HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-09-2026 CC minutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA PORTE
Councilpersons Present: Rick Helton, Brandon Lunsford, Brent McCaulley, Chuck
Engelken, Bill Bentley, Robert Guerra, Jay Martin, Robbie
McLarrin
Councilpersons Attending Remotely: None
Councilpersons Absent: Mandi Williams
Council -appointed Officers Present: Corby Alexander, City Manager; Clark T. Askins,
City Attorney; Lee Woodward, City Secretary
The City Council of the City of La Porte met in a regular meeting on
February 9, 2026, at the City Hall Council Chambers,
604 West Fairmont Parkway, La Porte, Texas, at 6:00 p.m.
1. Call to Order - Mayor Helton called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m.
2. Invocation and Pledges of Allegiance
Walter Brumley of La Porte River of God Church provided an invocation and
Councilperson McLarrin led the pledges.
3. Recognitions
a. Recognition of Employees for Years of Service
Christopher Brooks - Solid Waste Worker (15 years)
Chris Paige - School Resource Officer (25 years)
b. Recognition of Maria Lawler, newly certified as a Texas Registered Municipal
Clerk, and Robin Lenio, recertified as a Texas Registered Municipal Clerk.
[Lee Woodward, City Secretary/PIO]
The Texas Municipal Clerk's Association's (TMCA) Texas Municipal Clerks
Certification Program (TMCCP) is a self -paced distance learning program that
consists of four courses, each requiring approximately 50 hours of study and an
exam, on public management and administration; local government law; local
government finance, revenue sources, and budgeting; public funds investment,
ethics; HR; public relations; and election law
(https://municlerks. unt.edu/certification-prog ram-introduction.html).
4. Citizen Comment
Item 8.c. was presented before this item, without objection. Phillip Hoot shared his
opinions on the Planning Department permitting processes. Gus Brieden and his son
Charles Brieden asked the Council to consider putting 911 West Main back on the
truck route.
5. Consent Agenda
a. Approve the minutes of the regular City Council meeting held on January 12,
2026. [Lee Woodward, City Secretary/PIO]
b. Wayfinding Signage -Approve the purchase of wayfinding signage from Ezzi
Signs, Inc. under Choice Partner contract #241047TC to include fourteen (14)
Non -Illuminated Single Sided Wayfinding Signs, two (2) Non -Illuminated
Double Sided Wayfinding Signs, three (3) Illuminated Double Sided Cabinets
with City Map and Vinyl Graphics on the Front Bottom and Back Reading
"Free Public Parking Lot", and four (4) Non -Illuminated Parking Signs with
arrows, in the amount of $122,725.00. [Tim Miller, Parks & Recreation
Director]
c. Interlocal Agreement with Harris County for Brookglen Drainage
Improvements Phase II - Authorize the City Manager to execute an interlocal
agreement between the City of La Porte, Texas, and Harris County to receive
Harris County partnership funds for the Brookglen Subdivision Drainage
Improvements Phase 11 Project. [Jameson Appel, Assistant Director of Public
Works]
d. Rollover Encumbrances -Approve rollover of requested encumbrances from
the City of La Porte, Texas, Fiscal Year 2025 budget to the City of La Porte,
Texas, Fiscal Year 2026 budget. [Shelley Wolny, Assistant Director of
Finance]
e. IDA Agreement - Adopt Ordinance 2020-IDA-166 authorizing the execution by
the City of La Porte, Texas, of an Industrial District Agreement with
Enterprise Refined Products Company, LLC for property located at 2012
Miller Cut -Off Road, in the Battleground Industrial District. [Shelley Wolny,
Assistant Finance Director]
f. Data Prose - Approve the expenditure of $110,000.00 for Data Prose for the
printing and mailing of City of La Porte utility bills. [Shelley Wolny, Assistant
Director of Finance]
g. Approve Resolution 2026-07 - Approve Resolution 2026-07 demonstrating
commitment by the City of La Porte, Texas, to enter into an interlocal
agreement with Harris County for Partnership funding in the amount of
$2,091,635.00 for construction of intersection improvements at Spencer
Highway and 16th Street. [Ray Mayo, Director of Public Works]
Councilperson Engelken moved to approve the consent agenda; Councilperson
Bentley seconded the motion: the motion was adopted, 8-0.
