HomeMy WebLinkAbout9-16-2025 KLPB minutes.14mm w1wel ill =:i
Members Present: Virginia Pierson -Turner, Chairperson; Erika Mendez -Gutierrez, Vice
Chairperson; Michael Hanks, Susie Burgess, Peggy Antone, Martha
Gillett, Justin Gorashko, Frank Nance, Alternate 1, Leticia Thralls,
Alternate 4 Allison Vickery-Fowle and Alternate 6, Tom Green
Members Attending Remotely: None
Members Absent: Member Travis Barnett was absent. Alternate 1, Leticia Thralls
presided in his absence. Member Michael Hanks left the meeting early. Alternate 4, Allison
Vickery-Fowle filled in during his absence.
Staff Present: Corby Alexander, City Manager; Tiffaney Bradley, Special Projects &
Communications Manager; Shaun Lundy, Parks Superintendent; Andrew
Brady, Assistant Director of Public Works, Richard Glass, Chief Building
Official, Jonna Matthews, Planning Manager, Orlando Teran, Code
Enforcement Officer
The Keep La Porte Beautiful Committee of the City of La Porte met on
September 16, 2025, at the City Hall Council Chambers,
604 West Fairmont Parkway, La Porte, Texas, at 5:30 p.m.
1. CALL TO ORDER — Chairperson Pierson -Turner called the meeting to order at 5:30
P --m -
2. CITIZEN COMMENT - There were no comments.
3. APPROVE THE MINUTES — Member Nance moved to approve the August 26,2025,
meeting minutes. Member Gillett seconded. The motion was adopted, 9-0.
4.a Presentation, discussion, and possible action on the City of La Porte's code
enforcement and dangerous buildings process, presented by Richard Glass, the Chief
Building Official
Richard Glass, Chief Building Official, Jonna Matthews, Planning Manager, and Orlando
Teran, Code Enforcement Officer, presented on landscaping requirements, code
enforcement processes, and handling of dangerous/substandard buildings.
Landscaping requirements have evolved, with more stringent rules added in 1986 and
2010.
There are many non -conforming properties that don't meet current landscaping,
standards.
Code enforcement focuses on issues like high grass, trash/debris, junk vehicles, and
unpermitted construction.
The city has a dangerous building process to address severely dilapidated structures.
The Committee discussed the challenges of enforcing landscaping requirements on
older properties that were developed before the current standards were in place. There
was a recognition that many of these properties are "grandfathered in" and not required
to meet the new landscaping rules.
The committee members expressed frustration that some property owners,- especially
those on highly visible corridors like Broadway, are not maintainingtheirlandscaping o
properties, despite the city's grant programs being available to help with facade
improvements and beautification.
There was a suggestion to look into changing the ordinances torequireproperty owners
to upgrade landscaping and appearance, even for properties that predate the current
standards. However, City Manager Corby Alexander noted that this would likely face
legal challenges regarding the "vested rights" of existing property owners.
The Committee discussed ways the city could be more proactive in reaching out to
property owners, making them aware of grant programs, and partnering with community
groups or volunteers to help with maintenance and cleanup efforts.
Regarding dangerous buildings, the Committee asked for clarification on the process
the city uses to identify, notify, and potentially demolish severely dilapidated structures.
Chief Building Official Richard Glass provided an overview of the multi -step process for
inspecting and condemning dangerous buildings.
4.b Presentation, discussion, and possible action to host a tree planting event for
Texas Arbor Day, November 7, 2025
The Committee discussed hosting a tree -planting event for Texas Arbor Day on
November 7, 2025.
Member Mendez-Gutierez has connected with Houston Wilderness and Trees for
Houston, who are willing to donate and help plant trees.
Member Burgess discussed working with Barry Ward from Trees for Houston on tree
selection and placement.
Member Mendez-Gutierez discussed hosting the tree planting at MLK Park with t-shirts
for members and alternates to be provided by the City Manager's Office.
President Pieson-Turner discussed an ad hoc committee with herself and Members
Burgess and Nance and Alternate Thralls. Member Burgess will lead the tree planting
event.
The Committee voted 9-0 to move forward with planning a Texas Arbor Day Tree
Planting at MLK Park in La Porte on November 7, 2025.
4.c Presentation, discussion, and possible action on a report from the Keep Texas
Beautiful research ad hoc committee
Member Mendez-Gutierez presented designs for a logo, mission statement, and tagline
for the Keep Texas Beautiful Affiliate Application.
The Committee approved a mission statement for the Keep LaPorte Beautiful
Committee: "Keep LaPorte Beautiful is committed to preserving our city's heritage,
fostering community pride, and creating a cleaner, greener, and more beautiful place to
call home."
A logo and tagline ("Pride in our past, beauty in our future") were also selected.
The Committee agreed to provide an operation, events, and marketing budget for year
one, with Member Mendez-Gutierez taking the lead.
The Committee discussed potentially applying for a solid waste grant from the Houston -
Galveston Area Council.
The Committee will continue to work with city staff and explore grant opportunities to
fund their initiatives.
4.d Discussion and possible action for future Keep La Porte Beautiful Committee
priority projects and initiatives
The Committee reviewed a list of 22 potential projects and initiatives that its members
had previously ranked.
The top priorities identified were:
1. Increasing facade enhancement r)roiects
2. Entry monuments and Wharton Weems
3. More passive and natural parks
4. Input into the Main Street Plan
5. Fairmont Parkway with County E 146
6. Canopy Shade Inventory
Member Nance discussed forming three subcommittees to develop action plans for
these top priorities further,
Member Nance discussed sending an email to committee members, allowing them to
sign up for the subcommittee based on their interests.
5. ADJOURN — Without objection, Chair Pierson -Turner adiourned the meeting at 7:40
p.m.
Tiffs ' LBra �e �y
Special Projects & Communications Manager