HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-27-2025 CC minutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA PORTE
Councilpersons Present: Rick Helton, Mandi Williams, Chuck Engelken, Bill Bentley,
Robert Guerra, Jay Martin, Robbie McLarrin
Councilpersons Attending Remotely: None
Councilpersons Absent: Brandon Lunsford, Brent McCaulley
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 27, 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 6:02 p.m.
2. Invocation and Pledges of Allegiance
City Attorney Clark T. Askins provided an invocation and the pledges were led by
Breelyn " Bree" Carter.
3. Recognitions
a. Recognition of employees for years of service
Rafael Moreno - Equipment Services Supervisor (10 years)
Brian Larkey - Police Sergeant (25 years)
George Molnar - Senior Mechanic (30 years)
Martin Gonzalez - Equipment Operator II (35 years)
Howard Willis - Water Production Operator II (35 years)
Sergeant Brian Larkey, Senior Mechanic Martin Gonzalez, and Water Production
Operator /l Howard Willis were present.
4. Citizen Comment
David Turner spoke about warehouse detention ponds on Underwood Road.
5. Presentations
a. Presentation on Winter Storm Enzo. [Johnny Morales, Emergency
Management Coordinator]
Mr. Morales provided a recap of the City's extensive preparation, response, and
recovery for Winter Storm Enzo and its historic snowfall.
6. Consent Agenda
a. Approve the minutes of the January 13, 2025, regular City Council meeting.
[Lee Woodward, City Secretary]
b. Ordinance 2024-4040 for Street and Alley Closure SAC 23-25000001 - Adopt
Ordinance 2024-4040 for approval of Street and Alley Closure (SAC) 24-
25000001 for the purpose of vacating, abandoning, and closing a portion of
the Park Avenue right-of-way situated between the east line of Block 1260,
Town of La Porte, and the west line of Crescent Shores, situated in the J.
Hunter Survey, Abstract Number 35, Harris County, Texas, and authorizing
the execution and delivery of a deed to the adjoining landowners. [Yvonne
Briscoe, Planner II, Planning and Development Department]
c. Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget Amendment - Adopt Ordinance 2025-4045,
amending the City of La Porte, Texas' Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget by
appropriating a total of $106,838.00 in the general fund for procurement of
professional design services to repair the Sylvan Beach Pier for damages
sustained from Hurricane Beryl in July 2024. [Shelley Woiny, Assistant
Finance Director]
d. Sylvan Beach Pier - Design Services - Authorize the City Manager to execute
a professional services contract for Professional Engineering Services with
Cobb Fendley and Associates for Sylvan Beach Park Pier Project in the
amount of $106,838.00. [Jameson Appel, Asst. Director Public Works - CIP]
e. Award Bid 25003 - Award Bid 25003 "Infill Sidewalk and Pavement
Rehabilitation Program" to Brooks Concrete, Inc. and authorize the City
Manager to execute a construction contract not to exceed annual budgeted
amounts. [Ray Mayo, Director of Public Works]
f. Award Roof Repair Projects - Award bid to Chamberlin Houston, LLC
through TIPS cooperative purchasing contract #24062401 in the amount of
$518,998.00 for project for three (3) roof repairs and authorize the City
Manager to execute a construction contract, and approve a construction
contingency of $21,002.00, for a total authorization of $540,000.00. [Ray
Mayo, Director of Public Works]
Mayor Pro Tem Engelken moved to approve the consent agenda' the motion was
seconded by Councilperson Bentley the motion was adopted 7-0.
