League City City Council on Tuesday voted unanimously to deny placing a ballot proposition to reduce the number of city council members from seven to six seats.
The item had been tabled at a previous meeting.
The city council voted 5-1, with Dan Becker opposed, to approve the inclusion of a ballot proposition on the November 6 election ballot to amend the City Charter regarding council member absences from consecutive meetings.
The proposition, if approved, would amend the charter “to provide that a council member remaining absent for three consecutive meetings of Council of any kind, including special meetings or workshops shall be determined to have vacated office.” The current provision provides for determination of vacancy upon a council member remaining absent for three consecutive regular meetings of City Council.
The city council voted 4-3 to approve the issuance of approximately $32.9 million in certificates of obligation to fund capital projects construction.
Becker, Andy Mann, and OKeeffe opposed the motion, and Mayor Tim Paulissen voted in favor to break the tie for approval of the item.
According to city's co-financial advisory firm, Hutchinson, Shockey, Erly and Co. and M.E. Allison, the city plans to sell approximately $32.9 million in bonds, at a total interest cost of 3.12%, and with issuance costs of approximately $225,000 and underwriter's fees of $197, 000.
Projects in the bond include a new public safety facility and jail, a new burn building for the fire department, as well as renovation of Fire Station No. 4, expansion of EMS facilities at Fire Station No. 2, and renovation of the Helen Hall Library building.
The city council voted unanimously to approve the issuance of refunding bonds in the amount of as much as $20 million. The city will save approximately $4,690,000 through the issuance, which will refinance previous debt issues at lower interest rates. The city is utilizing a $3 million excess General Fund Balance, to reduce the amount of bonds being issued. Council had previously considered returning the excess fund balance to taxpayers in the form of a rebate.
The city council voted 5-1, with Dennis OKeeffe opposed, to approve the final reading of an amendment to the city's code of ethics.
The city council voted 4-2, with Phyllis Sanborn and Mick Phalen opposed, to approve an amended motion to extend the deadline for request for proposals associated with the scope of services for solid waste and recycling services.
The item was also amended to retain city management of the recycling center, and address issues with roll-off dumpsters.
The city council voted 4-2, with Sanborn and Phalen opposed, to approve, on final reading, an order for the November 6 General Election for city council Positions 3, 4 and 5, and for various charter amendment propositions. Ballot Propositions (Prior to amendments)
The city council voted 4-2, with Sanborn and Phalen opposed, to amend the item to change wording on Proposition 2 and Proposition 5 on the charter amendment propositions.
The city council voted unanimously to appoint Bonnie Benkula and Toni Randall to the Growth and Development Advisory Committee.
Benkula was nominated byOKeeffe. Randall was nominated by Mick Phalen, due to his original nomination, along with two others, filing for city council positions in November's election, which required their resignation from the committee. David Hake, Geri Bentley and Todd Kinsey have filed for the election. Andy Mann and Dan Becker will also have to make new nominations.
All other items were approved by unanimous vote. Council Member Mike Lee was absent. Agenda