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6. Public Hearings and Associated Ordinances
a. Ordinance 2026-5028 Chapter 86 (Development Regulations) Amendment -
The City Council will hold a public hearing to receive comments regarding a
recommendation by the Planning and Zoning Commission to approve
Ordinance 2026-5028 amending section 86-8 "Subdivision Plats" of the Code
of Ordinances of the City of La Porte, Texas, to allow for Planning Director
approval of Final Plats, Vacating Plats, and Replats that do not require a
public hearing, as allowed under Texas Local Government Code Chapter
212; followed by discussion and possible action to approve or deny
Ordinance 2026-5028 amending Section 86-8 "Subdivision Plats" of the Code
of Ordinances of the City of La Porte, Texas, to allow for Planning Director
approval of Final Plats, Vacating Plats, and Replats that do not require a
public hearing, as allowed under Texas Local Government Code Chapter 212.
[Ryan Hvitlok, Planning Director, Planning and Development Department]
Mayor Helton opened the public hearing at 6:29 p.m. Ryan Hvitlok provided a
report. There were no public comments. Mayor Helton closed the public hearing at
6:33 p.m.
Councilperson Engelken moved to adopt Ordinance 2026-5028 amending Section
86-8 "Subdivision Plats" of the Code of Ordinances of the City of La Porte, Texas,
to allow for Planning Director approval of Final Plats, Vacating Plats, and Replats
that do not require a public hearing, as allowed under Texas Local Government
Code Chapter 212; Councilperson Bentley seconded the motion; the motion was
adopted, 8-0.
b. Ordinance 2026-5029 Chapter 106 (Zoning) Amendments - The City Council
will hold a public hearing to receive comments regarding a recommendation
by the Planning and Zoning Commission to approve Ordinance 2026-5029
amending Chapter 106 "Zoning" of the Code of Ordinances of the City of La
Porte, Texas, creating a new Section 106-312 to establish regulations for
mobile food vendors; followed by discussion and possible action to approve
or deny Ordinance 2026-5029 amending Chapter 106 "Zoning" of the Code
of Ordinances of the City of La Porte, Texas, creating a new Section 106-312
to establish regulations for mobile food vendors. [Ryan Hvitlok, Planning
Director, Planning and Development Department]
Mayor Helton opened the public hearing at 6:34 p.m. Ryan Hvitlok provided a
report. Phillip Hoot asked about the parameters of the two-hour limit on the
regulations and suggested it be reviewed. Mayor Helton closed the public hearing
at 6:42 p.m.
Councilperson Engelken moved to adopt Ordinance 2026-502 amending Chapter
106 "Zoning" of the Code of Ordinances of the City of La Porte, Texas, creating a
new Section 106-312 to establish regulations for mobile food vendors;
Councilperson Bentley seconded the motion; the motion was adopted, 8-0.
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7. Statutory Agenda
a. 2026 Joint Election Agreement and Election Services Contract with the City
of Shoreacres - Presentation, discussion, and possible action to approve a
joint election agreement and election services contract between the City of
La Porte, Texas, and the City of Shoreacres, Texas, for the May 2, 2026,
election cycle. [Lee Woodward, City Secretary/PIO]
Ms. Woodward offered an overview. No action was taken.
b. S. Broadway Livable Centers Study Community Advisory Group (CAG)
appointments - Presentation, discussion, and possible action to appoint
members to the City of La Porte, Texas, South Broadway Livable Centers
Study Community Advisory Group (CAG). [Ryan Hvitlok, Planning Director]
Mr. Hvitlok offered a presentation. Councilperson McLarrin moved to appoint
members to the City of La Porte, Texas, South Broadway Livable Centers Study
Community Advisory Group (CAG), as follows
• Planning and Zoning Commission Members - Victor Peres and Wayne Landin
• Councilperson District 4 Robert Guerra
• Councilperson District 5 Jay Martin
• Chamber of Commerce Representative, President Jeff Martin
• Downtown Representative - Marty Campise
• Broadway Property Owner - Pat Hefley
• Broadway Property Owner - Shelly Green
• LPISD Representative - Dr. Bobby Martinez
• Harris County Precinct 2 Representative - Kristen Lee
; Mayor Pro Tem McCaulley seconded the motion; the motion was adopted, 8-0.
