HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-20-11 Regular Meeting and Public Hearing of the La Porte Wrecker CommitteeCity of La Porte
Wrecker Committee
Minutes of December 20, 2011
Committee Members Present: Tim Tietjens, Planning Director (designated representative of the City
Manager); Sharon Harris filling in for Patrice Fogarty, City Secretary; and Jeff
Tippit filling in for Lt. Gary Rice (designated representative of the Police
Chief)
Staff Members Present: Clark Askins, Assistant City Attorney; Debbie Wilmore, Chief Building
Official; and Shannon Green, Planning Assistant
1. Call to order.
Meeting called to order by Chairman Tim Tietjens at 3:02 p.m.
2. Roll call of members.
Tim Tietjens, Sharon Harris, and Jeff Tippit were present for roll call.
3. Consider approval of October 11, 2011, meeting minutes.
Motion by Sharon Harris to approve the Minutes of October 11, 2011. Second by Jeff Tippit. Motion
carried unanimously.
4. Continue the August 30, 2011 public hearing on possible action to suspend, cancel or revoke
Wrecker Permit Numbers 549 thru 558 issued to RBEX, Inc. d/b/a Apple Towing Co.
A.Open public hearing
Chairman Tietjens opened the public hearing at 3:05 p.m.
B.Staff comments
Chief Building Official Debbie Wilmore provided the Committee with recent site photos as well
as the background and an update of the property at 400 E. Main. In addition, staff requested
direction from the committee regarding the ten (10) 2011 wrecker permits as well as direction
regarding possible 2012 permits.
C.Public comments
Charlie Hinds of Hinds Paint and Body spoke in favor of Apple Towing. He believed Apple has
done everything they could but the passing of Mr. De Walt’s wife delayed the property
sale/closing.
Todd Johnston of Apple Towing updated the Committee. Mr. DeWalt is now executor but the
title company needs time to review the judge’s ruling and the existing title policy. Mr. Johnston
expects closing to occur on or before January 10, 2012.
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Minutes of December 20, 2011
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Clark Askins, City Attorney, confirmed receipt of letter of testamentary from Mr. Dewalt.
Mr. Johnston informed the Committee landscaping could be completed by the end of January
but the parking lot and other items would take at least 90-days. He asked the Committee what
document identifies the required completion date.
Ms. Wilmore reminded the Board that the two previous “conditional approval” letters identified
the items to be completed but failed to state a specific deadline. She suggested the Committee
include a deadline (possibly 06-30-12 for all conditions) in the new letter if permits are
“conditionally approved” for 2012. That letter would assist both Apple Towing and staff in
achieving compliance.
D.Close public hearing
Chairman Tietjens closed the public hearing at 3:20 pm.
5. Consider action to suspend, cancel or revoke Wrecker Permit Numbers 549 thru 558 issued to RBEX,
Inc. d/b/a Apple Towing Co. or take other action
Motions by Jeff Tippit, as shown below:
#1) Allow the existing 2011 Emergency Wrecker Permit Nos. 549 thru 558 to remain on
st
the emergency rotation list until their 12/31 expiration
#2) “Conditionally approve” ten (10) Emergency Wrecker Permits for 2012:
All conditions to be satisfied no later than 06/30/12. If all conditions are not met, the
Committee will review Apple’s permits.
Obtain ownership of the property
Meet all ordinance required site plan criteria, including all improvements noted during
the hearing
Install landscaping in accordance with an approved landscape plan
Coordinate with utility company to correct leaning poles/lines
Install full cut-off lighting
Install new asphalt parking spaces
Obtain Harris County driveway permit for proposed drive changes
Remove all base material overflow along city rights-of-way
Obtain required city permits/inspections
Second by Sharon Harris. Motion carried unanimously.
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Minutes of December 20, 2011
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6. Administrative Reports
There were no administrative reports.
7. Committee comments on matters appearing on agenda or inquiry of staff regarding specific
factual information or existing policy.
There were no committee comments.
Mr. Charlie Hinds addressed the Committee regarding the towing rotations. Mr. Hinds informed the
Committee he has spoken with the Chief of Police regarding La Porte Towing responding on behalf
of La Porte Automotive using one of La Porte Towing’s vehicles and drivers. He asked about the
recorded call for service and Jeff Tippit informed Mr. Hinds and the Committee they had technical
difficulties on copying the recording but should have it ready at a later date.
The Chairman asked staff to schedule a meeting and send out required notices once the Police
Department completes their copy ofthe recording. A future meeting date to be determined.
8. Adjourn
Chairman Tietjens adjourned the meeting at 3:29 p.m.
Prepared by Shannon Green, Planning Assistant