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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-22-82 Meeting of the La Porte Area Water Authority Minutes LA PORTE AREA WATER AUTHORITY BOARD Corrected Minutes from March 2, 1982 PRESENT: J.J. Meza, Mayor, Jack Owen, City Manager, Steve Gillett, Linda Wilson, Susan Gilliland, Jerry Bramlett, Al Fields, cary Burnley, Betsy Weber, B. Don Skelton, Dave Anderson, Freida Beaty, John Longley The meeting was called to order by Mayor J.J. Meza at 7:00 P.M. The Mayor administered the oath of office of the La Porte Water Authority Board members. It was noted that Travis Doughty and advisor Jim Schindewolf, were unable to attend this meeting and would be given the oath of office at the next meeting. It was a unanimous decision that the following people would serve in the stated positions: cary Burnley Jerry Bramlett Susan Gilliland - President - Vice-President - Secretary At this point the Mayor turned the meeting over to the President, cary Burnley, to discuss the duties of the Board which are: 1. to plan and make a feasibility study for the needs of surface water in La Porte 2. discuss and establish the future plans It was brought up that there was a need to go to surface water, but it was up to the Board to establish the rules as to how and when. It was brought to the Board's attention that our City Manager, previously worked with the Trinity Bay Conservation District. in this area will be of great help to the Board. Jack Owen, His knowledge Mr. Owen distributed a map to each of the Board members. This map outlined the boundaries incorporated within the district of the Water Authority Board. The Board, should it see fit, can go beyond these boundaries in certain areas. Mr. Owen stated he saw the need for the following in the very near future: 1. an interlocal contract between the City of La Porte and the Authority for front-end funding. The Board has no source of income until bonds are sold, etc. 2. after the contract is made the Board should obtain a consultant firm to do a feasibility study. La Porte Area Water Authority Board Page Two March 2, 1982 3. an intensive study of the area that is planned to be served should be made with projections of future land use and growth to help in determining the future water reQuirements. Mr. Owen recommended that the Board invite proposals from engineering firms to make the feasibility study. The general scope and reQuirements for the study should be determined prior to reQuesting proposals. Mr. Owen stated this was one of the most important projects undertaken in this area. Even though the job is a very important one, the Board should not rush. Mr. Burnley commented that Legislation also gave the Board the authority to process Wastewater. Mr. Owen commented that we do realize there are problems in certain other areas, but at this time the Board should concentrate on water. Other areas of concern should be taken up with City Council at a later date. Mr. Bramlett inQuired if there were long range plans for industrial usage? None were known of for the La Porte area. Mr. Owen stated a budget should be developed in order to plan for future ex- penditures. Mr. Owen also stated that there is a sketch plan that will be available to the Board. City Council will be looking at recommendations from the Planning and Zoning Board concerning zoning in the near future. Mr. Burnley asked if there was any past information that could be collected that would help the present Board. Any information on file will be made available to the Board. Mr. Bramlett inQuired of other Cities in our area that used surface water, it was stated that Bay town, Texas City and the City of Houston are presently using surface water. Mr. Owen informed the Board that they needed to decide when they would meet and how often and Mr. Owen stated that he would keep the records of the Water Authority Board in the City Hall offices at the present time. Councilman Skelton stated he felt certain that Harris County had sent a letter on the Water Authority and the City Secretary should have a copy. Councilman Longley congratulated the Board. The Board decided on once a month meetings with the first monthly meeting to be on Monday, March 22, 1982. The vote was unanimous that the meeting be held at City Hall in the Council Chambers. Council Skelton suggested that the Board contact someone in the City of Bay town about the possibility of visiting with our Board for an informational meeting. La Porte Area Water Authority Board Page Three March 2, 1982 It was mantioned that we need to assemble all the information possible prior to March 22, 1982 meeting. Mr. Owen stated he would talk to Knox Askins on the subject of a contract with the City of La Porte for funding of the Board. Susan Gilliland will assist Mr. Owen in this matter. Mr. Burnley stated he felt the first contract that needed to be drawn up was with the City of La Porte and they also need to contact consultants for the approval of the committee. At this time the Board introduced themselves to everyone present. In closing Mr. Owen informed the Board that they definitely had a difficult task to do, but he felt they would find it most enjoyable. There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 7:55 P.M. /me Date LA PORTE AREA WATER AUTHORITY BOARD March 22, 1982 PRESENT: Jack Owen, City Manager, Jerry Hodge, Martha