILA) between the City
of La Porte and Harris County, allowing the City of La Porte Fire, Public
Works, and Parks and Recreation Departments to utilize the Harris County
Public Communication System. [Chris Pettis, Fire Chief]
f. Truck Route Amendment -Adopt Ordinance 2025-4041 amending Chapter 70
"Traffic and Vehicles" of the Code of Ordinances to add West M Street
between State Highway 146 and South 16th Street as an authorized truck
route in the City of La Porte and adding the word "West' to Fairmont
Parkway. [Matt Daeumer, Assistant City Manager]
g. Homeland Security Grant - Approve a resolution authorizing the City
Manager to approve and accept appropriations of a grant from UASI through
the Office of the Governor of Texas in the amount of $183,171.57 for the LPFD
Public Safety Radio Program. [Johnny Morales, Emergency Management
Coordinator]
h. Rollover Encumbrances - Approve rollover of the requested encumbrances
from the City of La Porte Fiscal Year 2024 budget to City of La Porte Fiscal
Year 2025 budget. [Michael Dolby, Director of Finance]
i. 11811 N. H Street - Authorize the City Manager to execute a Settlement
Agreement between Synergy 7, LLC and Juan De Dios Villareal and Karen
Judithe Gonzalez and the City of La Porte, Texas, regarding building
requirements for structure at 11811 N. H Street, La Porte, Texas, for use
within General Commercial zoning classification. [Corby Alexander, City
Manager]
j. Replace Patrol Tahoe 53-58 - Award vehicle purchase to Lake Country
Chevrolet through TIPS contract 210907 and vehicle up -fitting equipment to
Maltech Fleet Services through BuyBoard contract 698-23, totaling
$69,385.58 [Ray Mayo, Director of Public Works]
k. Award Bid #25004 -Award Bid #25004 for Citywide Concrete Sidewalk Repair
Program to Greenscapes Six, LLC and authorize the City Manager to execute
a construction contract for the initial term and up to three (3) additional
annual terms not to exceed annual budgeted amounts. [Ray Mayo, Director
of Public Works]
except item 4d' the motion was adopted. 9-0.
Councilperson Martin signed a conflict of interest affidavit and did not participate
in the discussion or vote on item 4d. Mayor Pro Tem Engelken moved to adopt
item 4d the motion was seconded by Councilperson Williams: the motion was
adopted. 8-0.
5. Public Hearings and Associated Ordinances
a. Ordinance 2025-4030 Special Conditional Use Permit SCUP-2024-0005 - The
City Council will hold a public hearing to receive comments regarding a
recommendation by the Planning and Zoning Commission against adoption
of Ordinance 2025-4030, amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of La
Porte, Chapter 106 "Zoning" by granting Special Conditional Use Permit
SCUP-2024-0005, a request by Bassam Khoury, applicant, on behalf of Texas
Properties Khoury & Turk LLC, owners, for approval of a SCUP to allow a
Tobacco and Smokers' Supply Store (NAICS Code 453991) within the General
Commercial (GC) zoning district, on a 0.40acre tract of land, located at 1307
W Fairmont Pkwy., and legally described as Lots 4 thru 7 & Tracts 8A & 25A
thru 30A Block 1097 & Adjacent Alley La Porte, Harris County, Texas;
followed by discussion and possible action to adopt Ordinance 2025-4030
amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of La Porte, Chapter 106
"Zoning" by granting Special Conditional Use Permit SCUP-2024-0005, a
request by Bassam Khoury, applicant, on behalf of Texas Properties Khoury
& Turk LLC, owners, for approval of a SCUP to allow a Tobacco and Smokers'
Supply Store (NAICS Code 453991) within the General Commercial (GC)
zoning district, on a 0.40-acre tract of land, located at 1307 W Fairmont Pkwy.,
and legally described as Lots 4 thru 7 & Tracts 8A & 25A thru 30A Block 1097
& Adjacent Alley La Porte, Harris County, Texas. [Yvonne Briscoe, Planner II,
Planning and Development Department]
Mayor Helton opened the public hearing at 6:21 p.m. Yvonne Briscoe, Planner II,
provided a presentation. Them were no comments from the public. Mayor Helton
closed the public hearing at 6:27 D.m.
