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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-07-03 Fill Dirt Review Committee 1'4Ifi ~JI MINUTES OF THE FILL DIRT REVIEW COMMITTEE AUGUST 7, 2003 1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Mike Mosteit at 5:30 p.m. Members of the Committee Present: Chairperson Mike Mosteit, Committee Members Barry Beasley and Chuck Engelken. In addition, Councilmember Bruce Meismer was present. Members Absent: None Members of City Executive Staff and City Employees Present: City Manager Debra Feazelle, City Secretary Martha Gillett, Engineering Tech Supervisor Brian Sterling and Assistant City Manager John Joerns Others Present: Mrs. Sidney A. Grant, Sidney Grant, Bill Scott, Ray Myers, Michael Forrister, J. D. Gettings, Tucker Grant and Brad Russell 2. APPROVE MINUTES OF THE JULY 24, 2003 FILL DIRT REVIEW COMMITTEE MEETING Motion was made by Committee Member Beaslev to approve the Minutes of the Julv 24.2003 Fill Dirt Review Committee as presented. Second by Chuck Engelken. The motion carried unanimously. 3. PETITIONS, REMONSTRANCES, COMMUNICATIONS, AND CITIZENS AND TAXPAYERS WISHING TO ADDRESS THE FILL DIRT REVIEW COMMITTEE The following citizens addressed the Fill Dirt Review Committee: Bill Scott - 1802 Lomax School Rd., La Porte, Texas 77571 - Mr. Scott informed the Committee he took Y2 a day of vacation to review fill dirt permit files, requested under the Public Information Act. Mr. Scott noted that 80% of the applications included a permit and plan site sketch in the file; two permits issued in the name of Sidney Grant and one in the name of Betty Waters did not include sketches in the file. Mr. Scott informed the Committee the City Secretary was checking on this matter; Mr. Scott believes these individuals are "insiders" and are receiving preferential treatment. Mike Forrister - 1421 Lemon Lane - Mr. Forrister voiced his concerns about potential flooding problems resulting from fill dirt being placed on property in the Lomax area; plus he is concerned with citizens installing their own culverts on "P" Street, while he was informed he could not install his own; showing double standards within the City. 4. COMMITTEE MEMBERS TO DISCUSS AND REVIEW THE ACCEPTANCE FOR FILING AND THE ISSUANCE OF PERMITS UNDER ORDINANCE NO. 1444-A AND RESOLUTION 2003-19 THE MORATORIUM REGARDING THE ACCEPTANCE FOR FILING AND THE ISSUANCE OF PERMITS UNDER ORDINANCE NO. 1444-A AND PROVIDE STAFF WITH DIRECTION TO RESEARCH THE BACKGOUND ON THE Fill Dirt Review Committee M.es- August 7, 2003 Page 2 -- CITY OF LA PORTE DRAINAGE, mSTORY OF THE ORDINANCES, AND TESTIMONIES FROM THE CITIZENS Chairperson Mike Mosteit thanked Committee Member Beasley for deputizing in his absence at the July 24, 2003 Fill Dirt Review Committee. 5. RECEIVE STAFF REPORTS Staff discussed and provided the Committee with an overview of Ordinance 1444-D, including the table, exhibits, informational handouts and fee schedule. Staff suggested minor changes of the silt fence and removal of spreading to occur within 30 days. Councilmember Meismer thanked staff for well-prepared documents. Committee Member Engelken questioned ifthere is a time-table to clean ditches which currently have problems; and what is the City doing regarding maintaining the ditches. Chairman Mosteit originally became concerned regarding the flooding problems. The Committee should assess how the City and County's capabilities could correct the problems. Assistant City Manager John Joerns further noted staff has been reviewing issued permits and property, non-compliance letters have been mailed out, and one red tag. Another citizen is being investigated for not having a permit. These situations will continue to be monitored. The status of "L" Street work is being monitored, a team has been sent to review Lomax Drive, and there will be continued receipt of information from Flood Control. Mr. Mosteit inquired about drainage between "L" Street and "P" Street, he was informed work will not begin in the area until 2005. Mr. Joerns assured Mr. Mosteit he will stay on top of this matter. Director of Public Works Steve Gillett noted that Public Works does not have the equipment to set the culverts on "P" Street; the citizens were instructed to get a permit. Staffwill check on what material was used to cover the culverts. Mr. Meismer noted he felt the committee should stay on the agenda, without discussing the complaints. Mr. Mosteit feels the anonymous complaint issue should be brought up at the full Council Meeting during a future Workshop. 6. NEW BUSINESS Recommendations for City Council Meeting: · Address citywide flooding issues on a citywide basis, with full discussion and direction. · Take Ordinance 1444-D with corrected attachments to Council for approval at the August 11,2003 Meeting. · At a future Workshop Meeting, address citizen's complaints and anonymous complaints, plus the grievance process. · Lift moratorium. Fill Dirt Review Committee M.es- August 7, 2003 Page 3 e' · Mr. Meismer would like permit postings on property, with active permit to be included in citizen's handout package. 7. COMMITTEE COMMENTS Mr. Meismer feels this was a good Committee review; and thanked all the citizens and staff. The Committee will address the matter considering the entire City. Mr. Beasley feels the Committee addressed concerns of the citizens, complimented staffon documentation and plans, and hopes this will clear up and inconsistencies. Mr. Engelken thanked the citizens and staff, and feels the situation was handled as quickly as possible. Mr. Mosteit was critical to consider all sides and thanked the citizens for sharing their concerns and comments. Mr. Mosteit thanked the Committee; stating they had Jone an excellent job; he feels this will correct inconsistencies. 8. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Committee, this meeting was duly adjourned at 6:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, -1YldJ1l1td ~ Martha A. Gillett, TRMC City Secretary ~7:IYl ~ Chairman Mike Mosteit There is no additional committee meeting scheduled, therefore, the Committee Chairman will approve the minutes.