La Marque City Council on Monday voted 4-1, with Clent Brown opposed, to establish a Section 3 Policy Community Development Block Grant Program.
The policy is a requirement for the city to apply for community development block grant funds, which the city council approved by unanimous vote.
Under the program, the city will maintain a list of Section 3 certified businesses and possible workers for reference when contracting opportunities arise.
Council Member Connie Trube said she was concerned about the quality of companies hired to perform work for the city if such a program required the city to hire Section 3 contractors.
“I understand the need for anyone in this day and age to obtain a job, but if something is being built for the City of La Marque, I just want to be sure that we don't get any more shoddy work done,” Council Member Connie Trube said. Listen
David Baker with Public Management, Inc., a consultant for the city, discussed the program, stating it would not force the city to hire contractors that were unqualified for projects. Listen
The city is applying for a $350,000 grant for water line repairs, with a $70,000 matching requirement for the city.
The city council voted unanimously to approve an employment contract with City Manager Carol Buttler. The contract will be posted on the city's website.
The city council voted unanimously to table action regarding amendments to the city's ordinances regulating gaming machines such as “eight-liners”.
The item will be discussed in workshop prior to the October 22 meeting. Council members discussed concerns with reducing distance requirements for game rooms from 500 feet to 300 feet from a daycare, church, or school. The ordinance also provides additional security requirements to include surveillance cameras and a panic alarm, and to increase the yearly fee for permits to operate game room establishments and gaming machines.
The city council voted unanimously to table action regarding a legal services agreement with Hodge Law Firm, PLLC, Tylka Law Center, PC and the Law Offices of A. Craig Eiland, PC, to seek compensation from windstorm damages caused to the city during Hurricane Ike.
The city council voted unanimously to authorize the city manager to execute a contract with Republic Services for solid waste collection services. The contract totals $926,484.
All other items were approved by unanimous vote. All members were present. Agenda