Councilperson McLarrin moved to deny the reauest to adopt Ordinance 2025-4030
amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of La Porte, Chapter 106 "Zoning"
0.40-acre tract of land located at 1307 W Fairmont Pkwv.. and legally described
as Lots 4 thru 7 & Tracts 8A & 25A thru 30A Block 1097 & Adiacent Alley La Porte,
Harris County Texas the motion was seconded by Councilperson Bentley: the
motion to deny was adopted. 9-0.
b. Ordinance 2025-4031 Special Conditional Use Permit SCUP-2024-0006 - The
City Council will hold a public hearing to receive comments regarding a
recommendation by the Planning and Zoning Commission to adopt
Ordinance 2025-4031, amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of La
Porte, Chapter 106 "Zoning" by granting Special Conditional Use Permit
SCUP-2024-0006, a request by Crystal Vasquez, Huckabee Architects, on
behalf of Dustin Bromley, La Porte ISD, owner, for approval of a SCUP to
allow an existing school, Lomax Jr. High School within the Low -Density
Residential (R-1) zoning district on approximately 20 acres of land located at
9801 L St., and legally described as TRS 413 & 414, La Porte Outiots, La
Porte, Harris County, Texas; followed by discussion and possible action to
adopt Ordinance 2025-4031 amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of
La Porte, Chapter 106 "Zoning" by granting Special Conditional Use Permit
SCUP-2024-0006, a request by Crystal Vasquez, Huckabee Architects, on
behalf of Dustin Bromley, La Porte ISD, owner, for approval of a SCUP to
allow an existing school, Lomax Jr. High School within the Low -Density
Residential (R-1) zoning district on approximately 20 acres of land located at
9801 L St., and legally described as TRS 413 & 414, La Porte Outlots, La
Porte, Harris County, Texas. [Johnna Matthews, Planning Manager, Planning
and Development Department]
Mayor Helton opened the public hearing at 6:30 p.m. Johnna Matthews, Planning
Manager, provided a presentation. There were no comments from the public.
Mayor Helton closed the public hearing at 6:36 p.m.
Engelken: the motion was adopted. 9-0.
c. Ordinance 2025-4032 Special Conditional Use Permit SCUP-2024-0007 - The
City Council will hold a public hearing to receive comments regarding a
recommendation by the Planning and Zoning Commission against adoption
of Ordinance 2025-4032, amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of La
Porte, Chapter 106 "Zoning" by granting Special Conditional Use Permit
SCUP-2024-0007, a request by Usman Bukhari, applicant, on behalf of KBK
Petroleum Inc., owners, for approval of a SCUP to allow a Tobacco and
Smokers' Supply Store (NAICS Code 453991) within the Neighborhood
Commercial INC) zoning district, on a 0.92acre tract of land, located at 9803
W Fairmont Pkwy., and legally described as Tracts 719A-1 & 719B La Porte
Out Lots, Harris County, Texas; followed by discussion and possible action
to adopt Ordinance 2025-4032 amending the Code of Ordinances of the City
of La Porte, Chapter 106 "Zoning" by granting Special Conditional Use
Permit SCUP-2024-0007, a request by Usman Bukhari, applicant, on behalf
of KBK Petrolium Inc., owners, for approval of a SCUP to allow a Tobacco
and Smokers' Supply Store (NAICS Code 453991) within the Neighborhood
Commercial (NC) zoning district, on a 0.92acre tract of land, located at 9803
W Fairmont Pkwy., and legally described as Tracts 719A-1 & 719E La Porte
Out Lots, Harris County, Texas. [Yvonne Briscoe, Planner II, Planning and
Development Department]
Mayor Helton opened the public hearing at 6:39 p.m. Yvonne Briscoe, Planner II,
provided a presentation. There were no comments from the public. Mayor Helton
closed the public hearing at 6:41 p.m.
motion to deny was adopted. 9-0.
d. Ordinance 2025-4033 Special Conditional Use Permit SCUP-2024-0008 - The
City Council will hold a public hearing to receive comments regarding a
recommendation by the Planning and Zoning Commission to adopt
Ordinance 2025-4033, amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of La
Porte, Chapter 106 "Zoning" by granting Special Conditional Use Permit
SCUP-2024-0008, a request by Gary Welding, GW Group Properties LLC,
owner/applicant, for approval of a SCUP to allow a commercial parking lot to
be constructed within the Main Street Zoning District on 0.43 acres of land
located at 0 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr., and legally described as Lots 24-
29, Block 55, La Porte, Harris County, Texas; followed by discussion and
possible action to adopt Ordinance 2025-4033 amending the Code of
Ordinances of the City of La Porte, Chapter 106 "Zoning" by granting Special
Conditional Use Permit SCUP-2024-0008, a request by Gary Welding, GW
Group Properties LLC, owner/applicant, for approval of a SCUP to allow a
commercial parking lot to be constructed within the Main Street Zoning
District on 0.43 acres of land located at 0 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr., and
legally described as Lots 24-29, Block 55, La Porte, Harris County, Texas.
[Johnna Matthews, Planning Manager, Planning and Development
Department]
Mayor Helton opened the public hearing at 6:43 p.m. Johnna Matthews, Planning
Manager, provided a presentation. There were no comments from the public.
