HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-18-25 KLPB minutes
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE
KEEP LA PORTE BEAUTIFUL COMMITTEE
OF THE CITY OF LA PORTE
Members Present: Virginia Pierson-Turner, Chairperson; Erika Mendez-Gutierrez, Vice
Chairperson; Members Michael Hanks, Peggy Antone, Martha Gillett,
Frank Nance, Alternate 1, Leticia Thralls, Alternate 4 Allison Vickery-
Fowle, and Alternate 6 Tom Green.
Members Attending Remotely: None
Members Absent: Member Susie Burgess was absent. Alternate 4 Allison Vickery-Fowle
presided in her absence. Travis Barnett was absent. Alternate 1, Leticia Thralls presided
in his absence. Justin Gorashko was absent. Alternate 6 Member Tom Green presided in
his absence. Shaun Lundy, Parks Superintendent, was absent.
Staff Present: Matt Daeumer, Assistant City Manager; Tiffaney Bradley, Special Projects
& Communications Manager; Jameson Appel, Public Works Assistant
Directory and Andrew Brady, Public Works Assistant Director
The Keep La Porte Beautiful Committee of the City of La Porte met on
November 18, 2025, at the City Hall Council Chambers,
604 West Fairmont Parkway, La Porte, Texas, at 5:30 p.m.
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1. CALL TO ORDER – Chairperson Pierson-Turner called the meeting to order at 5:30
p.m.
2. CITIZEN COMMENT - Daryl Herron, 2331 Duane Drive. Daryl Herron expressed
concern about the number of code violations he has observed while volunteering with
the city’s code enforcement, noting more than 75 issues—including about 50 junk
vehicles—within three weeks. He emphasized that beautification should include
addressing significant cleanup needs in both residential and commercial areas, where
he believes staffing is insufficient and processes are outdated. Daryl also pointed out
that city-owned properties and easements need attention and maintenance. He urged
the committee and City leadership to expand volunteer recruitment and strengthen
support for cleanup efforts citywide.
3. APPROVE THE MINUTES – Member Gillett moved to approve the October 21, 2025,
meeting minutes. Member Nance seconded. The motion was adopted 8-0.
4. COMMITTEE CHARGE, DISCUSSION, AND POSSIBLE ACTION
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4.a Presentation, discussion and possible action on the City of La Porte’s
proposed soundwall project. [Public Works Assistant Director Jameson Appel]
Assistant Public Works Director Jameson Appel presented several options for
creating a physical barrier along the linear trail south of Barbours Cut to address
residents’ concerns about noise, trash, and safety from nearby truck stops and
industrial uses. He outlined alternatives including an engineered sound wall, earthen
berms, vegetative buffers, and a hybrid berm-and-wall system, noting tradeoffs in
cost, sound reduction, aesthetics, and maintenance.
Councilman Robert Guerra spoke on the record explaining that the project originated
from complaints about blowing trash, truck noise, and security concerns affecting
nearby neighborhoods, and emphasized the benefits of a sou nd wall combined with
greenery.
Committee members discussed right-of-way constraints, neighborhood input, and
the possibility of extending similar improvements to other parts of La Porte.
Member Nance moved, and Member Gillett seconded, a motion to recommend
Option 3 to the La Porte City Council: a Northside Sound Wall Project using
landscape breams combined with sound walls and appropriate landscaping. The
motion was adopted 8-0.
4.b Presentation and discussion on the City of La Porte’s Public Works
Department operational processes and programs. [Public Works Assistant
Director Andrew Brady]
Public Works Assistant Director Andrew Brady provided an in-depth overview of the
Solid Waste Division, including staffing, heavy trash collection, residentia l garbage
operations, and recycling center improvements. He highlighted enhanced signage,
new QR-code, and expanded drop-off categories, designed to increase diversion
and resident confidence in recycling.
Committee members asked questions about contamination, hours of operation,
community tours, hazardous waste options, and public education during storms.
Overall, the committee expressed strong appreciation for Public Works’ service
quality and responsiveness.
4.c Presentation and discussion for the Texas Arbor Day tree planting event at
MLK Park on November 7. [Chairperson Virginia Pierson-Turner]
Chairperson Pierson-Turner provided an update on behalf of Member Susie
Burgess, who led the planning of the Texas Arbor Day Tree Planting at Martin Luther
King Jr. Park on November 7.
Chair Pierson-Turner detailed a thank-you report from Member Burgess recognizing
Trees for Houston, Altivia, the Parks Department, volunteers, and several committee
members. The briefing recapped the successful planting of native trees at MLK Park,
the planning meetings, pre-drilled holes, volunteer coordination, and city staff efforts
to ensure the event ran smoothly. Photos were shared and the committee noted the
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event’s community engagement, and opportunities to replic ate similar projects in the
future.
4. d. Presentation, discussion, and possible action on updates from the Keep
Texas Beautiful Research Ad Hoc Committee. [Vice Chairperson Erika Mendez-
Gutierrez]
Vice Chair Erika Mendez-Gutierrez presented an update on the City’s Keep Texas
Beautiful affiliate application, noting that most requirements had been completed and
only the volunteer media directory needed final additions from committee members.
She discussed projected budget needs and shared insights from a recent visit with
Seabrook’s Keep Texas Beautiful affiliate to learn best practices. The committee
reviewed partnership opportunities, next steps, and anticipated timelines. Vice Chair
Mendez-Gutierrez said she plans to submit the application before the end of the
year.
4. e. Presentation, discussion, and possible action from Keep Texas Beautiful
following three sub-committees: Parks, Main Street and Façade Grants, and
Monuments and Special Projects. [Member Frank Nance]
Member Frank Nance recommended monthly meetings for each subcommittee to
streamline the progress, identify feasible beautification projects, and report updates
back to the main KLPB committee. Discussion included clarifying the roles of the
Main Street/Facade Enhancement group, coordinating with city planning efforts,
prioritizing city facilities for landscape improvements, and preparing for the new
landscape design consultant.
4.f. Committee Comments
Committee members shared closing thoughts, expressing appreciation to city staff,
Public Works, Parks, and volunteers for their support since the KLPB committee
began. They discussed meeting schedules for the holidays, ultimately agreeing to
skip the December 17, 2025, meeting and resuming the committee’s monthly
schedule in January. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
Additional comments reaffirmed enthusiasm for upcoming beautification efforts and
readiness to continue building momentum in the new year.
5. ADJOURN – Without objection, Chair Pierson-Turner adjourned the meeting at 7:10
p.m.
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Tiffaney Bradley
Special Projects & Communications Manager