1981-03-05 Special Called Meeting

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• SPECIAL CALLED P~IEETING OF THE LA PORTE CITY COUNCIL - LA PORTE, TEXAS MARCH 5, 1981 1. Meeting called to order at 5:00 P.M. Members of the City Council Present: Mayor J. J. Meza, Councilman John Tomerlin, Councilman I. J. Kibodeaux, Councilwoman Virginia Cline, Councilman Tom Simons, Councilman Norman Malone Other City Officials Present: City Manager James R. Hudgens, City Attorney Knox Askins, City Secretary Betty T. Waters, Police Chief Herbert F. Freeman Others Present: Keith Johnson, Bayshore Sun; Joe McQuade, Houston Chronicle; Sgt. Sammie Jacobs and other representa- tives from the La Porte Police Officers Association • 2. Council joined the representatives of the La Porte Police Officers Association at the conference table. Council asked that the officers present set forth their feelings as to the need for Civil Service for the La Porte Police Department. Sgt. Jacobs stated he felt it was a need for job security and promotions through testing as the biggest needs, and freedom from political influence as the next requirement. After lengthy discussion covering the topics several times, both the Council and the Police Officers Association agreed no one's mind had been changed. Sgt. Jacobs asked that the Council not take a stand against Civil Service. City Attorney Askins stated the Council had an obligation to express their feelings in the matter, especially since they had no choice in placing the proposition on the ballot. 3. Council returned to the Council table. City Attorney Askins read Resolution No. 81-5 expressing the La Porte City Council's position of opposition to the passage and adoption of the Firemen's and Policemen's Civil Service Act. Motion was made by Councilman Tomerlin to adopt and approve Resolution 81-5 as read. Seconded by Councilwoman Cline. The vote was 2 ayes and 2 nays. Mayor Meza voted aye. Ayes: Tomerlin, Cline, Meza Nays: Kibodeaux, Simons •