Eldridge, Travis Doughty, cary Burnley, Jerry Bramlett, Al Fields, Susan Gilliland, Freida Beaty, Betsy Weber, David Anderson The meeting was called to order by Cary Burnley, President, at 7:00 P.M. Mr. Burnley administered the oath of office to Travis Doughty. It was noted Jim Shindewolf was not present at this meeting. At this time, Mr. Burnley stated the next item on the agenda was approval of the minutes of the last meeting. He ask if anyone had any correction or additions to these minutes. It was noted that Jerry Bramlett, Dave Anderson, and Jim Shindewolf's names were mispelled. It was a unanimous decision that the minutes be accepted as published with the abovementioned corrections. cary Burnley, President, noted that the Board needed to adopt Parliamentary procedures for meetings. It was suggested that procedures such as Roberts Rules of Orders be used. Travis Doughtymoved that we use and accept Roberts Rules of Orders, Jerry Bramlett seconded the motion. It was a unanimous decision that the Board use and accept Roberts Rules of Orders. Mr. Owen stated he had gotten in touch with Fritz Lanham, City Manager for Bay town, and was informed they started out and went completely through the preliminary stages, without an interlocal agreement. Mr. Owen recommended that we not do so, he feels we need to, at least, have a letter of agreement drawn up by Knox Askins. He feels we should do so, if for no other reason than to insure that the City could recover its expenditures. Mr. Owen also stated since we were unable to get a copy of a contract from the City of Bay town, we will have to draw one up from scratch. Mr. Owen did receive various copies of contracts from the City of Bay town. He asked the Board to look over these for the next few months. It was noted that these contracts are for informational purposes only. Discussion followed concerning a regular meeting day for the Board. Travis Doughty moved that we have our meetings on the third Monday of each month at 6:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers, Susan Gilliland seconded this motion and the decision was unanimous. At this point, Mr. Burnley appointed two (2) committee members from the Board, stating that all committees would include Jack Owen as an Ex-Officio member. Mr. Owen will not be required to attend all meetings, but he is to be notified of said meetings. This committee is to prepare specifications for proposals from engineering firms. Susan Gilliland and Jerry Bramlett accepted these positions with Mr. Shindewolf as an Ex-Officio member also. Water Authority Board Page Two March 22, 1982 Mr. Burnley appointed Travis Doughty and Al Fields to a committee to compile a list of firms from which to solicit proposals. Both members accepted this position, with Mr. Anderson as an Ex-Officio member of the committee. At this point, Mr. Burnley encouraged all members to attend any meetings they would like, and to contribute any information that would be helpful. He ask that they be careful not to have a meeting of more than two (2) board members present, without posting an agenda. He also stated he would like Mr. Hodge to be invited to attend the meetings. It was noted that Mr. Owen would also be an Ex-Officio member to this committee. Mr. Hodge stated that Public Works would be glad to help the committee members in any way possible. Mr. Owen stated that he had a copy of the feasibility study from the City of Bay town. He will have the copy in his office for any Board member who would like to examine it. Mr. Burnley ask for any discussion on the two (2) committes, at this point. Mr. Anderson made a statement in reference to the last meeting. He stated that Mr. Owen invisioned this to be three (3) contracts, a survey, an engineering contract and a construction contract. He has completed research that he feels will help both committees and he can obtain this from his employer. He mentioned a need for the survey, scoping definition in order to save the tax payers money. He offered an outline for the Board members to study. Susan Gilliland ask that if in several years it was found that we did not need surface water, how would we explain to the citizens. Mr. Burnley stated that the City of La Porte was in favor of a feasibility study and emphasized that it is just a study at this time. Mr. Burnley stated we are taking no position at this time, just a study to determine the feasibility of providing surface water and a future course of action. A concern about public opinion was brought up. The Board felt the public should be kept informed about the study. Mr. Burnley also mentioned there is some confusion about ad valorem taxing authority. The Water Authority does not have the authority to levy taxes. At this point, Mr. Burnley mentioned items for the next agenda. The agenda should include the following items: (1) establish the Liability of Water Authority Board, (2) determine operational expenses, and (3) receive reports from all committees. Susan Gilliland requested information concerning the Harris-Galveston Coastal Subsidence District. Mr. Burnley requested that Jerry Hodge arrange a meeting with the Subsidence District and notify the members of the date. In closing, Mr. Burnley stated that the main concern is to get the feasibility study made. There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 7:55 P.M. Water Authority Boar Page Three March 22, 1982 Date