c. Ordinance 2026-5031 - Boundary Adjustment Agreement between the City of
La Porte and the City of Morgan's Point - Presentation, discussion, and
possible action to adopt Ordinance 2026-5031 approving a Boundary
Adjustment Agreement between the City of La Porte, Texas, and the City of
Morgan's Point, Texas, adjusting the boundary between the two cities by
moving the City of La Porte, Texas, boundary line with the City of Morgan's
Point, Texas, from the eastern right-of-way line to the western right-of-way
line of the undeveloped Donaldson Avenue right-of-way. [Ryan Hvitlok,
Director of Planning & Development]
Mr. Hvitlok offered a presentation. Councilperson Engelken moved to adopt
Ordinance 2026-5031 approving a Boundary Adjustment Agreement between the
City of La Porte, Texas, and the City of Morgan's Point, Texas, adjusting the
boundary between the two cities by moving the City of La Porte, Texas, boundary
line with the City of Morgan's Point, Texas, from the eastern right-of-way line to the
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western right-of-way line of the undeveloped Donaldson Avenue right-of-way;
Councilperson Guerra seconded the motion; the motion was adopted, 8-0.
d. Ordinance 2026-5019 - Street and Alley Closure (SAC) Request #SAC-2025-
0009 - Presentation, discussion, and possible action to adopt Ordinance
2026-5019 for approval of Street and Alley Closure #SAC-2025-0009 for the
purpose of vacating, abandoning, and closing 1) an approximately 24,000
square foot portion of the undeveloped 60-foot 12th Street right-of-way
between W. Tyler Street and Madison Street and 2) an approximately 6,400
square foot portion of an undeveloped 16-foot alleyway between Lots 1-16
and 17-32, Block 649 of the Town of La Porte subdivision, Harris County,
Texas, and authorizing the execution and delivery of a deed to the adjoining
landowners. [Ryan Hvitlok, Director of Planning & Development]
Mr. Hvitlok offered a presentation. Owner Alton Ogden was permitted to answer
questions from the Council. Councilperson Guerra moved to adopt Ordinance
2026-5019 for approval of Street and Alley Closure #SAC-2025-0009 for the
purpose of vacating, abandoning, and closing 1) an approximately 24,000 square
foot portion of the undeveloped 60-foot 12th Street right-of-way between W. Tyler
Street and Madison Street and 2) an approximately 6,400 square foot portion of
an undeveloped 16-foot alleyway between Lots 1-16 and 17-32, Block 649 of the
Town of La Porte subdivision, Harris County, Texas, and authorizing the execution
and delivery of a deed to the adjoining landowners; Councilperson Engelken
seconded the motion; the motion was adopted, 7-1, Councilperson Martin voting
against.
e. Recreation and Fitness Center - Change Order 1 - Presentation, discussion,
and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute Change Order
No. 1 with Construction Masters of Houston, Inc., for the Recreation and
Fitness Center Phase II Project, with a total expenditure of $169,033.99. [Ray
Mayo, Director of Public Works]
Mr. Mayo offered a presentation. Councilperson Engelken moved to authorize the
City Manager to execute Change Order No. 1 with Construction Masters of
Houston, Inc., for the Recreation and Fitness Center Phase II Project, with a total
expenditure of $169,033.99; Councilperson Bentley seconded the motion; the
motion was adopted, 8-0.
f. Anchored Restorations - Enhancement Grant - Presentation, discussion, and
possible action to authorize expenditure by the La Porte Development
Corporation in an amount not to exceed $41,326.00 under terms of
enhancement grant incentive agreement between the La Porte Development
Corporation and Anchored Restorations LLC for facade enhancements to
building and associated site improvements located at 914 S. Broadway
Street, La Porte, Texas. [Haley Bowers, Economic Development Manager]
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Mrs. Bowers offered a presentation. Councilperson Engelken moved to authorize
expenditure by the La Porte Development Corporation in an amount not to exceed
$41,326.00 under terms of enhancement grant incentive agreement between the
La Porte Development Corporation and Anchored Restorations LLC for facade
enhancements to building and associated site improvements located at 914 S.
Broadway Street: Mayor Pro Tem McCaulley seconded the motion; the motion was
adopted, 8-0.
Ordinance 2026-5030 amending the City Council Rules of Procedure and
Ethics Policy - Presentation, discussion, and possible action to adopt
Ordinance 2026-5030, amending the City Council's adopted Rules of
Procedure and Ethics Policy to allow a single member of the City Council to
place agenda items on the annual City Council 'pre -budget retreat' agenda.