Public Hearings and Associated Ordinances
a. Ordinance 2025-4036 Special Conditional Use Permit SCUP-2024-0003 - The
City Council will hold a public hearing to receive comments regarding a
recommendation by the Planning and Zoning Commission to adopt
Ordinance 2025-4036, amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of La
Porte, Chapter 106 'Zoning" by granting Special Conditional Use Permit
#SCUP-2024-0003, a request by Mario Lanza, applicant, on behalf of 92
Fairmont Lakes Inc, property owner, to approve SCUP 2024-0003, to allow for
a residential subdivision generally located at the northeast corner of
Wharton Weems Blvd and State Highway 146 and on four tracts of land
including a total of 56.75-acre tract of land legally described as TR 5 Abst. 30
W P Haris, TR 5L Abst. 30 W P Harris, TR 1 M Abst. 35 J Hunter, and Lts. 1
through 32 Blk 1267 & TR 33 La Porte; Harris County, Texas; followed by
discussion and possible action to adopt Ordinance 2025-4036 amending the
Code of Ordinances of the City of La Porte, Chapter 106 "Zoning" by granting
Special Conditional Use Permit #SCUP-2024-0003, a request by Mario Lanza,
applicant, on behalf of 92 Fairmont Lakes Inc, property owner, to approve
SCUP 2024-0003, to allow for a residential subdivision generally located at
the northeast corner of Wharton Weems Blvd and SH 146 and on four tracts
of land including a total of 56.75-acre tract of land legally described as TR 5
Abst. 30 W P Haris, TR 5LAbst. 30 W P Harris, TR I Abst. 35 J Hunter, and
Lts. 1 through 32 Blk 1267 & TR 33 La Porte; Harris County, Texas. [Johnna
Matthews, Planning Manager, Planning and Development Department]
Mayor Helton opened the public hearing at 6:31 p.m. Ms. Matthews provided
information on the proposal. Mercy Estrada asked for consideration of the impacts
to current and future residents around the proposed development, that the
entrance be moved, and that the required height of the sound wall be increased.
Mayor Helton closed the public hearing at 6:47 p.m. Applicant Mario Lanza was
permitted to answer questions from the Council.
Councilperson Martin moved to postpone further consideration until a proposal is
brought forward with:
- a traffic analysis study with an understanding that the Council is currently
strongly in favor of moving the entrance to the east and to have TXDoT review
other placement;
- a drainage study' and
- a requirement for a sound wall of 12' in height;
the motion was seconded by Councilperson Bentley the motion was adopted 7-
0.
b. Ordinance 2025-4037 Special Conditional Use Permit SCUP-2024-0009 - The
City Council will hold a public hearing to receive comments regarding a
recommendation by the Planning and Zoning Commission to adopt
Ordinance 2025-4037, amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of La
Porte, Chapter 106 "Zoning" by granting Special Conditional Use Permit
SCUP-2024-0009, a request by Naeem Maknojia, applicant, on behalf of
Fairmont Partners LLC, owners, for approval of a SCUP to allow a Gasoline
Station with Convenience Store (NAICS Code 44711) within the General
Commercial (GC) zoning district, on approximately 0.93-acre tract of land,
located at 10401 W Fairmont Pkwy, and legally described as Tract 32A,
Abstract 482 W Jones, Harris County, Texas; followed by discussion and
possible action to adopt Ordinance 2025-4037 amending the Code of
Ordinances of the City of La Porte, Chapter 106 "Zoning" by granting Special
Conditional Use Permit SCUP-2024-0009, a request by Naeem Maknojia,
applicant, on behalf of Fairmont Partners LLC, owners, for approval of a
SCUP to allow a Gasoline Station with Convenience Store (NAICS Code
44711) within the General Commercial (GC) zoning district, on approximately
0.93-acre tract of land, located at 10401 W Fairmont Pkwy, and legally
described as Tract 32A, Abstract 482 W Jones, Harris County, Texas. [Johnna
Matthews, Planning Manager, Planning and Development Department]
Mayor Helton opened the public hearing at 711 p.m. Ms. Matthews provided
information on the proposal. There were no public comments. Mayor Helton closed
the public hearing at 7:16 p.m.
