HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-29-14 Wrecker Committee Meeting and Public Hearing minutesCity of La Porte
Wrecker Committee
Minutes of July 29, 2014
Committee Members Present: Planning Director Tim Tietjens (designated representative of the City
Manager), Asst. Police Chief Ron Parker (for Lt. Gary Rice, designated
representative of the Police Chief), and City Secretary Patrice Fogarty
Staff Members Present: Assistant City Attorney Clark Askins, Chief Building Official Mark Huber,
Deputy Building Official R.J. Davidson, and Office Coordinator Peggy Lee
1. Call to order.
Meeting called to order by Chairman Tim Tietjens at 3:02 p.m.
2. Roll call of members.
Tim Tietjens, Patrice Fogarty, and Ron Parker were present for roll call.
3. Consider approval of February 19, 2013, meeting minutes.
Motion by Patrice Fogarty to approve the Minutes of February 19, 2013.
Second by Ron Parker. Motion carried unanimously.
4. Conduct public hearing to receive input on a request by Industrial Transportation and Towing LLC
for issuance of two (2) emergency auto wrecker permits, under section 78-297 of the La Porte Code
of Ordinances.
A. Open public hearing
Chairman Tietjens opened the public hearing at 3:04 p.m.
B. Staff comments
Mark Huber reported the applicant's wrecker permit application is in order; however
clarification is needed on several items:
■ A freightliner was listed on the applicant's cab card. Is the freightliner included in the
request?
■ The existing fence around the storage yard is 6' and does not meet the 8' height
requirement.
■ The storage yard does not comply with the proposed surface material shown on the site
plan, which is milled asphalt.
C. Public comments
Troy Harrison, police officer with the City of Shoreacres, stated the applicant had been
instrumental in helping his department work through some fleet issues. Mr. Harrison is in favor
of granting the wrecker permits due to his personal experience with the applicant.
Wrecker Committee
Minutes of July 29, 2014
Page 2 of 2
Richard Thompson, 413 Oakdale, commented on the outstanding items reported by Mr. Huber:
■ The freightliner is not included in the application.
■ The fence will be altered to comply with the 8' height requirement.
■ The parking surface will be improved in accordance with the site plan.
When questioned about the house that is located on the site, Mr. Thompson responded the
house would either be moved or demolished.
Mr. Huber suggested the applicant contact the Inspection Division to discuss code requirements
that will be applicable for the building being proposed as an office.
Assistant City Attorney Clark Askins inquired about general liability insurance and said he would
check into whether general liability insurance is required.
Before rendering its decision, the Committee suggested the applicants be given more time to
address the outstanding items.
D. Close public hearing
Motion by Ron Parker to postpone a decision on issuance of two (2) emergency auto wrecker
permits for Industrial Transportation and Towing LLC, and continue the public hearing until
August 26, 2014, at 3:00 p.m.
Second by Patrice Fogarty. Motion carried unanimously.
5. Consider approval or other action regarding issuance of two (2) emergency auto wrecker permits
for Industrial Transportation and Towing LLC.
No action was taken by the Committee regarding issuance of two (2) emergency auto wrecker
permits for Industrial Transportation and Towing LLC.
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.
8. Adjourn.
Chairman Tietjens adjourned the meeting at 3:39 p.m.
Prepared by Peggy Lee, Office Coordinator