Mayor Helton closed the public hearing at 6:48 p.m.
by Councilperson McLarrin7 the motion was adopted. 9-0.
e. Ordinance 20254034 Chapter106 (Zoning) Amendments - The City Council
will hold a public hearing to receive comments regarding a recommendation
by the Planning and Zoning Commission to adopt Ordinance 2025-4034,
amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of La Porte, Chapter 90
"Entertainment" and Chapter 106 `Zoning" of the Code of Ordinances of the
City of La Porte, Texas, by revising regulations related to:
1. use classification categories for Sexually Oriented Businesses in
designated zoning districts;
2. Notice of public hearing before the Planning and Zoning Commission to
amend sign posting requirements for public notice;
3. adoption of use classification categories in the Mixed Use (MU) zoning
district; and
4. remove Livestock regulations in residential zoning districts;
followed by discussion and possible action to adopt Ordinance 2025-4034
amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of La Porte, Chapter 90
"Entertainment" and Chapter 106 `Zoning" of the Code of Ordinances of the
City of La Porte, Texas, by revising regulations related to:
1. use classification categories for Sexually Oriented Businesses in
designated zoning districts;
2. Notice of public hearing before the Planning and Zoning Commission to
amend sign posting requirements for public notice;
3. adoption of use classification categories in the Mixed Use (MU) zoning
district; and
4. remove Livestock regulations in residential zoning districts.
[Yvonne Briscoe, Planner II, Planning and Development Department]
Mayor Helton opened the public hearing at 6:50 p.m. Yvonne Briscoe, Planner II,
provided a presentation. Mayor Helton closed the public hearing at 6:55 p.m.
1. use classification categories for Sexually Oriented Businesses in designated
zonino districts:
2. Notice of public hearing before the Planning and Zoning Commission to amend
sign posting requirements for public notice:
3. adoption of use classification categories in the Mixed Use (MU) zoning district:
and
4. remove Livestock regulations in residential zoning districts.
the motion was seconded by Councilperson Williams: the motion was adopted.
9-0.
6. Statutory Agenda
a. Purchase of US Digital Paging System - Presentation, discussion, and
possible action to approve the purchase of the US Digital Paging System
through HGAC Contract # EC07-23 in the amount of $378,149.69 and a
contingency of $18,907.60 for a total authorization of $397,067.19. [Justin
Crow, Assistant Fire Chief]
b. Recreation and Fitness Center Phase II Design Amendment - Presentation,
discussion, and possible action to approve an amendment to the
professional services agreement with PGAL, Inc., for additional design work,
in the amount of $52,500.00, in connection with the Recreation and Fitness
Center Renovations Phase II project. [Jameson Appel, Assistant Director of
Public Works - CIP]
C.
Design Proposal Amendment for Public Works Improvements -Authorize the
City Manager to execute design proposal amendment to agreement with
BRW Architects for Public Works Facility Improvements, not to exceed
$884,440.00 [Ray Mayo, Director of Public Works]
d. City Hall GMP - Presentation, discussion, and possible action to approve
Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) proposal for the construction phase of La
Porte City Hall and authorize the City Manager to execute Guaranteed
Maximum Price amendment to the existing Construction Manager at Risk
(CMAR) contract with Bellows Construction awarding construction costs,
general conditions, profit and overhead totaling $22,515,932.00. [Corby
Alexander, City Manager]
Guerra voting against.
7. Reports
a. Report of the Drainage and Flooding Committee meeting. [Councilperson
Martin]
Councilperson Martin reported the Committee met, received updates on projects,
and set its next meeting for February 10.
b. Report of the Conference -Multipurpose Center Ad Hoc Committee Town Hall
held on December 10, 2024 [Councilperson Martin, Chair]
Councilperson Martin reported the Committee held the town hall, discussed
moving forward with the planned convention center on the waterfront.
c. Report of the Storm and Incident Readiness Ad Hoc Committee Town Hall
held on December 11, 2024 [Mayor Pro Tem Engelken, Chair]
Mayor Pro Tem Engelken reported the Committee held the town hall and has set
its next meeting for January 28 to wrap up recommendations.
d. Administrative Reports. [Corby Alexander, City Manager]
Mr. Alexander reminded the Council of the new emergency contact cards and
introduced Jeremy Borja in Emergency Management and Tiffaney Bradley in the
City Manager's Office.
8. Items of Community Interest
Councilpersons wished all a happy new year; thanked staff for extra work by
participation in the homeowners' meetings and addressing concerns in area of town
with construction projects; recommended visiting the Rec. Center improvements and
expressed pride in the work; welcomed Jeremy and Tiffaney; thanked the architects
for the City Hall project.