c. Ordinance 2025-4042 Future Land Use Plan Amendment FLUP-2024-0003 -
The City Council will hold a public hearing to receive comments regarding a
recommendation by the Planning and Zoning Commission to adopt
Ordinance 2026-4042, amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of La
Porte, Chapter 106'Zoning" by granting Future Land Use Plan Amendment
FLUP-2024-0003, a request by Jorge Moreno, applicantlowner, for approval
of a Future Land Use Plan amendment from General Commercial to Low
Density Residential, on a 0.29-acre tract of land located at 1216 W B St., and
legally described as Lots 13 & 14 15 & 16, Block 25, La Porte, Harris County,
Texas; followed by discussion and possible action to adopt Ordinance 2025-
4042 amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of La Porte, Chapter 106
"Zoning" by granting Future Land Use Plan Amendment FLUP-2024-0003, a
request by Jorge Moreno, applicant/owner, for approval of a Future Land Use
Plan amendment from General Commercial to Low Density Residential, on a
0.29-acre tract of land located at 1216 W B St., and legally described as Lots
13 & 1415 & 16, Block 25, La Porte, Harris County, Texas. [Johnna Matthews,
Planning Manager, Planning and Development Department]
Mayor Helton opened the public hearing at T21 p.m. Ms. Matthews provided
information on the proposal. There were no public comments. Mayor Helton closed
the public hearing at 7:24 p.m.
d. Ordinance 2025-4043 Zone Change ZC-2024-0003 - The City Council will hold
a public hearing to receive comments regarding a recommendation by the
Planning and Zoning Commission to adopt Ordinance 2025-4043, amending
the Code of Ordinances of the City of La Porte, Chapter 106 "Zoning" by
granting Zone Change ZC-2024-0003, a request by Jorge Moreno,
applicant/owner, for approval of a zone change from General Commercial
(GC) zoning district to Low Density Residential (R-1) zoning district, on a
0.29-acre tract of land, located at 1216 West B St., and legally described as
Lots 13 & 14 15 & 16, Block 25, La Porte, Harris County, Texas; followed by
discussion and possible action to adopt Ordinance 2025-4043 amending the
Code of Ordinances of the City of La Porte, Chapter 106 "Zoning" by granting
Zone Change ZC-2024-0003, a request by Jorge Moreno, applicant/owner, for
approval of a zone change from General Commercial (GC) zoning district to
Low Density Residential (R-1) zoning district, on a 0.29-acre tract of land,
located at 1216 West B St., and legally described as Lots 13 & 14 15 & 16,
Block 25, La Porte, Harris County, Texas. [Johnna Matthews, Planning
Manager, Planning and Development Department]
Mayor Helton opened the public hearing at 7:31p.m. Ms. Matthews provided
information on the proposal. There were no public comments. Mayor Helton closed
the public hearing at 7:32 p.m.
e.
Ordinance 2025-4044 Chapter 70 (Traffic and Vehicles) and Chapter 106
(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 2025-4044, amending the Code of
Ordinances of the City of La Porte, Chapter 70 'Traffic and Vehicles" and
Chapter 106 "Zoning", by revising regulations related to:
1. location of designated high -frequency truck routes
2. location of designated truck routes
3. commercial landscaping
followed by discussion and possible action to adopt Ordinance 2025-4044
amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of La Porte, Chapter 70'Traffic
and Vehicles" and 106 "Zoning", by revising regulations related to:
1. location of designated high -frequency truck routes
2. location of designated truck routes
3. commercial landscaping
[Johnna Matthews, Planning Manager and Yvonne Briscoe, Planner II,
Planning and Development Department]
Mayor Helton opened the public hearing at 7733 p.m. Ms. Matthews provided
information on the proposal. Darrell Herrin spoke of the current condition and
maintenance responsibility for Old Underwood Road and possible effects on
adjacent roads. Randall Hayes spoke in support of Councilperson Williams'
comments. Mayor Helton closed the public hearing at 7 49 p.m. and reopened it at
7:49 o.m. Ms. Matthews continued the presentation. Mayor Helton closed the
public hearing at 7:54 p.m.
Dangerous Building - 203 Bay Oaks St. - The City Council will hold a public
hearing to receive comment on the adoption of Ordinance 2024-4010,
ordering the condemnation of a dangerous/substandard structure located at
203 Bay Oaks St., 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 St., La Porte,
Texas. [Richard Glass, Chief Building Official]
Mayor Helton opened the public hearing at T57 p.m. Mr. Glass provided
information on the property. The owner, Otis Wright, requested additional time.
