HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-25-2024 Confrerence - Multipurpose minutesMINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE
CONFERENCE -MULTIPURPOSE CENTER AD HOC COMMITTEE
OF THE CITY OF LA PORTE
Members Present: Jay Martin, Chair; Robert Guerra, Doug Martin; Mark Follis; Bryan
Moore
Members Attending Remotely: None
Members Absent: None
City Staff Participating: Corby Alexander, City Manager; Lee Woodward, City Secretary;
Jameson Appel, Assistant Public Works Director
The City Council of the City of La Porte met in a regular meeting on
September 25, 2024, at the City Hall Council Chambers,
604 West Fairmont Parkway, La Porte, Texas, at 3:00 p.m.
1. CALL TO ORDER - Chair Martin called the meeting to order at 3:05 p.m.
2. 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.)
There were no comments.
3. COMMITTEE CHARGE AND DISCUSSION
Purpose: To establish an ad hoc committee to investigate the feasibility, design,
location, and financial implications of building a new conference
center/multipurpose center at 1106-1198 Bayshore Drive, La Porte, Texas. The
committee will evaluate various aspects of the proposed project, including
economic impact, community benefits, environmental sustainability, and
design aesthetics.
Objectives:
• Conduct research on the potential impacts of the conference/multipurpose
center.
• Organize and participate in community engagement activities.
• Review and evaluate design proposals, environmental assessments, and
financial plans.
• Collaborate to produce a final report with recommendations for the City
Council.
Evaluate the project based on the following criteria:
• Economic Impact: Potential for job creation, revenue generation, and overall
economic growth.
• Design Aesthetics: Architectural design, integration with the surrounding
area, and public space enhancement.
• Community Benefits: Access to facilities, enhancement of community
services, and alignment with community needs.
Mayor Helton provided the charge to the committee. He said he envisioned building
on the City's Klein Retreat property as an affordable public place with a view of the
bay large enough for weddings, showers, and small groups, but not large enough
for trade shows and gun shows. He suggested the building include a kitchen and be
divisible, and noted the committee might take tours of other facilities.
The Committee confirmed the intention was for an amenity rather than as a revenue
generator, due to the residential setting, and that the committee could consider
preliminary design and/or a cost estimate, including possibly expansion over time
and consideration of purchasing the adjacent structure.
Mayor Helton reminded the committee that the charge included at least two meetings
with public input.
The Committee suggested having aerial and platted views of the property for the
next meeting and to prepare for the City's floodplain administrator to discuss wave
and flood considerations. Exterior amenities and a parklike setting for photos and
picnics were also discussed, as was the idea of a bulkhead or dock and/or a