[Rick Helton, Mayor]
Mr. Alexander offered an explanation. Councilperson Engelken moved to adopt
Ordinance 2026-5030, amending the City Council's adopted Rules of Procedure
and Ethics Policy to allow a single member of the City Council to place agenda
items on the annual City Council 'pre -budget retreat' agenda: Councilperson
Bentley seconded the motion; the motion was adopted, 8-0.
h. Appointments to the Keep La Porte Beautiful Committee - Presentation,
discussion, and possible action to appoint Susie Burgess to an alternate
position, to fill her District 3 representative position, and reorder the
alternate appointments to the Keep La Porte Beautiful Committee. [Lee
Woodward, City Secretary/PIO]
City Secretary Woodward offered a presentation. Councilperson Engelken moved
to appoint Susie Burgess to an alternate position, to fill her District 3 representative
position, and reorder the alternate appointments to the Keep La Porte Beautiful
Committee in the following manner
Susie Burgess to Alternate 4
Leticia Thralls to District 3 Representative
Jay `Allison' Vickery-Fowle to Alternate 1
Joshua Lege to Alternate 2
Tom Green to Alternate 3
Brady Nance to Alternate 5.
; Councilperson Bentley seconded the motion; the motion was adopted, 8-0.
8. Reports
a. Report of the La Porte Development Corporation Board of Directors meeting
held on February 9, 2026. [Councilperson Engelken]
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Councilperson Engelken said the Board met, adopted an update to the
enhancement grant policy, approved an enhancement grant incentive agreement
with the GW Group Properties LLC, approved an enhancement grant incentive
agreement with Anchored Restoration LLC, approved a six-month extension of
performance deadlines for the enhancement grant incentive agreement with Main
101 Grill and Bar, approved an amended and restated Incentive Agreement with R
Favorite Things, LLC, and approved an amended and restated Incentive
Agreement with Panacea Shipping Company, Inc.
b. City of La Porte, Texas, Fund Balance Report [Shelley Wolny, Assistant
Finance Director]
Assistant Finance Director Shelley Wolny provided a report, noting the general
fund's unaudited fund balance as of September 2025 was 481 days, up from the
City's budgeted projection 445 days. She said that, for fiscal year 2026, the
Finance Department was projecting 380 days and was at 397 through November
2025. Mrs. Wolny said the utility fund had 100 days of working capital at the end
of September 2025 and 155 days at the end of November. She said the Finance
Department was projecting 88 days of working capital in the utility fund for FY 2026.
c. Texas American Public Works Association Award 2025 Project of the Year -
Structures [Ray Mayo, Director of Public Works]
Without objection, this item was handled before item 4.
d. Administrative Reports [Corby Alexander, City Manager]
Mr. Alexander noted that, in addition to the Public Works Department receiving
Texas American Public Works Association Award 2025 Project of the Year -
Structures award, the 2025 Top Public Works Leader of the Year was awarded to
Ray Mayo and the Right -of -Way Professional Manager of the Year was awarded
to Bobby Hopper at the recent Texas American Public Works Association
conference.
9. Items of Community Interest
Councilpersons commended all who had been recognized this evening; congratulated
Chad Jones and Michael Napik for their graduation from the 2026 Houston Fire
Department Honor Guard Academy; thanked staff for participating with EarlyAct junior
high students the last two Saturdays; applauded Jessica Rodriguez for identifying
suspicious email; thanked Gilbert, Saul, Chris, Josh, and Derek in Parks and two
police officers for setting up the City's warming station during the recent freeze.
10. Executive Session
a. Legal - Texas Government Code Sec. 551.071(1)(A) - Pending or
Contemplated Litigation. The City Council will meet in closed session with
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the City Attorney and City Manager to discuss dispute regarding payment of
in -lieu taxes under terms of industrial district agreement between the City of
La Porte, Texas, and Battleground Oil Specialty Terminal Co.
Mayor Helton convened the Council into executive session at 7:39 p.m.
11. Reconvene
Mayor Helton reconvened the Council into open session at 8:07 p.m. Member
Engelken moved that the Council had provided staff direction on the item; the motion
was seconded •KCouncilperson Bentlev; the motion was adopted, 8-0.
2 Adjourn - Wi hout objection, Mayor Helton adjourned the meeting at 8:07 p.m.
odward,