Mayor Helton closed the public hearing at 6:01 p.m.
g. Dangerous Buildings - 601 S. Carroll St. - The City Council will hold a public
hearing to receive comment on the adoption of Ordinance 2024-3977,
ordering the 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. [Richard Glass, Chief Building Official]
Mayor Helton opened the public hearing at 8:03 p.m. Mr. Glass provided
information on the property. Norberto Roda, the contractor, spoke on behalf of the
owner. Mayor Helton closed the public hearing at 8:05 p.m.
h. Dangerous Buildings - 9404 Carlow Ln. - The City Council will hold a public
hearing to receive comment on the adoption of Ordinance 2024-3979,
ordering the 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. [Richard Glass, Chief Building Official]
Mayor Helton opened the public hearing at 8706 p.m. Mr. Glass provided
information on the property. There were no public comments. Mayor Helton closed
the public hearing at 8:07 p.m. No additional action was taken
Dangerous Buildings - 9406 Carlow Ln. - The City Council will hold a public
hearing to receive comment on the adoption of Ordinance 2024-3980,
ordering the 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. [Richard Glass, Chief Building Official]
Mayor Helton opened the public hearing at 8708 p.m. Mr. Glass provided
information on the property. The owner, Kumrie Runwal, requested more time.
Mayor Helton closed the public hearing at 8 12 p.m. No additional action was
taken.
8. Statutory Agenda
a. R Favorite Things LLC - Economic Development Incentive Agreement -
Presentation, discussion, and possible action to authorize an expenditure of
the La Porte Development Corporation in an amount not to exceed
$138,510.00, to fund an economic development incentive agreement
between the La Porte Development Corporation and R Favorite Things LLC
for site improvements for building at 228 W. Main St., La Porte, Texas. [Haley
Bowers, Economic Development Manager]
9. Reports
a. Fire Department Annual Report [Chris Pettis, Fire Chief]
Chief Pettis shared the Department's annual statistics, accomplishments, and
aspirations. Councilpersons expressed their appreciation of the time and effort
expended on behalf of the community.
b. Report of the Fiscal Affairs Committee [Mayor Pro Tem Engelken, Chair]
Mayor Pro Tem Engelken said the Committee met, received the investment and
purchasing card reports, and set the next meeting for March 10, to receive the
audit report.
c. Report of the La Porte Development Corporation Board of Directors meeting.
[Mayor Pro Tem Engelken]
Mayor Pro Tem Engelken said the Board met, heard a report from the San Jacinto
College Small Business Development Center (SBDC), approved recommending
approval of an incentive agreement between the La Porte Development
Corporation and R Favorite Things, LLC in an amount not to exceed $138,510.00,
recommending approval of an amended and restated Incentive Agreement
between the La Porte Development Corporation and Shelley Whalen in connection
with building and site improvement at 321 W. Main Street for Dimensions Comics,
Music, and More business, and approved publishing a notice to begin the 60-day
comment period for an amendment to the previously approved project of the La
Porte Development Corporation for Electric Vehicle Charging Station on Main
Street.
d. Fund Balance Report [Michael Dolby, Finance Director]
Mr. Dolby provided the report, noting the General Fund had been projected to have
378 days of working capital at the end of the current budget year and was currently
at 418 days, and that the Utility Fund had been projected to have 116 days of
working capital at the end of the current budget year and was currently at 177 days.
e. Administrative Reports [Corby Alexander, City Manager]
Mr. Alexander said the Fire Department's printed annual report was very
impressive and will be available to the public.
10.Items of Community Interest
Councilpersons commended the citizens on their snowman building ability;
complimented the Fire Department on their report and all first responders on their
service during Winter Storm Enzo; expressed appreciation of the financial reports and
the work of the City staff; congratulated those recognized for their long years of service
with the City; requested additional departments share their accomplishments as the
Fire Department did; and thanked Johnny Morales for a fantastic activation at the EOC
and resident Roman Alexander for the snow video.
11. Executive Session
a. Personnel Matter - Texas Government Code Section 551.074 - Personnel
Matters. Deliberation regarding the appointment, employment, evaluation,
reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal of a public officer or employee -
City Council will meet in closed session with City Manager Corby Alexander.
Mayor Helton convened the Council into executive session at 8741 p.m.
12.Reconvene
The Council reconvened in open session at 9 38 p.m. No action was taken